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Las Autenticas, Intrepidas Buscadores de Peligro:

A lively and surprising portrait of a group of homosexuals, who defend their sexual diversity while preserving their identity as Zapotec Indians in the "queer paradise" of Juchitán, Mexico. MUXES examines transgressive boundary-pushing within an indigenous culture that has historically embraced this "third gender."

In this society, Muxes have traditionally filled the roles of sewing, cooking, preparation of celebrations and roviding lifetime care for their parents. Likewise, the men we meet here are chefs, salon-owners, housekeepers and teachers, in addition to being inveterate fun-lovers and an acknowledged "outlet" for straight men in a culture that still values virginity in brides. However, all is not perfect in paradise, as director Islas occasionally suggests in a frequently amusing way just how low the glass ceiling of acceptance might be for those who push too hard.

Miami International Film Festival, 2006

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DIRECTOR'S BIO

Alejandra Islas studied filmmaking at the University Center for Cinematographic Studies (CUEC-UNAM). She has directed dozens of documentaries for cultural institutions, as well as independently. Among her most well-known works are: Iztacalco (ARIEL DE PLATA 1983), The eternal circle: Eisenstein in Mexico (MIDIA Award, AVANCA Award, ROVIROSA Award, and nominated for an EMMY Award 1996-98), The Molinet case (CARTAGENA Award 1993), La Banda del Automóvil Gris (Award for Best Historic Documentary, LA LAGUNA, TENERIFE 2005). Muxes: authentic, intrepid, seekers of danger is her first feature film. She has also received grants and scholarships from IMCINE, Sundance México, and the Hubert Bals Fund, to write fiction scripts and develop projects. She is a co-founder of the Salvador Toscano film cooperative and of the Mexican Association of Documentary Filmmakers. She teaches classes in film at the Autonomous University of the State of Morelos (UAEM), and since 2004 has belonged to Mexico’s Sistema Nacional de Creadores.