10 movies to watch during Hispanic Heritage Month
Celebrating the history, culture and heritage of several countries, Hispanic Heritage Month begins Friday, Sept. 15 and ends Sunday, Oct. 15.
With a rich culture of food, fashion and music, Hispanics are often underrepresented in films and TV.
Out of more than 20 countries that are celebrated during the month, the Caller-Times selected 10 films from 10 countries we think you should check out. Because what better way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month than by supporting work created by Hispanic people and about Hispanic people?
Argentina - 'The Headless Woman'
When Vero, short for Verónica, hits something while driving on a deserted road near Salta, Argentina, not being sure if she has hit a person or an animal, she drives off and becomes increasingly mentally disturbed.
The police confirm that there was no accident, but Vero begins to have a meltdown, thinking she may have killed someone. Was it an animal? A child? Or nothing at all?
The movie won Best Film at the Argentine Academy of Cinematography Arts and Sciences Awards, as well as Best Director and Best Screenplay.
Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Kanopy.
Chile - 'Gloria'
A 58-year-old divorcée, Gloria has no desire to spend her days and nights alone.
Determined to defy the stigma of old age and loneliness, she rushes headlong into a whirl of singles’ parties on the hunt for instant gratification.
Director Sebastián Lelio remade the film in 2018 as "Gloria Bell," starring Julianne Moore in the titular role.
Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Kanopy.
Colombia - 'The Colors of the Mountain'
Manuel, 9, lives in the the countryside of Colombia and has a love for soccer with his friends.
But when a soccer ball he's playing with gets kicked off to a minefield, him and his friends will do whatever they can to recover it. Even while the military and the guerrilla rebels fight each other in the area.
The film was selected as the Colombia entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 84th Academy Awards, but it did not make the final shortlist.
Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Kanopy and Tubi.
Cuba - 'Una Noche'
Raul, who lives in Havana, dreams of escaping to Miami.
After he is accused of assault, he asks his friend Elio to help him escape. One night, full of hope, they face the biggest challenge of their lives.
While in production, director Lucy Mulloy was awarded the Creative Promise Emerging Narrative Award at the Tribeca Film Festival, two years before the film premiered.
Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Kanopy and Tubi.
Ecuador - 'Crónicas'
Manolo Bonilla, a TV reporter, convinces his producer to allow him to travel to an Ecuadorian coastal village to cover the story of a serial killer who hunts children.
But as his personal ambition gets out of hand, his pursuit for a moment of glory carries tragic consequences.
The film was selected as the Ecuador entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 77th Academy Awards, but it was not accepted as a nominee.
Where to watch: The film is available to rent on Apple TV+ and Prime Video for $3.99.
El Salvador - 'Voces Incoentes'
Based on a true story, "Voces Inocentes" is the account of a young boy growing up in war-torn El Salvador in the 1980s.
Chava, 11, understands that he will soon be recruited to fight for the military, or the opposition, but knows he will either be killed or put in a position to kill people he cares for.
The movie won Best Feature Film and Best Actor, for Carlos Padilla Lenero, at the 2005 San Diego International Film Festival.
Where to watch: The film is currently not available to stream or rent.
Guatemala - 'La Llorona'
A modern telling of the classic horror story of a ghostly figure of a crying woman who killed her children, "La Llorona" is rooted in the recent history of Guatemala's military leaders and their efforts in erasing Indigenous tribes.
The movie haunts the viewer with bewitching imagery and tension, and less surprises and jump scares compared to other horror films.
"La Llorona" won Best Foreign Language Film at the 92nd National Board of Review Awards.
Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Shudder.
Mexico - 'Y Tu Mamá También'
After their girlfriends fly off to Italy for the summer, Julio and Tenoch meet Luisa, a gorgeous older woman, at a wedding.
When she agrees to accompany them on a road trip, the three form an increasingly intense and sensual relationship.
The movie was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the 75th Academy Awards, but lost to Pedro Almodóvar's "Talk to Her."
Where to watch: The film is available to rent on Apple TV+ and Prime Video for $3.99.
Spain - 'Official Competition'
Concerned about his legacy, a wealthy businessman hires an eccentric director to help make a smash film.
The movie, based on two brothers' rivalry, will star Iván and Félix, who begin to create a real-life strife.
At the 2021 Cinéfest Sudbury International Film Festival, it won the award for Outstanding International Feature.
Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Hulu.
Uruguay - 'The Last Matinee'
Ana, an engineering student, takes over the duties of her father, a projectionist at a declining movie theater.
Unknown to her, the audience watching the film on screen is being murdered by a black-gloved killer.
"The Last Matinee" was a candidate for Best Latin American Film at the 2020 Mar del Plata International Film Festival.
Where to watch: The film is available to stream on Shudder.
RELATED COVERAGE
More: Texas movies: Here are the most searched genres in Lone Star State, movie recommendations
More: Basketball shoes, cellphones and mops: Here are 10 movies based on brands, corporations
John Oliva covers entertainment and community news in South Texas. Contact him at [email protected] or Twitter @johnpoliva.
Consider supporting local journalism with a subscription to the Caller-Times.
This article originally appeared on Corpus Christi Caller Times: Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month with these 10 films