The Forgotten Village, Part 1

"The Forgotten Village, Part 1" is the opening segment of a 1941 documentary film, filmed entirely in Mexico with a cast composed solely of native Mexican peasants, doctors, teachers, and other locals, lending authenticity to its portrayal of rural life. Written by John Steinbeck, who crafted both the story and screenplay, the film is narrated by Burgess Meredith, directed and produced by Herbert Kline, photographed by Alexander Hackensmid, assisted in production by Rosa Harvan Kline, and scored by Hanns Eisler. Set in the fictional pueblo of Santiago in Mexico’s mountains, it introduces the tale of Juan Diego, a young boy caught between tradition and modernity. The narrative begins with the evocative line: "This is the story of the little pueblo of Santiago in the mountains of Mexico. And this is the story of the boy Juan Diego, and of his people who live in the moment when the past steps reluctantly into the future," setting the stage for a poignant exploration of cultural transition and the impact of modern medicine on an indigenous community.