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Category: Local News Releases Local News Releases
Published: 01 October 2015 01 October 2015

Silver City, New Mexico October 1, 2015

Filmmaker Ron Goebel presents a new documentary shot on location in Mata Ortiz, Chihuahua, Mexico. Interviews with artists and researchers native to the region reveal the town's accurate and complete history which has up to now been clouded by outside myths.

Through moving interviews and extensive research, Mata Ortiz: The Untold Stories presents a rare look at the true history of a remarkable village. Revelations by researchers Julián Hernández and Jim Hills, by archaeologist Fabiola Silva, and by artists including Marisela Ortiz and Diego Valles bring to light an older, more inclusive, more widespread Mata Ortiz pottery movement than has previously been put forward.

Award-winning artists including Laura Bugarini, Héctor Gallegos, Jr. and Carla Martínez shine as they discuss their art and village life. Young potters share their passion for innovation. New sculptor Martín Cota opens up about moving from clay into bronze sculpture. Potter/guitarist Elí Navarrete provides traditional Mexican music throughout.

"Manuel Olivas was the first modern potter to use Paquimé motifs in the region. He started in 1952. € - Professor Julián Hernández

"Juan Quezada was not the first potter in Mata Ortiz. My nephew Félix Ortiz was first. And then his brother Emeterio. € - Jesús Ortiz Aguilera

"We would be so proud if people would recognize our father Félix Ortiz for whom he was, a master potter...a pioneer of Mata Ortiz pottery. € - Marisela Ortiz

In thanking the film makers, Professor Hernández says, "We thank you. You are our voice and you are like messengers from the artists, from the potters and not only the potters, all the people. €

SILVER CITY SCREENING, SEEDBOAT GALLERY
OCTOBER 10, 2015 AT 2:00 PM
RECEPTION/DISCUSSION FOLLOWS