
(Return to Foreign Language Resource Center page.)
These materials are of interest for culture, travel or grammar, but not to be used for the personal response paper requirement
for the Spanish 1L or 2L lab courses. They DO, however, count toward your 24-hour requirement.
Biography: Frida Kahlo In a life marked by unrelenting physical pain, she triumphed over adversity to become one of the greatest Mexican painters of the 20th century. From the steadfast support of left-wing politics to her explosive sexuality and her extraordinary achievements as an artist, A&E's Biography presents the fascinating story of Frida Kahlo. (In English, 50 minutes, Not Rated)
Buena Vista Social Club documents the astonishing life stories, vibrant personalities, and unforgettable music of the brilliantly-talented but long-overlooked performers of the Buena Vista Social Club, Cuba's foremost folk musicians. From the crumbling barrios of their native Havana, to their triumphant sold-out concerts in Amsterdam and in New York's Carnegie Hall, it's a deeply emotional journey into the passion, pride and humanity of the artists whose music sparked a worldwide musical phenomenon. (DVD, In Spanish with English subtitles, 105 minutes, Rated G)
The Buried Mirror: Reflections on Spain and the New World
A five-video series, produced by the Smithsonian Institute, which provides a comprehensive portrait of the Hispanic World. Famous author and diplomat, Carlos Fuentes, narrates the history and events that shaped the modern Hispanic world from Spain to South and Central America and the Caribbean.
Program I: The Virgin and the Bull An overview of the Spanish-speaking world, accentuating the pride the Hispanic peoples have maintained throughout the development of their culture.
Program II: Conflict of the Gods Going back in time to visit the Indian civilizations which flourished in Central and South America, Fuentes tours the temples and pyramids and explores their advanced wisdom and primitive sacrifices, then discusses the entrance of the conquistadores who changed the course of history.
Program III: The Age of Gold The explorers return from the New World with tremendous riches and introduce Spain and Europe to chocolate, tomatoes, and potatoes. Fuentes examines the explosive growth of Spanish literature and art.
Program IV: The Price of Freedom Fuentes follows the paths of Father Hidalgo, Bolívar, and San Martín as they fight for independence, then discusses the successes and the hardships which resulted from liberation.
Program V: Unfinished Business Fuentes traces events leading to the present. describing the enormous changes Hispanic nations have undergone in this century. He explores immigration and the impact of cultural diversity on American society. The video concludes with a comprehensive review of Hispanic art, literature, music, dance, family traditions, and current dilemmas.
Calle 54 offers an incredible behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives of Grammy Award winner Tito Puente and some of the greatest Latin Jazz artists of our time! Whether it's created in hot backstreet clubs or recording studios from Miami to Havana, the Bronx to Andalusia, the pulsating sounds of Latin Jazz capture the heart and soul of an entire culture. Showcased in a series of extraordinary performances, Latin legends use their immense musical talents to weave an innovative tapestry of sound, style and rhythm that becomes a passionate celebration of life. (DVD, In Spanish with English subtitles, 106 minutes, Rated G)
Christians, Jews, and Moslems in Medieval Spain Due partly due to the weakness of its Visigoth rulers, partly to its proximity to Africa, the Iberian peninsula was conquered by Berbers and by Arabs belonging to the Ommayad Dynasty of Damascus. This program describes the history of Spain from the time of the first landing in 711 A.D., through the nearly 800-year-long war that ended in the expulsion of both Moors and Jews in 1492; the developemnt of a culture whose people spoke various Spanish dialects while the official language was Arabic; the role of the School of Toledo in preserving, translating, and making known the ancient Greek scientific texts as well as Arabic treatises on philosophy and science; the rabinic center in Toledo; and the history of the Jews in Spain. (DVD in English, 33 minutes, Not Rated)
Costa Rica: Land of Pure Life visits the Central American country of Costa Rica, from its cities to the lush tropical rain forests. (In English, 56 minutes, Not Rated)
Cuba Feliz This is a joyful and uninhibited journey into Cuba's musical soul. The film follows Miguel Del Morales, a 76-year-old troubadour known as El Gallo (The Rooster) as he wanders the country meeting people of all persuasions who share the passion of music that is central to the life and dreams of the Cuban people. (DVD in Spanish with English subtitles, 93 minutes, Not Rated)
Cuba: Island of Dreams explores the island country of Cuba. (In English, 52 minutes, Not Rated)
The Day of the Dead in Mexico takes us to the states of Oaxaca and Michoacán where we witness one of Mexico's most colorful festivals which takes place on November 1st and 2nd. We visit Puebla and Oaxaca and surrounding towns to see the activities associated with this interesting festival. After setting the scene in beautiful Michoacán, the DVD traces the theme of death as seen at the market, at home, and at the cemetery. We spend the evening in the cemetery of Tzintzuntan, former capital of the Tarascan civilization. We see the inhabitants lighting candles and placing food for their loved ones on the tombs as they await the return of the souls at midnight. The DVD ends with a segment concerning the philosophy of life and death in Mexico and the dance of Los Viejitos. (In English, 52 minutes, Not Rated)
El Diario de Juanes The musician Juanes was born Juan Esteban Aristizabal in Medellín, Colombia. He began his musical career at age 15 in Medellín when he created the metal band Ekhimosis, a band which recorded five albums. Juanes began his solo career in 1999. This DVD compiles several of his music videos and an MTV Diary. (DVD, 90 minutes, Not Rated)
Facetas A video of dialogues and scenes to accompany the Facetas textbook.
