Mexican films have received high acclaim and impressive box-office returns. Moreover, Mexico has an advanced movie industry in the Spanish-speaking world, and its impact on Mexican culture and society cannot be overstated.

This anthology includes pieces by Mexican and North American scholars, including a piece by the internationally acclaimed essayist Carlos Monsivais. Contributors include other acclaimed scholars and critics as well as young scholars who are currently making their mark in the field of film studies of Mexico. These authors represent various fields - community studies, film studies, cultural history, ethnic studies, and gender studies - making this volume an interdisciplinary resource. Mexican cinema has made a major impact throughout Latin America and the Spanish-speaking population of the United States. This is therefore a useful resource for courses in Latin America and Third World cinema, Mexican history and culture, and Chicana/o and ethnic studies.