Videos on the Arts

Ballad of an unsung hero c2006

Julio Medina, KPBS (Television station : San Diego, Calif.),  Cinewest Productions, and Cinema Guild

Uses archival footage, photographs, and recordings, as well as interviews, to chronicle the life of Pedro J. Gonzalez, who served as telegrapher for Pancho Villa, became a radio star and recording artist in the United States, championed the cause of Mexican-Americans, and worked as a prisoner in San Quentin to reform the California penal system. 1 videodisc (28 min.)

MEDIA 10-1370

 

Chicano rock! the sounds of East Los Angeles 2009

Jon Wilkman, Edward James Olmos, Wilkman Productions, Inc, and PBS Home Video

A look at the generations of young Mexican-Americans who express their heritage through music. Features rare film, photos, and music from artists such as Ritchie Valens, Cannibal and the Headhunters, El Chicano, Los Lobos, and more. 1 videodisc (60 min.) :

MEDIA 10-2448

 

Compaaneras the story of America's first all-female mariachi band c2009

Liz Massie, Matthew Buzzell, Celia Zaentz, Filmakers Library, inc, and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles

A profile of America's first all-female mariachi band, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Since 1994, this 12-member group has been taking on a male-dominated musical tradition to build the popularity of mariachi music. (Independent lens website). 1 videodisc (59 min.)

MEDIA. MEDIA 10-1653 10-1707

 

Electric boogie 2010?, c1983

Tana Ross, Freke Vuijst, Green Room Productions, and Filmakers Library, inc

Focuses on four teenagers, two Black and two Puerto Rican, who perform their pulsating, gyrating dance routines on the streets of New York City's South Bronx. Shows the group, which calls itself the Electric Boogie Boys, practicing, playing basketball, relaxing at home, and competing in local dance contest. Contrasts the youngsters' vitality, ambition, and talent with the grimness of their city surroundings. 1 videodisc (30 min.) :

MEDIA 10-2524

 

Every child is born a poet the life & work of Piri Thomas c2003

Jonathan Meyer Robinson, Piri Thomas, Eric Camacho, Carlos Santiago, Jeremy Sanchez, Steve Rosario, Jose Oliveras, Adam Beckman, Kip Hanrahan, Sonia Rosario, Independent Television Service, Latino Public Broadcasting (Firm), and When in Doubt Productions

Through poetry, stories, and performance, Piri Thomas, author of the autobiographical novel Down these mean streets, looks back on his life as the son of Cuban and Puerto Rican immigrants, recounting his childhood in New York during the Great Depression, his membership in barrio youth gangs, his struggle with his mixed-race identity, his life as a heroin addict and armed robber, his six years in prison, and his emergence as a writer and educator. The film explores Thomas' utilization of creative expression as a means of confronting poverty, racism, violence and isolation. 1 videodisc (59 min.) :

MEDIA 10-2310

 

From mambo to hip hop a Bronx tale 2009?

Henry Chalfant, Elena Martainez, Steven J Zeitlin, Marci Reaven, City Lore (Organization), Public Art Films, Inc, Independent Television Service, Latino Public Broadcasting (Firm), and MVD Visual (Firm)

An "hour-long documentary that tells a story about the creative life of the South Bronx, beginning with the Puerto Rican migration and the adoption of Cuban rhythms to create the New York salsa sound; continuing with the fires that destroyed the neighborhood but not the creative spirit of its people; chronicling the rise of hip hop from the ashes; and ending with reflections on the power of the neighborhood's music to ensure the survival of several generations of its residents, and, in the process, take the world's pop culture by storm"--Container. 1 videodisc (ca. 56 min.)

MEDIA 10-1776

 

Gabriel García Márquez la escritura embrujada 2008?

Gabriel García Márquez, Yves Billon, Mauricio Martínez-Cavard, Conchita Penilla-Céspedes, ABCine Nuevos Proyectos, Canal 22 (Television station : Mexico), and Films du Village (Firm)

In-depth interview with Nobel Laureate Gabriel García Márquez is presented in the form of a conversation with an old friend he has not seen in a long while. The program is structured to suggest an apparent disorder of time. Assisted by readings and dramatizations of his works, the master of "magic realism" focuses on the supernatural aspects of his spellbinding narrative style, in an effort to convey his particular vision of the world. 1 videodisc (55 min.)

