Hispanic Heritage Month takes place every year from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 and is used as a recognition of several Hispanic countries gaining independence, while also being a celebration of Hispanic culture and history.
Media shapes our view of the world around us and, similarly, it can teach us about things we wouldn’t have inquired about otherwise. This can range from different time periods to different cultures. This is why films that detail other cultures and regions of the world are so important.
To help better expand on this understanding, here are some films and TV shows that resonate with Oakland University’s own Hispanic community.
“La Misma Luna”
This film tells a devastating story of a mother and son who attempt to reunite years after the mother leaves him in Mexico with his grandmother to immigrate to the United States.
The conflict begins when his grandmother passes away and the young Carlitos has to make the journey from Mexico to the United States, where his mother is now working as a cleaning lady in California.
“This movie is a tragic yet very realistic story for many who immigrated here or for first gens,” Angel Garcilazo, president of the Spanish Club, said. “I feel like people who aren’t Hispanic or Latino should watch it because they may not know the struggles that one might go through just to be reunited with their family.”
“El Chapulín Colorado”
A staple television show in Hispanic families, “El Chapulín Colorado” is a comedic series from the 70s that features well-known Mexican actor and screenwriter Roberto Mario Gómez Bolaños Sr. — most known as Chespirito.
El Chapulín Colorado — the titular character — is a superhero who ends up creating more trouble than solutions, but this comedic premise is what caused the show to gain popularity throughout Hispanic countries.
“‘Chapulín Colorado’ was a show that always brought my family together. Watching it as a family always made my heart smile. It’s a very funny show that brings families together,” said Kayla Rodriguez, a student at OU.
The show’s legacy continues into the modern era, with the character being featured in DCEU’s “Blue Beetle,” which was released in 2023.
“Walkout”
Set in the late 1960s, “Walkout” details a teacher’s role in helping Chicano students protest injustices faced in high schools. The film is based on a true story of the East Los Angeles Walkouts.
“This movie shows the challenges that Hispanic students suffered and the acts of bravery they took to stand up for their rights and that of the generations after them,” student Jasmin Carmona-Almanza said in regards to the film.
Films and TV shows can definitely teach us about cultures we might know nothing about, but it is also important to do our own research. Whether you’re Hispanic or not, anyone can help share the knowledge of culture this Hispanic Heritage Month.
You can find more information on Hispanic Heritage Month events around campus on the Oakland University News website.
