Festival Schedule:

March 2, 2024

7:00 pm: Noa Sainz

Join us for an intimate concert with Mexican singer Noa Sainz, one of Latin music’s most provocative young artists. Noa Sainz has been making waves in the European, Latin American, and US music scenes since 2018 as a Spanish speaking R&B artist with her chart topping single Frío on Spotify. She is currently finishing her first studio album, which is a mix of experimental and classic terrains of neo-soul, jazz, progressive rock, and Brazilian psychedelic reminiscent of the 1970s. Help us welcome Noa Sainz as she kicks off the 2024 Sor Juana Festival!

Location: West Wing

March 11, 2024

7:00 pm: FRIDA

The National Museum of Mexican Art is thrilled to present a screening of Amazon MGM Studios’ very own FRIDA, as part of the 2024 Sor Juana Festival.  

An intimately raw and magical journey through the life, mind, and heart of iconic artist Frida Kahlo, FRIDA is told through her own words for the very first time, drawn from her famed illustrated diary, revealing letters, essays, and candid print interviews — and brought vividly to life by lyrical animation inspired by her unforgettable artwork. The feature film directorial debut of acclaimed editor Carla Gutiérrez (RBG, La Corona), FRIDA posits a striking context as to why the artist – and her art -- remains as powerful as ever.

March 16 – May 25, 2024

Bolero by Angela Aguilar:

Join us for a screening of "Bolero," a documentary following Ángela Aguilar as she visits eastern Cuba to dive deep and explore the roots of the Bolero genre.  

Angela Aguilar, embraced her purpose of preserving traditional Mexican music, influenced by her family's musical legacy, including her grandfather Antonio Aguilar and father Pepe Aguilar. At 20, she continued this mission with the release of her album “Bolero”, which infuses romantic classics with new life through castanets and guitar melodies. Alongside the album she presents a visual project documenting her exploration of Cuba, the birthplace of bolero, and where she met with musical legend Amadito Valdes and performed for Omara Portuondo. Bolero is the first installment of "Sonidos del Tiempo", a revolutionary project that explores the legacy and history of various important Spanish-speaking musical genres.

This is the first US screening of Bolero. "Sonidos del Tiempo" is produced by Pepe Aguilar and Simon Fuller.After various Mexico premieres, we are pleased to be the first in the US to present the film Bolero.

Please note: this film will be screened in Spanish.

March 22 – March 24, 2024

Wilma:

Wilma narrates the story of a girl who grows up as a foreigner in her own land, isolated by the racism and classism imposed by her grandmother, who forbids her to learn Maya and associate with Maya speakers. Suddenly, one of the worst hurricanes in history arrives on the peninsula. An early cyclone alert is issued in the Maya languages. She, unable to communicate with others, tries to survive a hurricane without anyone’s help.

Itzhel Razo, is an actress, dancer, and stage director. Currently, she is  a scholarship holder of SACPC, formerly FONCA, with the Young Creators scholarship specializing in stage direction 2023-2024. She studied Dramatic Literature and Theater at UNAM with a specialization in stage direction. She is certified in contemporary dance by the National Center for contemporary dance.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see this spectacular and unforgettable performance.

March 30, 2024

7:00 pm: An Evening of Mariachi

Taking place concurrently with the opening of NMMA’s exhibit Mariachi Potosino - The Sound of Home, the Sor Juana Festival presents  a festive night honoring women in Mariachi music and the growing influence of this genre in the United States.

Celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Chicago and the vibrant world of mariachi music as we celebrate Chicago's first all women’s mariachi. Formed with the dream of uniting women through the art of mariachi music, Mariachi Sirenas are proud to promote this popular folkloric style of music.

Join us for an enchanting evening filled with the soul-stirring melodies of Mariachi Sirenas, showcasing the talent and passion that has long been an integral part of Chicago's musical landscape.

April 9, 2024

7:00 pm: Flor Garduño with Sandra Cisneros

Experience the mesmerizing world of renowned photographer Flor Garduño as we celebrate her work in an interview with Chicago’s very own Sandra Cisneros.

Since her youth, Flor Garduño has developed her own style and sought the profound truth of the Mexican countryside, venturing into still life, the female nude, portraiture, and architecture, always in a perpetual search for the subtle boundaries of the imaginary; a portrait of the roots of magical cultures. The bridge between the present moment and the centuries that have passed lies in the eyes of those that have witnessed them--the water, trees, earth, and air. By incorporating these powerful natural elements in her photography, Garduño evokes the presence of indigenous America’s horizons and suns. Garduño makes her own rules, continually aiming to elicit some deep emotion. With the framework of her photography built, she perseveres in the task of taking photos that not only reveal but rather capture a place of revelation.

April 10 – April 20, 2024

Juana Inés TV Series/ Patricia Arriaga Jordan

For two weeks, the Sor Juana Festival will present all episodes of the series Juana Inés, created by Patricia Arriaga Jordán!

Juana Inés is a dramatized series of seven one-hour episodes based on the life of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz from her entrance to the court at age 13 until her death. The series is inspired by historical facts about Sor Juana's life and elaborates freely where there is no hard data or information.

