Latin American Video List

UCSB Chican@ Video List

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Maid in America Directed by Anayansi Prado
“They clean other people’s homes and raise other families’ children—often leaving their own families behind. This film is an intimate look into the lives of three Latina immigrants working as nannies and housekeepers in Los Angeles, three of the nearly 100,000 domestic workers living in that city today.”
Call Number: Media Collection HD6072.2.U52 L676 2004
For more information see: http://www.wmm.com/filmCatalog/pages/c664.shtml
Maquila: A Tale Of Two Mexicos Directed by Saul Landau and Sonia Argulo
“This film examines the impact of corporate globalization on Mexico, focusing on the maquiladoras, U.S.-owned factories employing cheap Mexican labor. Archival footage and interviews provide historical background to the present crisis, involving the displacement of peasant farmers who migrate to northern border cities such as Juarez and Tiajuana, where they endure dangerous working conditions in the maquilas for starvation wages.”
Call Number: Media Collection HD9734.M42 M37 2000
For more information see: http://www.mediarights.org/film/maquila_a_tale_of_two_mexicos
Miel Para Oshún Directed by Humberto Solás
“When his father dies, a Cuban man who was raised in the United States learns that he was not abandoned by his mother but was illegally taken out of Cuba. He goes back to the island and is helped in his search by a cousin and a taxi driver.”
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997.2 .M545 2004
For more information see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0273812/
Mi Familia Directed by Gregory Nava
“Traces over three generations an immigrant family's trials, tribulations, tragedies, and triumphs. Maria and Jose, the first generation, come to Los Angeles, meet, marry, face deportation all in the 1930's. They establish their family in East L.A., and their children Chucho, Paco, Memo, Irene, Toni, and Jimmy deal with youth culture and the L.A. police in the 50's. As the second generation become adults in the 60's, the focus shifts to Jimmy, his marriage to Isabel (a Salvadorian refugee), their son, and Jimmy's journey to becoming a responsible parent.”
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997.M989 2004
For more information see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0113896/
Mi Otro Yo Directed by Amy Brookman
“A survey of Chicano art, theater and music emphasizing the Chicano experience in California, as shown by examples of the work of, and interviews with, Chicano artists, actors, producers and musicians in California.”
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997.M989 2004
For more information see: http://www.twn.org/record.cgi?recno=117
A Million To Juan Directed by Paul Rodriguez
“All hard-working Juan wants is to make an honest living, raise his son as an American, and get a green card. When he's handed a million dollars, he learns there's more to life than money.”
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997.M57155 1994
For more information see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0110518/
Mujeria I / Mujeria II Directed by Osa Hidalgo-De La Riva
“Uses rap music, animation, and still photographs of Olmec antiquities. Describes Olmec Indian culture, especially of Olmec women, from the viewpoint of a Chicana lesbian.”
Call Number: Media Collection F1219.8.O56 M844 1991
For more information see: http://www.wmm.com/filmcatalog/pages/c26.shtml
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Nada Más Lo Justo! (Only What's Just!) Directed by Francisco Nieto
“This documentary explores the situation of more than 10,000 workers in the strawberry fields of Watsonville, California. While the strawberry industry makes millions of dollars a year, the workers who generate that wealth are mistreated, poorly paid, and discriminated against. Through interviews with workers and union organizers, this video captures the bitter side of the strawberry industry.”
Call Number: Media Collection HD8081.M6 N33 1997
For more information see: http://www.mediarights.org/film/only_whats_just_nada_mas_lo_justo
El Naftazteca: Cyber-Aztec TV For 2000 A.D. Directed by Adriene Jenik
“Interrupting the nightly news in an act of guerrilla television, Gomez-Pena returns to the persona of a Chicano-Aztec veejay—"The Mexican who talks back, the illegal Mexican performance artist with state of the art technology"—to elaborate the complications of American identity. This post-NAFTA Cyber Aztec pirate commandeers the television signal from his underground "Vato bunker", where virtual reality meets Aztec ritual.”
Call Number: Media Collection NX512.G66 A725 1995
For more information see: http://www.vdb.org/smackn.acgi$tapedetail?ELNAFTAZTE
New Audiences For Mexican Music Produced by Linda Cuellar
“The first part of the program describes Banda, a popular dance music that originated in Mexico over a century ago and is now sweeping Los Angeles. The second part of the program features the Texas-based mariachi band, Campanas de América. The third part of the program examines Tejano music.”
Call Number: Media Collection ML3481 .N49 1995
New World Border Directed by Casey Peek
“This film documents the rise of human rights abuses along the US-Mexico border since the implementation of border walls (such as Operation Gatekeeper) that have been erected in populated areas throughout the border region during the last decade.”
