Emilio Fernández

Emilio "El Indio" Fernández (born Emilio Fernández Romo, Spanish: [eˈmiljo feɾˈnandes ˈromo]; March 26, 1904 – August 6, 1986) was a Mexican film director, actor and screenwriter. He was one of the most prolific film directors of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema in the 1940s and 1950s. He is best known for his work as director of the film Maria Candelaria, which won the Palme d'Or award at the 1946 Cannes Film Festival. As an actor, he worked in numerous film productions of Mexico and also in Hollywood.

Early life

Born in Sabinas, Coahuila, on March 26, 1904, Emilio Fernández Romo was the son of a revolutionary general and a woman descendant of Kickapoo Indians. He was the older brother of the Mexican actor Jaime Fernández. From his parents he inherited the deep feeling and love for his country, as well as customs, indigenous beliefs and thoughts that led him to build his personality as a man of impetuous character. From his earliest years and throughout his life was characterized by a strong personality, brash character and strong indigenous roots, traits forged by the great influence exercised by his family in it.