Last night, Bless Me, Ultima--the first cinematic version of the acclaimed New Mexico book--premiered at the Santa Fe Independent Film Festival. Author Rudolfo Anaya and actors Benito Martinez and Luke Ganalon were in attendance.
---
In his speech before the film, Anaya characterized the event as "historic."
"Finally, our culture is on the screen...and I hope that this film opens the eyes of a lot of Hollywood people that we have the stories, we have the talent, and why haven't they come around?" Anaya said, eliciting applause and shouts of approval from a packed house at the Lensic.
"Robert Redford, where are you?" Anaya continued. "That's why i think the film is historic, that it will make people realize that we have the talent and the stories...So spread the word, you know, and let them come! We're ready!"
Anaya was awarded the festival's American Author Award, and actors Luke Ganalon—the actor who plays the young boy Antonio, the star of Bless Me, Ultima—Benito Martinez—a native New Mexican who plays Gabriel, the father of Antonio—also spoke.
Here's SFR's video of the event:
