| This ageless program focuses on the annual Hispanic (Chicano/Chicana - Latino/Latina) tradition of maintaining the irrigation ditches, the acequias, which also helps strengthen the ties that bind the community together. Like the people it portrays, it is a program of gentle beauty. And through the glimpse of this ritual, we are reminded of traditional values, which have allowed humans to live in harmony with nature for centuries. 08DR/CL IJSCA 15 min. |
| Folklórico, which literally means "folk dance" in Spanish, is a collective term for traditional Hispanic (Chicano/Chicana - Latino/Latina) dances that emphasizes a region's local folk culture. This classic program offers a fascinating look at the Folklórico music and the characteristic dance traditions of the southwestern United States and Mexico; featured are the music, dance steps, costumes and history of this festive tradition. *Produced by Joseph Tovares and Felicia Kongable. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min. |
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"When you sing, your troubles disappear." -Spanish
Proverb "Highly Recommended. A rare look at the traditional music of Hispanic (Chicano/Chicana - Latino/Latina) people in America's Southwest, which continues to be played at state fairs and dance halls as it has been for generations." -National Media Review This classic program is a musical time capsule, capturing the traditional music of Hispanic (Chicano/Chicana - Latino/Latina) people in America's Southwest; it features rare performances by Tiny Morrie, Al Hurricane, and Debbie Martinez. We discover the picturesque ballads and songs of everyday life, passed along through parents and grandparents, have teen blended with pulsing rhythms and melodies from contemporary Latin sounds. Here we are taken to the dimly lit dance halls, to state fairs bustling with hot dog stand stands and prize-winning livestock, and out across mesas covered with chamisa and cactus to experience small town, Friday night dances. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min. |
| This classic program takes viewers on a musical road trip visiting many older Hispanics (Chicano/Chicana - Latino/Latina) musicians who play the traditional, sweet ballads and humorous folksongs, which have been passed down through generation to generation like family heirlooms. Chapters: 1. Introduction; 2. La Rana; 3. Indita; 4. Mi Carlito Ford; 5. Don Gato; 6. El Oneliti. *Produced by Jack Parsons and Jack Loeffler. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min. |
| This classic program takes viewers on a cultural and historical journey down the Rio Grande river - the great river - following the wild run from Colorado southward across New Mexico and ending in Texas. In Mexico, the river is known as the Rio Bravo; also it is one of the longest rivers in North America, but too shallow for commercial navigation. We begin from the river's source in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado through the 70-mile long Rio Grande Gorge to the Taos Pueblo and Kit Carson country; then we continue across New Mexico, utilizing voices of actual residents in their natural environment, and ends in El Paso, Texas. 08DR/CL IJSCA 60 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. Santeros, those who earnestly
whittle and fashion likenesses of the beatific Virgin Mary or the pastoral
St. Ysidro from blocks of cottonwood, are shown to carry on an honorable
tradition from the late 18th century. Tracing this history, this production
inter-cuts views of Santos, carved and painted saints' figures, and of
contemporary Santeros at work. An informative introduction to this
little-documented aspect of regional American folk art." -Booklist This classic program is a beautiful study of a traditional skill passed on for generations among the Hispanic (Chicano/Chicana - Latino/Latina) culture. Here we see inter-cut views of Santos, carved and painted saints' figures, and of contemporary Santeros at work, providing an informative introduction to this little-documented aspect of regional American folk art. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. An impressive collection of woven
pieces illustrate the narration and the comments of the artists."
-Landers Film Reviews This classic program presents a comprehensive introduction to traditional Hispanic (Chicano/Chicana - Latino/Latina) weaving techniques, which date back to the 1700s and are recounted by members of the Martinez family, who continue to honor old traditions, combining both Spanish and Native American influences. Chapters: 1. Blankets; 2. Agatha Martinez; 3. Natural Dyes. 08DR/CL IJSCA 30 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. Technically well-wrought, this is an
enlightening journey into America's cultural history and ethnic
heritage." -School Library Journal This is the classic story of the Romero family's quest to keep alive the Spanish craft of working with tin, which dates back to the opening of the Santa Fe Trail in 1821. The Romero's tinwork, which includes mirror frames, candle sconces, and light fixtures, has gained them national recognition. Here they reflect on their work and their desire to pass on the skills of their craft to their daughter. 08DR/CL IJSCA 15 min. |
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"Highly Recommended. The traditional lifestyle of
79-year-old Luisa Torres is examined. Like Luisa herself, this is a serene
documentary of her daily activities - and an enlightening journey into
America's cultural heritage." -National Media Review "Highly Recommended. A memorable study of the lifestyle of an elderly women, Luisa Torres, who values her Latin traditions." -School Library Journal This is a touching, classic documentary of an elderly Hispanic woman, 79-year-old Luisa Torres, who lives a traditional life on a small farm in the village of Guadalpita in northern New Mexico. Her life is one close to the earth that has remained virtually unchanged for generations, a life shared by her parents and grandparents before her and her neighbors and her neighbors' parents. Through Luisa's recollections we see a woman's commitment to hard work and the goal of self-reliance. At the kitchen table with her husband, Eduardo, she talks of marriage and sharing. As she harvests medicinal roots and herbs, she talks of living in balance with the seasons. In her garden she remembers the goodness of the earth, which has given her flowers and food for the table; also, she asks that she be returned to it with little ceremony and with thanks for a full life. 08DR/CL IJSCA 60 min. |