The Golden Age of Mexican Cinema (Spanish: Época de Oro del Cine Mexicano) is a boom period in the history of Mexican cinema, which began in 1936 with the premiere of the film Allá en el Rancho Grande, and Let's Go with Pancho Villa, culminated in 1956.[1] Characterized by the production of high-quality films that contributed to shaping Mexican national identity and culture. Films such as Luis Buñuel's "Los Olvidados" (The Forgotten Ones) illuminated the social realities of Mexico, leaving a profound impact on audiences both within the country and abroad.
In 1939, during World War II, the film industry in the US and Europe declined, because the materials previously destined for film production now were for the new arms industry. Many countries began to focus on making films about war, leaving an opportunity for Mexico to produce commercial films for the Mexican and Latin American markets. The cultural landscape of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema provided a conducive environment for the rise of a new generation of directors like Emilio Fernández and Luis Buñuel, among others. Simultaneously, it propelled actors such as María Félix, Pedro Infante, and Dolores del Río to iconic status, revered not only in Mexico but also throughout Hispanic communities worldwide.
Mexican cinema of the Golden Age is also credited with propelling Norteño music into Chilean popular culture.[2]
Entre 1936 y 1956 la industria cinematográfica en México alcanzó uno de sus mejores momentos, considerado como la Época de Oro del cine mexicano.[Between 1936 and 1956 the film industry in Mexico reached one of its best moments, considered the Golden Age of Mexican cinema.]