Call Number: Reserve Book Service Desk JV6483.N486 2001
For more information see: http://store.gxonlinestore.org/newworldborder.html
El Norte (The North) Directed by Gregory Nava
“Mayan Indian peasants, tired of being thought of as nothing more than "brazos fuertes" ("strong arms", i.e., manual laborers) and organizing in an effort to improve their lot in life, are discovered by the Guatemalan army.”
Call Number: Reserve Book Service Desk PN1997.N54855 2002
For more information see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0085482/
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Oaxacalifornia Directed by Sylvia Stevens
“The film shows the 'Oaxaca Californians' in a variety of daily routines - work, cultural and social. A great deal of attention is given to generational differences in the family and the cultural conflicts the younger people face as Mexicans born in the United States. The film is also about the emotional and cultural ties this family still feel for Mexico and as Mexicans, especially as represented by the annual trips taken by the elder generation back to their home village.”
Call Number: Media Collection F869.F8 O39 1994
For more information see: http://www.lib.unc.edu/house/mrc/films/full.php?film_id=7577
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Los Pastores: The Shepard's Play Directed by Judy Chaikin
“Portrays the revival of Los Pastores (The Shepherd's Play), an ancient Christmas morality play that have long been part of Hispanic folk traditions in the American Southwest. Originally brought to the New World by the Spanish conquistadores and Catholic missionaries, Los Pastores evolved from a strict liturgical drama whose purpose was to teach morality to the indigenous Indian population into a sometimes bawdy and comedic folk play that went out of favor in the twentieth century.”
Call Number: Media Collection PQ7297.A1 P236 1997
For more information see: https://www.facets.org/asticat?function=buyitem&catname=facets&catnum=/60134
Performing The Border Directed by Ursula Biemann
“A video essay set in the Mexican-U.S. border town of Ciudad Juarez, where U.S. multinational corporations assemble electronic and digital equipment just across from El Paso, Texas, this imaginative, experimental work investigates the growing feminization of the global economy and its impact on Mexican women living and working in the area. Looking at the border as both a discursive and material space, the video explores the sexualization of the border region through labor division, prostitution, the expression of female desires in the entertainment industry, and sexual violence in the public sphere.”
Call Number: Media Collection F787.P47 1999
For more information see: http://www.wmm.com/catalog/pages/c474.htm
Programa Bracero: Triste Recuerdo Directed by Jorge Luis Vázquez
“The Braceros Seasonal Farm Laborers Program was an agreement signed in 1942 between the U.S. and Mexican governments to cover wartime labor shortages in the United States. Between 1942 and 1964, almost 5 million Mexican workers worked in the U.S. under the Braceros Program. This short documentary recounts the story of these workers half a century later, as they struggle to right an injustice done to them so long ago.”
Call Number:Media Collection HD1525.P76 2004
For more information see: http://www.contraelsilencio.org/Videoteca/Cat2/ConcursoFron.htm#12
The Price Of The American Dream (El Precio Del Sueño Americano) Directed by Jackie Torres
“This film covers the trials and tribulations of a family struggling to realize their greatest hopes. Very soon the mother and father will become official American citizens after living in the United States for three decades. Their children are each struggling with the harsh realities of life."
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997.P739 2002
For more information see: http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=305046
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La Raza Unida Directed by Jesús Salvador Treviño
“In September 1972, activist filmmaker Jesús Salvador Treviño traveled to El Paso, Texas to document the proceedings of the first national convention of La Raza Unida Party. La Raza Unida had emerged in South Texas, where Mexican-American majorities secured electoral victories for local candidates. Now, state delegations from around the country converged to develop a national platform and elect a national chairman. Treviño's film, captures speeches from the convention floor, debates among and between state delegations, and back-room conversations with activists as they attempted to negotiate the divergent concerns of various regional, urban, and rural Latino populations.”
Call Number: Media Collection JK2391.R39 R39 2002
For more information see: http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/the_americas/v063/63.1meeks.html
Real Women Have Curves Directed by Patricia Cardoso
“This is the story of Ana, a first generation Mexican-American teenager on the verge of becoming a woman. She lives in the predominately Latino community of East Los Angeles. Freshly graduated from high school, Ana receives a full scholarship to Columbia University. Her very traditional, old-world parents feel that now is the time for Ana to help provide for the family, not the time for college. Torn between her mainstream ambitions and her cultural heritage she agrees to work with her mother at her sister's downtown LA sewing factory. Over the summer she learns to admire the hardworking team of women who teach her solidarity and teamwork. Still at odds with what her mother expects of her, Ana realizes that leaving home to continue her education is essential to finding her place proudly in the world as an American and Chicana.”
