La Santa Muerte
Eva Aridjis, Mexico & USA, 2007, 84 min

Trailer for the documentary Saint Death (La Santa Muerte), directed and produced by Eva Aridjis, narrated by Gael García Bernal, distributed by Seventh Art Releasing.

In Mexico there is a cult that is rapidly growing – the cult of Saint Death. This female grim reaper, considered a saint by followers but Satanic by the Catholic Church, is worshipped by people whose lives are filled with danger and/or violence – criminals, gang members, transvestites, sick people, drug addicts, and families living in rough neighborhoods. “La Santa Muerte” examines the origins of the cult and takes us on a tour of the altars, jails, and neighborhoods in Mexico where the saint’s most devoted followers can be found.

lasantamuertefilm.com

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March 7, 2011 on Al Jazeera English:

As Mexico’s drug-related violence continues, some are finding comfort in spirituality.

 

It is a mainly Catholic nation, but as Al Jazeera’s Franc Contreras reports from Mexico City, many are turning to religious figures rooted in Mexico’s indigenous past.

 

One alternative is the saint of death, also known as Santa Muerte.