Freda by Gessica Généus
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures is presenting the series ‘Hasta La Raíz | K'a Pa Ruxe'el | Até A Raiz | Nan Rasin Lan: To the Root,’ from September 16 to October 13, featuring eight films that explore the roots of Latinx identity through powerful stories of self-discovery, culture, and resilience.
The series title is inspired by the Latin Grammy-winning record Hasta la Raíz by Mexican singer-songwriter Natalia Lafourcade, which pays tribute to her homeland and reflects on the life circumstances—family, friends, experiences, and heritage—that shape one’s identity. This theme of staying connected to one's roots, along with explorations of self-identity, sexuality, betrayal, and class structure, are central to the films featured in this series.
The films capture the challenges and triumphs of Latine/x adolescents and young adults, many of whom grapple with marginalization, as seen in Mi Amigo Ángel (1964), Bad Hair (2013), and Freda (2021). Yet, the beauty of self-discovery and the honoring of one's truth shine through, even in difficult circumstances.
The series opens on September 16 with Mi Vida Loca, a multi-part story about childhood best friends Mona and Marivel. A pre-screening conversation with writer-director Allison Anders and actors Angel Aviles and Seidy López will accompany the screening. The film, set in the Echo Park neighborhood, portrays the generational shifts from the pachucas of the 1940s to the cholas of the 1990s, with Anders having closely collaborated with the Echo Park Locas, who contributed to all aspects of production.
On September 20, Jayro Bustamante’s Ixcanul screens, preceded by the short film Mi Amigo Ángel. The film tells the story of María, who has never ventured beyond her village at the base of the Ixcanul volcano in Guatemala. While betrothed in an arranged marriage, María secretly pursues a romance with Pepe, whose ambition is to escape to the United States. Ixcanul is praised for its authentic portrayal of Mayan culture and the unique struggles faced by Guatemala’s Indigenous population.
The Way He Looks / Hoje Eu Quero Voltar Sozinho by Daniel Ribeiro will be shown on September 23. It follows Leonardo, a blind teenager, whose relationship with his best friend Giovana is upended when a new student, Gabriel, arrives, sparking feelings Leonardo has never experienced before.
On September 27, Mosquita y Mari screens, with a pre-screening conversation with writer-director Aurora Guerrero and actors Fenessa Pineda and Venecia Troncoso. The film depicts the growing bond between Straight-A student Yolanda and the rebellious Mari, as they navigate the confusing and intimate feelings developing between them. Set in the vibrant, predominantly Latinx neighborhood of Huntington Park, the film is based on Guerrero’s own experiences growing up.
Amar te duele (September 28) follows the secret romance between Renata, from a wealthy family, and Ulises, an aspiring comic book artist. The film, set in early 2000s Mexico City, deals with the pressures of class and race and features music by Natalia Lafourcade, whose contributions to the soundtrack helped cement her stardom.
Also screening on September 28 is Bad Hair / Pelo Malo by Mariana Rondón. Set in Caracas, Venezuela, the film tells the story of Junior, a 9-year-old boy obsessed with straightening his "pelo malo" (bad hair) for his school photo, which creates tension with his mother, Marta, who worries about Junior's emerging queerness. The film delves into issues of race, gender norms, and class, exploring the enduring legacy of colonialism in Latin America.
On October 12, Raising Victor Vargas screens with an introduction by co-writer and director Peter Sollett. The film follows Dominican-American teen Victor, who tries to repair his reputation after being caught in a compromising situation. His relationship with Judy Ramirez becomes a refuge from the chaos of his home life, where he is seen as a troublemaker by his grandmother and a hero by his younger brother.
The series concludes on October 13 with Freda, directed by Gessica Généus. Set in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, the film follows Freda, her family, and their small business as they navigate life in a country plagued by civil unrest. While Freda's family seeks to escape, she struggles with her love for Haiti and loyalty to her home, exploring generational trauma and colorism from a rare female perspective in Haitian cinema.
Watch the ‘Hasta La Raíz’ promotional trailer:
