Alejandro Iñárritu, Alfonso Cuarón, and Guillermo del Toro are three of the best filmmakers in the world. All three have won every major award there is to win, all three are Mexican, and all three have been very vocal about their Mexican identity and their support for the immigrant community. That’s why, in these times, it’s strange that they haven’t spoken out.
Both at the Oscars and the Golden Globes, they have emphasized their Mexican identity and the fact that they are immigrants. For this reason, their silence during one of the most critical times the Latino community is facing is puzzling.
Many musicians, filmmakers, actors, and others from the Latino artistic community have spoken out about the violent response by ICE agents toward the immigrant community and the mass deportations. Salma Hayek has done so, as have Eva Longoria, Maná, and many others.
Others have chosen to remain silent, avoiding journalists’ questions, apparently to evade punishment from the Trump Administration. Fear exists—even at these levels.
There is no doubt that the three filmmakers support immigrants, but their silence sends mixed signals. Both Iñárritu and del Toro have lived (almost) permanently in California. Del Toro suffered major losses, including his home, in the recent fires that devastated Los Angeles. It’s certain that many Latinos will take part in the reconstruction work.
Their voices carry great influence and are deeply respected by all Mexicans. A message, however brief, would be words of encouragement to a community that is suffering.
(Gael… you out there?)
