The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz

September 15th, 2012

Directed by Scott Petersen

Join us for a double treat – a screening of this amazing cross-cultural story of how an American adventurer and a brilliant, self-taught Mexican artist transformed a dying desert village into a home for world-class ceramics – and a showing of Mata Oriz ceramics by Victoria Martino, an expert and a dealer in these fine ceramics.

It is our pleasure to offer you the fine pottery of Mata Ortiz, Mexico. Located in the northern provence of Chihuahua, the small village of Mata Ortiz and the surrounding communities are home to a vibrant movement of artists. They create an exceptional style of pottery based on the traditional lessons of their ancient teachers – the people of the Paquimé Pueblo, also known as Casas Grandes, who lived in the region over eight centuries ago. In accordance with tradition, every element used to create each pot is carefully handmade from natural materials collected in the hills surrounding the village. At the same time, the creative innovations of today’s artists makes for highly collectable fine art that is equally at home in a rustic village or a modern loft!

Scott Petersen’s documentary winningly tells the tale of MacCallum’s unlikely odyssey as an arts promoter, and the film also provides a fascinating portrait of Quezada’s equally unlikely rise to prominence. The footage capturing the creation of Quezada’s painstakingly precise designs is wonderful, and MacCallum and Quezada’s accounts are compelling.

The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz offers a fascinating look at contemporary Mexican art and culture.

Location

The Hackworth IMAX Dome Theater at
The Tech Museum
201 South Market Street
San José, CA 95113
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Film & Community Conversations:
Dr. Adriana Ayala
Film & Community Conversations:
Dr. Humberto Morales
Film & Community Conversations:
Reyna Grande
Music:
Maestro Andrés Cárdenes

Film & Community Conversations:
Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Monday, June 10, 2013:
A Conversation with Author of “Latinnovating,” Graciela Tiscareño-Sato
Saturday, May 11, 2013:
A Conversation and Violin Master Class with Maestro Andrés Cárdenes
Friday, May 10, 2013:
A Conversation with National Book Critics Nominee Reyna Grande

Friday, May 3, 2013:
From the Battlefield to the Plaza
Concerts:
Dia de los Muertos Community Concert and Family Activities
Friday, September 21, 2012:
California History Walking Tours
Special Events:
Maya Calendar Revealed

Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
20th Anniversary Como Agua Para Chocolate Diner
Thursday, September 13, 2012:
The Weight of the Nation
Film & Community Conversations:
Irene Chavez
Music:
Las Cafeteras

Music:
La Misa Negra
Film & Community Conversations:
Aurora Guerrero
Dance:
Guelaguetza performers from Santa Cruz
Cine y Cena - Dinner and a Movie @ VivaFest!:
20th Anniversary Like Water for Chocolate

Saturday, September 15, 2012:
The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz
VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
Mosquita y Mari
Monday, September 10, 2012:
Mexican Movie Night (In Spanish)
Film & Community Conversations:
Isaac Artenstein

VivaFest! Film Series @ theTech Museum IMAX Theatre:
Tijuana Jews
Film & Community Conversations:
Rick Najera
Saturday, September 8, 2012:
Taco Shop w/ Rick Najera
Concerts:
Domingo Gigante: A Night Of Stars

Music:
Los Texmaniacs
Music:
Trio Ellas
Music:
Paquita la Del Barrio
Music:
Ozomatli

Music:
Lila Downs
Music:
Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan
Music:
Ronstadt Generations
Film & Community Conversations:
Ruben Navarette

Film & Community Conversations:
Javier Sicilia
Special Events:
VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – Conversations with Javier Sicilia Ruben Martinez and Ruben Navarrette
Concerts:
VivaFest 2012 Spring Events – An Evening of Comedy!
Dance:
Calpulli Tonalehqueh