Tucson, AZ---Cinema Tucsón, the cultural initiative featuring monthly screenings of Mexican films at the historic Fox Tucson Theatre, announces the Arizona premiere of the poignant comedy Martínez onWednesday, April 19 at 7pm at the Fox Tucson Theatre, followed by a Q&A with writer-director Lorena Padilla. Starring Chilean actor Francisco Reyes—protagonist of the acclaimed Academy Award-winning film A Fantastic Woman—in the title role, Martínez tells the story of a lonely and grumpy old man who leads a monotonous life working as an accountant. One day, he is forced to face the fact that he is about to retire when Pablo, the guy that is going to replace him, starts working next to him.
While his stability is suddenly threatened, his neighbor, a woman around his age, is found dead in her home after several days. Although he never met her, little by little Martínez uncovers details about the woman, a process that positively impacts his behavior, prompting his co-worker to think he has a new girlfriend. Facing a personal crisis, his neighbor’s death ultimately makes Martínez realize that his life is still ahead of him.
Shot in the city of Guadalajara, and elegantly lensed by Gerardo Guerra (Dos Estaciones), Martínez was selected in IONCINEMA.com’s list of Top 200 Most Anticipated Foreign Films of 2023. With a sharp deadpan humor and a wonderful ensemble cast including Humberto Busto and Martha Claudia Moreno, Padilla’s engrossing directorial debut feature is a subtle comedy about loneliness, aging, and the eternal quest for love.
Cinema Tucsón is programmed by Carlos A. Gutiérrez and Vicky Westover and is presented by Cinema Tropical and the UA Center for Latin American Studies, in partnership with the Fox Tucson Theatre and the Consulate General of Mexico in Tucson. It is sponsored by Rio Nuevo, La Estrella Bakery, SplitSeed Productions, and the UA Department of Spanish & Portuguese. Media Sponsors are 92.5 FM Urbana, La Poderosa 105.3 FM, and KXCI 91.3 FM. With the support of Film Tucson, Visit Tucson, and Godat Design. Additional support by the Tucson Museum of Art and Borderlands Brewery.
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