From its early beginnings in 1896 to its present condition, the historical development of Mexican filmmaking is traced here. Of particular interest are the great changes in Mexico's film industry from 1990 to 2004: the confluence of talented and dedicated filmmakers, the important changes in Mexican cinematic infrastructure and the country's significant social and cultural transformations. From Nicolas Echevarria's Cabeza de Vaca (1991), to the 1992 releases of Hellboy director Guillermo del Toro's Cronos and Alfonso Arau's Como agua para chocolate, to Alfonso Cuaron's Y tu mama tambien (2001), this work provides a close look at Mexican films that received international commercial success and critical acclaim and put Mexico on the cinematic world map. Arranged chronologically, this completely updated and revised edition covers the entire scope of Mexican cinema. The main films and their directors are discussed, together with the political, social and economic context of the times. Appendices offer selected filmographies and useful addresses.