Mérida, Yuc., How beautiful it feels to be here; It is a very beautiful moment for me, and receiving recognition in the city where I was born is more exciting, more sentimental. I move this distinction, because I am encouraged, it gives me animal strength to continue in this tremendous life that we had to live
said Ofelia Medina (Mérida, March 4, 1950) yesterday in an emotional tribute dedicated by the International Yucatan Reading Fair (Filey) 2025.
The distinction, delivered by the Rector of the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY), Carlos Alberto Estrada Pinto, for his outstanding career in film, theater and television, with contributions to the local and national culture, as well as by his social activism, was received by the actress in a full auditorium, before which he remembered his work in defense of the original peoples, which took it, which took it to be one of the founders of the Solidarity Committee with marginalized ethnic groups and to defend the rights of indigenous prisoners in Mexican prisons.
The university official said that this recognition represents a tribute to an emblematic figure of the country’s performing arts, whose work has left their mark on generations of spectators and scenic creators.
The screenwriter and producer also spoke of the cinematographic and her vocation for working with marginalized communities.
I have the privilege of having lived and continuing to live experiences that do not make me an empty or frivolous person, but someone who recognizes the importance of the organization and struggle for the rights of peoples. Cinema is a part of my life, but my heart is also in commitment to justice, freedom and democracy
he said.
With simplicity and grateful to those who went to one of the cinematographic halls of the 21st Century Convention Center to accompany her in her tribute, Ofelia Medina said she was proud of her Yucatecan origin, reiterated her gratitude and launched loas to the Uady and the Filey, which the public seconded.
The Yucatecan actress added: Today there are wars in the world, there are very great pain, but life also rewards us with moments of community. I want to thank you, Mr. Rector, for this moment of meeting, of Union, of Meeting
.
He added: “I have the privilege of living a film career that many great actresses in the world already wanted, having gone through life and pain experiences that I have had in the communities of our native peoples.
I take this opportunity that I have that other life of known actress that does not make me crazy and lost in the ego, but every day trying to find my place as part of a history of peoples that demand, demand peace, justice, freedom and democracy
he said.
In addition to the thanks for the gesture of the Filey, Ofelia Medina reflected on the impact of art on society and its commitment to the communities of the original peoples.
He talked about his work with activists and friends like Begoña Lecumberri and Jorge Fernández, and his relationship with Bishop Samuel Ruiz. He thanked Manuel Alejandro Escoffié for calling her to participate in this edition of the Fair.
At another time, Ofelia Medina broke the protocol to manifest with naturalness and a lot of authenticity: Now I am going to drink a little water because I have a very dry mouth of the emotion and I am very sad to suck plastic in front of you, but it will not be left of another
; Then, he went to one of the seats to drink a sip and then return to the stage.
I have a parallel path to the cinematographic race, which is a way to step, it is not a race, it is very slow. And this is not being this name, but to lose it in the community, learn to be part, like the movie we saw
said the activist in allusion to the tape Soils are built (2019), which she directed and projected in the Filey.
Know that this cinematographic career is only a little part of my life, which, fortunately, is in the struggle for rights and life itself, and for cinema and to continue in reading and in the university, because knowledge and life go like this, together, and you have to document them in the cinema.
To say goodbye, he invited the public to stay in the room to witness the projection of his documentary The carried and brought it (2019), which also directed and addresses the procession of the Virgin of Zapopan.
“Many people have told me: ‘How is it possible that you, that you are atheist and communist, have made a movie about the Virgin of Zapopan. They will see why; well, I hope you like it. Thank you very much and live living life,” he concluded.
Everything culminated in loud applause for the honoree, and then a conversation with Alejandro Escoffié began before the public.