Renowned documentary filmmaker Lourdes Portillo dies at 80
The global cinematic community is mourning the loss of acclaimed documentary filmmaker and social activist, Lourdes Portillo, who passed away at 80. Born in Mexico, she was known for The Devil Never Sleeps (1994) and the Oscar-nominated The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo (1985). She died at her residence in San Francisco on Saturday, as confirmed by her friend-fellow filmmaker Soco Aguilar. Though a cause of death wasn't revealed, Portillo was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer a few months ago.
Aguilar paid tribute to Portillo's strength and legacy
Aguilar paid a heartfelt tribute to her friend and said, "She was a trailblazer — even up to the last minute." "She was very strong — she was a warrior — and she was completely at peace and happy about all that she had done in her life." Notably, last year, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures honored Portillo with a retrospective and gallery to celebrate her groundbreaking career.
Portillo's journey: From Mexico to a celebrated filmmaker
Born in Chihuahua, Mexico, in 1943, Portillo was sent to the US for Catholic school education from the third grade. Her family later relocated to Los Angeles during her teenage years. She began her filmmaking career at age 21 when a friend invited her to assist with a documentary. In the 1970s, Portillo moved to San Francisco, immersing herself in its vibrant art community.
Portillo's impact: A resilient visionary and activist
She graduated from the San Francisco Art Institute in 1978 and later said about the experience, "That was the beginning of thinking that I could make films that could actually move people to do something that would be good for everybody." Portillo was also known for her work on The Days of the Dead, Corpus: A Home Movie for Selena, Señorita Extraviada, and After the Earthquake. She is reportedly survived by her sister and three sons.
Portillo's documentaries: A focus on women and social issues
Portillo's work majorly centered on issues affecting women in Mexico and beyond. Her globally celebrated The Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo highlighted Argentine women remembering their children who disappeared during Argentina's political unrest during the late 1970s and early 1980s. On the other hand, The Devil Never Sleeps investigated the murder of her uncle, Oscar Ruiz Almeida, in her home state of Chihuahua.
Portillo on her experience as an immigrant in the US
Speaking about her experience as an immigrant, she told the Academy Museum in an interview, "The reality of living in the United States as an immigrant, it's very painful, because the first thing that happens to you is that you realize that everybody's trying to crush your sense of 'can do.'" "Your sense of really being important in this society, having something to say. You're already diminished."
