“Mexico 86”, interview with director César Diaz and actress Bérénice Bejo

At the Locarno Film Festival, FRED Film Radio interviewed director César Díaz and actress Bérénice Bejo about their film Mexico 86, featured in the Piazza Grande section. This film tells the story of a revolutionary woman who, after fleeing Guatemala, reunites with her son in Mexico ten years later. Together, they navigate their strained relationship amidst the backdrop of political unrest.

Personal and Political Themes

Mexico 86 is deeply rooted in César Díaz‘s personal experiences, particularly his relationship with his mother. “I wanted to explore motherhood and the mother-son relationship,” Díaz explains, noting the challenge of merging an intimate family story with broader political themes. The film also addresses the struggle against dictatorship, a subject close to Díaz’s heart.

Challenges in Portrayal

For Bérénice Bejo, playing María—a character inspired by Díaz’s mother—was challenging, especially due to the language barrier and the complexity of the role. “The first challenge was the language,” Bejo says, adding that working with a child actor also required patience and adaptability. Despite these hurdles, she found a deep connection with her character, attributing it to the trust and collaboration she shared with Díaz. “I didn’t even try to play his mother—it just happened naturally,” she recalls.

Balancing Emotion and Direction

César Díaz faced the challenge of directing a film so close to his own life. “Sometimes I was very moved, but I had to remember that it’s not because I was moved that the audience will be,” he reflects. He worked closely with the actors to create a space where they could fully embrace their characters. The film also explores the legacy of motherhood, with María’s relationship with her own mother influencing her as a mother to Marco.

A Collaborative Journey

The making of Mexico 86 was a challenging yet rewarding experience for Díaz and Bejo. “We were far away from our country, our family, so every day we had to do our best,” Bejo says. Despite the difficulties, their collaboration resulted in a film they are deeply proud of.

Mexico 86 is a powerful narrative that explores motherhood, revolution, and the impact of the past on the present. Through their collaboration, César Díaz and Bérénice Bejo have created a film that challenges audiences to reflect on both historical and contemporary struggles.

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