Emilio Fernández

Emilio 'El Indio' Fernández Romo was a Mexican film director, actor and screenwriter. Born on 26 March 1904, Fernández was one of the most prolific film directors of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema in the 1940s and 1950s. His notable work as a director includes María Candelaria which won the Palme d'Or at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. As an actor, he worked in multiple film productions, both in Mexico and Hollywood, and was the father of actor Jaime Fernández. His early life was marked by struggle and adventure. Born in Sabinas, Coahuila, to a revolutionary general and a mother of Kickapoo native descent, his early life was full of challenges. After being forced to enlist in the Mexican Revolution and later entering the Military Academy. He eventually left Mexico on exile, first in Texas, then Chicago and later in Los Angeles where he started his foray into the film world. His directing career kicked off in 1941 with the financial support from General Juan Francisco Azcárate and encouragement from actor David Silva. Throughout his career, Fernández directed 43 films between 1942 and 1979 and was recognized as a screenwriter on 40 films. His films often promoted Mexican customs and the values associated with the Mexican Revolution. Fernández returned to acting in the mid-1950s and although his directing slowed down, he appeared in numerous films including The Soldiers of Pancho Villa, La bandida, and Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid.