Elpidia Carrillo—artist, activist, filmmaker, and mother of a current Johnston Center for Integrative Studies student—visited the University of Redlands for a very special Kathryn Green Lecture in November titled “Las Palabras, Se La Lleva El Viento” (The Wind Takes the Words).
Born in the mountains of the Purépecha communities, Carrillo is an award-winning actress perhaps best known for her work in the classic ‘80s film “Predator” and the current TV series “Mayans M.C.” Her is idea of filmmaking is, “We all have a story to tell,” and we all need to be listened to.
Carrillo is also known as founder of the international film school and festival, Cine Sin Cines #ArtWithoutBorders, located among in indigenous communities of Mexico where she was born. According to the organization’s Festival Internacional Facebook page, its mission is “to empower communities to produce and tell their own stories by learning about cinema from every corner of the world. Integrating filmmakers from all latitudes.”
Carrillo began her talk at the Johnston Center with a sage cleansing for all of the attendees on Holt Hall’s patio to give thanks to ancestors and to help group members begin the event with deep, intentional breaths. After returning to the lobby, Carrillo spoke about her past through external perceptions, keeping the audience deeply engaged.
Echoing back to Johnston College Professor Don Miller’s psychodrama seminars that some alumni will remember, Carrillo invited students to participate in an experimental acting activity followed by a healing circle. Many participants were moved to tears.
Learn more about the Johnston Center for Integrative Studies at the University of Redlands.
Editor’s Note: A version of this article also appeared in the Johnston Center’s Coz McNooz newsletter.
