Category: Biography
38 Días
A short reflexive documentary about the search and assassination of Fructuoso Rodríguez a revolutionary and communist student leader by supporters of Batista’s Dictatorship. Rodríguez became the leader of the Federación Estudiantil Universitaria, a group of communist students at Universidad de La Habana who directly opposed Fulgencio Batista’s dictatorship in Cuba during the 1950s, after the previous’ leader Jose José Antonio Echeverría assassination. In the documentary, the surviving members of the FEU and Rodriguez’s friends detail the events that lead to his Assassination, focusing on his last 38 days of life soon after becoming the leader of the FEU.
Biography, Cuba, History, Politics/Human Rights, Social Issues, Social Movements/ResistanceA Magia Do Churrasco [Marcos Bassi: The Magic Of Grilling]
For more than four decades, businessman Marcos Bassi surprises us with his creations and knowledge about steaks. With 'A Barbecue Magic' you will learn about choosing the steak, to cutting and preparing the delicious barbecue. Known as the Artisan of the Beef, Marcos Bassi reveals his secrets, highlighting some of his own creations such as Skirt steak and Good-Good steak, in addition to the T-Bone Steak, Wide Beef steak, Bisteca Fiorentina steak, Steak Eye and Whole Picanha.
Biography, Brazil, Culture/Festivals/Food, Social Life and CustomsAntonia Pantoja: ¡Presente!
Antonia Pantoja (1922-2002), a black Puerto Rican activist and educator, worked tirelessly on behalf of the youth of her generation. Promoting causes like bilingual education and founding organizations such as ASPIRA and Boricua College, she left an indelible mark on the US educational landscape. This documentary tribute reviews her work and its impact through interviews and archival footage.
Biography, History, Politics/Human Rights, Social Movements/Resistance, USA, Women's StudiesArdiente Paciencia
A young man is in love with the daughter of a local bar owner in a Chilean village. The young man enlists the help of the famous poet Pablo Neruda to woo his beloved.
Biography, Chile, Drama, HistoryArt and Revolution in Mexico
Part I is a documentary dealing with the art of the Mexican revolution as a political movement and a revolution in art. Text by Octavio Paz. Part II examines these monumental creations not only for their great aesthetic value, but also as an essential and fascinating part of Mexico's history. The murals are examples of the marriage of art and political thought. Includes works by Rivera and Siqueiros. Part III is an insight into the elements of the life experiences of Tamayo, a Zapotecan Indian and a famous Mexican painter.
Art, Biography, MexicoArt of Elizabeth Bishop, The
This is a documentary allows the viewer a glimpse into a Brazilian art symposium which celebrates the art and poetry of Elizabeth Bishop. The symposium occurs in Ouro Preto in Minas Gerais. Literary discussions and some presentation material included.
Art, Biography, BrazilBaile Perfumado
The inhospitable backlands, or sertão, of northeastern Brazil was home to a fearsome group of social bandits - the cangaceiros. Among the most infamous of these outlaws, known by their hats covered with mystic talismans, was the bespectacled Lampião whose depredations became legend in the 1930s. The film portrays the filmmaker and photographer Benjamin Abrahão, a Lebanese immigrant, who captured the elusive bandits with his camera.
Biography, Brazil, Drama, HistoryBispo Do Rosario
This docudrama about the life and art of the Brazilian artist Arthur Bispo do Rosário takes the artist's imagination as its viewpoint. Bispo spent 50 years in a psychiatric hospital in Rio and his art was almost completely unknown before his death in 1989. He is now considered one of Brazil's most important artists.
Art, Biography, BrazilBolivar Soy Yo
The actor, Santiago Miranda, abandons the set of a soap opera that he thinks fails to illustrate the real vision and dream of Bolívar. Miranda is determined to finish Bolívar's dream of creating the Great Colombia. Wrapped in his own delirium, he kidnaps the President of Colombia and tries to start a revolution. However, Miranda's beloved, Manuelita Saenz, intervenes in his dreams.
