Coastal Carolina University’s Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies presents the third annual Latin American Film Festival, a month-long event featuring award-winning films that focus on Latin American culture. All events include a film screening and subsequent discussion with Mauricio Castillo, associate professor in the Department of Languages and Intercultural Studies (LIS); some will include Zoom discussions with respective film directors and/or lead actors. All events are free and open to the public and will be held on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. in the Lib Jackson Student Union movie theater.

Castillo noted that sharing and discussing Latin American films – countries of origin include Brazil, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic – allow CCU students, faculty, and community members to learn about cultural and historical contexts in addition to enjoying the art form. Castillo, who hand-selected the films, said the works are timely and relevant to a student and community audience.

“My tendency is to pick recent films; most are two years old,” said Castillo. “In addition to the film’s quality, I also select according to topics. They are important because our department’s mission is to build intercultural dialogues. These films have topics like immigration, race, family conflict, and social media, which are topics that students will connect with.”

The film festival, which takes place within National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15-Oct. 15), is representative of numerous programs and initiatives within the Edwards College, including the Intercultural Language Resource Center; the Hispanic studies minor; the film studies minor; study abroad programs; and the diversity/equity/inclusion (DEI) initiative.

“We are creating a blended community of viewers that really represents CCU’s identity,” said Castillo. “Our department creates these kinds of events so students and community members can really have a meaningful experience. It’s not just about learning the culture; it’s also about viewers reflecting on their own culture and their own lives, and in that way creating empathy with each other. That’s the ultimate goal.”

Film schedule:

Wednesday: Oct. 5, 5 p.m.: Birds of Passage

Wednesday, Oct. 12: 4 p.m. reception, 5 p.m. screening of Miriam Lies

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 5 p.m.: Liquid Truth

Wednesday, Oct. 26, 5 p.m.: Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America

For more information, visit coastal.edu/culturalarts or contact Castillo at mcastillo@coastal.edu or 843-349-6972.