Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery

"Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" is a documentary film that is a must see not only for people of Mexican descent but for people of all heritages and backgrounds. The historical information about Mexico and the U.S. Southwest one hundred years ago that this film provides in abundance becomes so much more interesting, profound and memorable when viewed through the impact that these events had on the filmmaker Walter Dominguez's ancestral family that lived through those remarkable times. To learn first-hand the legacies of people and their stories that his ancestors left Walter and the struggles that shaped those legacies is indeed a privilege to witness as a viewer of this compelling and involving film. I am grateful to Walter Dominguez for sharing with us his personal adventure to learn the secrets and stories of his family in such a vivid and entertaining way so that we, too, can experience what we could never have learned from a mere history book. This is a history come to vivid life through the talents of a skilled and delightful storyteller.

"Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" is a film that I have seen a number of times now by myself or with family or friends. This is a wonderful film and with every viewing I see something new. But even if you only watch it once, what you will come away with is so rewarding emotionally and inspirational. Told in a very engaging and entertaining way, you will also learn important American and Mexican history that we should all know about. Above all, Weaving the Past is about the dignity and resilience of our ancestors, no matter what our background is. Filmmaker Walter Dominguez takes us with him on his journey into the past to learn all he can about his grandfather's roots in Mexico of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. And what a journey it turns out to be! Don't miss this adventure, because you will not have experienced the drama and humor in the lives of Walter's grandparents and the rest of the amazing people he encounters. I highly recommend this film to anyone!

Weaving the Past is a most unusual and satisfying film. The combination between documentation and dramatization pulled me in and held me throughout. The film challenged me to ask many questions about connections existing in my own life and in my relationship with my ancestors. In many ways, this film has a real resonance with those raised in more traditional societies, like mine, where the past and its people are never really dead and gone, but continue to live. The film documents the journey that filmmaker Walter Dominguez takes to learn about his own grandfather's early life - a mysterious and cloudy past. He also determines to locate his grandfather's family of origin in Mexico. Along the way we learn much Mexican and U.S. Southwest history that is essential to understand the context of the life of Emilio Hernandez, Walter's grandfather, a Mexican-born crusader for social justice among immigrant workers. Walter takes us along as he interviews expert historians in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as a collection of ordinary, but truly compelling people he meets who either knew Emilio or knew the people who influence Emilio as a young man. The re-creation scenes of key moments in the relationship of Emilio with the people in his life who deeply influenced him worked so well to get you involved and caring about Emilio and his life. They were some of the film's most touching moments.

There is so much to recommend this film. For those who have a strong interest in reconnecting with their own roots and ancestors, this documentary will leave you inspired and energized to go on your own journey. There is much important and little-known history that you learn along the way. The tragic mistreatment of Mexico's indigenous people is a story that I did not know about, but which left me very moved and personally affected in a deep way. I am so glad that Dominguez told this story, because it really needs to be revealed. There are other stories within this film that will rivet you, too.

Most importantly, there is a deep spirituality that emanates from the film which is not about doctrine or formal religion. Though Dominguez's grandfather eventually became a Methodist minister, and there is some interesting history revealed about this, the real meaning is much deeper. It really is a "universal" film that can touch you on many levels - whatever your background. You will really feel this story in your soul and it will stick with you. I hope you take the opportunity to see this beautifully made and meaningful documentary.

Weaving the Past is an engrossing and emotionally satisfying cinematic journey, chronicling one man's search for any information he can find about his late grandfather. Walter Dominguez grew up with a loving and nurturing grandparent whom he called "Tata." THe Reverend Emilio Hernandez passed away just as Dominguez was reaching adulthood and years later, he succumbed to his yearning to discover more about the man who had been so important to his childhood. Dominguez documents his search in a film that is a rich tapestry of stunning visuals and moving narrative. The viewer will be swept up in this virtual detective story that leads Dominguez into the heart of Mexico. What he finds there changes him and his view of his late grandfather forever. One cannot help becoming emotionally invested in Walter Dominguez's search for the heart and soul of an extraordinary man. Weaving the Past is not to be missed.

"Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" is a remarkable achievement. Mr. Dominguez has accomplished a rare artistic feat, creating a beautiful cinematic tapestry that weaves together his very personal journey with the universal experience of searching for our roots – all accomplished against the backdrop of the magnificent culture of Mexico and our shared humanity.

Mr. Dominguez presents his heartfelt personal journey with warmth and sensitivity as we follow him on a path to greater self-knowledge, acceptance, healing and inner peace. His engaging narrative style and poignant revelations draw us into personal story while opening the door to the broader, universal yearning of each of us to reclaim a deeper sense of our own selves and our ancestral heritage.

A critically important and timely aspect of his film is the insight Mr. Dominguez provides into the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and the beauty, intelligence, and warmth of the Mexican peoples. During this unfortunate time of extreme political rhetoric and inappropriate, inaccurate and at times demeaning stereotyping, this film shines a bright light on our shared humanity and moves us beyond the superficial differences of race or culture. By experiencing this film with an open heart and open mind we are not only moved by his journey but also able to rise above prejudices and, possibly, be transformed ourselves.