MEDIA 10-2203

 

Inventos hip hop Cubano 2005

Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi, Clenched Fist Productions, and Boriken Libre

"Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano provides unique insights into the Hip-Hop scene in Cuba and the reality of contemporary Cuban politics.  The film follows the innovators of this musical movement to their homes, the stage, and as they travel abroad for the first time.  Inventos embodies the true spirit of Hip Hop, which is to create something powerful and useful out of what is seemingly impossible.  Cuban Hip Hop demonstrates the creative and indestructible spirit of the island and its people despite the hardships of the U.S. embargo on Cuba" -- back cover. 1 videodisc (50 min.)

MEDIA 10-1575

 

Las Marthas "The bordertown of Laredo, Texas hosts a celebration unlike any other. For 116 years, this Mexican American community has dedicated the month of February to honoring a man who never set foot in Laredo: George Washington. The highlight is a Colonial Ball in which mostly Mexican American debutantes are dressed as colonial heroines and presented as guests of Martha Washington. Las Marthas follows two of the girls- Laura Garza Hovel and Rosario Reyes- as they prepare for this extraordinary rite of passage. The film unveils layers of tradition, as questions arise regarding the nature of borders, biculturalism, and the performance of identity."--Container. 1 videodisc (121 min.)

MEDIA. RU-ONLINE 10-5655 XX(5329552.3)

 

Latin music USA c2009

Jimmy Smits, Elizabeth Deane, Pamela A Aguilar, Daniel McCabe, Jeremy Marre, John J Valadez, David Espar, WGBH (Television station : Boston, Mass.), British Broadcasting Corporation, WGBH Educational Foundation, and PBS Distribution (Firm)

Latin music USA highlights the great American music created by Latinos, and celebrates the Latin rhythms at the heart of jazz, rock, country, and rhythm and blues. It's a fresh take on American musical history, reaching across five decades to portray the rich mix of sounds created by Latinos and embraced by all. 2 videodiscs (ca. 240 min.)

MEDIA 10-1727

 

Machito a Latin jazz legacy c 2008?

Machito, Carlos Ortiz, Icarus Films, and Nubia Music Society

This film is both a biography of the Cuban musician, Machito, and a history of the development of Latin music and Afro-jazz in the United States. Machito (Frank Grillo) came to New York City in 1937 and was a key figure in popularizing and expanding Latin music in the United States until his death in 1984. The film includes interviews and performances, film clips, still photographs and newsreel material. 1 videodisc (58 min.)

MEDIA 10-1650

 

New Muslim cool 2009

Jennifer Maytorena Taylor, Hamza Paerez, Jon Shenk, Kenji Yamamoto, P.O.V. (Firm), Latino Public Broadcasting (Firm), Center for Asian American Media, and Seventh Art Releasing (Firm)

"Puerto Rican-American rapper Hamza Paerez pulled himself out of drug dealing and street life 12 years ago and became a Muslim. Now he's moved to Pittsburgh's tough North Side to start a new religious community, rebuild his shattered family and take his message of faith to other young people through hard-hitting hip-hop music. But when the FBI raids his mosque, Hamza must confront the realities of the post-9/11 world, and himself"--www.pbs.org/pov. 1 videodisc (83 min.)

MEDIA 10-2175

 

Nosotros, la mausica! We are the music! 2006

Rogelio Parais, Nelson Rodraiguez, Faelix Chapottain, Miguelito Cunai, Bola de Nieve, Celeste Mendoza, Carlos Embales, Omara Portuondo, Ignacio Pianeiro, Elena Burke, Frank Emilio, Joseaito Fernaandez, Conjunto Folklaorico Nacional (Cuba), First-Run Features (Firm), Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Pianeiro, and Instituto Cubano de Arte e Industria Cinematograafica

Features legendary Cuban musicians and captures the cinematic history of Cuban music and dance in the 1960's. 1 videodisc (66 min.)

