Alex Meneses On “The Wall of Mexico” & the Need for More Latinx Representation in Hollywood

The Wall of Mexico, directed by Zachary Cotler and Magdalena Zyzak, is a beautiful cinematographic allegory about immigration, the “haves” and the “have-nots”, and the perils of hidden secrets. The film stars Alex Meneses, who plays Monica Arista, the matriarch of a wealthy Mexican-American family who own a mystical water well that the townspeople are dependent upon. Esai Morales plays her husband, Henry Arista, and together they oversee their massive estate known as “Mexico” and hire a young man (Jackson Rathbone) to guard the well. Meneses shines as the authoritative matriarch who will do absolutely anything in her power to protect her family and the well. The film, which premiered at SXSW in 2019 to rave reviews, is written with a political slant that begs audiences to consider our nation’s division of color, class, and negative Latinx rhetoric. We sat down with Alex Meneses to talk about the film’s political point-of-view and the need for more Latinx representation in Hollywood.

You’re a veteran actress with so many great roles under your belt. What inspired you to take on this particular role? 

The title of this film is very misleading; it’s not about the kind of wall that Trump wants to put up around the border of Mexico. Rather, it’s an intelligent script, an allegory, about our current immigration policies. The Aristas are a beautiful, wealthy, well-educated family who live in a sprawling hacienda. They own a well that has been in the family for generations upon generations. Rumor has it that the well is full of magical powers, as the Aristas never seem to age. Many believe it’s the fountain of youth, so the townspeople begin stealing the water. In response, the Aristas build a wall around the well to keep the locals out.

The film got so many great reviews. Why do you think it Resonated so well with critics?

It’s a beautifully shot film (with a great script and cast) that serves as a message about what is happening in and around our country without banging it over your head. It’s an artistic film with such an important message.

Where did filming take place?

We filmed in Tecate, Mexico with our entire crew being from Tijuana. It was so great filming a movie about Americans with an entire crew from Mexico.

You’re an advocate for seeing more Latinx stories in Hollywood. How Do you think the landscape is improving?

I really thought it was getting better, but lately, everything has been getting cancelled (The Baker and the Beauty, ABC; Vida, Starz; Party of Five, Freeform, etc.). I push very hard to tell our stories, and not just stereotypical Latino stories. Our stories are bigger than being “just Latino” stories. We don’t just need more Latino shows, but we simply need more Latinos in shows. Everyday shows about everyday life. Rom-coms, thrillers, action-adventure stories, and more. Our stories don’t only have to revolve around immigration, crime, or trauma. We are part of everyone’s story, in one way or another.

Not only is Meneses a gifted actress, but she is a philanthropist who serves on the boards for United Hope for Animals, The Chicago Symphony, and is a member of The Chicago Historical Society. She is also involved with The San Fernando Valley Refugee Children Center, a non-profit organization that has helped raise funds to support over 700 unaccompanied minors in the San Fernando Valley and over 3,000 seeking asylum in Los Angeles and Southern California. You can read more about her work with the organization here.

You can now stream The Wall of Mexico on any device and watch the official trailer below. Read more about this ALMA and Imagen Award nominated actress and how she conquers self-doubt here.

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