Ambulante (Mexico City, Mexico 2005)

Ambulante supports the creation and dissemination of documentary films in a way that stimulates social change. Its travelling documentary festival is the largest in the country and the majority of its shows are free. Through the festival and its education programme, Ambulante Beyond, the organisation brings films and training to places in Mexico where they are rarely available. During the festival, screenings are held in numerous diverse venues from multiplex cinemas to community halls, public parks, the national Senate building and even metro stations. Screenings are followed by discussions with filmmakers and local NGOs, and linked to workshops, seminars and forums. Ambulante Beyond’s workshops, which take place in rural and indigenous communities, foster independent filmmaking, provide equipment and training to young people, and encourage independent visions and voices. Founded by Gael García Bernal, Diego Luna, Elena Fortes and Pablo Cruz, Ambulante is run by Paulina Suárez (director), Roxana Alejo (director of operations), Meghan Monsour (programming director) and María Inés Roqué (production and education director).