Joaquín Rodríguez, who was one of the original founders and who served as current programmer of the Morelia Film Festival in Mexico, died yesterday. Born in Durango, he attended Universidad Iberoamericana and worked primarily as a film critic. Since 1988 he worked for numerous publications including Primer Plano, Cinemanía, Cine Premiere, Toma, D.F., El Financiero and El Universal.
He was also an actor, having appeared in more than 20 productions since 1993 and some films including Julián Hernández's Raging Sun, Raging Sky / Rabioso sol, rabioso cielo (2009). Trough programming, criticism and education he tirelessly supported the development and recognition of recent Mexican cinema.
His death elicited messages of condolence by different members of the Mexican film community in social media. "Tireless partner of festivals and good times. We will miss you", wrote actor and director Diego Luna. In other Twitter messages, screenwriter and director Guillermo Arriaga, as well as the Morelia Film Festival, the Mexican Film Institute (IMCINE), the National Cinematheque among others, regretted his death.
Photo credit: Morelia Film Festival.
