María Félix: La Doña

 

Jul 11–27, 2025

Museum of Modern Art

 

La mujer sin alma (The Woman Without a Soul). 1944

 

“María Félix was born twice: first when her parents brought her into the world, and again when she invented herself.” 

—Octavio Paz, Razón y elogio de María Félix

 

The greatest international star to emerge from the Mexican cinema’s “Época de Oro,” María Félix (1914–2002) is still revered by Latin American audiences as “La Doña.” Félix was not merely a star—she was a cultural phenomenon who redefined femininity on screen through her portrayals of difficult, domineering women who defiantly operated outside the social conventions of her time.

 

This program showcases a selection of her most significant works, made between 1942 and 1957, including collaborations with leading directors like Emilio Fernández and Roberto Gavaldón. From her breakthrough role in Doña Bárbara to the internationally acclaimed Enamorada, these films capture the commanding screen presence that made Félix an enduring symbol of Mexican cultural identity.

 

Her European career is represented by Jean Renoir’s French Cancan (1955), highlighting her international success despite famously refusing to learn English, turning down a starring role in Hollywood’s Duel in the Sun, and maintaining a proud disdain for the American film industry. Off-screen, her tumultuous relationship with composer Agustín Lara, close friendships with artistic luminaries like Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, and the exotic rumors that fed Mexico’s tabloid press enhanced her mystique as one of Mexico’s—and world cinema’s—most captivating figures.

 

 

#Que Dios me perdone (May God Forgive Me). 1948. Directed by Tito Davison

Fri, Jul 11, 7:00 p.m./ Fri, Jul 18, 7:00 p.m.

 

#Enamorada (In Love). 1946. Directed by Emilio Fernández

Sat, Jul 12, 4:00 p.m./ Sat, Jul 19, 7:00 p.m./ Thu, Jul 24, 4:00 p.m.

 

#La diosa arrodillada (The Kneeling Goddess).1947. Directed by Roberto Gavaldón

Sat, Jul 12, 6:30 p.m./ Sat, Jul 19, 4:00 p.m./ Sat, Jul 26, 7:00 p.m.

 

#El peñón de las ánimas (The Rock of Souls). 1942. Directed by Miguel Zacarías

Sun, Jul 13, 1:00 p.m./ Sun, Jul 20, 1:00 p.m./ 

 

#La mujer de todos (Everybody’s Woman). 1946. Directed by Julio Bracho

Sun, Jul 13, 4:00 p.m./ Tue, Jul 22, 7:00 p.m.

 

#Río Escondido (Hidden River).1948. Directed by Emilio Fernández

Mon, Jul 14, 4:00 p.m./ Fri, Jul 18, 4:00 p.m./ Fri, Jul 25, 7:00 p.m.

 

#Doña Bárbara. 1943. Directed by Fernando de Fuentes

Mon, Jul 14, 7:00 p.m./ Sun, Jul 20, 4:00 p.m./ Sat, Jul 26, 4:00 p.m.

 

#Maclovia. 1948. Directed by Emilio Fernández

Tue, Jul 15, 4:00 p.m./ Mon, Jul 21, 4:00 p.m./ Sun, Jul 27, 1:00 p.m.

 

#Tizoc. 1957. Directed by Ismael Rodriguez

Tue, Jul 15, 7:00 p.m./ Mon, Jul 21, 7:00 p.m./ Fri, Jul 25, 4:00 p.m.

 

#French Cancan. 1954. Directed by Jean Renoir

Wed, Jul 16, 4:30 p.m./ Tue, Jul 22, 4:30 p.m./ Sun, Jul 27, 4:00 p.m.

 

#Doña Diabla. 1950. Directed by Tito Davison

Wed, Jul 16, 7:00 p.m./ Wed, Jul 23, 4:30 p.m.

 

#La mujer sin alma (The Woman Without a Soul). 1944. Directed by Fernando de Fuentes

Thu, Jul 17, 4:00 p.m./ Wed, Jul 23, 7:00 p.m.

 

#Amok. 1944. Directed by Antonio Momplet

Thu, Jul 17, 7:00 p.m./ Thu, Jul 24, 7:00 p.m.

https://www.moma.org/calendar/film