Past EVents
WATCHA!: LATINA SPRING
April 11, 2024 | Jaime’s Place | 1514 W. Commerce
This collection of award-winning short films features San Antonio artist Amalia Ortiz and filmmaker Guillermina Zabala, Corpus Christi native Sharon Arteaga, and Academy Award-nominated actress Yalitza Aparicio Martínez. DJ set by Alyson Alonzo!
Amalia Ortiz: La Valiente by Guillermina Zabala
This documentary focuses on the creative process and inspiration of award-winning writer, performer, and spoken word artist Amalia Ortiz whose works speak of the Latino experience exploring themes about gender equality, police violence, cultural identity, and Chicano political resistance.
Gabriela by Evelyn Lorena
A young undocumented Guatemalan woman questions her worth as she dreams of joining a Country Club swim team in the American South.
In Tow by Sharon Arteaga
A self-involved teen and her overworked single mom confront their differences as their mobile home is towed away ... with them inside of it!
Chica de Fábrica (Sweatshop Girl) by Selma Cervantes
Inés works as a seamstress in a sweatshop where pregnancy tests are periodically administered. She does everything she can to keep her pregnancy a secret. Starring Academy Award-nominated actress Yalitza Aparicio Martínez.
Expanding Sanctuary by Kristal Sotomayor
Immigrant mother Linda Hernandez emerges as a community leader during the historic campaign to end the sharing of the Philadelphia police database with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Expanding Sanctuary tells a rarely told story about a Latinx immigrant community’s successful journey to change legislation and protect families.
Film screening followed by a Q&A with directors Sharon Arteaga and Guillermina Zabala and artist/activist Amalia Ortiz. Presented as part of the Latina Spring Film Series in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute.
Watcha!: Joan Baez I Am a Noise
March 28, 2024 | Jaime’s Place | 1514 W. Commerce
Directed by Miri Navasky, Maeve O’Boyle, and Karen O’Conner
2023, USA, 113 min
Neither a conventional biopic nor a traditional concert film, this immersive documentary is a raw and intimate portrait of the legendary folk singer and activist that shifts back and forth through time as it follows Joan on her final tour and delves into her extraordinary archive, including newly discovered home movies, diaries, artwork, therapy tapes, and audio recordings.
A searingly honest look at a living legend, Joan Baez: I Am A Noise is a compelling and deeply personal exploration of an iconic artist who has never told the full truth of her life, as she experienced it, until now.
Presented as part of the Latina Spring Film Series in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute. Film preceded by a live performance from San Antonio Alt-R&B singer Alyson Alonzo!
indie lens pop-up: breaking the news
March 2, 2024 | Central Library | 600 Soledad St.
Directed by Heather Courtney, Princess A. Hairston, and Chelsea Hernandez
Who decides which stories get told? A scrappy group of women and LGBTQ+ journalists buck the white male-dominated status quo, banding together to launch The 19th*, a digital news startup aiming to combat misinformation. A story of an America in flux, and the voices often left out of the narrative, the documentary Breaking the News shows change doesn’t come easy.
Film screening followed by a Q&A with director/producer and San Antonio native Chelsea Hernandez! Free popcorn and light refreshments provided by the Latino Collection and Resource Center. Presented as part of the Latina Spring Film Series in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute.
A MILLION MILES AWAY
January 25, 2024 | Our Lady of the Lake University | 411 SW 24th St.
Directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the support of his family, José’s drive and determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal.
Presented in partnership with the Center for Mexican American Studies and Research, Center for Women in Church & Society, and the Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Scholars Program.
RAZA cósmica
October 12-14, 2023 | Arthouse at Blue Star, Central Library, Jump-Start Performance Co.
The third annual festival showcased films from Brazil, Colombia, Democratic Republic of the Congo, France, Peru, United Kingdom, and the United States.
Highlights included a special edition of Xicanx Versus Aliens with filmmaker Ivan Flores (La Curandera Cumbiambera) and actress Carlie Guevara (Spaceship), a stellar outdoor screening of Hummingbirds by Silvia Del Carmen Castaños and Estefanía “Beba” Contreras, and the world premiere of The Burden with director Tish Arana in attendance.
Presented in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute.
A MILLION MILES AWAY
September 9, 2023 | Santikos Casa Blanca | 11210 Alamo Ranch Parkway
Directed by Alejandra Márquez Abella
Inspired by the real-life story of NASA flight engineer José Hernández, A Million Miles Away follows him on a decades-long journey, from a rural village in Michoacán, Mexico, to more than 200 miles above the Earth in the International Space Station. With the support of his family, José’s drive and determination culminates in the opportunity to achieve his seemingly impossible goal.
Presented in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute.
BLUE BEETLE
August 15, 2023 | Santikos Mayan Palace | 1918 SW Military Dr.
