‘Bless Me, Ultima’ by Rudolfo Anaya. Courtesy/NHCC
NHCC News:
To celebrate of the 50th anniversary of author and native New Mexican Rudolfo Anaya’s iconic story, Bless Me, Ultima, the National Hispanic Cultural Center (NHCC) is hosting a free screening of the 2011 movie adaption at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 30.
Bless Me, Ultima is a coming-of-age story that takes place in rural New Mexico during the 1940s. It tells the story of a young boy and the mysterious healer who opens his eyes to the wonders of the spiritual realm. As the entire world is plunged into war and Antonio Marez grapples with the harsh realities all around him, his life is forever changed by the sudden arrival of Ultima, a curandera who inspires him to see the world from a new perspective.
The NHCC will host a screening of Carl Franklin’s 2011 screen adaptation of Bless Me, Ultima Friday, Sept. 30. The NHCC will host a pre-film reception at 6 p.m. Friday and at 6:30 p.m. before the screening, don’t miss the pre-film talk from retired University of New Mexico professor Dr. Gabriel Meléndez. This is a free, ticketed event, and attendees should register in advance.
Where: This screening will take place at the NHCC’s Albuquerque Journal Theatre, located on NHCC’s 10-acre campus at 1701 4th Street NW.
Why: Even 50 years after its publication, Bless Me, Ultima still looms large in New Mexico’s literary canon. This screening gives viewers the opportunity to experience the groundbreaking story through a new medium!
