This Documentary Explores the Beauty of the Day of the Dead
From art and food, to music and dancing, this film dives deep into the cultural traditions of the Day of the Dead holiday.
“Art Bound: Dia de los Muertos” is a colorful and educating documentary on the vibrant Mexican tradition of Day of the Dead. This PBS documentary highlights the history and culture behind this annual holiday as it is one that has gained international attention for its mix of music, art, culture, and faith-based elements. It is a holiday I personally celebrate, and love every aspect of it. This film did a wonderful job of displaying all the beautiful elements of the traditions and touched on its significance in the Mexican culture and how it is deeply rooted in art.
The documentary makes sure to educate viewers on the history and traditions of Day of the Dead and discusses elements of the celebration such as sugar skulls, papel picado, the altar, marigold flowers, and placing pictures of deceased family members to honor their memory. The films specifically focuses on artists and artisans who create works of art specific to the holiday and to celebrate the culture. I found this particularly interesting as instead of just containing information about the holiday, the film focused on a particular area in interest, in this case, art. The filmmakers interviewed various artists in different areas of expertise who shared their artwork and the meaning behind when it comes to the Day of the Dead. The documentary also explores the deep cultural significance of the holiday and emphasizes how the tradition serves as a bridge between life and death, offering a unique way for people to cope with grief and maintain a connection with their ancestors. The filmmakers chose to interview families and individuals who shared their stories and experiences with the holiday, which I found to be incredibly enlightening and moving, and personal experiences are easier to connect with than just information.
Another important aspect to note about the film is its focus on how Day of the Dead has become a worldwide celebration and how the tradition has transcended borders and is now celebrated by people around the world. I think it’s wonderful how people in communities across the world have embraced the holiday and adopted the tradition as their own while adapting it to their own personal cultural contexts while maintaining its core elements. The documentary utilizes footage of Day of the Dead celebrations in various different countries to emphasize how many diverse communities now celebrate the holiday and has become an important piece of so many lives.
This visually stunning and deeply educating documentary captures the essence of the beautiful tradition that is Day of the Dead and emphasizes the role of art in it. There are so many facets to this celebration, but the film chose to focus on the pivotal role art and artists have on the holiday and how it would not be the same without the incorporation of a variety of art styles. This holiday reminds audiences of the power of remembrance and honoring the lives of those who have passed and celebrating their stories as compared to seeing their passing as a tragedy. I found this film to be incredibly interesting and very important for everyone to watch, whether they celebrate the Day of the Dead or not. It displays Mexican culture in an incredibly positive light and encompasses all the beauty this rich tradition has to offer.