Closing out MACRI's Summer Film Series, curated by MonteVideo, is the first superhero film directed and written by and starring Latinos, including Xolo Maridueña in the title role! #SupportLatinoCreatives
Directed by Angel Manuel Soto
Presented in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute.
dive-in cinema
August 12, 2023 | Elmendorf Pool | 3700 W. Commerce St.
Cool off on a warm summer night with Dive-In Cinema featuring a trio of indie shorts at Elmendorf Pool!
Día de Las Carpas by João Dall’Stella
After an immigration raid in their apartment building, a group of boys help an undocumented girl get to the beach to reunite with her family, unaware that their new friend has a magical secret that will change their lives forever.
Daughter of the Sea by Alexis C. Garcia
After the death of her grandfather, a young woman experiences a spiritual awakening when she is called by Yemaya, the orisha Goddess of the Sea.
Distant Water by Carlos Avila
A boy grows up in 1943 Los Angeles during a time of race riots and segregated swimming pools.
Presented in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute and the City of San Antonio Department of Parks and Recreation.
TEEN FILM WORKSHOP
July 6, 2023 | Garza Community Center |1450 Mira Vista Dr.
Learn about filmmaking from local filmmaker Esmeralda Hernandez in this FREE workshop.
Presented in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute and the City of San Antonio Department of Parks and Recreation.
June 7, 2023 | Santikos Palladium | 17703 I-10 W.
Directed by Eva Longoria
Flamin' Hot is the story of Richard Montañez, the Frito Lay janitor who channeled his Mexican American heritage and upbringing to turn Flamin' Hot Cheetos into a snack that disrupted the food industry and became a global pop culture phenomenon.
Presented in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute
June 5, 2023 | Santikos Palladium | 17703 I-10 W.
Directed by Andrés Muschietti
Red carpet screening of The Flash with special guest Sasha Calle who portrays Supergirl!
May 31, 2023 | Jaime's Place | 1514 W. Commerce St.
Directed by Hector Galan
With his rallying cry of “SU VOTO ES SU VOZ," — your vote is your voice — Willie Velásquez started a grassroots movement that would change the nation’s political landscape and pave the way for the growing power of the Latino Vote.
Presented in partnership with the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute.
April 8, 2023 | Presa House Gallery | 725 S. Presa St.
Directed by Shireen Alihaji
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Free Chol Soo Lee by Julie Ha and Eugene Yi.
Watcha!: latina spring
March 30, 2023 | Jaime's Place | 1514 W. Commerce St.
The Watcha! Film Series celebrates Women’s History Month with Latina Spring, a curated showcase of inspiring short films by Latina and Indigenous directors!
What We Just Don’t Tell Our Girls by Monica Crystal Ocegueda
Dream Carriers by Esmeralda Hernandez
When You Clean a Stranger’s Home by Sharon Arteaga
Mujer de Tierra (Woman of the Earth) by Evelyn Mercedes Muñoz Marroquín
Long Line of Ladies by Rayka Zehtabchi and Shanndine Tome
Las Artivistas: The Journey from Artist to Activist by Guillermina Zabala.
Sponsored by the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute.
The Ritual to Beauty
March 18, 2023 | Presa House Gallery | 725 S. Presa St.
Directed by Shenny De Los Angeles and Maria Marrone
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Storming Caesar's Palace directed by Hazel Gurland-Pooler.
February 3, 2023 | Presa House Gallery | 725 S. Presa St.
Directed by Gabriela Badillo Sánchez
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Love in the Time of Fentanyl by Colin Askey.
November 10, 2022 | Jaime's Place | 1514 W. Commerce St.
Directed by Abel Sanchez and Andres Alegria
A Song for Cesar tells a previously untold story about the musicians and artists who dedicated their time, creativity and even reputations to peacefully advance Cesar Chavez’s farmworker movement. Joan Baez, Carlos Santana, Taj Mahal, and Maya Angelo - among many others - reflect on their experiences with and the impact of the legendary Cesar Chavez.
Sponsored by the Cesar E. Chavez Legacy & Educational Foundation and the Mexican American Civil Rights Institute.
November 4, 2022 | Presa House Gallery | 725 S. Presa St.
Directed by Luan Dias
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Move Me by Kelsey Peterson and Daniel Klein.
October 6, 2022 | Jaime's Place | 1514 W. Commerce St.
Directed by Chuco Garcia
Preceded by Mr. Zoot Suit by Chan’Cellore Makanjuola.
RAZA cósmica: XICANX VERSUS ALIENS
October 1, 2022 | Central Library | 600 Soledad St.
Live episode of Xicanx Versus Aliens podcast with Jesse Borrego and Desiree K. Segura followed by a curated selection of cosmic-infused short films:
Hyper-Reality by Keiichi Matsuda
In Search of Aliens by Susan Aparicio
Yoshua by Matthew Castellanos
Luminous by Than Niles
Nuevo Rico by Kristian Mercado
September 8, 2022 | Jaime's Place | 1514 W. Commerce St.