Patricia Arriaga Jordán is a writer, director and producer. She was born in Mexico City where she completed her professional studies in Communication Sciences and, later, a master's degree and doctorate in New York. She started in the audiovisual world in 1972 with Sesame Street. She held various management positions at Canal Once, where he created and produced different genres and formats for children, including the multi-award winning Bizbirije and El diván de Valentina.

The screening of the final episode will conclude with an interview with none other than Patricia Arriaga Jordán herself!

April 10th: Episodes 1 + 2
April 14th: Episodes 3 + 4
April 17th: Episodes 5 + 6
April 20th: Finale + Interview with Patricia Arriaga Jordán

April 13, 2024

7:00 pm: Silvana Estrada

Join us for a beautiful concert with 2022 Latin Grammy Award Winner, Silvana Estrada. Since her debut album Marchita in 2022, Silvana has taken the world by storm using her voice and poetic delivery to captivate audiences and take listeners on a rollercoaster of emotions. The 26 year old Mexican singer has been called “one of Mexico’s greatest young talents and vocalists” and has performed and recorded alongside incredible artists such as Jorge Drexler, Mon Laferte, AURORA, and even Natalia Lafourcade.

Silvana Estrada is the new voice of a movement of independent female artists who have characterized Latin Alternative music over the past decade. Join us for a night filled with raw emotions, incredible vocals and a performance you will never forget!

April 27, 2024

7:00 pm: Ellas y Yo Mexicanas By Silvita Brown

Immerse yourself in a night of extraordinary contemporary dance with Chicago’s Silvita Diaz Brown!

Ellas Y Yo Mexicanas Work in Process: is a contemporary dance piece inspired by painter Frida Kahlo and writer/philosopher Sor Juana Inés de La Cruz, two historic Mexican women who broke away from colonialist and marianismo expectations and power dynamics to create with their whole and wholly authentic selves.Through embodied research, Silvita aims to connect their experiences to the present, inspiring a broader understanding of collective identities and futures

Silvita Diaz Brown is  a Mexican/American choreographer, dancer, yogi and teacher, she holds a BFA in Dance from Universidad de las Américas Puebla, Mexico and an MFA in Theatre/Movement from York University.

Join us as we celebrate the resilience, creativity, and authenticity of Frida Kahlo and Sor Juana Inés de La Cruz through the extraordinary artistry of Silvita Diaz Brown!

April 28, 2024

1:00 pm: El Tesoro de Abuelo by Patricia Dominguez

Join author Patricia Dominguez for an afternoon filled with storytelling and exploration as she releases her new book El Tesoro de Abuelo.

In the high mountains of the State of Guerrero, Mexico, lived Don Cuco, his family and grandchildren, Xochitl and Nachito. The family designed beautiful boxes from Linaloe, a lemon-scented wood. One day, Xochitl and Nachito noticed that their Tata was tired and decided to help design and make the boxes in his workshop. Two events happened that would change their lives and they discovered the Treasure of their Grandfather.

Dominguez has written and produced original works of Children’s Theater and has brought important works of theater for adults from Mexico to Chicago. Her plays and workshops for children, parents and teachers are based on the culture and traditions of Mexico and Latin America. Her first bilingual book,

“Tsipeni y Joselito,” deals with bullying. Her second book, “Yo Luchadora,” deals with girl empowerment and gender identity. She received her B.A. Degree in Romance Languages from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and her M.A. degree in Spanish Literature from Roosevelt University in Chicago.

Bring your little ones and join us for wonder and discovery!

May 19, 2024

8:00 pm: Totem Screening

If you missed the premier in February, Join us in a special presentation and reception of TOTEM.

Film director, actress, producer and screenwriter, Lila Aviles has once again captivated audiences around the world with her amazing film, TOTEM.

In a bustling Mexican household, seven-year-old Sol is swept up in a whirlwind of preparations for the birthday party for her father, Tona, led by her mother, aunts and other relatives. As the day goes on, building to an event both anticipated and dreaded, Sol begins to understand the gravity of the celebration this year and watches as her family does the same. This poignant and emotionally expansive film from Lila Avilés cements her skill at directing dynamic ensemble performances in her stunning sophomore effort.

Lila Avilés is a Mexican independent film director, screenwriter and producer, she founded her company Limerencia Films in 2018. She is recognized for her first feature film "The Chambermaid", 2018. "The Chambermaid" was chosen to represent Mexico at the 2020 Oscars© and Goya Awards. It was invited to more than sixty festivals around the world achieving a large number of international and national awards, plus a strong reception from critics. She has been jury at San Sebastian International Film Festival (Spain 2021), Morelia International Film Festival (Mexico 2019), FICUNAM (Mexico 2020), Lima International Film Festival (Peru 2020), Antofacine Festival (Chile 2020), Nespresso Talents 2019 (Festival Morelia 2019), Fic Monterrey 2022.

Fest Date: March 2 – June 1, 2024

Location: National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W 19th Street, Chicago, IL 60608

Click here for more information.