Quebranto

2013, Coral Bonelli, Mexico, Spanish,

Director: Roberto Fiesco
Release Year: 2013
Title in English: Disrupted

Synopsis:

Roberto Fiesco’s 2013 documentary "Quebranto" offers a deeply emotional and introspective portrayal of the life and transformation of Coral Bonelli, a transgender woman and former child star in the Mexican film industry. In this quiet yet expansive film, Fiesco weaves together a rich narrative of Coral’s journey from her childhood as “Pinolito,” a popular child actor in the 1970s, to her later years as a transgender woman living in Mexico City with her mother, Lilia Ortega, also a former actress. Through their recollections, "Quebranto" not only reflects on the personal evolution of Coral but also on the social and cultural dynamics that have shaped her life. 

 

"Quebranto" is more than just the story of a person’s gender transition; it is a meditation on the intersection of identity, family, and personal history. The documentary focuses primarily on the life of Coral Bonelli, who, as a young boy named Fernando García, rose to fame in Mexican cinema during the 1970s as the child actor “Pinolito.” The film captures Coral’s reflections on her artistic beginnings and the complicated process of transitioning into adulthood as a transgender woman. At the heart of the story is Coral’s relationship with her mother, Lilia Ortega. Lilia, also a former actress, played an integral role in Coral's life and career during their time in the film industry. Living together in the Garibaldi neighborhood of Mexico City, they share memories of their time in the spotlight and navigate the challenges of the present, marked by societal prejudice and personal hardships. Through candid interviews, both Coral and Lilia reflect on the complex emotions tied to Coral’s identity, her public image, and the difficulties of living as a transgender woman in a country where homophobia and gender norms often go unchallenged. 

 

Fiesco’s choice to tell Coral’s story is informed by his deep connection to the world of cinema and the dynamics of family. When Fiesco first met Lilia Ortega and Fernando García (then known as Coral Bonelli), he immediately sensed that their lives held a compelling narrative. The filmmaker recalls that meeting them during the production of "El mago", a film in which Lilia acted, led him to recognize the importance of their story. He was drawn to three key aspects of their lives: first, the story of sexual diversity, a topic that Fiesco had explored throughout his career and which was particularly relevant in a Mexican context, where homophobia remains prevalent; second, the world of cinema, which had played a formative role in Coral’s childhood and had always fascinated Fiesco; and third, the powerful and complex relationship between mother and daughter. The film begins by exploring the history of both women and their shared experiences, highlighting the love, tension, and conflict that has defined their bond over the years. Fiesco’s documentary skillfully merges these elements, revealing the layers of Coral’s transformation, her relationship with her mother, and the lasting impact of their time in the Mexican film industry. The film portrays not just the difficulties they faced but also the moments of joy, humor, and tenderness that have shaped their lives. 

 

A particularly striking feature of "Quebranto" is its use of music, which plays an important symbolic role in the narrative. The soundtrack, featuring the music of Spanish singer Raphael, serves as a metaphor for Coral’s past, present, and future. Raphael’s music is emblematic of a bygone era in which Coral, as a child star, was immersed in the cultural landscape of Mexican cinema. At the same time, it reflects Coral’s ability to interpret her own story through the music of her youth, while living out her daily reality as a transgender woman. The music, in essence, becomes a reflection of the transformation Coral has undergone and her ability to embrace both her past and her evolving sense of self. "Quebranto" has garnered significant recognition and acclaim for its heartfelt portrayal of identity, family, and personal struggle. The documentary won several prestigious awards, including the Ariel Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2013, the Maguey Award for Best Film at the Guadalajara International Film Festival, and the Audience Award at the Durango Mexican Film Festival. These accolades highlight the film’s ability to touch audiences on a deep emotional level while bringing visibility to the transgender community, especially in a country where LGBTQ+ issues have historically been marginalized. In addition to its success in Mexico, "Quebranto" has been recognized as a significant contribution to international documentary filmmaking. The film’s ability to weave together personal history, cinematic memory, and contemporary issues of identity makes it a powerful and unique narrative that resonates beyond the specific cultural context of Mexico. 

 

"Quebranto" marks a major milestone in the career of Roberto Fiesco, who has previously worked as a producer on numerous films and documentaries. As his first feature-length documentary as a director, "Quebranto" reflects Fiesco’s passion for telling human stories and his deep commitment to exploring themes of identity, memory, and resilience. Fiesco’s previous experience in the film industry, working with filmmakers like Julián Hernández and Arturo Ripstein, has influenced his approach to storytelling and the way he addresses complex social issues in his work. In an interview, Fiesco reflected on his decision to pursue the story of Coral Bonelli, emphasizing his personal connection to the themes of sexual diversity and the world of Mexican cinema. He mentioned that when he first met Lilia and Fernando (now Coral), he immediately felt there was a compelling narrative waiting to be told. For Fiesco, "Quebranto" was not just about the transgender experience but also about capturing the essence of a person’s evolution over time—how they reconcile their past, live in the present, and dream of their future. Since the success of "Quebranto", Fiesco has continued to pursue projects that address complex social and cultural issues. Fiesco has often described filmmaking as a form of eternal learning, an ongoing process that not only informs his art but also enriches his understanding of the world and the human experience. His ability to capture the beauty and pain of his subjects, particularly those whose stories have not been widely told, ensures that his work will continue to resonate with audiences around the world. 

 

"Quebranto" is more than just a documentary about one person’s transformation; it is a reflection of the broader challenges faced by transgender individuals and the people who love and support them. Coral Bonelli’s journey is a testament to resilience, and her relationship with her mother, Lilia, is a reminder of the power of family, love, and acceptance. Fiesco’s film is a crucial addition to the canon of LGBTQ+ cinema, shedding light on an often overlooked part of Mexican culture and history. Ultimately, "Quebranto" is a celebration of the human spirit—the ability to adapt, to evolve, and to find strength in one’s identity. Fiesco’s empathetic portrayal of Coral’s life and transformation ensures that her story, and the story of those like her, will continue to inspire and inform future generations of filmmakers and audiences alike.

 

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