Talkback
How does the fact that the Reynas are women affect their popularity and reception in the mariachi world? Share your response and your reactions to COMPAÑERAS.
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To listen to Reynas music online and find their discography and event dates, visit the Related Links and Resources section on The Film page.
I think it's wonderful that they are women - and about time. I have seen many all-male Mariachi bands, but I would go out of my way to see female Mariachis.
There was an all female Mariachi Band in Topeka in the late early 80's, the Mariachi Estrella de Topeka. They were very good musicians and enjoyed what they were doing very much. In 1981 I was working as a Producer at KTWU-TV, the PBS affiliate in Topeka, KS. I thought the band was great and there was special interest because they were an all Women Mariachi Band. We taped a half hour special show on about July 10th, 1981. they were great to work with because they loved what they were doing so much.
One week later, on July 17, 1981 they were to perform at the Hyatt Regency in Kansas City, MO. That night the Hyatt lobby skywalks collapsed and almost half of the band was tragically killed along with over 100 plus other people, and many more were seriously maimed. It was a terrible loss of special people. I cannot help but think of them every time I hear mariachi music.
I have just run across a short video of these wonderful performers on a local Cinco de Mayo site. I am excited that the film will reach me before Primero de Mayo 2009. I will play it for friends. I read that you filmed a concert in Tijuana, but it is not on the DVD. Can you find a way to share that show with us, por favor?
The film indicated that female mariachis were not only paid less but also were not as dedicated since they had to care for their families, as evidenced by their infant children attending practices. However, the documentary failed to address the issue of an additional "perk" that men and not women musicians in general (not just mariachis) have: groupies. Male mariachis often perform romantic ballads and play to their audiences, which invariably includes women. This leads to another point: the mariachis' attention to their physical appearance. We saw how the women prepared themselves in their dressing room, since their fancy outfits require they also pay attention to their features, especially face and hair. How many of us have ever seen a male mariachi sport a "skinhead" look much less a receding hairline? Why else would the male founder of the Mariachi Reyna wear a wig when interviewed for the film. The film was excellent, but I was disturbed when he mentioned that the female mariachis had to be both musician and homemaker, which took away from their desire to fully dedicate themselves to their careers. The fact that male mariachis have the opportunity to meet women during their performances while their female counterparts do not muddles the issue. The documentary did not show the interaction between singers and their audiences. Sometimes, it is very sublte and nonverbal. And to the defense of some musicians, this is almost a requisite of a mariachi. Why else would romantic ballads be their main staple? Unfortunately, the film did not even address this issue and we as viewers were left with the impression that female mariachis had to overcome personal barriers and not cultural/sexual ones that exist not by design but by default.
Independent Lens comes on Sunday night in Louisiana. I am white, but I wanted to see what these women were all about. I was very impressed! I don't listen to that music, but it was good and they were so professional and trying so hard. Why don't and can't they get the same pay the guys get? They seemed just as good to me! Keep beating at the door maybe, Maybe someday they'll be viewed as equal but different! Keep it up girls!!!!!!!!
Companeras is documentary with great soul. As a Chicagoan who loves the Chicago blues, I can feel some of the same passion in the Mariachi music. The ban members are not just amigas, as Paloma said, they are companeras. They have a greater bond than their male counterparts and it is reflected in their music. Mariachi music is a beautiful addition to the great tapestry of American music and culture.
Incidentally, I remember seeing Cathy, as a youth, playing on the TV program, Cara A Cara, in 1989. What a fine person she turned out to be!
!Que viva Mariachi!
Thank you for showing me the heart of mariachi music. I never realized mariachi music was so soulful and honest. Living in Texas, mariachi bands are somewhat cliche. It was also refreshing to see women baring their souls in the same tradition as their male counterparts.
Unfortunately, the show also showed me that some things remain the same. I was disheartened and saddened by Cindy's experience with Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Here is a woman that gave her whole heart to mariachi and instead of focusing on the similarities that unified them...the other band members chose instead to concentrate on the racial and cultural differences.
I want to applaud Cindy for her whole-hearted passion for mariachi music and the culture from which it came. I wish her all the best in the future.
"Women we really need to get our act together."
Never got a chance to see it. Was it aired more than once? Should be shown over and over like some of those old shows that nobody ever sees.
I found this film to be very compelling, and a story that was long over due in it's telling. These are remarkable women who set the standard for anyone to follow regardless of culture.
Ray Jelley
CEO
AyQueChevere,Inc.
Many of the comments made about the documentary are wonderful. Thank you to all who support Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. I feel very honored to be a member of this group. I have been given the chance to grow a lot as a musician. The musical opportunities I have been given would not be possible had I not been a part of this group.
