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PRESS RELEASE
“Our Heritage, Our Planet” Film Week celebrates storytelling traditions of Latino, Black, Indigenous, and other people of color
Special screening at New England Aquarium on Oct. 11 kicks off film week, an initiative of the Hispanic Access Foundation
WHAT: The New England Aquarium welcomes the Hispanic Access Foundation with a special screening to kick off Our Heritage, Our Planet Film Week. The annual celebration focuses on the visual and storytelling traditions of Latino, Black, Indigenous, and people of color’s voices and experiences, uplifting the nexus between our communities and the lands, nature, waterways, and oceans we call home.
On Tuesday, October 11, the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre will host an in-person special screening to amplify the stories, culture, and heritage of Black, Indigenous, and people of color through the screening of five short features (animated, documentary, and music video) and will be followed by a Q&A with the Hispanic Foundation team and community leaders that they partner with.
The festival includes virtual events, free to attend for all, from Oct. 11-14. It will also feature interactive workshops and discussions between artists, communities, and decision-makers on environmental topics.
WHEN: The in-person screening is Tuesday, October 11 at 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
WHERE: In person at the New England Aquarium’s Simons Theatre.
HOW: Register here for the free in-person screening.
WHO: The short films featured during the Aquarium screening include:
I Was Just a Child: The film depicts the impact of climate change on the Philippines and the lives of the survivors. The young narrator uses shadow puppetry to tell her community’s experience with deadly typhoons. Directed by Breech Asher Marfil Harani – Experimental
De Panka: A candy wrap turned into a boat, it will survive adventures that lead it to create environmental awareness. Directed by Alejandro Jose Espejo Arizaga – Animated Short
Mujer Espiritu: The spirits of the night produce life with their songs. The spirit woman can cross between all the kingdoms and become an owl, water, or tree. The animation is inspired by the chants of Maria Sabina, Mazateca sage. Directed by Adriana Ronquillo Vásquez – Music Video
Kintsugi II: After talking to the wise elder of his village, Kintsugi leaves in search of a better future for his family, leading to unexpected ends. Kintsugi considers other ways to contribute to his community. Directed by Alejandra Cardona – Animated Short
El Canto Del Mar: This documentary follows four Latinos across the US, exploring their relationship to the ocean, their culture, and their role in protecting and preserving it. Directed by Kat Reynolds – Documentary Short
ABOUT THE NEW ENGLAND AQUARIUM
The New England Aquarium is a global leader in marine science and conservation, working to safeguard ocean animals and habitats. With more than one million visitors a year, the Aquarium is one of the premier visitor attractions in Boston and a major public education resource for the region. The Aquarium’s research and rescue efforts build on the institution’s 50-year legacy of protecting the blue planet and advocating for a vital and vibrant ocean. In the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life, scientists conduct applied marine research that informs ocean management, policy, and industry practices, and contributes to the innovation of new technologies. Through its Sea Turtle Rescue Program, the Aquarium helps protect critically endangered and threatened sea turtle populations through rescue, rehabilitation, and release efforts.
ABOUT THE HISPANIC ACCESS FOUNDATION
The Hispanic Access Foundation connects Latinos and others with partners and opportunities to improve lives and create an equitable society. Our Heritage, Our Planet Film Week is an annual celebration of the voices, experiences, and storytelling traditions of communities of color in connection to our heritage and our planet; Uplifting the nexus between our communications and the lands, waterways, and ocean we all call home.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Pam Bechtold Snyder – psnyder@neaq.org, 617-686-5068