Soneros: The Sound of the River Director: Inti Cordera, Mexico, 2007, 76 minutes
Sunday May 24 | 7:00PM | Vancity Theatre
Canadian Premiere
This visually and musically uplifting documentary explores the tradition of Mexican country music, called ‘Son Jarocho’, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Along the Tesechoacan River, the sound of ‘son’ music can be heard from many older musicians — their beautiful songs plucked on battered guitars and carried on the wind as they play alongside the river.
Like so many communities globally, just as traditional music risks disappearance, young people are taking up a cultural revival, learning from the elder musicians while they’re still alive. Veracruz is no exception. Both formally and informally, in families and neighbourhoods, young people are getting together to play this music and renew these traditions — singing and dancing at outdoor community parties.
There is also an effort to teach young people to build instruments. This works to preserve the musical wisdom of the aging ‘son’ musicians who, for decades, have inhabited the banks of the Tesechoacan River. It’s inspiring to watch young women and men, some of them children, learn to sing, dance, and play with such dignity and style.
Set to the beautiful soundtrack of the musicians in the film, Soneros: The Sound of the River shares the story of how both old and young generations are fighting a battle against modernity, keeping their music, celebrations, and way of life alive. Through the voices of these men, women, children, and the sound of their instruments, we experience the joy of the fandango party.
Director’s Biography
Inti Cordera was born in Mexico City in 1969 and majored in Communications at the Universidad Iberoamericana. His filmmaking career began in 1992 with a documentary called Neruda in Isla Negra produced by Canal 22. In 1993 he assisted Felipe Cazals in the direction of Kino and in 1996 assisted Arturo Ripstein in Profundo Carmesi. Director and associate founder of La Maroma productions since 1995, Cordera has produced and directed documentaries, TV series, commercials, and diverse content spots. He is the Executive Director of the International Documentary Film Festival of Mexico City: DOCSDF.
