Latinx Lens

Sundance Film Festival 2022 coverage continues for Rosa and Cat. In this episode, they review four films from the festival:

"Call Jane"

Dir. Phyllis Nagy

Chicago, 1968. As a city and the nation are poised on the brink of violent political upheaval, suburban housewife Joy leads an ordinary life with her husband and daughter. When Joy's pregnancy leads to a life-threatening condition, she must navigate a medical establishment unwilling to help. Her journey to find a solution to an impossible situation leads her to the "Janes," a clandestine organization of women who provide Joy with a safer alternative — and in the process, change her life.

"Marte Um (Mars One)"

Dir. Gabriel Martin

The Martins family are optimistic dreamers, quietly leading their lives in the margins of a major Brazilian city following the disappointing inauguration of a far-right extremist president. A lower-middle-class Black family, they feel the strain of their new reality as the political dust settles. Tércia, the mother, reinterprets her world after an unexpected encounter leaves her wondering if she's cursed. Her husband, Wellington, puts all of his hopes into the soccer career of their son, Deivinho, who reluctantly follows his father's ambitions despite secretly aspiring to study astrophysics and colonize Mars. Meanwhile, their older daughter, Eunice, falls in love with a free-spirited young woman and ponders whether it's time to leave home.

"Emergency"

Dir. Carey Williams

Straight-A college student Kunle and his laid-back best friend, Sean, are about to have the most epic night of their lives. Determined to be the first Black students to complete their school's frat party legendary tour, the friends strap in for their ultimate assignment, Solo cups in hand. But a quick pit stop at home alters their plans when they find a white girl passed out on the living room floor. Faced with the risks of calling the police under life-threatening optics, Kunle, Sean, and their Latino roommate, Carlos, must find a way to de-escalate the situation before it's too late.

"Brian and Charles"

Dir. Jim Archer

An endearing outlier, Brian lives alone in a Welsh valley, inventing oddball contraptions that seldom work. After finding a discarded mannequin head, Brian gets an idea. Three days, a washing machine, and sundry spare parts later, he's invented Charles, an artificially intelligent robot who learns English from a dictionary and proves a charming, cheeky companion. Before long, however, Charles also develops autonomy. Intrigued by the wider world — or whatever lies beyond the cottage where Brian has hidden him away — Charles craves adventure.

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Sundance Film Festival 2022 coverage continues for Rosa and Cat. In this episode, they review two short films and two feature films:

"Long Line of Ladies"

Dir. Rayka Zehtabchi & Shaandiin Tome

A girl and her community prepare for her Ihuk, the once dormant coming-of-age ceremony of the Karuk tribe of northern California.

"Bestia"

Dir. Hugo Covarrubias

"Bestia" portrays the life of a secret police agent during the Chilean military dictatorship. Her relationship with her dog, her body, her fears, and frustrations all reveal grim fractures in her mind and in the country.

"Watcher"

Dir. Chloe Okuno

Julia joins her husband when he relocates to his family's native Romania for a new job. Having recently abandoned her acting career, she finds herself frequently alone and unoccupied. One night, people-watching from her picture window, she spots a vague figure in an adjacent building, who seems to be looking back at her. Soon after, while alone at a local movie theater, Julia's sense of being watched intensifies, and she becomes certain she's being followed — could it be the same unknown neighbor? Meanwhile, a serial killer known as The Spider stalks the city.

"The Princess"

Dir. Ed Perkins

Decades after her untimely death, Princess Diana continues to evoke mystery, glamour, and the quintessential modern fairy tale gone wrong. As a symbol of both the widening fissures weakening the British monarchy and the destructive machinery of the press, the Princess of Wales navigated an unparalleled rise to fame and the corrosive challenges that came alongside it. Crafted entirely from immersive archival footage and free from the distraction of retrospective voices, this hypnotic and audaciously revealing documentary takes a distinctive formal approach, allowing the story of the People's Princess to unfold before us like never before.

