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DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Wesleyan University's 2024 Hispanic Film Festival kicks off Oct. 23 with free showings of four acclaimed movies from Mexico, Spain, Cuba, and Mexico-United States. In addition, two of the filmmakers – Melinda Raebyne and Christopher Zalla – will attend their screenings and discuss their careers, their films, and filmmaking.
"This film festival aims to promote linguistic and cultural diversity by showcasing a curated selection of films from Spain and Latin America," said Eva Paris-Huesca, Ph.D., associate professor of Spanish and director of Ohio Wesleyan's Film Studies Program. "The festival offers students a window into current social issues affecting various countries, regions, and individuals, fostering a deeper understanding of these topics. Additionally, it encourages meaningful discussions among film attendees and guest artists, offering diverse perspectives on the themes presented."
All films will begin at 7 p.m., be screened in their original language with English subtitles (if needed), and be followed by a discussion about the work and its cultural and artistic significance. Admission is free for everyone, with all films screened in Room 312 of Ohio Wesleyan's R.W. Corns Building, 78 S. Sandusky St., Delaware. Films may contain mature themes and language.
Ohio Wesleyan's 2024 Hispanic Film Festival includes:
Oct. 23, "Tótem" (2023/Mexico). Seven-year-old Sol is spending the day at her grandfather's home, for a surprise party for Sol's father, Tonatiuh. As daylight fades, Sol comes to understand that her world is about to change dramatically. The film explores the complexity of family relationships and connections, particularly within the context of illness and loss. It also highlights the role of Mexican cultural practices in handling life, death, and familial bonds. Writer-director: Lila Avilés.
Nov. 5, "20.000 Especies Abejas" ("20,000 Species of Bees," 2023/Spain). During a summer in a village house linked to beekeeping, an 8-year-old and her mother experience revelations that will change their lives forever. The film explores themes of gender identity and the journey of a young child in understanding and expressing their true self. It also addresses broader societal norms and pressures related to gender roles, questioning the limitations placed on individuals based on these expectations. Writer-director: Estibaliz Urresola Solaguren.
Nov. 13, "Ellos Gritan Libertad" ("They Scream Freedom," 2023/Cuba). This documentary delves into the July 11, 2021, protests in Cuba, when thousands took to the streets demanding freedom from the long-standing communist regime. It highlights the Cuban people's fight for basic human rights, calling for an end to political repression, economic hardships, and inequality. It also conveys the experience of the Cuban people through personal stories and the arts. Writer-director: Melinda Raebyne. She is an award-winning Taiwanese American filmmaker who is "fascinated and inspired by the resiliency of the human spirit." After the OWU screening, Raebyne will discuss her career, the film, and filmmaking, and take questions. She is also known for "An Intimate Look: COVID-19," "Stories of Us: Camp Second Chance," and "Our Voices Matter."
Nov. 19, "Radical" (2023/PG-13/Mexico-United States). A teacher in a Mexican border town full of neglect, corruption, and violence, tries a radical new method to unlock their students' curiosity, potential – and maybe even their genius. The film focuses on the power of education in shaping young minds and giving hope to disadvantaged communities. It exposes the struggles of underprivileged children and the lack of resources in certain educational systems, but it also reflects the importance of inspiring change and celebrates the idea that every child has potential. Writers: Christopher Zalla, Joshua Davis, and Laura Guadalupe A. Director, Christopher Zalla. In addition to "Radical," Zalla also is known for "Blood of My Blood" (2007) and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" (1999). After the OWU screening, he will discuss his career, the film, and filmmaking, and take questions. Zalla is the son of retired OWU professor Mary Howard, who taught sociology/anthropology at the university for 34 years.
The 2024 Hispanic Film Festival is supported by Ohio Wesleyan's Department of World Languages and Cultures and its Film Studies Program in partnership with the Public Health Program, the Department of Journalism and Communication, the Department of Sociology and Anthropology, the Palmer Global Scholars Program, and the Department of English.
For more information about the series, contact Paris at eeparish@owu.edu. Learn more about Ohio Wesleyan's Department of World Languages and Cultures at owu.edu/languages and more about the Film Studies Program at owu.edu/FilmStudies.
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation's premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and competes in 24 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through its signature experience, the OWU Connection, Ohio Wesleyan teaches students to understand issues from multiple academic perspectives, volunteer in service to others, build a diverse and global perspective, and translate classroom knowledge into real-world experience through internships, research, and other hands-on learning. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book "Colleges That Change Lives" and included on the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review "Best Colleges" lists. Connect with OWU expert interview sources at owu.edu/experts or learn more at owu.edu.