Biography, Colombia, Comedy, HistoryCabeza de Vaca
Freely adopted from the book Naufragios by Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca (written in 1542). The film portrays the saga of the adventures of a group of Spanish soldiers in Mexico. Their leader, Cabeza de Vaca, is considered to be one of the first Spaniards to come to some appreciation of the native Indians.
Biography, Drama, History, Indigenous Peoples, MexicoCarlos Fuentes
An interview with the renowned Mexican novelist for World Monitor--a television presentation of the Christian Science Monitor.
Biography, MexicoCarmen Miranda: Bananas is my Business
This film relates the intimate saga of the star who captured the world's heart and imagination. It reveals the lasting image of Latin American women she created and serves as a celebration of her glorious talents. Using active footage, film fragments, interviews and dramatic re-enactments, acclaimed director Helena Solberg goes behind the scenes to convey the true life story of the "Brazilian Bombshell."
Biography, Brazil, Cinema/Theater, Music/DanceChe, Part I: El Argentino
Based on Ernesto "Che" Guevara's memoir Reminiscences of the Cuban Revolutionary War, this film constitutes part 1 of the two part series directed by Steven Soderbergh on the life of this iconic hero of the Cuban revolution. While focusing on Guevara's role in the guerrilla campaign that begins in the Sierra Maestra and ultimately ousts Fulgencio Batista from power, the movie also splices in scenes depicting Guevara's visit to the United Nations and audio re-creation of an interview that presents some of Guevara's political philosophies and thoughts on being a revolutionary. The film portrays the personal dynamics of his relationship with Fidel Castro, Camilo Cienfuegos, and other anti-Batista activists during the war, Guevara's leadership style as reflected in his efforts to maintain discipline in the rebel army, and the final military campaign that culminates in the capture of the city of Santa Clara and the flight of Batista from the country.
Biography, Cuba, History, Latin AmericaConjura de Aponte, La
With the help of two important Cuban historians, La Conjura de Aponte describes the social context at the time of Jose Antonio Aponte’s rebellion against Spanish rule in Cuba. Aponte, a free black, sought to unite slaves and free blacks in order to stop Spanish rule.
Biography, Country/Region, Cuba, History, Social Issues, SubjectConquistadors Part I
The conquest of the New World in less than 50 years is one of history's most profound events--and remains one of its greatest adventures. British historian Michael Wood captures the bravery, endurance, greed, cruelty, and suffering involved in these 16th-century explorations. Wood turns his attention to the Americas to follow four amazing tales: Cortes' dramatic conquest of the Aztecs in Mexico; Pizarro's daring overthrow of the Incas in Peru; Orellana's obsessive search for El Dorado and discovery of the Amazon; and Cabeza de Vaca's pivotal crossing of the North American continent. Great Britain/Latin America.
Biography, History, Indigenous Peoples, Latin AmericaConquistadors Part II
The conquest of the New World in less than 50 years is one of history's most profound events--and remains one of its greates adventures. British historian Michael Wood captures the bravery, endurance, greed, cruelty, and suffering involved in these 16th-century explorations. Wood turns his attention to the Americas to follow four amazing tales: Cortes' dramatic conquest of the Aztecs in Mexico; Pizarro's daring overthrow of the Incas in Peru; Orellana's obsessive search for El Dorado and discovery of the Amazon; and Cabeza de Vaca's pivotal crossing of the North American continent. Great Britain/Latin America.
Biography, History, Indigenous Peoples, Latin AmericaDesazón Suprema, La: Retrato Incesante De Fernando Vallejo /The Supreme Uneasiness: Incessant Portrait Of Fernando Vallejo
This riveting documentary about the controversial and very important Colombian author and sometime filmmaker, Fernando Vallejo, begins with a powerful talk he gave to a crowd of youth in which he realistically told them that they were born into the most dangerous place on Earth. His points are illustrated with spliced footage of a country in disarray, full of poverty and assassinations. His speech and writings are laden with strong social and political commentary about his country. Included are home movies, interviews with his siblings, and the interspersing of poetry, politics, and discussion of Vallejo's homosexuality.
