ADELA SEQUEYRO

(book in Spanish)

This book was written by Patricia Torres and Dr. Eduardo de la Vega, former director of the CIEC (Center for Film Studies of the University of Guadalajara) and well-known researcher and author.

Adela Sequeyro was a writer, journalist and actress who became the first woman in writing and directing a sound film in Mexico.

Her career in cinema began as a performer in the silent era.  With the advent of sound and the rising of a film industry in Mexico, she decided to be a director.

Miss Sequeyro became one of the founders of the Éxito film co-op, but was soon ousted by the organization's male elements.  In the Mexico of the 1930s, women had no place in film business, other than being performers or members of a technical staff.  She wanted to be a director, and was denied the opportunity.  So, she founded her own company, Producciones Carola, a company that made the two only movies she directed in her career:  'La mujer de nadie' (1937), and 'Diablillos de arrabal' (1938).

After that, she appeared in just a handful of movies as a supporting actress, then turned to journalism as a livelihood.

Her role as a woman film pioneer was almost forgotten, until Marcela Fernández Violante, a filmmaker herself, brought her accomplishments to light. 

At her old age, Miss Sequeyro was interviewed for the making of this book.  The volume includes some of her writings.

The two movies she directed can be seen today.  'La mujer de nadie' was found and restored by Rogelio Agrasnchez Sr.; and 'Diablillos de arrabal' was found and restored (though a part is still missing) by the Filmoteca de la UNAM.

Book characteristics:

All contents © Agrasánchez Film Archive