Finding His Voice & His Heritage: Bosque Film Society host Third Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration featuring much-acclaimed animated film “COCO” at the historic Cliftex Theatre in Clifton May 7
By SIMONE WICHERS-VOSS
Bosque Film Society Founding Board Member
“We may have our differences, but nothing’s more important than family… I’m proud we’re family!”
CLIFTON – The Anniversary of the Battle of Puebla is celebrated in parts of Mexico and the United States marking the historical significance of a symbolically important military victory in 1862 over the French forces of Napoleon III. Much better known as Cinco de Mayo, it is a day of food, drink, parades and dancing, and has become a day of celebration of Hispanic heritage and culture.
To honor the heritage and culture of the many Hispanic residents making up nearly 19 percent of the population in Bosque County, the Bosque Film Society and the historic Cliftex Theater will host the Third Annual Cinco de Mayo Celebration by presenting the 2017 much-acclaimed animated Disney Pixar movie “COCO” on Tuesday, May 7 at 6 p.m.
With Bosque Film Society founding board member and historian Bryan Davis serving as host, the movie will be introduced by Clifton High School Spanish teacher Fatima Cathcart and her National Honor Society students prior to show time at 6 p.m. Sponsored by Brett and Simone Voss of Southern Cross Creative, admission will be free to the public on a first-come, first serve basis, and the usual Cliftex concessions will be available for purchase.
Enter the colorful world of aspiring musician Miguel, who confronted with his family’s ancestral ban on music, enters the Land of the Dead to find his great-great-grandfather, a legendary singer. During the exciting journey, the 12-year-old and his dog Dante meet charming trickster Hector, and together, they set off on an extraordinary journey to unlock the real story behind Miguel’s family history.
A collaboration between Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Pictures, the movie won the Oscar for Best Music Achievement and Best Animated Feature Film.
The Mexican holiday Dia de Meurtos inspired the film’s concept, including topics like ancestry, connection and self-discovery. The movie’s name is derived from Miguel’s great-grandmother Mama Coco, who holds the secret to his family’s anti-music sentiments.
Critics praised the film for its animation, voice acting, music, visuals, emotional story, and respect for Mexican culture. The Rotten Tomatoes website’s critical consensus reads, “Coco’s rich visual pleasures are matched by a thoughtful narrative that takes a family-friendly—and deeply affecting—approach to questions of culture, family, life, and death.”
The PG-rated movie directed by Lee Unkrich – who also directed “Toy Story 3” and written by Adrian Molina, grossed over $807 million worldwide, becoming the 16th highest-grossing animated film ever at the time of its release in 2018.
It’s a perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Bosque County’s Hispanic Heritage.