Mexican cinema’s Golden Age has produced some of the most remarkable films and filmmakers in the history of cinema. One such unseen gem is Emilio Fernández’s “Victims of Sin” (“VÍCTIMAS DEL PECADO”), a musical noir that showcases the director’s unique visual style and the talent of Cuban-born superstar Ninón Sevilla. Film Forum is set to screen the film in a new 4K restoration from October 6 to 12, giving audiences a chance to experience this forgotten masterpiece.
“Victims of Sin” tells the story of Violeta, a dancer who rescues an abandoned baby from a garbage can and must choose between her career and motherhood. The film features magnificently staged musical numbers with impassioned songs and performances by Sevilla, an icon of Mexican cinema. The film’s cinematography by the legendary Gabriel Figueroa is a work of art, capturing the beauty of the Mexican landscape through meticulously composed, stationary long shots.
Emilio Fernández, nicknamed “El Indio,” is regarded as the greatest director of Mexican cinema’s Golden Age. He began his career as an actor and later turned to directing, making 42 features that showcased his unique visual style and glorified the beauty of Mexico. Fernández’s films often explored themes of identity, poverty, and social justice, and he worked with some of the most influential cinematographers of his time, including Gabriel Figueroa.
Gabriel Figueroa is considered Mexico’s greatest cinematographer, having worked on over 235 films in his 50-year career. His collaborations with Emilio Fernández are some of his most notable works, including “Victims of Sin.” Figueroa’s cinematography is characterized by his use of long shots, high contrast, and vivid colors, capturing the beauty and essence of Mexico. He was nominated for an Oscar® for Best Cinematography in 1964 for his work on John Huston’s “The Night of the Iguana.”
“Victims of Sin” is more than just a musical noir; it’s a reflection of Mexico’s post-Revolutionary identity. Fernández’s visual style and Figueroa’s cinematography capture the beauty and essence of a nation struggling to find its place in the world. The film’s themes of poverty, identity, and social justice are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic that deserves to be rediscovered.
“Victims of Sin” is a hidden gem of Mexican cinema that deserves to be seen and appreciated.
Emilio Fernández’s unique visual style and Gabriel Figueroa’s cinematography make this film a work of art that showcases the beauty and essence of Mexico.
Don’t miss the opportunity to experience this forgotten masterpiece at Film Forum from October 6 to 12.