Clemente is a successful man who comes from a family of artists and filmmakers. He has it all, a wonderful job, health, and an incredible family, but his life changes when he is faced with the challenge of caring for his father Felix, who is suffering from Alzheimer's disease. He is racing against the clock as his father's illness worsens with each passing day and it is important for him to let Felix (his father) know that everything he is, he owes to him. Following the recommendation of his Family doctor, Clemente does everything he can to restore Felix's memory and ‘bring him back to the present’. The magic of cinema happens, almost by accident, when Clemente finds a way to connect with his father through an old 8mm film camera.
At the age of 17 I got in my hands on an 8mm camera... the unmistakable and peculiar sound it produces when you are filming was like ‘poison’... that's when I knew I wanted to make films. In the 90s when I was studying journalism I met Enrique García, one of my best friends. His father was a renowned filmmaker, they called him the Super-Ochero, he made independent films in 8mm... Thanks to this relationship I had the opportunity to get close to some of the best directors of that time, Gabriel Retes himself and Maestro Gurrola among others; I had the opportunity to get close to the CINEMA AS IT USED TO BE.
Appealing to the entire family, this short films celebrates the values of familial unity, love, understanding, and support for a loved one experiencing the challenges of Alzheimer's disease. This short film highlights the diversity of cultural backgrounds, featuring an immigrant family navigating their journey in a vibrant and multicultural city.
CINEMA AS IT USED TO BE is about love and the admiration we feel for our loved ones; parents, siblings, children...
This story connects with us all, as we’ve all experienced childhood and many of us will become parents. CINEMA AS IT USED TO BE also addresses the challenge of communication lost to diseases like Alzheimer's. With a new diagnosis every three seconds globally, 90% of people will be affected by it in some way. While not a medical guide, the short film highlights the importance of family support and love in coping with dementia.
The film is a tribute to the filmmakers of the 1970s and 1980s, honouring their contribution to the industry. It also pays tribute to the directors and cinematographers of the past, when filmmaking demanded more rigour and skill. It is a nod to past and future colleagues, mentors and, most importantly, my family, whose support has been vital throughout this journey.
We have engaged Sala de Audio in Mexico for the sound design and final mix, which will be completed in 7.1 Dolby Atmos. The talented Salvador Tercero is leading this effort. You can find more about Sala de Audio here: Sala de Audio
The musical score will be composed by Camila Uboldi, one of Mexico’s most acclaimed artists known for her work in film and documentary scoring. Learn more about her here: Camila Uboldi
Additionally, we plan to feature two songs: "Y vuelvo a casa" by Geo Equihua & Ale Paniagua and "Muchacha bonita" by Jose Alfredo Jimenez. You can listen to them here:
Mario Benedetti