Directed by Isabel Castro
April 28, 2022 | Presa House Gallery | 725 S. Presa St.
Directed by Jason Park
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Try Harder! by Debbie Lum
RAZA cósmica: STAR MAPS
March 28, 2022 | Arthouse at Blue Star | 134 Blue Star
Retain by Grace Goen
Time by Adam Gonzalez
RECuerdo by Alfonso M. Rodriguez
In Search of Aliens by Susan Aparicio
Luminous by Than Niles
Nuevo Rico by Kristian Mercado
La luna y el colibri (The Moon and the Hummingbird) by Luis Fernando Puente
Chicana Stardust by Benjamin Huerta and Itamar Lilienthal
March 19, 2022 | Presa House Gallery | 725 S. Presa St.
Directed by Sai Selvarajan
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Writing with Fire by Sushmit Ghosh and Rintu Thomas
February 12, 2022 | Virtual Screening
Directed by Michéle Stephenson and Imani Dennison
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Apart by Jennifer Redfearn
January 9, 2022 | Presa House Gallery | 725 S. Presa St.
Directed by Jon Ayon
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Missing in Brooks County by Jeff Bemiss and Lisa Molomot
October 23, 2021 | Cassiano Park | 1728 Potosi St.
Directed by Alex Rivera
Preceded by The Satellite Space Center of Colombia (Centro espacial satelital de Colombia) by La Decanatura (Calderón & Piñeros)
Sleep Dealer is a science-fiction set on the U.S. / Mexico border that tells the story of Memo Cruz (Luis Fernando Peña), a young man from Mexico who dreams of coming to the United States. However, in this brave new borderland, crossing is impossible, and Memo ‘migrates’ in a new way — over the net. By connecting his body to the net Memo controls a machine that performs his labor in America, sending his pure work without the body of the worker.
The Satellite Space Center of Colombia (Centro espacial satelital de Colombia) was made in Chocontá, Colombia where the filmmakers found two satellites that were built in the 70s and 80s. They worked with a local Symphonic Youth Band over the period of 9 months to orchestrate a surreal concert that integrates the outdated history and abandoned landscape.
raza cósmica: children of men
October 14, 2021 | ArtPace | 445 N. Main Ave.
Directed by Alfonso Cuarón
Preceded by Retain by Grace Goen.
October 12, 2021 | Virtual Screening
Directed by Gustavo Mosquera
Preceded by La luna y el colibri (The Moon and the Hummingbird) by Luis Fernando Puente.
Alex lives in a bunker surrounded by an uninhabitable world, but in order to reunite with Beto, the love of her life, she will have to come face to face with the dangers of the outside.
raza cósmica: xicanx versus aliens
October 9, 2021 | Mission Marquee Plaza | 3100 Roosevelt
The Satellite Space Center of Colombia (Centro espacial satelital de Colombia) by La Decanatura (Calderón & Piñeros)
Windows by Maru Buendia-Senties
Mnemosyne Rising by Miguel Alvarez
The Gliders of Arco-do-Santi by Jaime Cano
Chicana Stardust by Benjamin Huerta & Itamar Lilienthal
May 16, 2021 | Virtual Screening
Directed by Lizette Barrera
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: The Donut King by Alice Gu
April 11, 2021 | Virtual Screening
Directed by Ya’Ke Smith
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Philly D.A. by Ted Passon, Yoni Brook, and Nicole Salazar
March 14, 2021 | Virtual Screening
Directed by by World Channel
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Coded Bias by Shalini Kantayya
February 14, 2021 | Virtual Screening
Directed by Opiyo Okeyo
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: Mr. Soul! by Melissa Haizlip
January 24, 2021 | Virtual Screening
Directed by Jackie Barragan
Presented as part of Indie Lens Pop-Up: 9to5: The Story of a Movement by Julia Reichert and Steven Bognar
June 16, 2020 | Virtual Screening
Directed by Matt Wolf
January 28, 2020 | Presa House Gallery | 725 S. Presa St.
Directed by Ray Santisteban
In 1969, the Chicago Black Panther Party, notably led by the charismatic Fred Hampton, began to form alliances across lines of race and ethnicity with other community-based movements in the city, including the Latinx group the Young Lords Organization and the working-class young southern whites of the Young Patriots. Finding common ground, these disparate groups banded together in one of the most segregated cities in postwar America to collectively confront issues such as police brutality and substandard housing, calling themselves the Rainbow Coalition. The First Rainbow Coalition tells the movement’s little-known story through rare archival footage and interviews with former coalition members in the present-day.
While the coalition eventually collapsed under duress from constant harassment by local and federal law enforcement, including the murder of Fred Hampton, it had a long term impact, breaking down barriers between communities, and creating a model for future activists and diverse politicians across America.
All in-person events were held in San Antonio, Texas.