Biography, ColombiaDust And Lipstick In The Central Plateau / Poeira & batom no Planalto Central
This documentary interviews 50 Brazilian women from varying socio-economic statuses and professions who moved to the area between 1956 and 1960 – a transformative time in the region where most structures and life was in the process of being built. This is a good film for those interested in women studies and the role women played in building Brasilia.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Biography, Brazil, Social Issues, Women's StudiesEl Hombre Ilustrado
Manuel Mendive is known as one of the most important contemporary Cuban painters. Medive was born in 1944 in Havana, Cuba. Mendive integrates materials such as paint, fabric, and shells to create costumes, and decorate the forest. This VHS contains two short films. The first short film shows the dance performance piece, while the second film shows Mendive painting and illustrates his artistic process.
Art, Biography, Country/Region, Cuba, SubjectEstadio Nacional
After the coup d’etat that occurred on September 11, 1973, the Chilean government initiated an atrocious pursuit against former allies of the overthrown Socialist President, Salvador Allende. A series of house raids were conducted and thousands of people were arrested. This documentary tells how more than 12,000 prisoners were confined, tortured and some were killed at the National Stadium—making it the largest concentration camp in Chile.
Biography, Chile, HistoryEva Peron: The True Story
A film biography about Evita Perón, the work seeks to portray the political acumen and skill of a consummate politician--"the power behind the throne"--of the populist Argentine, Juan Perón. The film represents an Argentine perspective grounded in history rather than treatments of Evita such as Andrew Lloyd Weber musical and Madonna versions.
Argentina, Biography, HistoryEvita: The Woman Behind The Myth
In this remarkable program, rare photographs and films tell Eva Duarte de Peron's (Evita) real story, from her humble birth to her tragic death from cancer at 33. Close aides and bitter enemies offer firsthand accounts, and popular artists--including playwright Rim Rice--consider why she continues to fascinate us today.
Argentina, Biography, Politics/Human RightsFidel (2001)
This film is an intimate portrait of the Cuban revolutionary leader Fidel Castro. Filmmaker Estela Bravo presents rare interviews with Castro and footage of him swimming with bodyguards, visiting his childhood home and school, and trading jokes with his friend Nelson Mandela. It introduces a positive portrayal of Castro rarely shown in the US media.
Biography, Cuba, HistoryFoto Que Recorre El Mundo, Una (The Photo That Went Around The World)
A single, iconic image of Ernesto “Che” Guevara has been remembered, revered and reproduced over the years. In this documentary, photographer Alberto Korda recounts his feelings at the moment he snapped the world famous photo. A fast-paced collage of images follows, showing how this photo was used internationally as a symbol of inspiration in liberation and human rights struggles.
Biography, Cuba, HistoryFour Days In September
This thriller is based on the true-life events. In 1969, the MR-8 urban guerrillas kidnap the US Ambassador to Brazil (Alan Arkin) to demand the release of prisoners held by the military junta. The dictatorship's secret police close in on the bungled operation while time runs out. Now, the diplomat’s life hangs in the balance, caught between a government unwilling to cooperate, and his fear for the captors themselves.
Biography, Brazil, Drama, HistoryFrescoes Of Diego Rivera, The
"An artist must be the conscience of his age." In this way Diego Rivera, a leader of the Mexican mural renaissance movement of the 1920's and 1930's expressed the philosophy behind his work; in particular the spectacular series of murals he created for public buildings in the US and Mexico. Vividly exploring Rivera's evolution as an artist, his use of the fresco technique, and his explosive political beliefs; this stunning documentary reveals one of the true geniuses of the twentieth century. Actor Michael Moriarty narrates. From the "Portrait of an Artist" series.
