The Mexican Film Macario & My Uncle the Projectionist

When I was a little girl, my uncle worked as a cinema projectionist, operating the movie projector in a local New York City movie theater. Whenever, I visited my grandparents, especially during the holidays, he would bring out his old movie projector and show films right onto the back wall of the house for all of us, young and old, to see together. It was great and I have so many happy memories of these special private screenings.

One movie we saw that has always stuck in my head was Macario (Mexico, 1960).

The story of Macario, a poor starving mexican woodcutter, who dreams of eating a whole roast turkey by himself. It weaves a tale of magical realism, in which encounters with the Devil, God, and Death with unexpected results. It is based on the novel The Third Guest by the writer known as B. Traven. The first Mexican film to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film in a Foreign Language, Macario is a must-see.


It’s funny because I never thought these private family screenings out of the ordinary or especially cool back then but now I look back and see how my upbringing shaped me (my love of the arts, culture and media, technology, and foreign language cinema) and how very lucky I am.

Spread the love

More Articles for You

16 Essential Books on Witches, Witchcraft, Feminist History

These curated books trace the witch from early-modern trials and accusations to feminist history, reproductive politics, aging, sexuality, power, and Gothic fiction.

Spread the love

Raising Boys Today: 18 Books Every Mother of Sons Should Read

Explore the inner lives of boys through psychology, reporting, memoir, cultural criticism, and fiction, from friendship and masculinity to pornography, consent, trauma, race, social media, feminism, and the complicated work of loving sons without possessing them.

Spread the love

10 Essential Books About Taíno History Before 1492: An Indigenous Peoples’ Day Reading List

Explore 10 essential books about Taíno history, archaeology, culture and Indigenous Caribbean life before 1492, curated for Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Spread the love

Puerto Rican Porridges: Maizena, Harina de Maíz, and the Comfort of the Boricua Breakfast

A personal and cultural essay on Puerto Rican porridges, including silky maizena, avena and harina de maíz recipes with cinnamon, fresh ginger, and dried orange rind, plus lactose-free options.

Spread the love

Yesteryear and the Problem of “This Moment” Fiction

Disclosure: I received a complimentary advance review copy of Yesteryear. As always, receiving a galley does not influence my opinions. …

Spread the love

42 of the Best Feminist Rage Books and Feminist Theory Books to Read Right Now

I have been seeing a lot of requests for feminist rage books lately, and I understand why. We are living …

Spread the love