MEDIA 10-1376

 

La Ofrenda the Days of the Dead c1989

In Mexico, on the first days of November, the dead come to visit the living. They are received and given offerings of their favorite food, flowers and momentos of their presence on earth. Special altars are erected and candlelight vigils are held in cemeteries. La Ofrenda takes a non-traditional look at this tradition, exploring the pre-Hispanic root of the Day of the Dead and observing its present day celebration in Mexico and the United States. 1 videocassette (50 min.)

MEDIA 10-3548

 

Pińero 2002

León Ichaso, John Penotti, Fisher Stevens, Tim Williams, Benjamin Bratt, Giancarlo Esposito, Talisa Soto, Nelson Vasquez, Michael Wright, Michael Irby, Mandy Patinkin, Robert Klein, Rita Moreno, Claudio Chea, David Tedeschi, Kip Hanrahan, Sandra Hernandez, Sharon Lomofsky, Miramax Films, GreeneStreet Films, Lower East Side Films, Miramax Home Entertainment (Firm), and Buena Vista Home Entertainment (Firm)

A biographical look at a Latino icon, the poet-playwright-actor Miguel Pińero, whose urban poetry is recognized as a precursor to rap and hip-hop. After doing time in Sing-Sing Prison for petty thefts and drug dealing, Pińero adapted his prison experiences into the 1974 Tony-nominated play Short eyes. 1 videodisc (94 min.) :

MEDIA 10-2480

 

Plena canto y trabajo Plena is work, plena is song c2002

Pedro Angel Rivera, Susan Zeig, Hunter College, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueanos, and Cinema Guild

Brings to life the culture and political history of Puerto Rican plena, which is a musical blend of African and Spanish idioms. 1 videodisc (29 min.)

MEDIA 10-1712

 

Visiones c2004

Hector Galán, Galan Productions, National Association of Latino Arts and Culture, Independent Television Service, and Latino Public Broadcasting (Firm)

A look at the contributions of Latinos to the American artistic scene. 2 videodiscs (ca. 180 min.)

MEDIA 10-1140

 

Ballad of an unsung hero c2006

Julio Medina, KPBS (Television station : San Diego, Calif.),  Cinewest Productions, and Cinema Guild

Uses archival footage, photographs, and recordings, as well as interviews, to chronicle the life of Pedro J. Gonzalez, who served as telegrapher for Pancho Villa, became a radio star and recording artist in the United States, championed the cause of Mexican-Americans, and worked as a prisoner in San Quentin to reform the California penal system. 1 videodisc (28 min.)

MEDIA 10-1370

 

Chicana 1990

Sylvia Morales, Anna Nieto-Gomez, and Carmen Zapata

Employs Mexican murals, rare photographs, prints, and documentary footage to trace the traditional and the emerging roles of Mexican/Chicanas from pre-Columbian times to the present, showing how women have made important contributions as workers, mothers, activists, educators, leaders, and in numerous other ways, despite their generally oppressed status in the Latino culture. 1 videocassette (23 min.)

MEDIA 2-195

 

Cocolos y rockeros 1992

Ana María García

Explores the polarized world of adolescents in Puerto Rico who prefer salsa music, "cocolos," and the world of those who prefer rock music and rockers. Shows the participation of Dr. Angel Quintero Rivera, sociologist, who actually studies the sociology of popular music in Puerto Rico. 1 videocassette (46 min.)

MEDIA 2-2779

 

Compaaneras the story of America's first all-female mariachi band c2009

Liz Massie, Matthew Buzzell, Celia Zaentz, Filmakers Library, inc, and Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles

A profile of America's first all-female mariachi band, Mariachi Reyna de Los Angeles. Since 1994, this 12-member group has been taking on a male-dominated musical tradition to build the popularity of mariachi music. (Independent lens website). 1 videodisc (59 min.)

MEDIA. MEDIA 10-1653 10-1707

 

A conversation with academics about Selena 1999?

Lourdes Portillo

Five unidentified women discuss the pop singer Selena's life, the influence she had on Chicano teenage girls, and the events that led to her murder. 1 videocassette (60 min.)

MEDIA 2-6143

 

From mambo to hip hop a Bronx tale 2009?

