Category: Colonial

Camila

Based on a true story from the 1800s, the film relates the tragic story of two young lovers: Camila, from a wealthy traditional family, and a young priest. They both defy family, church, and state in order to pursue their happiness. This is Maria Luisa Bemberg's most acclaimed film, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Film

Argentina, Classic, Colonial, Drama, History

Cracking the Maya Code

This documentary tells the story of how, after centuries of inaccessibility, the Mayan hieroglyphics were finally decoded by archaeologists. Through many discoveries by people of all ages, including Michael Coe and David Stuart, the Mayan Civilization is brought to life during this fascinating account of how the Mayan "code" was cracked, and the ways in which this newly available script has reshaped our understanding of Mayan civilization.

Colonial, Guatemala, History, Indigenous Peoples, Mexico

Gertrudis Bocanegra

 Gertrudis Bocanegra Lazo de la Vega--played by award winning actress Ofelia Medina--a criollo woman who participated in the Mexican war of independence, is the central character of this film. Gertrudis becomes acutely aware of the social injustice prevalent in Mexico in the late Colonial period and gets involved in the Hidalgo's movement for independence. Using the technique of flashback, she tells her story from her prison cell in Pátzcuaro, Michoacán.

Colonial, Drama, History, Mexico

José Martí: El Ojo Del Canario / José Martí: Eye Of The Canary

Colonial, Drama, History, Social Movements/Resistance

Momias, Las

This film documents “The Accidental Mummies of Guanajuato” exhibition which appeared at the Natural Science Center of Greensboro, NC in 2012. The history of the city of Guanajuato, Mexico, through the lens of its “accidental mummies”, is explained by historians, architects, anthropologists, and forensics teams. The mummies and crypts are carefully preserved and contribute to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Anthropology/Archaeology, Colonial, Culture/Festivals/Food, Mexico, Social Life and Customs

Quilombo

A handsome tale of revolution and conflict, set in the mid-1600s. Disgruntled slaves in northeastern Brazil leave their plantations and form Quilombo de Palmares-their own democratic nation in the jungle. This doesn't sit well with the Portuguese landowners, who send in their troops to restore control. This historical saga is a stirring fusion of folklore, political impact, and dynamic story-telling, realized in vibrant colors and set to the pulsing beat of Gilberto Gil's musical score.

Brazil, Colonial, Drama, History, Social Movements/Resistance

Vazante

 Brazil, 1821. Upon returning from a long trading expedition, a merchant discovers that his wife and newborn have died in labor. Confined to a decaying property in the company of his aging mother-in-law and a group of new African slaves, he marries his wife's young niece, Beatriz. Beginning her new life on the isolated farmhouse in the mountains, Beatriz faces physical and emotional unrest beyond her years, finding solace in the displaced inhabitants around her. Exploring the fraught intersection of feminism, colonialism, and race that has persisted across centuries, Vazante is a beautiful and haunting solo directorial debut from Brazilian filmmaker Daniela Thomas.

Colonial, Drama, Gender/Sexuality, History, Social Issues

When The Drum Is Beating

This documentary explores the music of the famous Haitian orchestra “Septentrional” along with the violent history of Haiti. Through Septentrional’s powerful musical pieces, accompanied with brutal scenes, viewers are taken on a graphic journey through Haiti’s culture and history; from French colonialism and bloody revolutions to natural disasters and foreign debt while Septentrional’s beautiful sounds of Haitian voodoo beats and Cuban big band serve as a backdrop. This film contains graphic images.

Colonial, Haiti, History, Music/Dance, Politics/Human Rights, Religion, Social Issues, Social Life and Customs, Social Movements/Resistance, USA

Yo 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