Films for Hispanic Heritage Month

 

September 15 marks the beginning of Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of hispanic individuals. This year, we would like to highlight several films by hispanic directors, available for checkout with your library card.

Bacurau, by Brazilian director Kleber Mendonça Filho, is a thriller set in a small, remote village in the near future. After the death of the village matriarch, strange events unfold, including the sudden disappearance of the town from maps and a series of mysterious attacks. The community soon discovers that they are being hunted by outsiders, leading them to band together in unexpected and fierce resistance. The film blends elements of Westerns, political allegory, and social commentary on colonialism and exploitation.

Amores Perros, by Mexican director Alejandro G. Iñárritu, is a gritty, multi-layered drama that weaves together three interconnected stories through a single, life-altering car accident in Mexico City. Each story explores love, loss, and survival in different social classes, from a troubled young man entangled in dogfighting, to a model facing tragedy, to a mysterious ex-guerrilla turned hitman. The film delves into the dark side of human relationships, underscoring themes of loyalty, violence, and redemption.

Pelo Malo, by Venezuelan director Mariana Rondón, is a coming-of-age drama that follows Junior, a young boy living in a Caracas housing project, as he grapples with his identity and a strained relationship with his mother. Junior becomes obsessed with straightening his curly hair, which he believes will make him look more handsome, but his mother disapproves, interpreting his desire as a sign of possible queerness. The film explores themes of poverty, machismo, and social expectations, while tenderly portraying a child's search for self-expression in a difficult environment.

Zama, by Argentine director Lucrecia Martel, is a slow-burning, atmospheric drama set in colonial Paraguay during the late 18th century. The film follows Don Diego de Zama, a Spanish officer stationed in a remote outpost, who becomes increasingly desperate to receive a long-promised transfer to Buenos Aires. As his request is continuously delayed, Zama's life unravels amid bureaucratic indifference, personal frustrations, and the harsh landscape, reflecting his inner decay. The film is a meditation on colonialism, existential longing, and the disintegration of power.

Language Lessons, by Cuban director Natalie Morales, is a heartfelt drama that unfolds through virtual interactions between Adam, a man grieving a personal loss, and Cariño, his Spanish teacher, who was hired to give him lessons online. Initially awkward, their relationship deepens as they navigate vulnerability, cultural differences, and unexpected emotional connections. Through their lessons, the film explores themes of friendship, grief, and human connection in the digital age.

La Llorona, by Guatemalan director Jayro Bustamante, is a horror-drama that intertwines supernatural elements with real-world political trauma. The story follows a disgraced former military dictator on trial for genocide against Indigenous people, whose family is haunted by the vengeful spirit of La Llorona, a legendary ghost who mourns her drowned children. As the past atrocities resurface, the family is forced to confront both the ghost and the guilt of their complicity, blending folklore with a powerful commentary on historical injustice and accountability.

Looking for something to stream? Check out Kanopy, available with your Grayslake library card! They have a special collection of films dedicated to help you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.