This September, Cinema Mentiré invites you to a showcase of the finest noir masterpieces from Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil. Delve into the dark and mysterious worlds crafted by Latin American filmmakers who infused the global noir aesthetic with a unique local flavour. Featuring restored classics like Argentina’s The Bitter Stems, Mexico’s The Other One, and digitised for this occasion and screening for the first time in the UK, Brazil's Road to Crime. Taut and exciting, with perverse pleasures every step of the way, this season at Ciné Lumière is an opportunity to view these rare classics, and take a glimpse at Latin American contributions to the noir tradition.

12th September, 6.30pm

The Other One | La otra

Dir. Roberto Gavaldón, Mexico ?? 1946, 98min.

This is an accessible screening: it will include CC subtitles and a printed introduction.

Magdalena and María are identical twin sisters who have taken different paths: while Magdalena becomes the widow of a millionaire, María lives a simple life and works as a manicurist. Desperation leads María to an appalling act, never imagining that fate has a cruel surprise waiting for her. Roberto Gavaldón’s classic noir, introducing the femme fatale, with Dolores del Río playing both roles, is a story of greed, secrets and crime. Gavaldón, one of the most notable filmmakers of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema, received the Ariel Award (the Mexican Oscar) for Best Adapted Screenplay for this film in 1947.

Taut and exciting, with perverse pleasures every step of the way, How to Dispose of a Dead Body: A Taste of Latin American Noir, is an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich and diverse world of Latin American noir. Crime, double lives, secrets, tough cops, car chases, cold-blooded killers, mean city streets and deserted alleys, femme fatales and noble-fallen-woman types: it is all there, emphasised by the game of light and shadow and intricate plots of deadly adventures. These films not only demonstrate the global reach of the noir aesthetic but also highlight the unique cultural and social contexts of Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil during the 1940s and 1950s. Beyond the shadow of a doubt, do not miss the opportunity to explore these rare, restored classics in superb copies and appreciate the depth and breadth of Latin American contributions to the noir tradition. 

***

ABOUT CINEMA MENTIRÉ

Cinema Mentiré is a film club that brings diverse cinematic voices from Latin America to UK audiences by celebrating the work of classic and contemporary filmmakers. Sign up to our newsletter!

Programme supported by Film Hub London, managed by Film London. Proud to be a partner of the BFI Film Audience Network, funded by the National Lottery. 

As part of the Filmoteca UNAM Collection.