Hispanic History & Heritage Month Streaming and DVD Resources

For centuries, Hispanic and Hispanic American artists have not been included nor appreciated for their contribution to art and music. Hispanic Heritage Month is a great opportunity to expand your knowledge of Latin American artists and their work. Below are some resources to help you do so.

The following resources require IUB CAS Authentication.

Cuba Mia: Portrait of An All-Woman Orchestra (59 min., 2002) Captures the musicians of the all-female orchestra Camerata Romeu as they prepare for an end-of-the-year concert in Old Havana's Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. With one of the world's most beautiful churches as the backdrop, the women play a unique blend of classical music, created by famous Cuban and Latin American composers. Cuba Mia follows the musicians and conductor Zenaida Romeu as they juggle their studies, and personal lives, with a demanding schedule and complex musical repertoire.

The Latin American Boom (51 min., 2007) By the 1960s, Latin America's avant-garde movements had matured into a range of literary styles that were firmly entrenched in the cultural landscape. At the same time, there emerged a new and distinctive accent to Latin American literature that was no less authentic than its forebears. This program surveys the artistic phenomenon, manifested most notably in magical realism, that came to be known as the Latin American Boom. Examining the role of journalism and the ways in which various authors stylized their reporting in the service of artistic goals, the program looks at the work of Alejo Carpentier, Augusto Roa Bastos, Julio Cortazar, Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Juan Carlos Onetti, Jose Donoso, Miguel Angel Asturias, and Juan Rulfo.

Latin America Poetry, Film, & Theater (29 min., 1972) On this episode of Camera Three, Raquel Jodorowsky, Alexandro Jodorowsky, Estrella Artall, and members of the Theater of Latin America perform excerpts from The Fair of Opinion currently running in New York City. Augusto Boal, the artistic director, speaks on the unifying theme of the evening's performances.

Musica Mundial (44 min., 2006) Rousing live performances by some of the most popular contemporary Latin American musicians comprise this collection Musica Mundial review. This "compilacion del video de la musica" features world renowned Latin performers Julio Iglesias, Placido Domingo, Texas Tornados and many more. Musica Mundial features nine Latin "world" favorites on one incredible music video collection. It's a dynamic showcase of extraordinary talent, sure to impress music fans young and old. Musica Mundial highlights include Julio Iglesias & Placido Domingo singing "Sonadores, " to an adoring crowd; the Gipsy Kings energetic performance of "Bailame"; Juan Luis Guerray's remarkable performance of "A Pedir Su Mano, " Ruben Blades blazing hot on "Caminando, " "Sopa de Caracol" (Banda Blanca), "Sera Que No Me Amas" (Luis Miguel) and Texas Tornados' fantastic rendition of “La Mucura.” Fans of Latino, dance, and world music won't want to miss this exciting evening of classic performances by some of today's hottest stars!

To check out media items, you must have a valid IU crimson or borrower's card. Be sure to check with Media Services for hours. VHS titles are housed off-site at ALF, and can be requested via IUCAT.  Suggested keywords in IUCAT:  Mexican American* and..., Latin* and..., Spanish/Hispanic and...*. Limit to film & video, dvd/videodisc, Bloomington campus.

100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood Cinema - (aka The Bronze Screen) (120 min., 2002) The Bronze screen honors the past, illuminates the present, and opens a window to the future of Latinos in motion pictures. From silent movies to urban gang films, stereotypes of the Greaser, the Lazy Mexican, the Latin lover and the Dark lady are examined. Rare and extensive footage traces the progression of this distorted screen image to the increased prominence of today's Latino actors, writers and directors.

Cuba Mia: Portrait of An All-Woman Orchestra (59 min., 2002) Captures the musicians of the all-female orchestra Camerata Romeu as they prepare for an end-of-the-year concert in Old Havana's Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi. With one of the world's most beautiful churches as the backdrop, the women play a unique blend of classical music, created by famous Cuban and Latin American composers. Cuba Mia follows the musicians and conductor Zenaida Romeu as they juggle their studies, and personal lives, with a demanding schedule and complex musical repertoire.

Frida (123 min., 2002) The life of artist Frida Kahlo, from her humble upbringing to her worldwide fame and controversy that surrounded both her and her husband, Diego Rivera.

Latin American Women Artists (27 min., 1995) Features the work of important artists of the recent past, like Brazil's Tarsila do Amaral and Mexico's María Izquierdo and Frida Kahlo. Includes recent interviews with living artists such as Colombian painter Fanny Sanín, Chilean multi-media artist Soledad Salamé, Venezuelan sculptor Elba Damast and Cuban multi-media artist María Campos Pons. "Latin American Women Artists 1915-1995" gives a comprehensive history of art made by women working in "La América Latina" throughout the twentieth century.

Salsa: Latin Music of New York and Puerto Rico (60 min., 1979) Over the past 25 years salsa has influenced jazz and pop music, while Latin musicians have in turn been influenced by jazz. Includes performances, interviews and recording sessions with salsa stars and places salsa in the socio-political context of the Puerto-Rican communities in New York City and Puerto Rico.

Selena (134 min., 1997) Presents the Grammy Award-winning singer whose life tragically ended just as she was reaching her dreams.

• Diversity Streaming Platforms
• Finding Music Resources at IUB
• Media Services Streaming Media Libguide
• Music / Performing Arts Streaming Platforms
• Spanish and Portuguese Libguide

Public Access to free streaming titles:

• Monroe County Public Library - access to Hoopla, Internet Archive, Overdrive, Kanopy and more; MCPL card required.
• IU Media Collections Online - provides open access to thousands of IU films, clips, documentaries, and more.

Online Resources:

• The Most Influential Latin American Artists of the 20th Century

• 7 Latino Artists You Should Know

• Latin American Artists of the Twentieth Century

• Latinx Art and Artists

• The 30 Most Influential Latin Artists of All Time