This year’s Latin Film Series, themed “Crossing Borders,” begins Thursday night at the William Link Theatre.
Other than introducing a taste of Latin culture, the series’ four films were chosen to bring a different definition of “borders” through cultural awareness.
Jose Sanchez-H, the director of the film series and a film professor, said the series’ theme is essential at this time since people are constantly crossing borders in everyday life through electronics, media and also literally.
“It also refers to crossing borders as a way of gaining awareness of stories and characters that are part of some of the cultures presented in the film series,” he said in a press release.
Sanchez-H, along with other members of the series committee, chose each of the films, which will be shown in 35mm format with English subtitles.
The first two films, “El Argentino” and “Guerrilla,” were originally released in 2008. Both focus on the life of Che Guevara. The two were directed by Steven Soderbergh and co-produced by Benicio Del Torro, who also plays Guevara.
Both movies touch on the topic of crossing borders, showing how Guevara went to Bolivia to initiate a revolution, where he quickly mastered the art of guerrilla warfare to the admiration of his comrades and the Cuban people.
The third film is a preserved classic of the 1940s that originates from Argentina. “Cita en la Frontera” (Encounter on the Border) was directed by Mario Soffici and stars Libertad Lamarque. In the film, Lamarque’s character flees from a love triangle taking her across the border.
The final movie to be shown is “El Viaje de Teo” (Teo’s Journey). This film, directed by Walter Doehner and starring Erick Canete as Teo, centers on a young man trying to cross the Mexico border to find his father and a better life.
Alicia del Campo, assistant director of the film series, said she would like to receive reviews and comments from students.
“We want students who watch the films to be informed of Latin America, to open their minds to different realities and to know a little bit more and question a little bit more about the world surrounding them,” del Campo said.
Sanchez-H also hopes students will have a better understanding about Latin American history and cinema through this series.
The 2009 Latin American Studies Film Series will be showing at the William Link Theatre on Thursday at 7 p.m. and will continue each Thursday until Oct. 29. Admission is free.