Marcos Zurinaga, director behind such projects as “La Gran Fiesta” and “Tango Bar”, was born on September 6, 1952 in Puerto Rico, the youngest of two children fathered by an accountant and a teacher. The filmmaker received his primary and secondary model school of the University of Puerto Rico and then in the first educational establishment in the country, completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Literature.
In 1972 Zurinaga, diploma in hand, traveled to France with the idea of starting a Masters degree in the field of letters. There, after visiting a friend who was studying film, Mark decided to change his plans to devote himself to cinema.
He returned to Puerto Rico, Marcos Roberto Gandara joined him and founded the company Zaga Films. He began directing film projects as “We were always here” (1977), “Alicia Alonso and the Ballet of Cuba” (1979) and “A Step Away” (1980). The latter, narrated by Orson Wells and exhibited in theaters in the country, earned him plaudits… read more
Marcos Zurinaga, director behind such projects as “La Gran Fiesta” and “Tango Bar”, was born on September 6, 1952 in Puerto Rico, the youngest of two children fathered by an accountant and a teacher. The filmmaker received his primary and secondary model school of the University of Puerto Rico and then in the first educational establishment in the country, completed a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Literature.
In 1972 Zurinaga, diploma in hand, traveled to France with the idea of starting a Masters degree in the field of letters. There, after visiting a friend who was studying film, Mark decided to change his plans to devote himself to cinema.
He returned to Puerto Rico, Marcos Roberto Gandara joined him and founded the company Zaga Films. He began directing film projects as “We were always here” (1977), “Alicia Alonso and the Ballet of Cuba” (1979) and “A Step Away” (1980). The latter, narrated by Orson Wells and exhibited in theaters in the country, earned him plaudits from critics.
In the mid 80’s Mark made his first feature “La Gran Fiesta.” Starring Daniel Lugo, Cordelia Gonzalez, EG Marshall and with the special participation of Raul Julia, the film combines aspects of the intricate political situation in the 40’s in Puerto Rico with a family drama and a love story, which develops during the last party that was held at the Casino in San Juan.
Two years later, he made “Tango Bar”, starring Raul Julia and singer Valeria Lynch Argentina. This co-production of Argentina and Puerto Rico is the story of the tango, their diffusion and acceptance in America and Europe as well as the evolution of their choreographed steps.
The movie, filmed in Buenos Aires, was acclaimed and awarded in several film festivals, among them the International Film Festival in Cartagena, Colombia, where he was victorious in the categories of Best Cinematography (by Marcos Zurinaga) and Best Score (by Atilio Legaspi).
At the dawn of the 90’s, led the unit Zurinaga “Under the Skin” with a cast led by Cordelia González, Pablo Alarcon and Claribel Medina. The film, which addresses the issue of domestic violence, was co-produced by Zaga Films and the Commission on Women’s Affairs of the Government of Puerto Rico.
With over 30 years dedicated to directing and producing commercials for the international market, Marcos made the 1992 documentary majestic Puerto Rico, which was presented at the National Pavilion in the Expo Seville in Spain. In the same Zurinaga showed the natural beauty of Borinquen, and the distinctive aspects of Puerto Rico today.
During the 90’s, music specials Zurinaga led the People’s Bank “A people that sings” (1994), “The spirit of a people” (1995), “We are one people” (1996) and “Always brown skin” ( 1997), among others. These productions, expected by Puerto Ricans during the holiday season, have had the presence of singers like Gilberto Santa Rosa, José Feliciano, Ednita Nazario and Marc Anthony among others.
In 1997, Mark directed his third feature ¨ The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca ¨, based on the life of poet and playwright Federico García Lorca Spanish. The film, a co-production between Puerto Rico, the U.S. and Spain, managed to unite three Latino talents: Andy Garcia, Esai Morales and Edward James Olmos.
In the late 90’s, Zurinaga was established in Los Angeles, California, where he served as executive producer of the film “The Lost City” starring and directed by Cuban-born actor Andy Garcia. —prpop.org
