MENDING THE HEART

The Power Of Art To Heal A Community

On September 19, 2017, a powerful 7.1 earthquake shook Mexico for about 20 seconds causing extensive damage in the Mexican states of Puebla, Morelos and Mexico City. The town of San Gregorio Atlapulco was one of the most devastated communities in Mexico. Children in the area were very vulnerable to post-traumatic stress. Community workers use art and poetry to help children cope with the trauma of the earthquake. Using art, the community is able to rebuild and transform spaces so that children are heard.

THE FILMMAKER

Melissa Elizondo Moreno graduated from the National School of Cinematographic Arts of the UNAM. Her work is focuses on the themes of resilience, childhood and the gender perspective. Her debut feature “The Sower" was awarded The Warrior of the Documentary Press Award, The Made by a Woman Award and the Audience Award for Documentary Feature Film at the Morelia International Film Festival. The Sower also won awards at festivals in France, Chile and Bolivia. Her short films "Túmin: Solidarity Economy" and "The Threads That Weave Us" have been presented at various film festivals and international exhibitions.

AWARDS AND FESTIVALS

Award of Merit in Film - Latin American Studies Association Film Festival
Best Short Documentary – Miradas Locales Film Festival
Morelia International Film Festival
DOQUMENTA International Film Festival of Documentaries
Watsonville Film Festival
The FICMY International Film Festival of Mérida and Yucatán

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