By: Monica Aviles
National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15th, to October 15th. Hispanic Americans are the largest minority group in America today, while successfully accomplishing many contributions to our government, culture, and economy.
National Hispanic Heritage Month began in 1968, to celebrate the anniversaries of independence of several Latin American countries: Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Mexico, Chile, and Belize celebrate their independence as well on the dates: September 16, 18, and 21.
In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage month, here are a few movies to watch to honor Hispanic roots and heritage.
Selena
This biographical drama about the well known singer, Selena Quintella – Perez (1971 – 1995) is about her journey towards mainstream popularity. At the age of 10, her father, Abraham Quintella, discovers her musical talent, and starts to book performances in small venues. She grew more popular around the early 2000’s, winning a grammy award, and creating several songs before her tragic death. Throughout this movie, we can see Selena’s struggles with family conflicts, concerts, and her love life.
“We have to be more Mexican than the Mexicans, and more American than the Americans, both at the same time! It’s exhausting!” – Abraham Quintella
Real Women Have Curves
18 year old, Ana Garcia, a first – generation Mexican – American girl, is conflicted with staying home and providing for her family, or going to college. Her parents are constantly keeping her restrained with their viewpoints, especially her mother, who prefers she gets married, has children, and settles down. Throughout the Summer, Ana works in a sewing factory with her mother and sister, where she learns valuable lessons about life, to which ultimately decides her decision on what her future will hold.
“Why should anyone tell me what I should look like, what I should be, there’s so much more to me than just my weight.” – Ana Garcia
La Bamba
Another biographical film, Young Ritchie Steven Valenzuela, known as Ritchie Valens, (1941 – 1959) began to grow in popularity as a rock n roll musician in 1958. He later tragically dies at the age of 17 due to a plane crash along with the musicians: Buddy Holly and The Big Bopper. In the beginning we see his family’s struggle with money and working, as well as family arguments with Valen’s older brother, Bob Morales. There is also a love interest involved, Donna Ludwig, whose family does not approve of Valens and his upcoming music career.
“I’m gonna be a star. Because stars don’t fall out of the sky do they?” – Ritchie Valens
McFarland USA
This feel good sports movie based on a true story is about Jim White, who moves himself and his family to Mcfarland, California, after losing his job as a football coach. He arrives at a high school that consists of mostly Latino students, who he sees have potential of being a great track team. Coach White and his team learn about each other and their cultural differences along the way.
“It comes down to which runners here can handle the pain? You look at them and then you ask yourself, who’s tougher?” – Jim White
Monica Aviles
Monica Aviles ('21) is a senior, and is in her second year of writing for the arts & entertainment section. The majority of her writing revolves around culture, activism, and different forms of art. Outside of the Gigantea, Monica is on the girl's wrestling team, president of the asl club, and is involved with many other clubs like Red Ink. You can reach her by email at monic.av3959@vusd.us
Tags: arts and entertainment, Hispanic heritage month, movies, music, singers
Nice coverage of these dope stories, Monica! I enjoyed reading and have actually seem some of these! Very nice.