Cabeza de Vaca
Synopsis
In 1528, a Spanish expedition flounders off the coast of Florida with 600 lives lost. One survivor, Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, roams across the American continent searching for his Spanish comrades. Instead, he discovers the Iguase, an ancient Indian tribe. Over the next eight years, Cabeza de Vaca learns their mystical and mysterious culture, becoming a healer and a leader. But soon this New World collides with the Old World as Spanish conquistadors seek to enslave the Indians, and Cabeza de Vaca must confront his own people and his past.
Top Cast
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Juan Diego
Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca
Roberto Sosa
Cascabel / Araino
Carlos Castanon
Castillo
Gerardo Villarreal
Estebanico
Roberto Cobo
Lozoya
José Flores
Malacosa
Farnesio de Bernal
Fray Suárez
Josefina Echánove
Anciana Avavar
Ramón Barragán
Pánfilo de Narváez
Julio Solórzano Foppa
Alcaraz
Daniel Giménez Cacho
Dorantes
Max Kerlow
Man in armor
Jorge Santoyo
Aide de camp
José Manuel Poncelis
Wounded Indian
Mayra Sérbulo
Release History & Theatrical Window
Toronto International Film Festival
Festival / Special Debut
April 17, 1992
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Nicolás Echevarría
- Screenplay & Story
- Nicolás Echevarría, Guillermo Sheridan
- Original Score
- Mario Lavista
- Original Title
- Cabeza de Vaca
- Country of Origin
- Mexico, Spain, United Kingdom, United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- Latin, Spanish
- Runtime
- 1h 51m
- Production Studios
- American Playhouse, Cooperativa José Revueltas, Fondo de Fomento a la Calidad Cinematográfica, Gobierno del Estado de Coahuila, Gobierno del Estado de Nayarit, Grupo Alica, Iguana Producciones, Sociedad Estatal Quinto Centenario, Sociedad Estatal para la Ejecucion de Programas del V Centenario, Universidad de Guadalajara, TVE, Instituto Mexicano de Cinematografía, Film4 Productions
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Nicolás Echevarría
Nicolás Echevarría, Guillermo Sheridan, Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca
Mario Lavista
Guillermo Navarro
Rafael Castanedo
Bertha Navarro
Department Leadership Roster
Tolita Figueroa
Costume Design
Nicolás Echevarría
Director
Mario Lavista
Original Music Composer
Rafael Castanedo
Editor
Nicolás Echevarría
Screenplay
José Luis Aguilar
Production Design
Guillermo Sheridan
Screenplay
Guillermo Navarro
Director of Photography
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Cabeza de Vaca.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Cabeza de Vaca.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cabeza de Vaca
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Cabeza de Vaca about?
In 1528, a Spanish expedition flounders off the coast of Florida with 600 lives lost. One survivor, Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca, roams across the American continent searching for his Spanish comrades. Instead, he discovers the Iguase, an ancient Indian tribe. Over the next eight years, Cabeza de Vaca learns their mystical and mysterious culture, becoming a healer and a leader. But soon this New World collides with the Old World as Spanish conquistadors seek to enslave the Indians, and Cabeza de Vaca must confront his own people and his past.
Who directed Cabeza de Vaca?
Cabeza de Vaca was directed by Nicolás Echevarría.
Who stars in Cabeza de Vaca?
The principal cast of Cabeza de Vaca includes Juan Diego, Roberto Sosa, Carlos Castanon, Gerardo Villarreal, Roberto Cobo.
When was Cabeza de Vaca released and how long is it?
Cabeza de Vaca was released in 1991 with a total runtime of 1h 51m.
Who composed the musical score for Cabeza de Vaca?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Cabeza de Vaca was composed by Mario Lavista.
Is Cabeza de Vaca based on a book or true story?
Cabeza de Vaca is adapted from the following source material: Novel: "Alvar Nunez Cabeza de Vaca".
What is the age rating and content advisory for Cabeza de Vaca?
Cabeza de Vaca holds official age classifications: FR: TP; US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).