Movies and Documentaries That You Must Watch
Welcome to another Mariposa Blog!
Looking for something to watch? We got you covered!
On this occasion, we wanted to recommend 5 different Latinx movies and documentaries that tackle a variety of important issues ranging from immigration, sexism, social justice, corruption, violence against women, and education. All of these movies starred or were directed by Latinx filmmakers and actors. Here we’ve included brief descriptions about the movies and their disclaimers. We hope you enjoy them as much as we did!
What We Leave Behind - Directed by Iliana Sosa, 2022
This is a short documentary about Julian, also called “Abuelito” and his granddaughter Iliana. After a lifetime of trips to the U.S. to visit his children, Julian begins building a house in Mexico. Iliana decides to document the process and films a beautiful and poetic love letter to her Abuelito and his country.
RATING: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
I’m no longer here(Ya no estoy aquí), Fernando Frias, 2009
This movie takes place in Monterrey, Mexico. A young street gang spends their days dancing to slowed-down cumbia and attending parties. After a mix-up with a local cartel, their leader is forced to migrate to the U.S. but quickly longs to return home.
RATING: R
DISCLAIMERS: Profanity, Violence & Gore, Intense Scenes, Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking
Where to watch: Netflix
Señorita Extraviada, Lourdes Portillo, 2001
This award winning documentary tells the haunting story of more than 350 kidnapped, raped and murdered young women from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico. The compelling investigations shows the layers of complicity that have allowed for the brutal murders of women living along the Mexico-U.S. border.
RATING: R
DISCLAIMERS: Graphic discussion of rapes and murders, scattered use of mild profanity, brief drug contant, glimpses of nude artwork
Where to watch: Kanopy
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinnochio, 2022
Legendary filmmaker Guillermo del Toro reinvents the classic story of a puppet made of wood who is brought to life in a stunning stop-motion musical tale.
RATING: PG
Where to watch: Netflix
Precious Knowledge, Ari Palos, 2011
Precious Knowledge is a documentary about the fight over Mexican American studies in Arizona public schools. The film shows the stories of several students enrolled in the Mexican American Studies Program at Tucson High School with interviews with teachers, parents, school officials and the lawmakers who wish to outlaw the classes.
RATING: PG-13
Where to watch: Kanopy