Dirty It is a film that tells the story of a child who loses his father, a hitman who lived in Tierra Caliente and from there they seek to protect him so that he does not repeat the pattern of joining a criminal group.
As the so-called “war on drug trafficking” was declared in Mexico in 2006, the country has not stopped reporting news about deaths, confrontations and disappearances.But there is also the other side that little has been said about: the orphans of drug trafficking..
The directors Astrid Rondero y Fernanda Valadez they direct this project together and talk about the crisis that the country continues to experience and the other side of drug trafficking.
“This crisis of violence has been going on for more then 20 years,so I believe that the frist response of everyone as Mexicans was to normalize the daily brutality of the news we have.
“After all these years,what we are asking ourselves is the young people,the boys and girls who were already born in this context and to whom we are inheriting this crisis. Are they destined to repeat the lives of their parents? what hopes are there? And that’s where it comes from Dirty“to ask ourselves about these silent victims,” he declared. Valadez in interview with 24 HOURS.
The film, which will premiere this December 5 in Mexico, seeks to make those who live in the country reflect and for those who, directly or indirectly, have feared the wave of insecurity that has been experienced for several years.
“It is a film that is made for us Mexicans, that asks us the question of how we can imagine a destiny different from that of violence, what we can do as a civil society also to make a change.
“All of us who try to make a difference in our country every day have this ability to imagine a different country and dirty is that, Dirty “It is the possibility of imagining a different destiny for hundreds of thousands of orphaned children in our country as a result of violence,” he added.Around.
Portrayal at the Oscars and Goya
Although the final list of nominees for the Oscars and Goya Awards has not yet been presented, Dirty has become a strong candidate to represent Mexico in the Best Foreign Film category.
For the directors this is an achievement because in recent months they have traveled with this film that has received good comments.
“We are very happy and honored to have been chosen to represent Mexico with Dirty. It’s something we hadn’t achieved before.We feel it is a great step forward in our careers.
“It would of course be a dream, the culmination of a lot of work, but also the work of an entire generation because there are already many Mexican films that have been seeking that nomination for young filmmakers. Our cinema is always among the 15 best films of the year, that speaks of the dynamism and power of Mexican cinema,” Astrid mentioned.
“The issue of drug orphans is so little discussed, so little explored.So much so that there are no official figures. There are organizations that say it is indeed 200 thousand but UNICEF, for example, says it is over a million. So it is indeed a devastating amount,” added Fernanda.
The film was recorded in Guanajuato and features the participation of Juan Jesús Varela, an actor who had already worked with them in Sin Señas Particulares (2020).
Phrase: “Cinema is collective, not just the idea but we see it as a process of conversation, collaboration and that is how Sujo emerges” – Fernanda Valadez.
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How has the film “Dirty” impacted viewers’ perceptions of drug trafficking orphans in Mexico?
Interview Transcript: Time.news Editor & Expert on ”Dirty”
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have a special guest, astrid Rondero, one of the directors of the impactful film “Dirty,” which sheds light on the frequently enough-overlooked orphans of drug trafficking in Mexico. Thank you for joining us, Astrid.
Astrid Rondero: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss the film and the important issues it raises.
Editor: “Dirty” tells a poignant story about a child who loses his father, a hitman, and the efforts to keep him away from the violent path that claimed his father’s life. What inspired you and co-director Fernanda Valadez to tackle this subject?
Rondero: We were deeply moved by the ongoing crisis in Mexico due to the war on drug trafficking, which has persisted for over 20 years. While many focus on the violence and headlines, we wanted to highlight the human aspect—specifically, the children left behind when the violence disrupts their lives. These young individuals often become orphans in a system that neglects their emotional and psychological needs.
Editor: That’s a powerful viewpoint. Since the declaration of the war on drug trafficking in 2006, the narrative around violence has been relentless. You mentioned that there’s a danger of normalizing this brutality. Can you elaborate on that?
rondero: Absolutely. When we’re bombarded with daily news about violence, deaths, and confrontations, it becomes a part of the background noise of life. As mexicans, it’s almost natural to compartmentalize these stories. Though,it’s crucial to remember that behind every statistic is a human life—a mother,a child,and frequently enough,an orphan. Our film aims to awaken empathy and encourage viewers to see beyond the headlines.
Editor: It is indeed essential to cultivate that empathy. Can you share how you approached telling this story through the lens of a child,and what emotions you hope to evoke in the audience?
Rondero: Portraying a child forced to navigate the complexities of violence and loss creates a raw,relatable emotional connection. Children embody innocence, and witnessing their struggles can be heart-wrenching. We want viewers to feel the weight of loss and the urgency of preventing the cycle of violence from repeating. Our aim is to spark conversations about how society can support these children and break the patterns of crime.
Editor: It sounds like your film doesn’t just aim to document but also to inspire change. What reactions have you received from audiences in Mexico and beyond regarding how thay relate to this topic?
Rondero: the reactions have been incredibly varied, but many people express a sense of recognition—recognition of the shared trauma that affects numerous families. Some viewers have even shared their personal stories of loss, illustrating how universal this issue is. it brings light to the fact that we all have a part to play in addressing these consequences and finding solutions.
Editor: That’s a notable impact. Lastly, what message do you hope audiences take away after watching “Dirty”?
Rondero: I hope audiences leave with a renewed sense of obligation toward the youth affected by this crisis. We need to shift the narrative and actively seek ways to support those who have lost so much. “Dirty” is not just a film; it’s a call to action,reminding us that we must not turn a blind eye but rather engage in meaningful conversation and advocacy.
Editor: Thank you, Astrid, for sharing your insights with us. “Dirty” certainly sounds like a compelling and necessary film that shines a light on a crucial issue in society.
Rondero: Thank you for the platform to discuss it. I truly believe that storytelling can foster understanding and empathy, which is the first step toward change.
Editor: Absolutely. We encourage everyone to watch “Dirty” and reflect on its powerful message. Thank you for tuning in!