Amat Escalante: An American Cinematheque Retrospective

ABOUT THE SERIES: 

The American Cinematheque is thrilled to welcome acclaimed Mexican filmmaker, Amat Escalante for his newest film LOST IN THE NIGHT.

Most well-known for directing the controversial crime thriller HELI, Escalante’s work has never shied away from tough subjects that address the violence in and out of Mexico. Working in the film industry since the age of 15, Escalante’s work has been featured in numerous festivals, and is one of the few directors to win both the Award for Best Director at Cannes and the Silver Lion for Best Direction at Venice. In 2013, Martin Scorcese personally asked him to be part of the Marrakech International Film Festival Jury.

Aside from directing, Escalate is also a producer and screenwriter. His first feature BLOOD (2005) premiered at Cannes where it was the FIPRESCI winner in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes. He retured with his second feature, LOS BASTARDOS (2008) and won the Best Picture in the 6th annual Morelia Film Festival. He recieved the best director award in 2013 for his third feature HELI (2013) and for THE UNTAMED (2016), he won the Golden Lion at Venice. Directing 6 episodes of of the acclaimed Netflix series NARCOS: MEXICO, Escalante has also left his mark on TV.

A member of the Academy in both Mexico and The U.S., his films are not only part of the most prestigious international film festivals, but also form part are Mexico’s most important festivals in Guanajuato, Guadalajara and Morelia. He’s participated in cineclubs, Q&A’s and been an example and inspiration for a generation of filmmakers in and out of Mexico.