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Theme Music by David Rosen

Sundance Film Festival 2022 coverage continues for Rosa and Cat. In this episode, they review four films:

"Mija"

Dir. Isabel Castro

Doris Muñoz desperately longed for better representation in the indie music she listened to as a teenager. At 23, she took matters into her own hands and began a career in music talent management, passionately advocating for rising Latinx artists. Her swift success transformed her into a pillar for a community of first- and second-generation Americans seeking collective acceptance and healing through song. When Doris receives news that forces her to reconsider working in music, she finds Jacks Haupt, an auspicious young singer eager to break out of her parent's home in Dallas, Texas. Beyond the sweet moments of joy, glitter, and hope, Doris and Jacks share the ever-present guilt of being the first American-born members of their undocumented families. For them, the pressure of financial success is heightened because it facilitates green card processing and family reunification.

"Riotsville, USA"

Dir. Sierra Pettengill

A a poetic and furious reflection on the reaction of a nation's citizens and institutions to the rebellions of the late 1960s. This artful, riveting documentary consists entirely of archival footage that was shot by the United States military or appeared on broadcast television.

"Nothing Compares"

Dir. Kathryn Ferguson

Since the beginning of her career, Sinéad O'Connor has used her powerful voice to challenge the narratives she was surrounded by while growing up in predominantly Roman Catholic Ireland. Despite her agency, depth, and perspective, O'Connor's unflinching refusal to conform means that she has often been patronized and unfairly dismissed as an attention-seeking pop star.

"Fire of Love"

Dir. Sara Dosa

Katia and Maurice Krafft loved two things — each other and volcanoes. For two decades, the daring French volcanologist couple were seduced by the thrill and danger of this elemental love triangle. They roamed the planet, chasing eruptions and their aftermath, documenting their discoveries in stunning photographs and breathtaking film to share with an increasingly curious public in media appearances and lecture tours. Ultimately, Katia and Maurice would lose their lives during a 1991 volcanic explosion on Japan's Mount Unzen, but they would leave a legacy that would forever enrich our knowledge of the natural world.

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Theme Music by David Rosen

Latinx Lens is attending the virtual Sundance Film Festival 2022! The festival runs January 20 to January 30.

In this episode, Rosa and Cat dive into two documentaries premiering at the festival:

"La Guerra Civil"

Dir. Eva Longoria Bastón

In 1996, Oscar De La Hoya, the charismatic golden boy from East LA, challenged Mexican-born boxing legend Julio César Chávez in what was billed as the "ultimate glory" fight. Mexicans on both sides of the border were forced to choose their favorite champ: the record-holding immigrant from humble beginnings, or the younger and more marketable Olympian born in the U.S. These rivals felt the pressure to prove their athletic superiority, while the fans' choice of champion revealed the type of Mexican they aspired to be.

The film features detailed archival footage and enthusiastic interviews with Chávez and De La Hoya to illuminate a story that transcends language, heritage, and interests.

"Tantura"

Dir. Alon Schwarz

The tape-recorded words "erase it" take on new weight in the context of history and war. When the state of Israel was established in 1948, war broke out and hundreds of Palestinian villages were depopulated in its aftermath. Israelis know this as the War of Independence. Palestinians call it "Nakba" (the Catastrophe). In the late 1990s, graduate student Teddy Katz conducted research into a large-scale massacre that had allegedly occurred in the village of Tantura in 1948. His work later came under attack and his reputation was ruined, but 140 hours of audio testimonies remain.

The now elderly ex-soldiers recall unsettling acts of war while disquietly pausing at points they either don't remember or won't speak of. Audio from Katz's 20-year-old interviews cuts through the silence of self-preservation and exposes the ways in which power, silencing, and protected narratives can sculpt history.

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In this episode, Rosa and Cat are reviewing four Latin American films that were submitted by their respective country for consideration in the Academy Awards Best International Feature Film category.

"Clara Sola" (Costa Rica)

Dir. Nathalie Álvarez Mesén

In a remote village in Costa Rica, Clara, a 36-year-old woman, takes off on a journey to break free from social and religious conventions and become the master of her sexuality and newfound powers.

"Blanco en Blanco" (Chile)

Dir. Théo Court

A photographer goes to the southern tip of Chile to capture the wedding of a powerful landowner. His client is absent, and as he waits for the wedding, which keeps getting postponed, he becomes obsessed with the young bride and her beauty.

