Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery

"Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" is a documentary film that is a must see not only for people of Mexican descent but for people of all heritages and backgrounds. The historical information about Mexico and the U.S. Southwest one hundred years ago that this film provides in abundance becomes so much more interesting, profound and memorable when viewed through the impact that these events had on the filmmaker Walter Dominguez's ancestral family that lived through those remarkable times. To learn first-hand the legacies of people and their stories that his ancestors left Walter and the struggles that shaped those legacies is indeed a privilege to witness as a viewer of this compelling and involving film. I am grateful to Walter Dominguez for sharing with us his personal adventure to learn the secrets and stories of his family in such a vivid and entertaining way so that we, too, can experience what we could never have learned from a mere history book. This is a history come to vivid life through the talents of a skilled and delightful storyteller.

"Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" a full-length documentary movingly tells the story of the personal quest of writer/director, Walter Dominguez, as he searched for the story of his late maternal grandfather, Rev. Emilio Hernandez, a Methodist pastor in Santa Paula, California. The story was both intriguing and educational, and narrated by Dominguez, I was pulled into a story about a young child, wandering alone in pre-revolutionary Mexico; a child being taken in by wealthy hacienda owners, cared for and influenced to join into the struggle for the rights of indigenous people; a young man ill and impoverished in Los Angeles; and the transformation of Emilio Hernandez into a Protestant preacher in California.

As a native Californian, I was stunned by how little I was ever taught or learned about our neighboring country, Mexico, and about the lives of those who migrated to and contributed so much to California. Walter Dominguez uses re-enactments, interviews, photos, film journeys, and documents from extensive research to keep this obvious labor of love and atonement fascinating. The documentary has interesting elements for any viewer but especially any Californian, immigrants or their descendants, and lovers of good film. As a retired college administrator, I have recommended "Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" to my family and high school and college educators, who are looking for authentic stories of personal courage, perseverance, love, and battles for justice and freedom. Bravo to Walter Dominguez for giving us this story.

"Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery" is a remarkable achievement. Mr. Dominguez has accomplished a rare artistic feat, creating a beautiful cinematic tapestry that weaves together his very personal journey with the universal experience of searching for our roots – all accomplished against the backdrop of the magnificent culture of Mexico and our shared humanity.

Mr. Dominguez presents his heartfelt personal journey with warmth and sensitivity as we follow him on a path to greater self-knowledge, acceptance, healing and inner peace. His engaging narrative style and poignant revelations draw us into personal story while opening the door to the broader, universal yearning of each of us to reclaim a deeper sense of our own selves and our ancestral heritage.

A critically important and timely aspect of his film is the insight Mr. Dominguez provides into the rich cultural traditions of Mexico and the beauty, intelligence, and warmth of the Mexican peoples. During this unfortunate time of extreme political rhetoric and inappropriate, inaccurate and at times demeaning stereotyping, this film shines a bright light on our shared humanity and moves us beyond the superficial differences of race or culture. By experiencing this film with an open heart and open mind we are not only moved by his journey but also able to rise above prejudices and, possibly, be transformed ourselves.

Weaving the Past is an engrossing and emotionally satisfying cinematic journey, chronicling one man's search for any information he can find about his late grandfather. Walter Dominguez grew up with a loving and nurturing grandparent whom he called "Tata." THe Reverend Emilio Hernandez passed away just as Dominguez was reaching adulthood and years later, he succumbed to his yearning to discover more about the man who had been so important to his childhood. Dominguez documents his search in a film that is a rich tapestry of stunning visuals and moving narrative. The viewer will be swept up in this virtual detective story that leads Dominguez into the heart of Mexico. What he finds there changes him and his view of his late grandfather forever. One cannot help becoming emotionally invested in Walter Dominguez's search for the heart and soul of an extraordinary man. Weaving the Past is not to be missed.

"Weaving the Past" is a lovingly wrought and remarkable film that artfully knits together both the director's journey to discover the true story of his grandfather Emilio's hidden past and his own journey through identity crisis to self discovery.

I loved the quick transitions from current situations in the director's journey to mirroring similar situations his grandfather might have been going through 100 years earlier.

The episodes that detail Emilio's involvement with journalist and revolutionary Práxedis Guerrero and his sometimes violent actions that helped to build momentum for the Mexican Revolution and overthrow of Porfirio Díaz's exploitive, autocratic regime are some of the most fascinating and they put Emilio's life in vivid historical context. It also makes us appreciate Emilio's rescue by a Methodist minister and transformation from revolutionary to man of God all the more. The commentary on the US sometimes covert involvement in the Revolution is also revealing.

The distant family members he meets create a fascinating group portrait that's a multi-faceted reflection of how nature and nurture weave together to make each of us who we are.

There's much to appreciate in Dominguez' film – many story lines and the director's relentless searching for answers propel us forward as they are woven together.

Faith, family, real-life heroes, tragedy and redemption, "Weaving the Past" has it all!