NALIP's Picks for Latinx Heritage Month 2021
Posted by NALIP on September 22, 2021
In honor of Latinx Heritage Month, check out some of the content below of movies & series created by, starring and/or centering around Latinx perspectives to kick-off this month-long celebration. Something for everybody to enjoy, this month. Let's band together to amplify our support for more trailblazing Latinx storytelling across broadcast and streaming platforms.
Vida (2018-2020) | Drama Series
Brought to you by the mind of the Mexican-American playwright, Tanya Saracho. This dramatic series follows the lives of two estranged and distant sisters from East LA- Emma and Lyn with polar opposite personalities. When tragedy strikes and the two are forced to move back to their hometown after their mother’s death. They are confronted by the shocking truth of their mother’s secret love life, rekindling their bond as sisters. Making history as the first Latinx writers room with Latine female creatives extending all the way to the editor, cinematographer and composer. Vida is a story about the latine female experience in love, life and family.
Gentefied (2020-Present) | Comedy/Drama Series
A series surrounding the journey of three Mexican-American cousins in Boyle Heights fighting to keep their American dream alive from the persisting forces of gentrification. The race to protect their neighborhood and their family-owned taco shop is showcased beautifully through the food, art, love and rich culture of the characters' heritage. Created by first-time Showrunners Marvin Lemus & Linda Yvette Chavez watch this carefully crafted series just in time for the second installment premiering Wednesday Nov 10, 2021 on Netflix.
POSE (2018-2021) | Drama Series
About New York City's African-American and Latinx LGBTQ and gender-nonconforming drag ball culture scene in the 1980s, early 1990s in the second season, and the mid-to-late 1990s in the third season. Featured characters are dancers and models, who compete for trophies and recognition in this underground culture, supporting one another in a network of chosen families known as Houses.
Diary of a Future President (2020-Present) | Family Comedy
An inspiring coming of age series starring Cuban-American protagonist Elena Canero-Reed who will one day become President of the United States. Created by Ilana Peña, creatively told through the lens of Elena's middle school diary as she recounts her journey navigating the trials and tribulations of growing up almost 28 years ago. Jump in on this adventure as Elena reflects on her formative years as an adolescent and what moments helped her become the successful and powerful woman she is today. Season 2 premiered recently on August 18th, 2021 available to stream now on Disney+.
One Day at a Time (2017-2020) | Sitcom
Inspired by the 1975 television series by Norman Lear ‘One Day at a Time’, reimagined and pioneered by Showrunner Gloria Calderon Kellet. This sitcom follows the life of single-mom Penelope in the ups-and-downs of raising her two kids with her old-school Cuban mother, Lydia; in a more socially-aware modern world. Shining light on issues such as mental health, gender, and lgbtq+ issues. Catch the first three seasons on Netflix and the fourth and final season of the series on PopTV. Having developed a dedicated fan base over three seasons, the resilience displayed by the creators to find a new home for the series is remarkable. A direct result to the amount of support received from audiences for an encore.
Building The American Dream (2019) | Documentary
Nominated for the 42nd News & Documentary Emmys for the Outstanding Business and Economic Documentary category. This heart-wrenching documentary displays the cruel exploitation of immigrant labor across Texas where 1 out of 5 construction workers are victims of injury or fatality. Former NMS21 Panelist, Chelsea Hernandez directs this eye-opening documentary exposing the dark side of the construction business. The film follows the lives of a vulnerable community unable to advocate for their health, salary or working conditions often due to their undocumented status. Don't miss your opportunity to stream this educational film just in time for the award ceremony on September 28,2021. Now available to stream on PBS until 10/15/21.
The Book Of Life (2014) | Animation
A visually unique animation from the world-building animator, director and co-writer Jorge R. Gutiérrez. The creator for the upcoming Netflix series Maya and the Three. This whimsical film is about Manolo, a young man torn between meeting his family's expectations or pursuing his heart's true desires. In his journey to find the right path, he embarks on an adventure to three fantastical worlds where he faces his greatest fears. A commemoration of the past and a celebration of the future, this film is an animated classic that will continue to shape the future of animation.
Mucho Mucho Amor (2020) | Documentary
Just in case you missed this documentary winner for; Best Latinx film last year at the 2020 Latino Media Fest. Starring Latinx icons Eugenio Derbez, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Raul de Molina as they explore the sudden disappearance of Walter Mercado from the public eye. The film focuses on dissecting the influence of Mercado's television personality in Latin America through his impromptu astrology segment on Television.
Come! (2020) | Short Film
Directed by Texas filmmaker Lizette Barrera, her second short to partner with HBO. This story follows a 12 year-old Puerto Rican-American girl when she brings a popular dessert dish, Arroz con Leche, to her predominantly white elementary school. After witnessing her classmates neglect the dish, it sends her on a cultural-shock spiral. Becoming more aware of the differences between her ethnically Puerto-Rican family and the rest of her classmates.
Vivo (2021) | Animation
This musical animation follows street musicians Andres and his pet Kinkajou-named Vivo; in their journey to deliver a long-lost love letter, in the form of a song to character Marta. This epic musical adventure, with original music from Lin-Manuel Miranda, displays this quirky duo in a dynamic and colorful city of Havana, Cuba.
Blast Beat | Feature Film
When a family leaves their native homeland Colombia for the United States in the summer of '99, a metalhead science prodigy and his aimless younger brother struggle to align the American Dream with their new reality.
Selena: The Series (2020-2021) | Drama Series
A biographical series based around the iconic Tejana singer, Selena Quintanilla. The series redramatizes her rise to fame through the band formed by her father, Selena y Los Dinos. In her rise to stardom Selena and her family are faced with life-changing decisions as they work relentlessly towards building a career in the music industry.