Churubusco Studios commemorate their 80th anniversary through the release of postage stamps, exhibitions, and published books.
On September 18, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador will officially inaugurate the Dressing Room building of the iconic Churubusco Studios, marking a significant milestone in the studio's 80-year history.
The studios, located in Mexico City, have been a hub of Mexican cinema for decades, providing a platform for distinguished figures such as María Félix, Dolores del Río, Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, and Mario Moreno 'Cantinflas' to shine. In honour of these cinematic legends, postal stamps have been issued, serving as a testament to their enduring impact on Mexican culture.
The Churubusco Studios are not just a place of production, but a treasure trove of knowledge for current generations. Through the archives, individuals can delve into the various professions behind the cameras that make storytelling possible, gaining a deeper understanding of the intricacies of filmmaking.
Violeta Abreu Gonzalez, the director of the studios, highlighted the Postal Palace's role in Mexican cinema, having served as a setting for several films, including 'Immediate Delivery' (1963), 'The Neighborhood Postman' (1958), and 'Red Chronicle' (1979).
In addition to the inauguration of the Dressing Room building, several events are planned for the studio's anniversary. Among these, the publication of two books is noteworthy. Cristian Calonico Lucio, the director of Churubusco Studios, announced that a book titled 'The Last Decade' will be published, complementing the other three volumes of 'The Factory of Dreams'. Another book titled 'Studios Churubusco: A Collective Memory' will be presented next week, gathering the testimonies of the workers about their lives in the studios.
The anniversary celebrations also include an exhibition titled 'Churubusco Studios and its workers: 80 years bringing stories to life'. This exhibition pays tribute to all those involved in Mexico's film industry, including filmmakers, actors, technicians, props handlers, carpenters, costume designers, and many more. The exhibition serves as an act of rescue, preservation, and tribute to Mexico's cultural and audiovisual heritage.
To make Churubusco Studios appealing to production houses, efforts are being made to promote and remodel the studios. A large part of the studio's budget is generated on-site, reflecting its continued relevance in the industry.
In a bid to commemorate this historic occasion, 200,000 commemorative postage stamps have been issued for the celebration of Studios Churubusco. The commemorative postage stamp, a collector's item, was decided upon just a month ago. The stamp is now available in all Mexican post offices.
The anniversary celebrations at Churubusco Studios are not just a look back at the past, but a celebration of the present and a vision for the future. The studios continue to be a beacon of Mexican cinema, bringing stories to life for generations to come.