I would like to say that it was and would still be a great honor to be under the direction of Cindy Reifler Flores. She is a great violinist and a great mariachi musician. Whether she knows it or not, I know that everyone in the group loves, admires, and respects her. The group is not the same without her. I know that her ethnicity is not and has never been an issue for anyone in the group and feel saddened that the documentary might have painted a different picture. As someone points out in a comment, sometimes members of an organization become a bit hostile toward their leader. Cindy was the leader and unfortunately got the brunt of the groups frustrations. However, this in no way meant that we were against her. We love her and miss her terribly.
Watching this film is for me like watching a train wreck. I know it's going to be ugly at the end, and yet I can't stop myself from watching. I thank EVERYONE for their kind comments. When Liz and Matt started filming we had no idea that the movie would turn out this way. Life goes on. I still play (with Mariachi Divas: www.mariachidivas.com
www.myspace.com/mariachidivasdecindyshea) and teach.
For whatever it's worth, I'm still 100% proud to have been a Reyna from the start and to have had the opportunity to participate in the frontlines of History, because although there were other women's groups in the past in the United States and Mexico, Mariachi Reyna IS the one that changed the way the Mariachi world and the world in general sees Mariachi.
FYI :The Reyna's get paid the same as men for chambas, private parties, gigs, jobs whatever you call them. It is only for the big stage shows that there is a big discrepency. To be fair,in the documentary,Monica states what SHE was paid for an evening at Cielito Lindo, Jose's restaurant, which was a steady job or "planta". Not everyone was paid the same.
Ignorance and arrogance prevailed.
Cindy got trampled.
What a shame.
Its NOT true that women mariachi musicians get paid half as much as the men do, and I wish that the documentary wouldn't have said so. The truth is that only the women in Reyna de Los Angeles do. I have been freelancing for years in that circuit and I know this for a fact. I agree with all the support for Cindy Reifler too, seeing as she was the best musician there and could have been making a lot more money for a lot less work with co-ed groups yet chose to stay and lead the violin section for years.
Independent Lens show on Channel 56 April 6-7 2008 11:30PM-12:30AM about the "Companeras" and "Mariachi" bands was enlightening. The show said there have been 21 women's Mexican bands formed since 1994; so it has been successful and more people have found it entertaining.
What I found enlightening or entertaining, about "Companeras" was the women's life as a band from education, audition, rehersal, performing, and I think even discharge or retirement.
Despite the Mariachi bands history as a man's job, the women get a life out of it. Furthermore, they only received half the pay that the men get; so there is more progress to be made. I hope the women will get equal pay in the future and continue in the music field.
Gorgeous film -- both the women and the music. I loved the stories interwoven between the rehearsals and performances. I knew nothing about Mariachi bands before and so enjoyed seeing this new "twist" on a long-standing male-dominated music tradition!
Many succesful male Mariachi groups have Anglo's and other's in their group enjoying to played the "Son de Mariachi" genres, doesn't matter if the person not Mexican for example Linda Rosnstadt.I like how Cindy expression of her Mariachi and "traje de Charro" is tatoo proudly in her persona. Character does count in a successful musician band. Hopefully they all could be reunited again with out one being the top head stone of the group.
This is a remarkable documentry of the talented beautiful woman in mariachi music. The voices...the instruments...the struggle these woman go through! I was not happy at the end result on Mrs. Cindy Flores. I was born and raised in my loving TEXAS and for this yound lady like Cindy to leaving New York and to call California home to study music. She is a strong leader and to love our culture and our music. Yes she is white but her soul is part of us and to hear some of her so called amigas/team speak of her the way they did. To hear over and over again she is white...Im one proud Mexican and Cindy spoke better spanish than me. Maybe once these ladies review this show than can see and hear themselves. I love when another nationality can speak spanish..and to love our culture. I hope some of them will be more open minded and change the world as they are changing the ways of our culture were it was only men in mariachi. I was very proud and yet sad. I myself would of stood next to Cindy for she is a leader in my eyes and would make my family so proud that as a different nationality would be so in love with our culture. I think she was done wrong and I hope she will continue as a musician or intructure to teach our culture the strenght and love in Mariachi!
These women are extremely talented. I can see why Hispanic pride is so strong. Listening to their music allows me to share the rich traditions and culture.
Beautiful and talented women. It was a treat to see and hear them in Rosedale Park.
Upon watching this documentry I was quite disapointed as to the disrepect certain members of Mariachi Reyna had towards former group leader Cindy Reifler Flores.I am fortunate enough to personally know Cindy and to testify to the fact that she is truly a kind and wonderful person. A true professional and a musical perfectionist. My daughter has had the honor of studying under Cindy as a violinist for the past seven years in both classical and mariachi music and continues to this day to have respect and love for her mentor "Cindy". She is living proof as to the insperational impact that Cindy can have on a young female muscian. Perfection at it's finest. My hat goes off to the film makers on such a wonderful insight as to the life of a female mariachi. Glamourous as it may seem reality as it truly is!
