ROMANTICO

Sunday 12:15 pm | Salem Cinema

Showing with THE FIGHTING CHOLITAS
Followed by Q & A with director Mark Becker

Directed by Mark Becker
United States / Mexico [ 80 mins. ] 2005
Documentary / Foreign
“…a beautifully executed and inspirational work of self-sacrifice.” –FILM THREAT

A simple and poignantly heartfelt story of sacrifice and surrender, ROMANTICO is an insightful glimpse into one man’s struggle to provide a better life for his family. When Carmelo Muniz Sanchez puts his heart on his sleeve to sing and strum in San Francisco restaurants with his mariachi partner Arturo, there is no doubt he is sincere in his desire to overcome the deck that is stacked against him. Their wistful music reflects a lifetime of desires and disappointments, and although an illegal immigrant, Carmelo’s intimate story is not mired in issue, but rather focuses on the man himself, offering an evenhanded account of his personal crusade. ROMANTICO follows the weary-eyed Carmelo back to his hometown when his mother falls ill, but having spent three years in the states, he quickly finds the prospects for work scarce and weighs the risks of crossing the border again. Immensely inspiring, this gentle, devoted troubadour is a true revelation.

Additional Information
Filmography: First Feature
Awards:
- SilverDocs 2005: Special Jury Mention
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Filmmakers Present
		MARK BECKER works as a documentary filmmaker and editor. Becker recently directed, shot, and edited the film ROMANTICO. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in 2005 and has screened at festivals all over the world. The film was nominated for two Independent Spirit Awards. Becker also directed the documentary Jules At Eight (broadcast on PBS), which was a Regional Winner of the Student Academy Awards and co-edited the acclaimed documentary LOST BOYS OF SUDAN, Salem Film Festival’s 2006 Opening Night Film. He is currently editing a couple of independent documentaries and researching his next film. He has an M.A. in Documentary Film from Stanford University.