Fidel Castro Part of the PBS American Experience documentary series, this program follows the career of Fidel Castro from revolutionary rebel to leader of Cuba. By the force of his own charisma and the might of his Soviet benefactor, Castro has survived the hostility of ten consecutive U.S. presidents, an invasion, several CIA assassination attempts and an economic embargo. Through interviews with relatives, childhood friends, fellow rebel leaders, Bay of Pigs veterans, human rights activists, and journalists, this production constructs an intimate and revealing portrait of this most resilient leader. (DVD in English; 120 minutes)
Flamenco Performance A videotape of a Flamenco trio which performed in Center Space at Mission College in May of 1987.
Frida Kahlo This documentary provides a look at artist Frida Kahlo. Readings from her diaries, archival photographs, and film footage offer an intimate portrait of one of a remarkable woman. 62 minutes.
Globe Trekker: Destination Spain
From the Globe Trekker series, Shilpa Mehta explores Northern Spain during the fiesta season while Christina Chiang goes beyond the tourist hotspots of the Costa del Sol and travels inland to discover the real Southern Spain. Visit Madrid, Barcelona, Sevilla, Pamplona, Granada, and others. Walk the Pilgrim Trail to Santiago de Campostela, explore some of Spain's National Parks, and participate in a re-enactment of the battle between the Moors and the Christians. (DVD in Engish, 60 minutes, Not Rated)
The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo chronicles the life and art of the great Mexican painter as never before, framing Kahlo's life in relationship to the historical and cultural influences that inspired her and defined the first half of the 20th century. This film is an intimate biography of a woman who gracefully balanced a private life of illness and pain against a public persona that was flamboyant, irreverent and world-renowned. From the PBS Home Video Series. (DVD in Spanish or English with Spanish subtitles; no English subtitles; 90 minutes; Not Rated)
Machu Picchu: Secrets of the Incan Empire From the Discovery Channel series, Searching for Lost Worlds, this video chronicles Hiram Bingham's discovery of the Lost City of the Incas in the mountainous central regions of Peru and reveals the astonishing remains of a vanished culture, hidden beneath the encroaching jungle. (In English, 50 minutes, Not Rated)
Maná: acceso total A documentary of scenes, many never seen before, from the 2002 and 2003 tours of the Latin American band Maná, this DVD also includes background information about the band, its members, and what it's like traveling on a world tour. (Concert DVD in Spanish, 130 minutes, not rated)
Mojados In this documentary, filmmaker Tommy Davis tags along with Bear, Tiger, Handsome, and Old Man, four men from Mexico, as they leave their families and embark on a 120-mile journey across the Texas desert. Evading the U.S. Border Patrol and fighting off dehydration and hypothermia, they ultimately even come face-to-face with death. A stunning documentary, filmed over the course of ten days, following these four men into the world of illegal border-crossing between Mexico and the United States. Their amazing endurance is real to tens of thousands of illegal immigrants who make the dangerous journey into the United States in search of a better life. (In English and Spanish with English subtitles, 70 minutes, Not Rated)
Panorama: Introducción a la lengua española The complete video program to accompany the textbook Panorama.
Pinocho The famous Disney classic, Pinocchio, dubbed in Spanish, no subtitles.
Shakira: Live and Off the Record A documentary of Shakira performing in concert. (Concert DVD in Spanish, 150 minutes, not rated)
Spanish for Health Professionals This DVD teaches 65 practical commands and basic phrases¬ that allow health professionals to perform professional procedures and duties with Spanish-speaking patients. It includes expressions for use in the emergency room, while conducting physical examinations, and at the doctor’s office. (DVD in Spanish and English, 83 minutes)
Standard Deviants: Advanced Spanish Verbs Get ready to explore Spanish verbs. This DVD will teach you all about modal and reflexive verbs and expose you to tenses that are going to help you express yourself in the distant past, the future, and points in between. It will also introduce you to the concept of mood, the subjunctive, and the imperative of 64 verbs.c
Standard Deviants: The Salsa-riffic World of Spanish (parts. 1 and 2) An entertaining and instructive look at basic vocabulary, grammatical concepts, and pronunciation of beginning Spanish. Useful for students at all levels of Spanish.
Viaje a Oaxaca tells of a student trip to Oaxaca, México, with visits to Indian markets and the majestic ruins of Monte Albán. The video gives students the opportunity to practice the two Spanish past tenses, the preterit and the imperfect, by highlighting the verb forms on the screen during a first showing, followed by a showing of the film without the text.
Vistas Videotaped dialogues and explanations to accompany the 18 lessons of the Vistas textbook.
(Return to Foreign Language Resource Center page.)