Filmmaker Natalia Almada looks at the history of Mexico through a unique lens--her great-grandfather was Plutarco Elias Calles, a revolutionary general who became president of Mexico in 1924.  He remains a controversial figure, remembered as much for his legacy in founding Mexico's premier political party and helping create its government as his dictatorial style and violent rule.

Almada used personal footage, archival footage, and scenes from Hollywood films to help piece together a portrait of her great-grandfather--and a portrait of Mexico. She joins us in studio to discuss the process of making the film, which won the 2009 Sundance Film Festival U.S. Directing Award.

El General can be streamed online from July 21 through Oct. 12 at pov.org.