The Father of Latin American Cinema

Born in Santa Fe, Argentina in 1925 was Argentinian filmmaker Fernando Birri. Fernando is generally considered the father of Latin American cinema.

Birri was always involved with the theatre and puppetry but it was not until 1950 that his interests shifted to film. Birri went to Rome to study film until 1953 at Centro Sperimentale di Cinematografia. After graduation from the film school Birri returned to Santa Fe and established the first Latin American film school specializing in documentaries.

When Birri returned to Argentina his focus was creating film that actively portrayed Argentine life but was met with resistance inside the industry. While at the school Birri created two of his most famous works: "Tire die" in 1954 and "Los innundados" in 1961. Both films were based on the social classes within Argentina and were overall ignored by the public.

Although the contributions to Latin American society were great, he was still forced into exile during the military coup de etat in Argentina. It was during this time that he moved back to Italy and began shooting experimental films.

Awhile later in 1986 Birri was one of the men who helped found the International School of Film and Television in Cuba and therefore chosen as one of the schools first principles. He ha taught in Mexico as well as Venezuela but currently resides in Europe.

Birri has not won many awards in his career, the only known award is the International Film Festival award in 1962 for best first film. However, his contribution and daring style for the times is remembered. Birri established film schools and styles which ha not yet been attempted by the Latin community.