Review of Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery (2014) by Laura H — 30 Nov 2014

Who are the people we love, and what are the events that impact their lives? What can we learn personally as well as in a historical context when we bravely inquire into the past?

These are the questions writer/director Walter Dominguez set out to answer for himself in this haunting documentary about his Grandfather, the Reverend Emilio Hernandez in "Weaving the Past-Journey of Discovery". During a time when Mr. Dominguez was questioning the meaning in his own life after his beloved Grandfather's passing, a beautiful, antique image of a man found among Emilio's belongings inspired Mr. Dominguez to inquire further into his Grandfather's background. His initial inquiry leads to a thirteen year journey of personal and historical discovery- from the personal story of Emilio as a young boy who is taken in by a wealthy "Hacendado" family in Mexico, to his friendship and migration to the United States with the "Poet" of the 1910 Mexican Revolution, Praxedis Guerrero, Mr. Dominguez weaves the personal story of his Grandfather with the important historical events that shaped the relationship of two countries- Mexico and the United States- at the turn of the 20th Century.

Using historical photos, beautifully acted vignettes, and superb historical research, Mr. Dominguez draws the viewer into his personal historical drama. And in learning about the characters and events of the Reverend Emilio Hernandez' life, we are also impressed by how the story of one man in historical context continues to inform and challenge us on the issues facing us today-poverty, immigration, and race relations.

I loved this film, not only because it is a beautiful personal story, but because it has inspired me to think and think again about the current challenges we face today in America today. Who do we want to be as a nation? What legacy will we leave for our children? And on a personal level, I love this film because it has inspired me to seek answers to my own questions in the historical context of the people who have inspired and shaped my own life.