Apertura Awards concludes inaugural ceremony celebrating Mexican cinematography

Two days ago (Nov 6th), El Cantoral served as the venue for the first edition of the Apertura Awards, the first to recognise and celebrate cinematography in Mexico.

These awards were an initiative led by cinematographer and President of Apertura (The Mexican community of female cinematographers) Sandra De Silva de la Torre AMC, APERTURA. An initiative that promotes inclusion and equity in the Mexican film industry.

The Apertura Awards were a reality thanks also to the efforts of the 9AM agency chaired by Alejandro Motales and Celia Sutton.

There were 8 competing shortlists, divided into 3 categories.

Apertura Category
Exclusive only for female cinematographers members of Apertura

-Best Cinematography in a motion picture

-Best Cinematography in a documentary feature

-Best Cinematography in a short film (fiction)

General Category
For men and women who are not Apertura members:

-Best Cinematography in a motion picture

-Best Cinematography in a documentary feature

-Best Cinematography in a short film (fiction)

-Best Cinematography in Short Pieces (including commercial, music video and fashion film)

Student Category
Exclusive for Mexican universities. 

And these were the winners:

APERTURA CATEGORY

Best Cinematography in a motion picture: “Brujería” – Maria Secco AMC, SCU, Apertura

Best Cinematography in a documentary feature: “La Frontera Invisible” – Claudia Becerril AMC, Apertura, Luis Montalvo and Jose Stempa

Best Cinematography in a short film (fiction): “Stane” – Dariela Ludlow AMC, Apertura

GENERAL CATEGORY

Best Cinematography in a motion picture: “Trigal”– Julio Llorente AMC

Best Cinematography in a documentary feature: “El Guardián de las Monarcas” – Xavier Cunilleras

Best Cinematography in a short film (fiction): “Sons of Róisín” – Carlos Moguel

The award in the Student Category for Best Cinematography in a short film (fiction) was awarded by Fundación Dondé, reaffirming its commitment to support creativity and imagination of youth in Mexico. The winner in this category was Malena Chueco for “Totó” (CENTRO University).

JAC, a Mexican company that is revolutionizing the automotive sector, presented the award for Best Cinematography in Short Pieces (including commercial, music video and fashion film). The winner was Jessica Villamil AMC, Apertura for the music video “Luz de Cabeza”. The Inspiration Award was also presented, a recognition to those people who, with their work and dedication, have influenced the lives of others within the industry. In this first edition, this award was presented to the cinematographer Celiana Cárdenas AMC Apertura.

The ceremony was closed by Apertura’s President Sandra De Silva de la Torre AMC, APERTURA with a quote from jury Rodrigo Prieto AMC, ASC: ”I must say that it has not been easy for me to make judgments about the photography of these films, since I know very well that there are an infinite number of factors that determine the result and that all the cinematographers put their whole heart into making these works”.

Sandra continued saying: “Words that extend to all the people who registered a project to these awards. It is very difficult to judge something that is intangible, so subjective, like feelings. Every time we take a camera, cinematographers transform words, feelings and ideas into images. Through these we have a very great responsibility, not only to take audiences by the hand to magical worlds or true stories, but we also become examples for new generations, which is why it is important to learn to be a GOOD leader. So that they do not repeat old customs. The leader does not just say what to do, the leader must be a focused, coherent person and know how to protect his people, because without our people we are nothing”.

It is important to mention that this first edition had 73 projects registered, covering a wide spectrum of genres and cinematographic styles, and brought together various personalities as a jury, including cinematographers such as: Rodrigo Prieto ASC,  AMC, Gonzalo Amat ASC, Bill Bennett ASC, Fidel Ruíz-Healy, Gemma Doll-Grossman; directors such as Jay Holben, Gary Adcock. The producers: Tita Lombardo, Pablo Cruz, Karla Bukantz, Dalia Reyes, Majo Córdoba. The editor Andrea Chignoli and teachers Fernando Moreno and Richard Parkin.

The APERTURA Awards were created by  Apertura, with the support of 9 AM and Kreatta, sponsored by allied companies such as: Fundación Dondé Banco, JAC, Fundación Cri Cri, el Cantoral.  In the operational part, Angular Rentals, Revolution, Viramontes, Video Servicios, Ganesha Producciones, Gaffer Sergio Elizalde. Music by Milo Coello, graphics and animation by Yaralad, voices by Renata Gutierrez from Apertura.

The design of the award was done by Gaston Romero, Sofia and Sandra De Silva. The creation of the awards was a collaboration of Mitzi Castillo Lira, Fernando Gonzales De La Torre, and Amoretti.

The Prices were given by Bandpro, Angenieux, CTT, Second-Reef and Zeiss.

Other brands that joined as sponsors were: Macdonel Cuesta Llaca, El Estudio, Tigre, Sony, Sony Alpha, Film Flow, Brang, Tequila Carreta de Oro, Bruxo, Aperol de Primo Aperitivo, Amtec, Canacine, Mujeres Lab, La Brújula Audiovisual, Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica and, Nacho Mazzini.