Art, Biography, Mexico, USAFrida
Taymor recreates the tactile passion and beauty of Frida Kahlo’s art as a backdrop for her life of romance and revolution. Frida chronicles the life of artist Frida Kahlo (Salma Hayek), from her upbringing to her worldwide fame. The film shows the turbulence and controversy that surrounded both Frida and her husband, Diego Rivera, throughout their lives as political activists, artists, and lovers. Frida received a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe and two Oscars.
Art, Biography, Drama, Mexico, USA, Women's StudiesFrida Kahlo
Visually depicts the life of Frida Kahlo through her own paintings and the surroundings of her home in Coyoacán, Mexico City.
Art, Biography, MexicoFrida Kahlo: Portrait Of An Artist
A documentary about Frida Kahlo's painful life and creative process. Part of the series "Portraits of an Artist."
Art, Biography, Mexico, USAFrida: Naturaleza Viva
On her deathbed artist Frida Kahlo (played by Ofelia Medina) conjures up images and memories of her life as a painter, revolutionary and woman of the world. Her stormy relationship with muralist Diego Rivera, her tender hospitality for exiled Leon Trotsky, her struggle for acceptance as an artist, and the travail of her illnesses and injuries are all recalled in a style reminiscent of her own work, simultaneously sophisticated and primitive, flamboyant and delicate.
Art, Biography, Drama, Mexico, Women's StudiesGringo In Mañanaland
This film is a montage of scenes from travelogues, dramatic films, industrial films, newsreels, military footage, geography textbook illustrations and political cartoons. Together they explore the stereotyped image of Latin America in popular US media during the 20th century.
Biography, Cinema/Theater, Latin America, Latinos/Chicanos, USAGuevara: Anatomia De Un Mito
This film presents a revisionist view of the life Ernesto “Che” Guevara. Various interviews with former comrades of Guevara present a portrait of the man that is a stark contrast to the official mythology of Che’s historical role in the revolution. Their stories present a cruel, vindictive side of Che’s personality responsible for a number of botched revolutionary ventures, including the campaign in Bolivia that led to his death. Far from the selfless hero of official Cuban history, viewers are presented with a cowardly, incompetent ideologue whose disregard for the views of others led to his own downfall.
Biography, Cuba, HistoryHistorias De Gente Grande
Based on the research of Felipe Vázquez Palacios and his team in the state of Veracruz. This documentary depicts the daily life of those whom society considers to be “old.” The testimonies of these men and women teach us that the process of growing old is a construction that combines biology with work, family and society. Due to their diminishing status and lack of social support, these older adults invent survival strategies while they wait for their death.
Art, Biography, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico, Social IssuesLife And Works Of Frida Kahlo, The
This Masterpiece Series provides a triple treat – a close-up look at the lives and works of the world‘s most famous artists plus three art lessons that focus on the style of each. These lessons reinforce the techniques and skills that the artist used and students will experience hands-on learning.
Art, Biography, MexicoManuel Zapata Olivella: Abridor De Caminos
As one of the most prominent Afro-Colombian figures of the 20th century, Manuel Zapata Olivella did many things to promote Colombian culture and the history of African-descended peoples in Colombia. This documentary deals with various aspects of his versatile and prolific career.
Anthropology/Archaeology, Biography, ColombiaMemorias De Un Mexicano / Memories Of A Mexican
The pioneer film maker Salvador Toscano portrayed the key events and figures of the Mexican Revolution from 1904 to 1924. Capturing the flavor and reality of war-torn Mexico, the film presents the political and military upheaval that shaped present day Mexico using exclusive, authentic footage. It also describes the women's role in Mexico during this period.
Biography, Literature, MexicoMissing
John Shea, Sissy Spacek, Jack Lemmon. A young American journalist mysteriously disappears during the violent 1973 military coup in Chile. When his wife and father attempt to find him, they are confronted with a deeply disturbing political reality relating to their own country and the country they are investigating. A 1982 Cannes Film Festival winner.
