Documentary explores filmmaker’s Mexican ancestry, country’s history

For most people, Cinco de Mayo conjures up images of colorful festivities and vibrant food. But Los Angeles documentary filmmaker Walter Dominguez sees beyond the parties.

What crosses his mind are thoughts of his late grandfather Emilio Hernandez and revolution in Mexico. He knew that Hernandez lived through the turmoil, but he never thought to ask him about it.

After Dominguez realized that he knew little of his grandfather’s past, he embarked on a 10-year journey to discover Hernandez’s life in Mexico. During this decade, he documented his findings, eventually producing the film “Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery.”

He will share his documentary at a special screening at Santa Ana’s Frida Cinema on Cinco De Mayo.

The Frida Cinema houses independent films that cater to Orange County’s diverse community. Dominguez knew this arthouse was the place his film could call home.

He, his wife and the film’s executive producer, Shelley Morrison, put up their own money to finance the documentary.

“I think it’s wonderful that there are celebrations for this holiday. But I also want to include the history behind it and its importance,” Dominguez said.

The filmmakers want viewers to be inspired to discover their own roots.

“We hope this encourages everyone, especially young people, to sit with their elders and find that connection to their culture,” Morrison said. “To feel, to learn and to see you are worth something.”

The two-hour film follows Dominguez on his four long journeys to Mexico to uncover Hernandez’s life before he emigrated to the United States in 1904 and became a Methodist minister.

While searching for Hernandez’s past, Dominguez realized that Mexican history also needed to be woven into the story. He dug through documents in the Library of Congress and made appointments with dozens of historians.

Absorbing this knowledge inspired Dominguez to find location settings, order authentic period clothing and hire actors to reenact historical scenes for the film. He and Morrison tracked down numerous stores in Los Angeles that specialize in period clothing, including a shop where John Wayne got outfitted for his Westerns.

“This is for all people who want to learn about themselves by finding their background, whatever that may be. All our ancestors had to make the journey to become part of this society,” Dominguez said.

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If You Go

What: “Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery”

Where: The Frida Cinema, 305 E. Fourth St., Santa Ana.

When: 1, 4, 7 and 9:30 p.m. May 2 through 7. There will be no 9:30 screening on May 5.