Henry Chalfant, Elena Martainez, Steven J Zeitlin, Marci Reaven, City Lore (Organization), Public Art Films, Inc, Independent Television Service, Latino Public Broadcasting (Firm), and MVD Visual (Firm)

An "hour-long documentary that tells a story about the creative life of the South Bronx, beginning with the Puerto Rican migration and the adoption of Cuban rhythms to create the New York salsa sound; continuing with the fires that destroyed the neighborhood but not the creative spirit of its people; chronicling the rise of hip hop from the ashes; and ending with reflections on the power of the neighborhood's music to ensure the survival of several generations of its residents, and, in the process, take the world's pop culture by storm"--Container. 1 videodisc (ca. 56 min.)

MEDIA 10-1776

 

Inventos hip hop Cubano 2005

Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi, Clenched Fist Productions, and Boriken Libre

"Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano provides unique insights into the Hip-Hop scene in Cuba and the reality of contemporary Cuban politics.  The film follows the innovators of this musical movement to their homes, the stage, and as they travel abroad for the first time.  Inventos embodies the true spirit of Hip Hop, which is to create something powerful and useful out of what is seemingly impossible.  Cuban Hip Hop demonstrates the creative and indestructible spirit of the island and its people despite the hardships of the U.S. embargo on Cuba" -- back cover. 1 videodisc (50 min.)

MEDIA 10-1575

 

Latin music USA c2009

Jimmy Smits, Elizabeth Deane, Pamela A Aguilar, Daniel McCabe, Jeremy Marre, John J Valadez, David Espar, WGBH (Television station : Boston, Mass.), British Broadcasting Corporation, WGBH Educational Foundation, and PBS Distribution (Firm)

Latin music USA highlights the great American music created by Latinos, and celebrates the Latin rhythms at the heart of jazz, rock, country, and rhythm and blues. It's a fresh take on American musical history, reaching across five decades to portray the rich mix of sounds created by Latinos and embraced by all. 2 videodiscs (ca. 240 min.)

MEDIA 10-1727

 

Latino artists pushing the boundaries 1995

Juan Carlos Garza and Ray Santisteban

The first segment of the program, "Poets' cafe," visits the Nuyorican Poet's Cafe on the lower east side of Manhattan. Poets Ed Morales, Carmen Bardequez, Willie Perdamo, Pedro Pietri and Miguel Pińero read from their works. The second segment, "ASCO," describes the development of the 1970's Los Angeles visual arts/performance group of that name (Spanish for nausea) through interviews with its four members: Harry Gamboa, Patssi Valdez, Gronk and Willie Herron. 1 videocassette (30 min.)

DANA 707

 

Machito a Latin jazz legacy c 2008?

Machito, Carlos Ortiz, Icarus Films, and Nubia Music Society

This film is both a biography of the Cuban musician, Machito, and a history of the development of Latin music and Afro-jazz in the United States. Machito (Frank Grillo) came to New York City in 1937 and was a key figure in popularizing and expanding Latin music in the United States until his death in 1984. The film includes interviews and performances, film clips, still photographs and newsreel material. 1 videodisc (58 min.)

MEDIA 10-1650

 

Nosotros, la mausica! We are the music! 2006

Rogelio Parais, Nelson Rodraiguez, Faelix Chapottain, Miguelito Cunai, Bola de Nieve, Celeste Mendoza, Carlos Embales, Omara Portuondo, Ignacio Pianeiro, Elena Burke, Frank Emilio, Joseaito Fernaandez, Conjunto Folklaorico Nacional (Cuba), First-Run Features (Firm), Septeto Nacional de Ignacio Pianeiro, and Instituto Cubano de Arte e Industria Cinematograafica

Features legendary Cuban musicians and captures the cinematic history of Cuban music and dance in the 1960's. 1 videodisc (66 min.)

MEDIA 10-1376

 

Plena canto y trabajo Plena is work, plena is song c2002

Pedro Angel Rivera, Susan Zeig, Hunter College, Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueanos, and Cinema Guild

Brings to life the culture and political history of Puerto Rican plena, which is a musical blend of African and Spanish idioms. 1 videodisc (29 min.)

MEDIA 10-1712

 

Visiones c2004

Hector Galán, Galan Productions, National Association of Latino Arts and Culture, Independent Television Service, and Latino Public Broadcasting (Firm)

A look at the contributions of Latinos to the American artistic scene. 2 videodiscs (ca. 180 min.)

MEDIA 10-1140