Biography, Chile, Drama, History, Latin America, Politics/Human Rights, Social Movements/Resistance, USAMontaña De Luz
On a Honduran mountainside overlooking vast fields of sugar cane, a six-year-old boy named Marlon dreams of becoming an artist. Twelve-year-old Inri dreams of attending university. Little Yorleni simply dreams of having a family. Meet the children of the Montaña de Luz orphanage, their lives a living testament to the beauty and innocence of childhood in the face of adversity beyond their years. With artistry and honesty, the camera paints a stirring portrait of a loving community where nothing is truly certain but hope and where each birthday is a celebration of dreams fulfilled and dreams to come.
Biography, Chile, Drama, History, Latin America, Politics/Human Rights, Social Movements/Resistance, USAMuralla Verde, La
A young family, determined to escape the pressures of life in Lima, struggles to exist in the exotic, overgrown Peruvian jungle. Godoy's autobiographical story is perhaps the most honored Peruvian film of all time.
Biography, Drama, Environment/Geography, Peru, Social IssuesMy Filmmaking, My Life
An intriguing documentary on the life of the renowned and vibrant filmmaker. Landeta is seen in her 70's remembering her productive years. Includes interview with filmmaker Marcela Fernandez Violante.
Biography, Cinema/Theater, MexicoPinochet’s Last Stand
The drama, based on true events, tells the fascinating story of the surprise 1998 arrest of the former Chilean dictator for crimes against humanity. Armed with diplomatic passport and apparent immunity, the retired general visited Great Britain for a vacation that was to forever change his life - and the prospects for dictators across the globe. Amnesty International spearheaded the long-awaited arrest with the help from the Spanish and British governments, but faced a pro-Pinochet publicity campaign masterminded by one of the dictator's few allies, former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. As the dissenting faction pushed for an extradition trial, 500 days passed with Pinochet under house arrest in an exclusive suburban London community.
Biography, Chile, Drama, History, Politics/Human Rights, Social IssuesReina De La Noche, La
Fictionalized biography about life of Mexican singer Lucha Reyes. Lucha Reyes was an unconventional and sexually liberated woman, most famous for her "cancion ranchera" style singing. Her story begins in 1939, when at 33 she still lived at home with her mother, then she marries the liberal Pedro Calderon and then buys a beggar's daughter, who becomes her only source of lasting love.
Biography, Mexico, Music/DanceSantiago
This is a documentary about Santiago Badariotti Merlo, an Argentine man who was the butler of the filmmaker and his parents for thirty years in their large home in Brazil. It is made by veteran documentary filmmaker João Moreira Salles, who filmed the material in 1992 but left it unfinished until he returned to it 15 years later. Salles discovered that he was in fact the subject of the documentary, and uses creative editing to show how he orients the directions in Santiago’s life and to reveal the relations of power at play between Santiago and the family. The film is recognized as a reflection on “framing” documentaries, and won “best documentary” in several film festivals. This film was donated by Duke University Visiting Instructor Aaron Lorenz.
Biography, Social Life and CustomsTeresa Poester – 10.357 KM Em Linha
This documentary reveals the artist's creative process in the series in which she uses large paper and ballpoint pen. The documentary opens the series Collection Processes de Creation, an initiative designed for the production of a set of short documentary films that portray the process of creating contemporary Gaucho artists from different areas. The documentary by Niura Borges presents a specific cut in the production of 35 years of Teresa Poester's career, one of the most renowned artists in the state. The film features testimonials by artists Antônio Augusto Bueno, Laura Castilhos, Maria Helena Bernardes and Marilice Corona, by the poet and writer Armindo Trevisan, by the filmmaker Jorge Furtado, by the student Kelvin Koubik.
Art, Biography, Brazil, DocudramaWarrior Of Light
Documentary about artist Yvonne Bezzerra de Mello, a human rights activist and her work with homeless boys in Rio de Janeiro.
Biography, Brazil, Docudrama, Politics/Human Rights, Social IssuesYo la peor de todas
Based on the novel by Octavio Paz, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: Las trampas de la fe, deals with the life of this Mexican nun. Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz remains in many ways an enigma to those who read her poetry and essays.
Argentina, Biography, Colonial, Drama, History, Religion