When she arrived in Tucson years ago, Vicky Westover wondered what type of film festival would work best for the new region she would be living in. As director of the UA Hanson Film Institute, Westover organized the first Mexican film festival of contemporary directors in Tucson in 2005. The Institute, in collaboration with UA Film and Television, will show seven films this weekend for the Ninth Annual Tucson Cine Mexico Film Festival.

Westover said the festival aims to show the best in contemporary Mexican cinema while keeping a balance of subjects, directors and genres. The films will be shown in Spanish with English subtitles.
“The last 12 years [have] seen this amazing film talent come out of Mexico,” Westover said. “The festival began right at the time where people were starting to pay attention to Mexican cinema in a new golden age for Mexico.”

“La Jaula de Oro / The Golden Dream” — Friday at 7 p.m.

This drama that won the Audience Award at the 2013 Morelia International Film Festival is about three teenagers traveling to begin a different life. Director Diego Quemada-Díez tells a story of misadventures and encounters across the 1,200 mile journey from the slums of Guatemala, through Mexico and into the U.S.

“Heli” — Friday at 9 p.m.

Director Amat Escalante won the prize for Best Director at the 2013 Cannes International Film Festival for his intense portrayal of drug violence in Mexico. The story is centered on a man who faces violent consequences when he steals drugs to finance his recent elopement.

“Nosotros Los Nobles / We are the Nobles” — Saturday at 7:30 p.m.

This comedy film is a unique part of the festival because director Gary Alazarki and lead actor Gonzalo Vega will be present for the screening, the only one that will take place at Fox Tucson Theatre. Successful character Herman Noble fakes a company bankruptcy in order to teach his three spoiled children a life lesson. This film holds the spot for number one box office hit in Mexican history.

“Los Insólitos Peces Gato / The Amazing Catfish” — Sunday at 2 p.m.

A drama about a lonely supermarket worker, Claudia, whose story changes when appendicitis lands her in a hospital. In the hospital, Claudia meets Martha and eventually comes to live with her close-knit family. This will be the U.S. premiere of director Claudia Sainte-Luce’s film of family and connections.

“Somos Mari Pepa / We are Mari Pepa” — Sunday at 4 p.m.

A coming-of-age drama by establishing director Samuel Kishi tells the story of Alex, who has recently moved to Guadalajara for the summer. He attempts to juggle earning money, winning the battle of the bands and finding companionship in a girlfriend.

“Club Sandwich” — Sunday at 6 p.m.

This story is told from the perspective of a single mom about her 15-year-old son Hector’s first relationship with a girl his age, Jazmin. Director Fernando Eimbcke won Best Director at the 2013 San Sebastian Film Festival for the film’s deadpan comedy.

“It’s a real collaborative effort, and a real labor of love,” Westover said.

Doors open an hour in advance of the screening. All films will be shown at Harkins Theatres with the exception of “Nosotros Los Nobles,” which will be presented at Fox Tucson Theatre.