The Latino Student Association of the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism partnered with the Chicano and Latino Studies Department of American Studies at USC on Sept. 30 to bring acclaimed documentary director Luis Mandoki to campus to discuss his film Fraude Mexico 2006.

A press conference and question-and-answer session, one day after the film was screened for students at Parkside’s “Performance Cafe” space, called attention to the volatile political situation around which Fraude Mexico was made. Shot during the contested 2006 presidential election in Mexico between candidates Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador – who was also present at USC for the conference – and conservative Felipe Calderon, history was made when the outcome was ultimately decided by a government commission amid charges of widespread tampering.

According to Mayareleasing.com, which has brought the film to college campuses and other places with large numbers of politically active students, the film documents a “particularly important moment for Mexico and the United States,” given the gravity of the current election in this country.

Mandoki’s connection to the material was first-hand, as he filmed what would soon become apparent was manipulation of electoral processes in Mexico. His concern for the future of democracy in Mexico led him, he said, to see the film forward.

“I am hoping that the documentary will motivate people to vote,” he said in an official statement. “To realize the importance and sacredness of what democracy means. At the same time democracy is very fragile. And In Mexico it was completely vulnerable...I saw that it was a completely manipulated election. The Gore-Bush election in the United States was nothing compared to what happened here.”

Although the press conference touched more on politics than on the film, which has become the highest-grossing documentary film ever shot in Mexico, Mandoki expressed his satisfaction at the turnout of students who saw his film.

“I think USC’s a great school,” Mandoki said after the conference. “Great filmmakers come out of here. And students care about the truth, especially when the truth is covered up.”