The Hispanic Film Society of Victoria presented in 2024 four films from Argentina, Mexico, and Spain.
The films were shown from Thursday September 19 through Sunday 22 at our usual venue, Cinecenta. On Wednesday September 18, we organized a public conversation with local artists who hail from Latin America. They spoke about their experiences as migrants, their challenges and rewards, and their view of Canadian society and culture. It included an open dialogue with the audience. We thank our presenters for their contributions: Pablo Cárdenas, Cuban jazz piano player, Pablo Diemecke, Mexican classical violin player, Mercedes Bátiz-Benét, Mexican writer and theatre director and producer, Miguelito Valdés, Cuban trumpet player, and Lina de Guevara, Chilean actress and theatre producer. The event took place at Caffe Fantastico (965 Kings Rd. and Quadra, Victoria).
Read more about the presenters, here.
Synopsis:
In a bustling Mexican household, seven-year-old Sol is swept up in a whirlwind of preparations for the birthday party for her father, Tona, led by her mother, aunts and other relatives. As the day goes on, building to an event both anticipated and dreaded, Sol begins to understand the gravity of the celebration this year and watches as her family does the same. This poignant and emotionally expansive film from Lila Avilés cements her skill at directing dynamic, ensemble performances in her stunning sophomore effort. Totem was Mexico’s entry to the 2023 Oscar competition for best foreign feature.
Synopsis:
Marcelo has devoted his life to teaching philosophy at the Public University. When his mentor Professor Caselli unexpectedly dies, he hopes to become the new head of Department. However, his plans shift when charismatic and seductive colleague Rafael returns from his pedestal in European universities to claim the vacant position for himself. Marcelo's clumsy efforts to prove he is the right candidate will trigger a philosophical duel, while his life -and the country- enter a spiral of chaos.
Synopsis:
Lola enjoys a happy life with her partner, Bruno, until an unexpected pregnancy revolutionizes her plans. Although she has always been clear that being a mother is not for her, she now feels challenged by social expectations and faces her inner fears. During the three days they have to wait until her appointment at the clinic, Lola approaches her friends and family with the intention of reaffirming her decision. Bruno had never imagined himself as a father either. Until now. "Mamifera tackles... a complicated, often excruciating, sometimes beautiful topic with grace, humor, and easily relatable characters." (The Austin Chronicle).
Synopsis:
Back by popular demand! For over 300 years, the country we know today as Mexico was the meeting point of Indigenous ingredients and traditions, and products from European and Asian trade routes, producing a strong gastronomic culture. In 2010, UNESCO designated Mexican food as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. For the first time ever, a gastronomic culture was to be protected and elevated to the same level as art or science. Exploring through past and present, and told from the point of view of culinary experts, anthropologists and traditional cooks, The Michoacan File explains the origin, history and impact of Mexican food in modern society.
Stay after the film for a conversation and Q&A about Mexican food with Israel Alvarez Molina, Chef and owner of MAiiZ Nixtamal Tortilleria and Eatery, and MariaElena Cuervo-Lorens, author of two cookbooks on Mexican food.
Read more about them here.
Our 12th instalment took place from September 20 to 25, 2022. It features movies from Cuba/US, Brazil, Mexico, and Spain.
We had two special events: on Friday September 23, the director of the film Guie’dani’s Navel (El ombligo de Guie’dani), Xavi Sala, was in attendance and joined in a conversation with UVic professors Dr. Carmen Rodriguez de France (Indigenous Education) and Dr. Gabriela McBee (Hispanic and Italian Studies).
On Saturday September 24, after the screening of the documentary Omara, Vancouver-based Locarno performed at Vertigo in the Student Union Building.
Check out some pictures below.
