Films and Perspective

I think that the questions that Lydia has raised about interpretive power are really interesting and important. I think that we have done a pretty good job balancing the films geographically, but maybe we should have an in-depth discussion about their political positions on Tuesday. Also, I completely share Maritza's feelings of being overwhelmed by film options. It's more comfortable now that we have narrowed down our choices, but I can't help wondering if we might have missed an important film. Undoubtedly we have, but I guess that's just the way film festivals work, we can't include them all. So far I have viewed "Transnational Fiesta," "Mojados," "Patio 29," and "Miss Universe in Peru." Of the four, I think that "Mojados" was the most powerful for me because it follows three Mexican men as they attempt to cross the U.S. border. It makes the situation a lot more personal when you see their struggles as individual people with families on film. If that's not an example of challenges and opportunities, then I don't know what is! "Pation 29" is a more traditional documentary about the dictatorship in Chile, but it fits in well with our memory and justice theme because it shows how there is still so much "unfinished business" involved with the period of dictatorship for the Chilean people. I thought that it was really valuable to hear the people's testimonies because, once again, it put a human face on the tragedies. I hate to say it, but I really did not like "Miss Universe in Peru." The event itself raises some important questions about women and the effects of global business on developing countries. However, I felt like the film could have presented these issues more effectively and directly. But I really want you all to watch at least some of it and let me know what you think, I may have just been having an off night. "Transnational Fiesta" was really interesting and may show some different perspectives than the ones that Lydia viewed as far as capitalism and globalization.
Questions:
*Do all the films that you have watched fit into our themes?
*Are there any that you have seen that you think another one of us should view right now?