Virtual visit to ISU by Bolivian filmmaker Catalina Razzini

The event was organized by ISU's Hispanic Film Festival Committee, which includes graduate students from the MA in Spanish program, undergraduate students from the Spanish program and is chaired by Dr. José Eduardo Villalobos Graillet. The visit was supported by members of the Embassy of the Plurinational State of Bolivia in Washington D.C., including Chargé d'Affaires a.i. Luis Henry Baldelomar Chávez, Counsellor Paola Andrea Tapia Fernández and First Secretary Diego Rodrigo Ruiz Peña, who came to show their support for Razzini.

Catalina Razzini presented her 2022 film Sun and Daughter (2022), discussing themes such as the cultural and linguistic identity of the Yumani community living on Isla del Sol, rural-urban migration and the symbolic elements of her film. Particular focus was placed on the film's coming-of-age narrative for the protagonist, Lucía, gender roles, the exploitation of indigenous peoples through tourism, and the sentimental significance of the alpaca in the story. The discussion also explored the importance of legends in the film, adding depth to the cultural narrative.

ISU is grateful for cultural events such as this special visit, which serve to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and help build a strong and engaged Bengal community, in keeping with the university's goal of becoming a Hispanic Serving Institution.