Thaniuska Vivas/Contributing Writer
What began as a month to honor Hispanic veterans has shifted as a celebration of Hispanic trailblazers that have shaped our society. This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor Hispanic directors, actors, and screenwriters whose movies have touched the hearts of international viewers.
Here are 8 films by Hispanic directors that are worth watching throughout Hispanic Heritage Month which is celebrated from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 in the United States.
- “Under the Same Moon” (2007)
Directed by Patricia Riggen, “Under the Same Moon” tells the story of Carlitos, a young Mexican boy whose mother, Rosario, is an undocumented immigrant in the United States. Carlitos immigrated to the United States with the help of coyotes, a group of people that help immigrants cross the Mexican-American border. Starring Mexican actors Kate del Castillo and Eugenio Derbez, “Under the Same Moon” shows the various financial and life-risking challenges that immigrants face in search of the American Dream.
Where to watch: Hulu and Amazon Prime Video
2. “Selena” (1997)
Hispanic Heritage Month is not complete without the music of the Queen of Tejano: Selena Quintanilla. Selena’s legacy has opened doors for many Hispanic artists to flourish in the global music industry. “Selena” follows the Queen of Tejano’s career and personal life. The audience gets to watch a young Selena singing with her family for the first time up to her final concert at the Houston Astrodome. 23 years later, “Selena” remains a timeless classic in the Hispanic community.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
3. “Real Women Have Curves” (2002)
Originally a stage play was written by Josefina López, “Real Women Have Curves” tackles the gender tropes, sexuality, body image issues, and economic issues that are prevalent in immigrant families. “Real Women Have Curves” follows protagonist Ana Garcia’s senior year of high school and her struggle to break free from her parent’s expectations. Being a first-generation Mexican American student, Ana must choose between attending college or working to provide for her family.
Where to watch: HBO Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
4.“Roma” (2018)
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón, “Roma” is inspired by Cuarón’s childhood in the affluent neighborhood of Colonia Roma, which is located in Mexico City. “Roma” made history by being the first Mexican film to win an Academy Award in the Best Foreign Language category.
Taking place in 1970s Mexico City, “Roma” tells the story of Cleo, an indigenous maid to a family in the Colonia Roma neighborhood. “Roma” not only focuses on Cleo and the family’s internal conflict but also the student protests during the Mexican Dirty War of the 1960s and 1970s.
Where to watch: Netflix
5. “La Bamba” (1987)
Years before Selena’s music charmed millions of Americans, Chicano singer Ritchie Valens topped the Billboard Charts with his version of the Mexican folk song, “La Bamba,” in the 1950s. Directed by Luis Valdez, “La Bamba” tells the story of Valens’ rise to stardom. Viewers get to hear Valens’ hit singles, such as “Donna” and “La Bamba,” the film’s name and the song that made Valens a star.“La Bamba” also focuses on Valens’s personal life and the racism he endured due to his Mexican heritage.
Where to watch: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video
6. “Instructions Not Included” (2013)
Mexican director and comedian Eugenio Derbez stars as Valentín, a playboy who has to raise a baby girl that a former flame claims is his. As the years progress, Valentín bonds with his daughter, Maggie. “Instructions Not Included” is a heartwarming story that leaves viewers in tears from laughing and crying. Derbez adds twists and turns to Valentín and Maggie’s story that leaves viewers at the edge of their seats.
Where to watch: Tubi and Amazon Prime Video
7. “Stand and Deliver” (1988)
Based on a true story, “Stand and Deliver” follows mathematics teacher Jaime Escalante and a group of Latino students at James A. Garfield High School. Escalante is assigned to a group of working-class students who fail to meet their grade-level academic expectations. Escalante and his students face criticism from their school officials, allegations regarding cheating due to the students’ Latino backgrounds, and the students’ problems. Directed by Ramón Menéndez, “Stand and Deliver” immortalizes the story of James A. Garfield High School students and the importance of education in the Latino community. “Stand and Deliver” shows its viewers the challenges that Escalante and his students face in the name of education.
Where to watch: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and iTunes
8. “Tortilla Soup” (2001)
An adaptation of the 1994 Chinese comedy film, “Eat Drink Man Woman,” “Tortilla Soup” focuses on a Mexican American family who is brought together by their love of cooking. “Tortilla Soup” focuses on the character development of the three sisters in the film as they navigate through adulthood with their retired father. “Tortilla Soup” reminds its viewers about the importance of family in Hispanic culture along with the role that cuisine plays in bringing families together.
Where to watch: Netflix
Maybe try to incorporate films that are not only Mexican (7/8 of these films are Mexican, the other one is American…)It does not accurately represent the Hispanic community inside the U.S. and only contributes to the racist misconception of every Hispanic being Mexican.