University of Wyoming Latino Studies Program Announces Inaugural Film Series

The University of Wyoming Latino Studies Program will host its inaugural film series titled, “Cultural Identities Across Generations,” with the first of the three-part series held on February 26.

The series features three documentary films, in both Spanish and English, that reveal Latin Americans’ experience in Wyoming and America. Each film is followed by a discussion session conducted by faculty.

The first film, “Fear and Learning at Hoover Elementary,” explores the impact of Proposition 187 in California, which denies health care and public education to all undocumented immigrants. Fourth-grade teacher and film creator, Laura Angelica Simon details the impact the proposition had on parents and their children through her classroom and the faculty lounge at Hoover Elementary in Los Angeles. The documentary is scheduled to be shown at 7 p.m. in the Classroom Building, room 105.

The second film, "Voices of Wyoming," chronicles the journey of several teenage Latinas who hope to someday college. The documentary delves into identity development and the teens' strong personal ties to Mexico. "Voices of America" is scheduled to be shown March 26, in the Classroom Building at 7 p.m. in room 105.

“The Narrative Pathway of UW Students,” the third and final documentary, follows University of Wyoming students who are trying to define their cultural identities. The film is a compilation of digital autobiographies of students enrolled in the Chicano Autobiography class. The documentary will be shown April 30,  at 7 p.m. in the Classroom Building, room 105.

For information on any of the documentaries or the series, please contact Cecilia Aragon, Latina/o Studies Program director, at (307) 766-2164.