Call Number: Reserve Book Service PN1997.2.R435 2003
For more information see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0296166/maindetails
El Regreso De Un Borreguero (A Sheepherder's Homecoming) Directed by Allen Moore, Lou Werner, and Birch Carpenter
“This film follows a Mexican sheepherder whose solitary existence in the United States is juxtaposed with his homecoming in Mexico. Narration based upon "A Seventh Man" by John Berger.”
Call Number: Media Collection SF375.4.W4 R4418 1996
Roots of Rhythm Directed by Eugene Rosow and Howard Dratch
“Between Buena Vista Social Club, Calle 54, and Ricky Martin, much attention has lately been lavished on the rich traditions of Latin music. This three-part documentary, narrated by Harry Belafonte, does an excellent job of tracing the multitude of influences that came together, from Africa to the Caribbean to New York, to shape the distinctive styles that make up this music.”
Call Number: Media Collection ML3475.R688 1997
For more information see: http://worldfilm.about.com/library/weekly/aapr111801.htm
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Sacred Confessions and Holy Smoke: The Confessions Trilogy Directed by Frances Salome Espana
“This three part trilogy builds a visually sensual and culturally grounded exploration of Latina womanhood its complexity, intregrity and beauty. Blends religious symbols with iconic representations of Chicana womanhood, juxtaposing female cultural symbols with poetic passages.”
Call Number: Media Collection N6494.V53 E7835 1998
The Salt Mines / The Transformation Directed by Susana Aikin and Carlos Aparicio
“The Salt Mines introduces Sara, formerly Ricardo, a disillusioned Marielita who longs to return to Cuba. Equally constrained but far more optimistic is Giovana, whose solid drag identity helps her survive her life: “I’m a transvestite to the end.” Equally compelling, The Transformation, made five years later, describes in chilling detail the resurrection of Ricardo from the ashes of Sara, as an evangelical group convinces Sara to become a born-again, heterosexually — if not happily — married man.”
Call Number: Media Collection HQ77 .S257 1996
For more information see: http://www.mediaartists.org/content.php?sec=artist&sub=detail&artist_id=113
Santitos Directed by Alejandro Springall
“A character-driven comedy about a young Mexican woman who has to come to terms with the loss of her teenage daughter. Esperanza's daughter Blanca suddenly and mysteriously dies in the hospital where she was having her tonsils removed. Shortly afterward, the vision of a saint appears on the greasy glass door of the oven, telling Esperanza that Blanca is not dead.”
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997.S17375 1998
For more information see: http://movies2.nytimes.com/gst/movies/movie.html?v_id=176052
Selena Directed by Gregory Nava
“The film tells the true life story of the beloved Texas-born Tejano singer Selena and her rise to fame up until her tragic murder at the age of 23. Stars Jennifer Lopez and Edward James Olmos.”
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997.S3285 1998
For more information see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120094/
Selena, Remembered Directed by Cecilia Miniucchi
“A compilation of home videos, concert performances, photographs, plus interviews with her family, friends, and fellow artists. The film starts off with black-and-white footage of Selena performing at a very young age and traces her career from the early days up until her death,...a joyful video which focuses on the singer's life and career.”
Call Number: Media Collection ML420.S458 S454 1997
For more information see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0234690/
Señorita Extraviada Directed by Lourdes Portillo
“Señorita Extraviada, Missing Young Woman tells the story of the over 200 kidnapped, raped and murdered young women of Juárez, Mexico. The murders first came to light in 1993 and young women continue to "disappear" to this day without any hope of bringing the perpetrators to justice. Who are these women from all walks of life and why are they getting murdered so brutally?”
Call Number: Reserve Book Service HV6535.M43 C5875 2001
For more information see: http://www.lourdesportillo.com/senoritaextraviada/
The Sixth Section (La Sexta Sección) Directed by Alex Rivera
“Garcia decided to leave to support his wife and family, coming to the U.S. hidden in the trunk of a car. Once here, he moved to Newburgh, New York, and found much more than a job — he saw that he could use his own labor in America to relieve the stark poverty of his hometown. In Newburgh, Garcia began speaking to others about an idea — eventually over 300 people from Boqueron settled there — and soon they formed Grupo Unión, a "hometown association," dedicated to raising dollars in America and using the money to revitalize their hometown in Mexico.”
Call Number: Media Collection HD8081.M6 S58 2003b
For more information see: http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2003/thesixthsection/about.html
Son of Border Crisis Directed by Isaac Artenstein
“A performance art monologue which examines linguistic and cultural stereotypes.”
