TIJUANA A leading organization that promotes human rights and democracy in Latin America has awarded its highest award to Mexican actor and activist Gael García Bernal.
The Washington Office on Latin America is honoring García Bernal for "his passionate commitment to the plight of migrants," the agency announced on Wednesday.
The organization is also honoring García for founding, with fellow actor Diego Luna, the project Cine Ambulante in 2005. The project annually screens award-winning documentaries from around the world not only at theaters but at public parks, streets and museums, for low cost or free. The project, which brought documentaries to Tijuana and Mexicali earlier this summer, aims to foster an interest in that film genre in Mexico.
The actor commented on his award the day after it was announced.
"Hugs to my friends!," he wrote in his Twitter account in response a congratulations message. "It's the first time that I get so excited about an award. It would be cool to do something funny in the ceremony. Cheers!"
The award will be presented in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 13 at a gala dinner, which has a theme "Migration and Development: Stories that Make a Difference."
García Bernal, 32, is one of the leading actors and directors in Latin America. He started acting in Mexican soap operas as a child and has gone on to star in such hits as "Y tu mamá también" and "Amores Perros," which drew the attention of Hollywood. In the United States, his English-language films include "The Motorcycle Diaries", "The Science of Sleep" and "Babel."
The Washington Office for Latin America, founded in 1974, promotes human rights, democracy and social justice by working with partners in Latin America and the Caribbean to shape policies in the United States and abroad.
Andrea.garcia@sandiegored.com
