We are proud to present the 31st edition of the “Reel” Latin American Film Festival, continuing our tradition of showcasing the rich and diverse voices of Latin American cinema.
The use of “Reel” in the title adds a layer of wordplay, suggesting both the literal aspect of film reels and a figurative sense of bringing “real” Latin American stories to the forefront. It captures the essence of the festival as a celebration of Latin American cinema, where diverse, genuine stories from the region are presented to a broader audience. The title reflects a commitment to highlighting the depth and authenticity of Latin American experiences through film.
Themes of Resistance and Transformation: Films that challenge social and cultural norms, focusing on characters who resist, transform, and redefine their identities.
Spotlight on Emerging Talents: Featuring debut directors like Catalina Razzini and Gabriella A. Moses, showcasing fresh voices in Latin American cinema.
Cultural Celebration and Critique: From Dominican societal critiques to Mexican American cultural celebrations, the festival provides a diverse exploration of Latin America's cinematic landscape.
The 31st ‘Reel” Latin American Film Festival, under the general theme of “Challenging Norms, Celebrating Identity” at the University of Louisville campus, continues faithful to its mission of generating a conversation about issues in Latin America. This theme encapsulates the essence of the films showcased, highlighting stories that challenge societal norms, explore complex identities, and celebrate the diverse cultures and experiences within Latin America. It emphasizes narratives of resilience, transformation, and resistance against social, political, and cultural constraints, offering viewers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of contemporary Latin American cinema. This fall, we will continue to showcase films that motivate our committed audience’s interest in matters related to this region of the world. The movies complement the content and objectives of our classes in many disciplines and departments across the university.
This year’s festival, titled “Rebels and Dreamers: Voices of Change in Latin American Cinema,” features a compelling lineup of films that explore themes of identity, resistance, and cultural transformation. The program includes Baby Girl, a Dominican film that challenges class and race dynamics by subverting the “maid as a second mother” narrative; Machuca, which portrays the friendship between two boys from different social classes in 1973 Chile amidst political turmoil; and Chronicles of a Wandering Saint, an Argentine story about a woman’s quest for sainthood that leads to unexpected self-discovery. Also featured are Sun and Daughter, a Bolivian debut film capturing a young girl’s coming-of-age against the stunning backdrop of the Island of the Sun; Cassandro, the true story of a gay amateur wrestler who transforms lucha libre with his bold persona, celebrating Mexican American culture; and Boca Chica, which exposes the harsh realities of the child sex trade in the Dominican Republic through the eyes of a young girl dreaming of a better future. With a focus on resistance, transformation, and fresh voices in cinema, this year’s festival presents a powerful exploration of contemporary Latin American narratives that challenge social and cultural norms while celebrating diversity and resilience.
This year's festival presents a powerful lineup of films that explore identity, resistance, societal norms, and cultural transformation across Latin America. The selection includes:
Baby Girl: A Dominican film that subverts the "maid as a second mother" narrative to delve into class and race dynamics, offering a nuanced portrayal of privilege and hidden desires.
Machuca: Set in 1973 Chile, this film captures the friendship between two boys from different social classes against the backdrop of political upheaval leading up to the military coup, highlighting themes of social inequality and resistance.
Chronicles of a Wandering Saint: An Argentine film about Rita Lopez, a woman whose quest for sainthood through a staged miracle leads to unexpected revelations, challenging her views on faith and ambition.
Sun and Daughter: A feel-good debut by Bolivian director Catalina Razzini, which explores family dynamics and coming-of-age themes set against the breathtaking landscape of the Island of the Sun.
Cassandro: This biographical drama follows Saúl Armendáriz, a gay amateur wrestler who transforms the world of lucha libre with his flamboyant persona "Cassandro," celebrating Mexican American culture and breaking norms in a male-dominated sport.
Boca Chica: A Dominican film that sheds light on the child sex trade and societal complicity through the eyes of a young girl, Desi, who dreams of escaping her reality through music, offering a critical look at the sexualization of young girls as a means of survival.
The post-screening sessions have kept their traditional status of offering a non-threatening space to engage in friendly dialogue about other cultures, peoples, and places. We discuss adulthood, youth, race, gender roles, aging, religion, sexual preference, and surviving under challenging conditions.