About the Film

Synopsis

Mexicans in Harlem

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) — A documentary about Honoring The Dead

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) will be directed by Cristy Trabadass and will spotlight the extraordinary Mexican artists from Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Mexican culture through the arts. This documentary will capture their meticulous efforts in crafting handmade pieces for the annual Día de Muertos celebration, focusing on the intricate work involved in creating the traditional ofrendas.

This film goes beyond artistry, delving into the delicate balance between cultural appreciation and appropriation—a subject deeply relevant across all cultures. Our collaboration with Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders ensures that every element of this project remains true to tradition, honoring the ways these rituals have been carried out for thousands of years.

This year, the artists will be creating six authentic ofrendas, including a special installation at the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center.

Thank you to our fiscal sponsor:

Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders is a New York-based non-profit organization 501(c)(3) dedicated to celebrating Mexican culture and promoting the understanding of Mexican traditions through arts, culture, humanities, and annual celebrations of holidays (Day of the Dead/Día de Muertos; Christmas/Posadas y Pastorelas), as well as festivals, concerts, performances, processions, installations, and seminars. Mexicans and New York area residents celebrate the richness and diversity of Mexican arts in five key areas: music, dance, visual arts, verbal arts and ritual, and culinary traditions. Juan Aguirre is the Executive Director. Listen below to what Mr. Aguirre had to share about why keeping the tradition of Día de Muertos is so important.

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Juan Aguirre, Executive Director, Mano a Mano: Mexican Culture Without Borders.

Key Themes

  • Cultural preservation in a new environment

  • The universal human experience of honoring the dead

  • Community building and resilience

  • The evolving face of urban neighborhoods

  • Intergenerational connections and storytelling

Timeline of Production

  • Spring 2024: Pre-production and research

  • Summer 2024: Principal photography during community events and preparations

  • Fall 2024: Filming of the Day of the Dead celebration

  • Winter 2024-2025: Post-production

  • Spring 2025: Festival circuit and community screenings

  • Fall 2025: Wider release

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