Filmmaker Statement

I was inspired to write about Mexican soldaderas because of my own family's history in Mexico and Texas, as well as the courage and strength these women exemplify. These women have been memorialized in Spanish corridos [songs], often depicted as either sexualized heroines or common maids for the soldiers. However, the reality of what they witnessed and accomplished is more commensurate with mythical warriors than simple stewards. My goal is to combine the spirit of the Mexican soldadera with the harsh American Western, based on history that reflects our modern struggles along the Rio Grande River. "El Gato Feo" is just a small piece of a much larger story, with characters I want to see in the world. These are stories I think the Latines kids growing up today need to rediscover.