Tizoc. 1957. Mexico. Directed by Ismael Rodriguez. Screenplay by Manuel R. Ojeda, Ismael Rodríguez, Ricardo Parada León. With María Félix, Pedro Infante, Eduardo Fajardo. In Spanish; English subtitles. DCP courtesy of AMCO. 112 min.
Ismael Rodríguez’s internationally recognized study of racial prejudice and cross-cultural romance features the only screen pairing of two major Mexican screen figures: Félix and Pedro Infante (in his final film before his death). Tizoc follows the relationship between an Indigenous Mixtec man (Infante) and a European-descended Mexican woman (Félix) and the social barriers that make their connection difficult despite their emotional attachment. The film gained international recognition, winning the Golden Globe for Best Foreign Language Film and the Silver Bear for Best Actor for Infante at the Berlin International Film Festival.