Jesus Malverde, the Patron Saint of Bad Green?
Back in March I attended the Other Venice Film Festival where I had the pleasure of viewing "Jesus Malverde," a documentary about the patron saint of narcotics. I wondered if it was for real? Yes! The film is from seasoned documentary director Glenn Stewart. In spite of some obsticles, Glenn managed to remain neutral and concise with the controversial film. Not long after seeing the film, I was surprised to see Mr Bad Green himself on a wall in Las Vegas. After watching the film maybe you'll recognize him too.
Angel M
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I was born in Louisville, Ky. - white middle-class family, BUT that’s where IT STOPS! I went to five grade schools and 3 high schools and am not an Army Brat (I coined the phrase Executive Brat) I was always the new girl (somewhere, in the middle of a school year) with the unusual first name, Glenn and a French last name, Gummere, which was always mispronounced! The French teachers, of course loved it! I was the dancer and the creative in my family, so I think in my formative years, I knew what it was like to be different, be true to yourself and try to get along socially (I was never attracted to the clique thing). I used the arts and languages to express myself. I started French in the seventh grade and studied it all the way through college. I still read it and speak it (very useful, for example, recently at a film festival in Lafayette, Louisiana) I’m also conversant in Spanish.
Culturally, my family was fairly conservative, again I was on a different path, but they were a very verbal family (storytellers) enjoying lots of movies, books and newspapers.
I worked for KCUR 89.3 FM, the National Public Radio (NPR) affiliate in Kansas City, as a co-host and guest host on The Walt Bodine Show for six years. I also produced and co-hosted WeekEnds a national talk show, at 710 KCMO AM. Also, during this time, worked as on-screen talent for television commercials, voice-overs and training videos. (Member of AFTRA) I loved the camaraderie and always paid attention to sets, lighting et al. This experience provided a transition to field producing for KMBC-TV a local ABC affiliate, I was able to create topics, find locations, set up shots and produce three segments a week for a local television commentator. I loved the challenge of getting a story across in a short length of time. My interest in field production led preferring to stay behind the camera to create, produce and direct.
I saw “My Brother’s Keeper” (6 times and cried every time) I knew then I wanted to make Docs with little budgets. I decide that short Docs worked for me!
I’ve always been attracted to myth in the Latino culture, enjoying that concept in books and movies. I wanted to examine the cultural complexity of revered narco saint Jesus Malverde the patron saint of smugglers and drug traffickers, the drug trafficking world, mysterious beliefs and how this impacts Mexican and American culture. I’m also fascinated how myth, the Catholic Church and Saints (canonized and otherwise) appear to be present and peacefully co-existing in this rich culture. During several Q&As, I’ve been asked if I’ll go to Sinaloa to work on the expanded piece. My answer is NO. He’s here! To me, that is what is so fascinating and begs to be told.
I first learned about Jesus Malverde by the two cops I interview, Bill and Santiago, who have been friends of mine for about 5 years. I met them where we all get coffee. (I figured out they were undercover but never said anything to them) They both like the arts and we would hang out and discuss movies, music etc. Eventually they left UC (undercover), as it is very stressful. They began to regale me with their stories. One day they were recounting a raid and Santiago said, “so we gained entrance to this place, there were drugs and guns, and over on one wall was a picture of The Virgin of Guadalupe and on the other wall was Jesus Malverde”. I literally jumped up and shouted, “Wait, Malverde? Bad green!” I said, “Does that mean what I think it does?” Yes! They said. “That’s it’, I said, ‘we’re doing a Doc on this, are you in?” We all high-fived. I went straight to my computer and googled Malverde. After realizing that PBS and Frontline had done Docs about him, I decided that I would tell the story from a different perspective. I would “interrogate” Bill and Santiago and have them tell the story about their introduction to Malverde
DocFeast fim festival
DocFeast is a half-day festival including a seminar, feature and two short Docs. (see attached flyer) & (newspaper) I thought of a Feast for Doc lovers in a one-day buffet. Although there are several Film fests in Kansas City, I wanted to create something that focused only on Documentaries. I’m looking for an underwriter for the next event.
Well, there is a challenge to being a female and a woman of a certain age! I am aware of this, but do not consider any of this stuff intentional, but nonetheless present. There is always a way to make things work for you! Also, I've had some pretty funny experiences with the name Glenn, where I'm pretty sure I got an initial response, assuming I was a male!
There are more tangible obstacles. For example, my first attempt with the Malverde project, I worked with a woman who, at the end of the project, felt she didn’t want to give me the tapes she had shot. I was incredibly frustrated, but did not take it personally, as she had some difficulty getting along with a lot of people and had left town. Bill and Santiago were swell, and said we’ll do it again. The second attempt was with a guy who worked in-house for a Casino, but really wanted to do an art project. We all assembled, but he never showed up.
The positive thing about all this is that by this time I had acquired a singer who recorded Sweet Leaf for me, hooked up with two incredible shooters and editors, Todd Norris and Joe Allen, and had done mega-hours of research on Malverde. Bill and Santiago were still totally supportive. A year, after the first attempt, it finally all came together, and went without a blip. We won First Place Narrative and Audience Choice (see attached Star article) at the “Every Picture Tells a Story” IFC event.
In another instance of an obstacle, I had so many problems with a Jazz piece I was working on (and still am). We set up a 3 camera shoot at a Jazz venue, where I had shot before and had permission to do so again. The owner was mad about something, unrelated to us and tossed us out! During the duration of this attempt to capture The Scamps (all Jazz Elder Statesmen), two of the performers died, and a third had a stroke. We actually discussed making a short piece a la *Swimming to Cambodia* narrating all the obstacles, that almost became their own story! Presently, I am in the process of editing what I have (and will include some still photos) to compensate for what wasn't shot into 1-3 minute pieces.
I do know this, if you believe in your project stay on it and it WILL happen. I’ve learned to follow my Scorpio instinct about what to let go of and when to persist.
Glenn Stewart
Producer / Director
Creative Juices Productions
NOTE: To see the film go to Glenn's website.
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