Latin American Studies : Films

A film which unearths the hidden history of black people in Argentina and their contributions to Argentine culture and society, from the slaves who fought in the revolutionary wars against Spain, to the contemporary struggles of black Argentines against racism and marginalization. It provides a counternarrative to the national myth of Argenitna's exclusively European heritage

Interviews with Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, head of the Venezualan Armed Forces Jorge García Cameiro, and other Venezuelans involved in the country's social programs. Chávez discusses the "Bolivarian revolution," the policies of his administration, the role of oil in the Venezuelan economy and relations with the United States. García Cameiro discusses the failed coup against Chávez in 2002.

Shows the Motilon Indians of Venezuela who have become spiritually and economically impoverished and have abandoned their traditional ways, becoming dependent on the missionaries. In contrast, this documentary discusses how the Arhuaco Indians of Colombia expelled the Catholic missionaries and established their own independent education system and a well-organized hierarchical society.

Documents how former drug-trafficker, Anderson Sá and the Grupo Cultural AfroReggae are working to unite a Rio slum, or favela, against a violent drug industry and police oppression.

Presents portraits of three Mayan women and their efforts on behalf of peace as a result of a 36-year civil war in Guatemala. Adela is a widow struggling to support her refugee family, Justina travels the countryside explaining the human rights movement, and Francesca, a Mayan priestess, reaffirms the cultural identity of her people.

A documentary on the liberation struggle being waged throughout Latin America, using Argentina as a historical model.

In rural northwest Argentina, Jujuy and Salta provinces, the indigenous Kolla's land and quality of life is threatened after the government permits a Canadian company, Standard Silver, to open an ambitious open-pit silver mine in the region of Mina Pirquitas.

A central Brazilian Xavante, a Wayuu from Venezuela, and a US anthropologist explore an indigenous campaign to protect a river from devastating effects of uncontrolled Amazonian soy cultivation.

In suburban Buenos Aires, thirty unemployed auto-parts workers walk into their idle factory. All they want is to re-start the silent machine, but this simple act, The take threatens to turn the globalization debate on its head.

Documents the changes wrought by guerrilla warfare and government reprisal in the Indian village of Todos Santos Cuchumatan, in the Guatemalan highlands, since the documentary of that name was made in 1979.

Contemporary artist Vik Muniz takes viewers on an emotional journey to the world's largest landfill of the day, Jardim Gramacho. Here the catadores, who number in the thousands, work under the hot sun collecting recyclable materials such as bottles, plastic, and metal to be sold to wholesalers. Muniz invites the catadores to add refuse to his art, photographing the work from overhead. The finished artwork will then be on display in museums and auctions around the world.

Filmmaker Arturo Pérez Torres follows in the footsteps of two friends traveling on an extraordinary and extremely dangerous journey from Central America to North America. On their journey they encounter gangs and vigilantes, as well as border patrol. But these immigrants navigate real-life nightmares with uncanny calm, grace and even humor in their pursuit of a better life.

Follows unaccompanied child migrants on their journey through Mexico as they try to reach the United States.

Explores the lives of three Huayno musicians in a contemporary Peru torn between the military and the Shining Path guerillas. The film examines the roots of Huayno music as well as its contemporary forms. Rather than focusing on a single community or ethnic group, the film investigates a broad cultural region and illustrates what happens to it as it confronts the commercial traditions and demands of the West.

Rafael is a 42-year-old divorced father and restaurant owner who is overwhelmed with life. When a series of unexpected events happen, Rafael re-evaluates his life.

A drama about a Guatamalan brother and sister seeking better lives. They set out for the promised land, "El Norte."

Luis, a homosexual, and Valentin, a political prisoner are mismatched cell mates in a South American prison. To escape reality Luis invents romantic movies, while Valentin tries to keep his mind on the situation he's in. Eventually, the two men come to understand and respect one another.

Mecha, her husband Gregorio and their friends are spending another stifling day drinking and lounging around the filthy swimming pool of their crumbling summer estate when Mecha stumbles and is badly cut on her broken wine glass. On hearing the news, her less affluent cousin Tali marshals her own large family for a visit. An atmosphere of oppressive humidity and constant foreboding fill this commentary on the decadence, malaise and racism of Argentina's decaying elite.

An Argentine teacher lives in blissful ignorance of the evils perpetrated by her country's government. Over time, she begins to suspect that her adopted daughter may have been the child of a murdered political prisoner. When she attempts to unearth the truth, her investigation reveals levels of political corruption so abhorrent that the illusions of her past life are irrevocably shattered.

A woman is driving alone on a dirt road when she becomes distracted and runs over something. In the days following this jarring incident, she becomes dazed and emotionally disconnected from the people and events in her life. She becomes obsessed with the possibility that she may have killed someone.

A rundown bus station in rural Cuba becomes the backdrop for romance and miracles in Juan Carlos Tabio's blend of magical realism and social commentary.

The dramatization of a motorcycle road trip Che Guevara went on in his youth that showed him his life's calling.

The next tango is the story of Astor Piazzolla, legendary creator of the 'Tango Nuevo.' In this fascinating film, Piazzolla, known in his native Argentina as 'El Gran Ástor, ' performs three of his works with the Cologne Radio Orchestra and talks with Andres Salcedo about his life, his career, and the irresistible phenomenon that is tango.

Two small-time grifters team up to pull off a big-time score involving a set of valuable counterfeit stamps known as the Nine Queens.