If you’ve been to your local cineplex lately, you know it can be a little pricey to see the latest Hollywood offerings on the big screen. So how about a chance to see award-winning movies for the low, low price of nothing?
That’s what it’ll set you back to see any of the 11 movies being offered as part of this year’s Latin American Film Series being held March 28 to April 5. Now in its 45th installment, the event is organized by UW-Milwaukee’s Center for Latin and Caribbean Studies, along with UWM Union Student Involvement and Union Cinema, which will host the full series at 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd.
There’s nothing planned for Sunday, March 31, but every other day has a movie for you to check out in its original language with English subtitles — and, again, totally free.. The full lineup with brief summaries from the event website can be found below.
Thursday, March 28
7 p.m. — Puan (2023, 111 minutes)
Directed by María Alché, Benjamín Naishtat
Argentina/Italy/France/Germany/Brazil
When Marcelo Pena finally is about to be appointed Head of the Philosophy department, the famous and seductive Professor Sujarchuk returns from Europe to claim the post for himself. Winner: Best Screenplay Jury Prize, Best Leading Performance, 2023 San Sebastián International Film Festival.
Friday, March 29
7 p.m. — Prison in the Andes (Penal Cordillera, 2023, 105 minutes)
Directed by Felipe Carmona
Chile/Brazil
The five most ruthless men in Pinochet’s dictatorship are serving out sentences for their crimes against humanity in a luxury prison at the foot of the Andes. When one of the inmates gives a TV interview, his declarations fuel an unexpected backlash. Nominee: 2023 BFI London Film Festival Sutherland Award.
9 p.m. — Vicenta B. (2022, 77 minutes)
Directed by Carlos Lechuga
Cuba/France/USA/Colombia/Norway
Vicenta, a Cuban woman with the ability to see into the future, lives harmoniously with her only son until he decides to leave the country. Immersed in a profound crisis, Vicenta departs for a voyage to the heartland of a country where everyone seems to have lost their faith.
Saturday, March 30
4 p.m. — Sacred Family (La Sagrada Familia, 2022, 90 minutes)
Presented in collaboration with the Chicago Latino Film Festival
Directed by Borja Alcalde
Peru/Spain/Scotland
In a quest to find balance between ancestral beliefs and urban life, Peruvian shamans Carmen and Sergio and their three teenage kids embark on a 1000-mile road trip in an old camper van deep into the Amazon jungle, where they used to live, hoping it will provide answers about how to live as a family in the modern world. Official selection: 2022 Edinburgh International Film Festival.
6 p.m. — The Fishbowl (La Pecera, 2023, 92 minutes)
Co-presented with the Military and Veterans Resource Center and the Roberto Hernández Center
Directed by Glorimar Marrero Sánchez
Puerto Rico/Spain/USA
As her cancer spreads, Noelia decides to return to her native Vieques, Puerto Rico, and determine her own fate. She reunites with friends and family, who are still dealing with the contamination of the U.S. Navy after 60 years of military practices. Official selection: 2023 Sundance Film Festival.
8 p.m. — Un Varón (A Male, 2022, 82 minutes)
Directed by Fabián Hernández
Colombia/France/Netherlands/Germany
Carlos lives in a Bogotá youth shelter. It’s Christmas and he longs to be with his family. Confronted with the brutality of his neighborhood, he must prove he can be tough, while deep inside, these expressions of masculinity clash with the decisions he must make to survive. Director’s Fortnight: 2022 Cannes Film Festival
Monday, April 1
7 p.m. — A Strange Path (Estranho Caminho, 2023, 83 minutes)
Directed by Guto Parente
Brazil
A young filmmaker returns home and attempts to reconnect with his father as the pandemic rapidly accelerates across Brazil. Best International Narrative Feature Award, Best Performance Award, Best Screenplay Award, Best Cinematography Award: 2023 Tribeca Film Festival.
Tuesday, April 2
7 p.m. — The Echo (El Eco, 2023, 102 minutes)
Directed by Tatiana Huezo
Mexico/Germany
In the remote village of El Echo, the children care for the sheep and for their elders. While the frost and drought punish the land, they learn to understand death, illness and love with each act, word, and silence of their parents.
Wednesday, April 3
7 p.m. — The Klezmer Project (Adentro mío estoy bailando, 2023, 117 minutes)
Co-presented with the Sam and Helen Stahl Center for Jewish Studies
Directed by Leandro Koch, Paloma Schachmann
Argentina/Austria
Includes a talkback with Joel Berkowitz, professor of English and director of the Stahl Center for Jewish Studies
While filming a wedding, Leandro falls in love with Paloma, a clarinetist. To seduce her, he pretends to be shooting a documentary about Klezmer, the traditional Yiddish folk music. Leandro’s “fake” film project will take him on an unscripted journey throughout Eastern Europe in search of the last remaining Klezmer melodies. First Feature Award: 2023 Berlin International Film Festival.
Thursday, April 4
7 p.m. — Power Alley (Levante, 2023, 92 minutes)
Directed by Lillah Hallah
Brazil/Uruguay/France
Sofia is a spirited teen volleyball player from a modest background. Her life takes a dramatic turn when she faces an unwanted pregnancy. She is surrounded by a supportive team, including trans and non-binary members making the film a vivid exploration of queer sisterhood and resilience against the odds. Semaine de la Critique selection: 2023 Cannes Film Festival.
Friday, April 5
7 p.m. —Tótem (2023, 95 minutes)
Directed by Lila Avilés
Mexico/Denmark/France
In a bustling Mexican household, 7-year-old Sol is swept up in a whirlwind of preparations for the birthday party for her father, led by her mother, aunts, and other relatives. As the day goes on, Sol begins to understand the gravity of the celebration this year.