Watching this show and hearing the beautiful music just stirred my heart! I have been searching the Internet to try and locate a CD by these talented women, but the links do not work. I would have thought that airing this documentary would have made demand for their music just skyrocket. Is anyine else looking for CDs? Where can I purchase one?
From Kate - your newest fan from Chicago...
Editors Note:
To listen to Reynas music online and find their discography and event dates, visit the Related Links and Resources section on The Film page.
This was a wonderful presentation that I thoroughly enjoyed. As a Mexican American living in Indiana you don't get to hear much mariachi music. Makes me homesick for California.
When I saw the preview for Companeras, I just about fell out of my seat because I recently completed a novel about a family of mariachi. This documentary is invaluable as a research tool and inspiring because to me, female mariachi are regal. Thank you to the film makers and thank you to PBS for showing the world their labor of love.
Best,
Mary C.
I think its GREAT!!! I'm a Latina living in Tennessee. I invite Las Comparenas to Clarksville, TN. I hope this inspires more (Hispanic) women to reach their DREAMS.. I just wish I could sing because, I would be auditioning for them. Much success to Las Comparenas. I just wish I could bring mi Madre to your show or even have you perform for Her. I can always take a 2nd out on my house just to have you perform for her....Call me (931) 237-2909. You have made me a proud Mexicana..Keep up the good work because its much appreciated...
El documental fue hecho con mucho profesionalismo. Yo lo disfrute mucho. Entendi el concepto de la mujer mexicana o no mexicana en el mundo del mariachi. Y no percibi ningun tipo de discriminacion hacia Cindy, como lo dice el señor Jose Portuondo. Como en cualquier organizacion, el encargado y el que lleva la responsabilidad desgraciadamente llevara en su espalda las criticas de los demas, asi sea quien sea la raza. Como dice una cancion (No soy monedita de oro pa' caerle bien a todos) En lo personal Cindy si fue y es uno de los mejores elementos preparados musicalmente. Me da mucho orgullo y honor conocerlas. A todas las admiro mucho por lograr lo que otros mariachis de mujeres no han podido lograr. 14 AÑOS de existencia??!! CARAMBA!!se dice facil. FELICIDADES Y GRACIAS LIZ Y MATT..GREAT JOB!!
Enjoyed your film, butalso foun it disturbing.
I have a problem with how the lone American woman in the group was treated.It appeared the group made it a point to remind her that she in fact was NOT Mexican,in the long run this had to have played a part in her exiting the group. Even though she was one of if not the best musician, she would never have been accepted anayway.Discrimination is discrimination, but oh must it leave a sour taste when it's done to you in your own backyard.I would not attend their concerts.
I just finished reading 500 Years of Chicana Women's History by Elizabeth Betita Martinez and on page 221 of her book, she tells us about Mariachi Estrella de Topeka in the 1980s and early 1990s, an all female band.
Perhaps Mariachi Reynas de Los Angeles is not the first all female mariachi band in the United States, after all.
From filmmaker Liz Massie:
The all-female group, Mariachi Estrella, of Topeka, Kansas, was a local, part-time band - they played occasional church masses starting in 1977. The band was performing at one of its very first private events in 1981 - a New Years party at the Hyatt hotel - when a ramp collapsed, killing 4 of the band members and devastating the group. Today, it continues as a co-ed group.
Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles is the first nationally-known, professional all-female band in the US. Founded to rival all-male professional bands, they perform regularly at large concerts; they have recorded two albums (and are currently recording a third); and they have toured across the US and internationally. They have served as a direct inspiration for other all-female professional bands around the country and have been accepted within the mariachi community as the first all-female band because of the scope of their impact.
I loved seeing this film!! I am a mariachi in Oklahoma City and can truely identify with these ladies,...except for the part about how much they get paid!! I belong to my fathers' mariachi along with the rest of my family including two of my sisters, and he has always instilled in us that we could do anything we wanted to, play any instrument we wanted to and earn equal pay! Seeing that the group only makes about half of what an all male mariachi makes re-assures me that the Mexican culture still has a ways to go to change the "machismo" that has been embedded for centuries. I think this all female mariachi band is a great start! I have begun to start my 11 year old daughter, who plays trumpet in school, to begin learning to play mariachi music. To have a film such as this for her to see is that much more encouraging and inspirational. Thank you so much for this insight you have provided to so many people who might never have known the work, energy and time it takes to be a mom, wife, student, worker and a MARIACHI!!!
