Latinx Heritage Month (Sept - Oct 2024): Films to Watch

“Clemente,” directed by David Altrogge and executive-produced by LeBron James and filmmaker Richard Linklater. The feature-length documentary explores the life, career, and legacy of baseball great Roberto Clemente, who opened the door for future generations of Latino baseball players. This film will have it's world premier at the New York Latino Film Festival next month and is not yet in theatres.

This powerful documentary exposes the direct connection between the long history of U.S. intervention in Latin America and the immigration crisis we face today. From the territorial expansionist policies that decimated the young economies of Mexico, Puerto Rico and Cuba, to the covert operations that imposed oppressive military regimes in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador, Harvest of Empire provides an unflinching look at the origins of the growing Latino presence in the United States. Adapted from the landmark book written by journalist Juan Gonzalez, the film tells the story of an epic human saga that is largely unknown to the great majority of citizens in the U.S., but must become part of our national conversation about immigration.

ESPN proudly presents “Las Amazonas de Yaxunah,” directed by Alfonso Algara and narrated by actress Yalitzia Aparicio. The compelling documentary shines a light on the remarkable spirit and determination of an extraordinary Mayan women’s softball team from the Yucatán region of Mexico as they shatter gender stereotypes and overcome immense challenges to pursue their passion for softball. Narrated by Acclaimed Mexican Actress Yalitza Aparicio, the Film Captures the Incredible Journey of Players Shattering Gender Stereotypes.

PBS’ “VOCES American Historia: The Untold History of Latinos,” co-created by actor and activist John Leguizamo and filmmaker Ben DeJesus. The three-part documentary chronicles Leguizamo’s journey throughout Mexico and the U.S. to shed light on the known and lesser-known stories of Latino history.