Latin American Film Series picks announced
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Latino Student Council has chosen four films for the Latin American Film Series, which begins Tuesday (Feb. 23).
The annual event showcases a variety of Latin American films followed by a guided discussion led by a guest facilitator. All events are free and open to the public.
The films to be shown and facilitators include:
* "Sin Nombre" (Nameless). Feb. 23, 6 p.m. Rawls Hall, Room 1062. Seeking the promise of America, Sayra joins her father on an odyssey toward the hope of a new life. Along the way, she crosses paths with a teenage Mexican gang member, El Casper, who joins them to try to outrun his violent past. Together they have to rely on faith, trust and street smarts if they are to survive. Guest facilitator is Vicky Ortiz, a doctoral student in the Department of Communication.
* "Antes Que Anochezca" (Before Night Falls). March 2, 6 p.m. Beering Hall, Room 2280. Based on the memoir by Cuban poet Reinaldo Arenas, the film follows the artist's life and work; from impoverished youth to gay freedom in mid-1950's Cuba; imprisonment during Castro's antigay regime; New York City in the 1980s, followed by Arenas' battle with illness in 1990. Guest facilitator is Dawn Stinchcomb, an assistant professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures.
* "La Operación" (The Operation). March 30, 6 p.m. Rawls Hall, Room 1062. The documentary highlights the social policy of female sterilization in Puerto Rico, which has the highest rate of sterilization in the world. Guest facilitator is Katherine Toro-Masso of the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana.
* "Fresa y Chocolate" (Strawberry & Chocolate). April 13, 6 p.m. Rawls Hall, Room 1062. This Cuban film details the unusual relationship between the flamboyant, educated Diego and the homophobic, pro-revolution David. Disputed in its own country, this film was the first Cuban picture to be nominated for best foreign picture at the Academy Awards.
The film series is sponsored by the Diversity Resource Office, Latino Alliance, Delta Phi Mu, Delta Pi Rho, Women's Resource Office, Latin American & Latino Studies Program,
The Latino Student Council is composed of representatives of the 15 Latino student organizations on Purdue's campus. Supported by the Latino Cultural Center, they work to unify Latino organizations on campus and promote collaboration, service and social responsibility.
Writer: Natalie Palmer, 765-496-3006, ncfox@purdue.edu
Source: Maricela Alvarado, Latino Cultural Center director, 765-494-2530, alvaradm@purdue.edu