I was very moved and happy to see this production of an all female mariachi. It brought home what I love about this music, the beauty, the melodies, the happiness that makes one's heart sing! A beautiful production! We are lucky in Tucson to have a Mariachi Festival and each year it seems to get better... Viva Mariachi!
So beautiful! So touching! So inspiring! Thank you!
I grew up as an Anglo in South Tucson and vicinity in the 40s and 50s. There is a large part of my soul that will always be Mexican despite my European origins. Your music touched me to the core.
¡Viva Las Mujeres! Jorge
Very good piece. I love the group.
Its great to see the all girls Mariachi get some recognition. My wife and I enjoyed listening to them at Cielito Lindo restaurant and to their great music cds. Thank you PBS for airing great programming.
Thanks for a truly awesome program. The spirit, talent, artistry, and dedication of this group was inspiring. I am certain Jose Alfredo Jimenez would be pleased and proud. Que viva la Mariachi Reyna.
This was a beautifully composed and directed program. How magnificently it portrayed the passion, the love, the sheer joy of playing music and at the same time showing the deeper human yearnings beneath and behind the yearning for the fullest life imaginable. This was one of PBS's great triumphs of revealing the human side of greatness, the greatness of humanity, the soft underbelly of sheer existence. I have always been moved by mariachi but never so much as by this extraordinary program.
And to think that I tuned into it quite by accident...
Thanks PBS for making my day.
I think this is incredible, the women are so beautiful and their voices and music are wonderful. Thanks so much for this movie. I am directing a series of traditional foods videos and was wondering if the Companeras would be interested in letting us use a song for one of our soundtracks?
I wish that mi madrecita, who had a beautiful mariachi voice, were here to see women playing la musica del Mariachi. She would have been thrilled. Thanks to our parents who taught us to love the heart and soul of Mexican music.
You should come hear the Mariachi Feminilat the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, Tx.
Here's a contact name, number, plus e-mail.
guerrad@utpa.edu
Being a female mariachi in a male dominated world it does my heart good to see that slowly but surely female musicians are coming of age. It is especially important to me now more than ever since my wonderful, beautiful, and very talented 12 year old daughter, Julieta, has chosen to follow me into this mariachi world. I look forward to viewing this film with her. I want her to see there are so many options out there for her that I never would have imagined twenty some odd years ago when I first picked up a guitarron. I also want Julieta to see that being a mariachera does not have to end at any stage of your life. Thank you to the producers of Companeras for helping get that point across.
It was an honor and pleasure to have my most memorable moments with Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles documented in this beautiful film. I feel fortunate to have this to look back on and remember how hard I worked and how much it meant to me to be a part of such a talented group of women. Although I may be slightly misunderstood or perceived as somewhat of a "groupie" I am happy that my story may influence young women to pursue whatever it is that they feel passionately for. For myself, it was playing Mariachi music alongside the best female Mariachi musicians in the world. Thank you Matthew and Elizabeth for documenting my dream come true. I will cherish this film always. You are both amazingly talented and above all wonderful people!
I commend and thank the filmmakers and producers of this film. Thank you for bringing this film to uplift the hard work and struggles of women in the mariachi music industry. As mexican/american I appreciate and love our music, mariachi music. I have taught my 10 year old daughter (Genesis Codina) since an early age to admire our culture and our music by exposing her to it and be proud of it, never ashamed of her culture. Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles, along with other female mariachi groups of our times have inspired and motivated her to only love our music but to continue the tradition. After a few years of studying mariachi music she has become an accomplished child mariachi singer herself. Being that she is a child and female, she captures the attention of many but at the same time suffers the rejection from other adult mariachi groups, especifically those composed of men. Why? I try to explain it to myself but cannot understand it. I simply cannot figure out if it may be because she is a child or a female involved in male dominated music genre. Thank you once again for letting the world know how important women are not only in our culture but, as embassadors of our beautiful mariachi music. Reynas, your hard work is making a difference and inspiring our future generations. You have definately made a difference in my daughter, Genesis. THANK YOU! (www.genesiscodina.com)
As a father of 3 children (a 17 year-old violinist, 14 year-old trumpeteer; and an 8 year-old as-yet undecided) I look forward to seeing this documentary film. One, it will chronicle the beauty of mariachi music- Mexicos signature style - two, it will inspire us to continue to teach our children the language, music, and stories of our culture. I am certain also that the struggles and achievements of the group serve as great lessons for future generations. Ironically, it is in the United States that this level of professionalism has been attained, not in Mexico where some might say, would make more sense. But age-old views of gender roles there still trail those of this country significantly. Que viva el mariachi, la musica, Mexico, Estados Unidos, y la mujer!!!
