The May Reel Film Club travels between the past and present with the Mexican film, 499, on Tuesday, May 30th at Instituto Cervantes. Appetizers, wine, and a cocktail will be provided.

SYNOPSIS:

To commemorate the 500th anniversary of the Spanish Conquest of Mexico, Rodrigo Reyes (“Purgatorio”) has created a bold blend of documentary and fiction to explore the continuing legacy of colonialism in his country. A Spanish conquistador has arrived in 21st Century Mexico and begins to follow the same route taken by Hernán Cortez, encountering and engaging with a cross-section of contemporary Mexican society, from migrants to activists and mothers who have lost their children to the country’s violence. Shot in widescreen (“499” won Best Photography at last year’s Tribeca Film Festival), Reyes has crafted a spellbinding dialogue between past and present.

"499 offers a one-of-a-kind meditation on the effect of colonialism, a nightmare and a dream wrapped into one" - RogerEbert.com