Film Lens
Matria is a 2014 Mexican documentary directed by Fernando Llanos that tells the story of Antolín Jiménez Garza, a Mexican revolutionary who fought alongside Francisco Villa's Division del Norte. The film places Jiménez's actions within the context of World War II, particularly focusing on the sinking of the SS Potrero del Llano and SS Faja de Oro. It shows Jiménez's decision to form the Legión de Guerrilleros Mexicanos, a militia composed mainly of Mexican charros, to counter any potential Axis advances in America, a move that was formally accepted by President Manuel Ávila Camacho.
The documentary also reveals how Jiménez's story was rediscovered decades later by his grandson, Fernando Llanos. The film runs for 62 minutes and combines historical narrative with personal family history, showcasing the impact of Jiménez's legacy on his descendants and the broader historical context of Mexico's involvement in World War II.
Why Watch
- •Meet Antolín Jiménez, a revolutionary figure in Mexican history.
- •Discover the Legión de Guerrilleros Mexicanos and its 150,000 militiamen.
- •Find out about Mexico's role in World War II through personal stories.
Did You Know
•Matria won the Best Documentary Award at the Morelia International Film Festival in 2014.
•The Legión de Guerrilleros Mexicanos gathered 150,000 militiamen from 250 Mexican populations.
•Antolín Jiménez's story was discovered by his grandson, Fernando Llanos, decades later.
•Matria has a runtime of 62 minutes and was produced in Mexico.
Perfect For
Mexican history enthusiastsWorld War II studiesDocumentary film fans