A century after the start of the Cristero War, the film Cristiada premieres in theaters across Mexico on October 15th, this time in its Spanish-language version. The film, which originally hit theaters in April 2012 in English to achieve international reach, seeks to reconnect with Spanish-speaking audiences through a dubbing process featuring actor Andy García reprising his role.

In an exclusive interview, producer Pablo José Barroso, founder of Dos Corazones Films, shared the reasons for launching this version within the framework of the centenary of the Cristero War (1926-1929) and highlighted the importance of supporting cinema of faith and values.

“We complain that there is no content with values ​​that is corrupting our children or ourselves, through cell phones, in the movies, or on television. This is a film that, in addition to entertaining you, gives you something to leave the theater as a better person, I think that is very important.”

This is a film that, in addition to entertaining you, gives you something to leave the cinema a better person, I think that’s very important.”

Cristiada: historical cinema with universal values

The Mexican producer noted that the work marked a new stage within the national film industry, with an international production of high production values, with a theme of our history and identity.

During a press conference held in 2012, Pablo José Barroso referred to the values ​​of the film.

“Cristiada is a film with high production values; the result, beyond the historical reading, focuses on touching the imagination and conscience of people who will recognize the universal values ​​presented in the plot.”

Barroso explained in an exclusive interview with Siete24 Noticias that in 2012 they decided to film in English in order to showcase the Cristero War story in various countries. However, the centennial of the struggle for religious freedom motivated the production company to offer a more relatable experience for Mexican audiences.

“Andy García is very happy that we are going to release it in Spanish… And those of us who saw it in English, concentrating on the subtitles, can now enjoy it in our own language.”

A message relevant for new generations

The plot tells the story of the transformation of General Enrique Gorostieta, a skeptical military leader who takes command of the Cristero army inspired by the conviction of the young José Sánchez del Río.

Regarding the impact of this story on today’s audience, actor Andy Garcia agreed on the importance of rescuing national historical memory through the screen.

“The opportunity to help make the film available in Spanish is important and essential.”

The cast included figures such as Oscar Isaac, Eduardo Verástegui, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Santiago Cabrera, Eva Longoria and Peter O’Toole.

The production invites young people who did not experience the launch to attend Cinépolis this October 15th to learn about a fundamental passage in the country’s history.

“I think it’s a film that remains relevant. It’s a great production. And I hope that those who haven’t seen it can see it again, or that young people, like my children who were very little when it premiered, can see it in theaters.”