Call Number: Arts Library Music Service Desk NX512.G66 A775 1990
For more information see: http://www.vdb.org/
El Sueño Americano Directed by Sonia Fritz
“The Puerto Rican community in New York City laid the foundation for Hispanic immigrants, with Mexicans now occupying areas that Puerto Ricans are leaving as their social and economic conditions improve. In this documentary, experts such as Juan Flores, Arlene Dávila, and Félix Matos analyze the history of the two groups, the spaces they share, and the tensions between them.”
Call Number: Media Collection F128.9.P85 S84 2003
For more information see: http://www.facets.org/asticat?function=buyitem&catname=facets&catnum=/60338
Sworn To The Drum: A Tribute To Francisco Aguabella Directed by Les Blank
“When you think of Latin percussion, think of Francisco Aguabella. Perhaps the finest Afro-Cuban master percussionist still living, he has become synonymous with his instrument -- one of the highest compliments a musician can receive. This film explores Aguabella’s role both as a sacred drummer and a figure of historical influence in Latin Jazz, Pop and Fusion. Included are many interviews with musicians who have worked with him and have been influence by his music”
Call Number: Arts Library Music Service Desk ML419.A67 S9 1995
For more information see: http://www.lesblank.com/more/drum.html
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Tanto Tiempo Directed by Cheryl Quintana Leader
“Mia, a young Mexican American woman, and Luz, her Mexican mother, have abandoned their Mexican heritage to adapt to an American lifestyle. Mia, confronted with her past in various situations, rediscovers the value of her Mexican ancestry and brings it and her estranged mother back into her life.”
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997 .T3434 1994
For more information see: http://www.mediarights.org/film/tanto_tiempo.php
The Transformation Directed by Susana Aikin
“The second installment to the events in the film The Salt Mines. This documentary gives a portrait of Ricardo, a homeless transvestite prostitute, who undergoes major lifestyle changes after learning he's HIV-positive--including leaving New York City, becoming born-again, returning to being a man once again, and marrying a woman in Dallas.”
See also: The Salt Mines

Call Number: Media Collection HQ77.T736 1995
For more information see: http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/1809401239/info
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Voces Del Campo (Voices Of The Fields) Directed by Selene Jaramillo and Ulla Nilsen
“From Iowa to Oaxaca, small farms, self-sufficiency, and safe food are increasingly a thing of the past...Focusing on four families of Mexican farmworkers, this important documentary humanizes the issue and shows ways in which sustainable practices are being maintained in the face of adversity. Told by the farmers themselves, both women and men, it explores the economic pressures which lead young Mexicans to the United States. The same forces, it seems, lead some of them to forego cultivation of corn and beans for cash crops like tobacco, and to use poisonous pesticides which are banned in the U.S. and Europe.”
Call Number: Reserve Book Service HD1792.V575 2005
For more information see: http://www.cinemaguild.com/catalog/catalog_latin_caribbean_studies.htm
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What Could You do with a Nickel? Directed by Cara DeVito and Jeffrey Kleinman
“This documentary tells the inspiring story of 200 black and Hispanic women employed by the City of New York who, in 1978, joined together to form the first domestic workers union in the United States.”
Call Number: Media Collection HD6072.2.U5 W48 1982
For more information see: http://www.movierevie.ws/movies/1023710/What-Could-You-Do-with-a-Nickel.html
Women Of Hope (Latinas Abriendo Camino) Directed by Robert Rosenberg
“The Bread and Roses Cultural Project profiles twelve ground breaking Latina women, exploring their hopes, dreams, and the paths their lives have taken.”
Call Number: Media Collection E184.S75 W664 1996
For more information see: http://ffh.films.com/id/8761/Women_of_Hope_Latinas_Abriendo_Camino.html
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Zoot Suit Directed by Luis Valdez
“Part fact and part fiction, Zoot Suit is the film version of Luis Valdez's critically acclaimed play, based on the actual Sleepy Lagoon murder case and the zoot suit riots of 1940s Los Angeles. Henry Reyna is the leader of a group of Mexican-Americans being sent to San Quentin without substantial evidence for the death of a man at Sleepy Lagoon. As part of the defense committee, Alice Bloomfield and George Shearer fight the blatant miscarriage of justice for the freedom of Henry and his friends. Edward James Olmos stars as the mythical "El Pachuco" in a blend of action, music, and excitement.”
Call Number: Media Collection PN1997.Z662 1991 or Coleccion Tloque Nahuaque PS3572.A387 Z6 2004
For more information see: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0083365/
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