"Prayers for the Stolen" (Mexico)

Dir. Tatiana Huezo

Three young girls on the path to adolescence examine life in a town at war.

Streaming on Netflix!

"Deserto Particular" (Brazil)

Dir. Aly Muritiba

After he is fired for violence, Daniel, a policeman searches the country for his online lover who unexpectedly disappeared.

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In this Latinx Lens reviews episode, Rosa and Cat review:

"Spider-Man: No Way Home" (2021)

Dir. Jon Watts

Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man's is back! With Peter Parker's identity now revealed, the web slinger can no longer separate his normal life from his super hero identity.

Peter seeks help from Doctor Strange and the consequences of this request bring about their own challenges.

"The Matrix Resurrections" (2021)

Dir. Lana Wachowski

We're back down the rabbit hole with another entry into "The Matrix" franchise. Neo must find out if his reality is a physical or mental construct.

"The Matrix Resurrections" is streaming on HBO Max.

"Don't Look Up" (2021)

Dir. Adam McKay

In this star studded apocalyptic satirical thriller, two low-level astronomers go on a giant media tour to warn mankind of an approaching comet that will destroy planet Earth.

"Don't Look Up" is streaming on Netflix.

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In this episode, Rosa and Cat dive into Anya Taylor-Joy's select filmography including:

"The VVitch" (2015)

Dir. Robert Eggers

In 1630 New England, panic and despair envelops a farmer, his wife and their children when youngest son Samuel suddenly vanishes. The family blames Thomasin, the oldest daughter who was watching the boy at the time of his disappearance. With suspicion and paranoia mounting, twin siblings Mercy and Jonas suspect Thomasin of witchcraft, testing the clan's faith, loyalty and love to one another.

"Split" (2016)

Dir. M. Night Shyamalan

Though Kevin (James McAvoy) has evidenced 23 personalities to his trusted psychiatrist, Dr. Fletcher (Betty Buckley), there remains one still submerged who is set to materialize and dominate all of the others. Compelled to abduct three teenage girls led by the willful, observant Casey, Kevin reaches a war for survival among all of those contained within him -- as well as everyone around him -- as the walls between his compartments shatter.

"Last Night in Soho" (2021)

Dir. Edgar Wright

An aspiring fashion designer is mysteriously able to enter the 1960s, where she encounters a dazzling wannabe singer. However, the glamour is not all it appears to be, and the dreams of the past start to crack and splinter into something far darker.

Latinx Lens Recommend:

"The Intruder" (El Profugo) (2020)

Dir. Natalia Meta

A traumatic experience leaves a young woman with delusions that the characters in her dreams are trying to take over her body.

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In our last episode of 2021, Rosa and Cat look back at 2021! They choose a few highlights from the podcast and chat about the growth they've both had in 2021!

We'll be back in 2022!!

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Latinx Lens reviews and discusses the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary special: Return to Hogwarts. Cat and Rosa talk about their connection with the Harry Potter franchise, the reunion special format and the things they learned from the cast, 20 years later.

Return to Hogwarts streams on HBO Max on January 1, 2022.

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Latinx Lens reviews three recent films including:

"West Side Story" (2021)

Dir. Steven Spielberg

Love at first sight strikes when young Tony spots Maria at a high school dance in 1957 New York City. Their burgeoning romance helps to fuel the fire between the warring Jets and Sharks, the two rival gangs vying for control of the streets.

"Being the Ricardos" (2021)

Dir. Aaron Sorkin

In 1952, Hollywood power couple Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz face personal and professional obstacles that threaten their careers, their relationship, and their hit television show.

"Nightmare Alley" (2021)

Dir. Guillermo del Toro

In 1940s New York, down-on-his-luck Stanton Carlisle endears himself to a clairvoyant and her mentalist husband at a traveling carnival. Using newly acquired knowledge, Carlisle crafts a golden ticket to success by swindling the elite and wealthy. Hoping for a big score, he soon hatches a scheme to con a dangerous tycoon with help from a mysterious psychiatrist who might be his most formidable opponent yet.

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Theme Music by David Rosen