New Series Alert: ‘The Latino Experience’

More Latino representation on the screen…we love to see it! This year, the Latinx community is getting a bit of its overdue representation on the big screen with movies like In the Heights. Well, things are getting even better this month with the release of The Latino Experience, which is a three part series of nonfiction and fiction short films. The theme is to demonstrate the perspectives of latinx gente throughout the US and Puerto Rico.

Let’s break down the specifics. It premiered from July 6th-20th, so now everyone can go and check it out. They are all available on PBS – just click right here after you’re done reading this! There will be a total of 13 films ranging from all types of genres, from comedies to documentaries. These films went through evaluation by seasoned filmmakers, and were submitted to PBS in August of 2020. It’s safe to say this event was thoughtfully produced, and only the best of the best will be shown.  

If you want to see one film specifically, keep reading as I break down the episode list. On episode one, if you want to watch an adolescent latina try to complete her bucket list because she thinks she’s dying, watch Death and Deathability: A Period Piece – or if you’re interested in seeing some pioneering LGBTQ+ couples defy the machismo culture surrounding competitive sports as they compete in The World Latin Dance Cup, give Dear Queer Dancer a watch. Some of the other films are Folk Frontera (shows life in the borderlands with a magical aspect to it), The Blue Cape (post-hurricane maria, a young boy searches through a destroyed Puerto Rico to find medicine for his abuelo), and La Tienda (demonstrates two latinx artist as they work for Spanish social justice). 

If you thought episode 1 was good, don’t worry – episode 2 will not disappoint. Finals week in university – the time everyone enters with the inseparable combo of  dread and stress. Going into finals week without those two is like going into Christmas without gifts and food; it’s part of the package. Now imagine your due date for a baby aligns with finals week. Yup, sounds like hell – and it’s also the plot for Pasos de Valor, as a young pregnant Mexican American woman faces this issue while in school for her MBA. Body and Spirit in Times of Pandemic is a mini-documentary about a Guatemalan truck driver and pastor who faces the pressures of being an essential worker and the stress of keeping his church open during COVID-19. Our Lady Lupe portrays the story of a son helping his hardworking mother fix her car with the help of a magical mechanic. Finally, there’s Un Pequeño Corte,  which demonstrates the over protectiveness and deep love of a Latin mother as she helps her daughter deal with the consequences of cutting her hair.

Episode 3 has two stories specifically about Cubans – Cuban American Gothic and Noche Buena. The famous christmas dinner table where laughs and opinions are shared is the plot for Noche Buena, as a Cuban family argues over a range of topics that need to be discussed. Cuban American Gothic depicts a Cuban-American surviving in New York during the pandemic, but she’s struggling, so her parents come back from the dead to give her some guidance. The Daily War shows the story of a female struggling to care for her sons and battling PTSD. Last but not least, Mi Fango, Mi Cerro is about an artist who finds their passion by moving to Puerto Rico and painting houses. Overall, there is a bunch of content that shows the diversity and talent of all latinx people. Enjoy!