- Apply
- Visit
- Request Info
- Give
Published on October 24, 2024
As part of the University’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, the World Languages and Cultures Dept partnered with the Organization of Latin American Students (OLAS) and Freedom, two student groups, to bring a mini Hispanic film festival to campus.
Based on student input, three award-winning Spanish language films were selected, Niñas Araña, Los Lobos, and Cronos. Collectively, the selected films span topics, genres and geography, offering something for nearly everyone’s cinematic interests.
The festival kicked off on October 3 with a showing of Niñas Araña, a 2017 action thriller by Guillermo Helo that chronicles the real-life events of three teenage girls in Chile. As near contemporaries, student connected with the characters of the film. As one reviewer stated, “what appears to be a simple story of “haves and have nots” is actually a tale of young women battling identity, social status, and shame. The girls learn that even though they lust to walk in someone else’s shoes, they will not always fit.”[1]
The following Thursday, the film series continued with a screening of Los Lobos (2019), an intimate portrayal of a family’s immigration story told primarily through the experience of two young brothers. With highs and lows, elements of sacrifice and betrayal, moments of love and kindness, this Samuel Kishi’s film tugged at students’ heart strings. Following the screening, Freedom and OLAS hosted a discussion for students to work through some of the elements and themes presented in the story.
On October 17, the mini film festival concluded with a classic, Guillermo del Toro’s first feature film, Cronos (1993). This horror/thriller was a fitting selection for October, a month commonly thought for all things creepy and eerie. The storyline centers on a mysterious ancient device that compels the film’s characters to to steal, deceive and even kill. This screening left many viewers squirming in their seats.
To add to the experience of the film screenings, popcorn and snacks from around Latin America were available. Some student favorites were Achiras from Colombia, tamarind PulparinDots from Mexico and carmelos de leches. Yum!
The film festival, snacks and all programs associated with Eastern’s celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month were made possible by the Office of Equity and Diversity.