Latin American and Spanish Classics Featured in Film Series

Published: September 18, 2012 | Author: Jen Burt | Read Time: 2 minutes

Beginning on September 18 and continuing through October 9, the Department of Foreign Languages and Philosophy at SUU will host a film series featuring contemporary classics from Latin American and Spanish cinema. 

Films are thoughtfully selected by SUU professors of English, Spanish and Art History who view the works as socially enlightening and culturally significant.  Prior to each screening, recommending professors will provide a brief introduction to the film, explaining why it was selected for inclusion in the series. 

Each week, one such film will be screened at 6 p.m. in room 107 of the General Classroom Building.  The series schedule is as follows:

September 18

The Motorcycle Diaries, the first of four feature films in the series, will be shown on Tuesday, September 18, at 6 p.m.  The film recounts the famous 1952 South American road trip taken by Ernesto “Che” Guevara and his closest friend.  Based on Guevara’s diary, the film focuses on the youth and political formation of a 23-year old medical student who would later become the iconic Latin American revolutionary.

September 25

The second installment in the series is Pan’s Labyrinth, a chilling and dark fantasy film that takes place in fascist-dominated Spain in 1944.  Winner of three Academy Awards, the film centers around 11-year old Ofelia who is fascinated with fairy tales.  Through her imagination, Ofelia is able to escape the violence around her and enter an eerie but captivating fantasy world.

October 2

Frida is a biographical film that depicts the fascinating life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo whose work was inspired by her personal struggles with physical injury and a tumultuous marriage to fellow Mexican artist, Diego Rivera.  Shot in various locations around Mexico City, the film is visually striking and stars Selma Hayek as Frida. 

October 9

The final selection in the series is Volver, a fascinating story which follows an eccentric family living in Madrid, Spain.  Described as a masterpiece, the film juxtaposes the comedic, tragic and surreal.  Penelope Cruz leads the award-winning cast of Volver , directed by celebrated Spanish filmmaker, Pedro Almodovar. 

All screenings in the film series are free of charge and open to the public.  Films will be shown in their native language with English subtitles. 

For additional information on the Latin American and Spanish Film Series, please contact Iliana Portaro at ilianaportart@suu.edu or Jim Gustafson at Gustafson@suu.edu.

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Contact Information:

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