Clemente de la Cerda
Encyclopedia
Clemente de la Cerda was a film director in Venezuela
.
He directed one of the highest grossing Venezuelan films, Soy un delincuente (I am a criminal), in 1976.
His movies were notable for their depiction of social problems.
, in 1935. Although he had no formal education, he studied at the School of Fine Arts in Caracas. Between 1962 and 1963 he attended the Venezuelan Institute of Film Studies, then directed by the actor Luis Salazar. Later, he studied theater with Humberto Orsini in the Central University of Venezuela
for eight months. At the same time he began work with Televisa
(later Channel 4) as an assistant cameraman, worked his way up to directing music programs and soap operas. After VTR (Video Tape Recorder
) technology appeared, he decided to leave TV movies, and started working in news and advertising, first as a cameraman and then as director.
His Soy un delincuente (I am a criminal) in 1976 earned more at the box office than Jaws by Steven Spielberg
.
This movie challenged Venezuelan cinematic traditions by questioning the material conditions and psychological assumptions of society. It established him as a leading director.
His 1979 movie The crime of the criminal was based on a lawyer's murder at the hands of the Carmona CAT vigilante group led by former head of the PTJ, Manuel Molina Gasperi.
The 1979 film Compañero de viaje (Traveling Companion) was based on the book by Orlando Araujo. He also directed the 1980 telenovela Elizabeth
.
He was attacked by intellectuals because he failed to follow the rules, and because his films were always based on the lives of ordinary people.
In 1985, a year after his death, the National Council published a book titled Clemente de la Cerda, texts, films, illustrations, which made an exhaustive study of Cerda's cinematographic work.
Venezuela
Venezuela , officially called the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela , is a tropical country on the northern coast of South America. It borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the south...
.
He directed one of the highest grossing Venezuelan films, Soy un delincuente (I am a criminal), in 1976.
His movies were notable for their depiction of social problems.
Early years
Clemente de la Cerda was born in Chichiriviche, Falcón StateFalcón
Falcón State is one of the 23 states into which Venezuela is divided. The state capital is Coro.-Demographics and geography:Falcón State covers a total surface area of 24,800 km² and, in 2010, had an estimated population of 950,057. The Paraguaná Peninsula is connected to the rest of the...
, in 1935. Although he had no formal education, he studied at the School of Fine Arts in Caracas. Between 1962 and 1963 he attended the Venezuelan Institute of Film Studies, then directed by the actor Luis Salazar. Later, he studied theater with Humberto Orsini in the Central University of Venezuela
Central University of Venezuela
The Central University of Venezuela is a premier public University of Venezuela located in Caracas...
for eight months. At the same time he began work with Televisa
Televisa (Venezuela)
Televisa , officially known as the Televisión Independiente, S.A. became the first privately-owned television station to begin operations in Venezuela. It was the second television station to begin operations after the state-owned Televisora Nacional...
(later Channel 4) as an assistant cameraman, worked his way up to directing music programs and soap operas. After VTR (Video Tape Recorder
Video tape recorder
A video tape recorder is a tape recorder that can record video material, usually on a magnetic tape. VTRs originated as individual tape reels, serving as a replacement for motion picture film stock and making recording for television applications cheaper and quicker. An improved form included the...
) technology appeared, he decided to leave TV movies, and started working in news and advertising, first as a cameraman and then as director.
Director
He began his career as a film director with Isla de sal (Salt Island) and El rostro oculto (the missing face), both released in 1964.His Soy un delincuente (I am a criminal) in 1976 earned more at the box office than Jaws by Steven Spielberg
Steven Spielberg
Steven Allan Spielberg KBE is an American film director, screenwriter, producer, video game designer, and studio entrepreneur. In a career of more than four decades, Spielberg's films have covered many themes and genres. Spielberg's early science-fiction and adventure films were seen as an...
.
This movie challenged Venezuelan cinematic traditions by questioning the material conditions and psychological assumptions of society. It established him as a leading director.
His 1979 movie The crime of the criminal was based on a lawyer's murder at the hands of the Carmona CAT vigilante group led by former head of the PTJ, Manuel Molina Gasperi.
The 1979 film Compañero de viaje (Traveling Companion) was based on the book by Orlando Araujo. He also directed the 1980 telenovela Elizabeth
Elizabeth (telenovela)
Elizabeth was a Venezuelan telenovela that was produced by and seen on Venezuela's Radio Caracas Televisión. This telenovela was written by Pilar Romero and Clemente de la Cerda was its director...
.
He was attacked by intellectuals because he failed to follow the rules, and because his films were always based on the lives of ordinary people.
In 1985, a year after his death, the National Council published a book titled Clemente de la Cerda, texts, films, illustrations, which made an exhaustive study of Cerda's cinematographic work.
Films
| Year | Movie |
|---|---|
| 1964 | Isla de sal |
| 1964 | El rostro oculto |
| 1971 | Sin fin (Endless) |
| 1976 | Soy un delincuente |
| 1977 | Reincidente (Repeat Offender) |
| 1979 | El crimen del penalista (The crime of the criminal) |
| 1979 | Compañero de viaje (Traveling Companion) |
| 1983 | Agua que no has de beber (Water not for drinking) (Comedy) |
| 1984 | Retén de Catia |