Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Mexico
Can the forced displacement of families ever be justified? This is a question that knows no borders as governments seek out locations for new highways, hospitals, universities, and, especially, airports. The people of Atenco, Mexico, argue against plans to put one on their farmlands.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Mexico
If you find it unusual that a farmer is comparing compensation for his land with the cost of presidential bath linens, you are clearly not aware of the toallagate scandal that rocked Vicente Fox’s administration and led to resignations at Los Pinos. We’re not sure what kind of towel US $400 buys, but it best be pretty darned afelpado is all we can say!
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Mexico
Something that induces lagrimas (tears) is said to be lacrimógeno. So if you were organizing a Festival de cine lacrimógeno, only tear-jerkers would fit the bill. If, on the other hand, you were organizing a protest of the forced seizure of your family’s farm, you might find yourself crying because of the gas lacrimógeno wafting through the air.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Mexico
In this installment of the dispute documentary we hear Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata quoted over a protester’s loudspeaker. As Zapata said: “¡Victoria o muerte!” (“Victory or death!”). To protest the taking of their farmland, the people of Atenco are using stronger and stronger language. Listen in.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Spain
This episode talks about the increasing client base for second-hand stores in Spain and the fact that, while their former clientele was overwhelmingly foreign, Spanish people are increasingly open to the concept.
Difficulty: Beginner
Colombia
Carlos introduces us to the Muiscas, one of the most developed pre-Columbian civilizations to inhabit the Cundiboyacense plateau in the central part of present day Colombia.
Difficulty: Beginner
Colombia
Carlos describes for us the fascinating enthronement ceremony that gave rise to to the legend of "El Dorado" ["The Golden One"], a nickname which referred to the cacique, or king, of Colombia's Muisca people.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Spain
The Ideas Club presents eclectic news briefs on student map-making contests, a dedicated dancer of many styles, climate change and a forestry training program for unemployed workers.
Difficulty: Beginner
Ecuador
Elsa Diaz, the owner of an indigenous clothing shop in Otavalo, Ecuador, explains a bit about what she has to offer.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Ecuador
Ecuadorian "Poné," or shamans, utilize plants for their medicinal effects. In this video, we learn about some of their beliefs and wisdom.
Difficulty: Beginner
Ecuador
The Tsáchila community has undertaken the task of opening its doors to foreign visitors, giving them the opportunity to learn more about their traditions and culture.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Nicaragua, Spain
Does graphic and violence-ridden television news that presents the worst aspects of a society also bring out the worst in its audience? Our filmmaker seems to think so, and believes that it is young viewers who pay the price when spectacle trumps thoughtful analysis and measured presentation.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Nicaragua, Spain Catalonia
Spain has never been a country afraid of divisive politics, and filmmaker Joan Planas has no fear of getting controversial when presenting his views of society, church and state. Note that the older gentleman is not speaking straight Spanish but Catalan, and the Spanish captions reflect not his exact words but are the same as the Spanish subtitles seen in white on the screen.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Spain
Joan Planas continues to pull no punches, taking on NGOs, television, and the Catholic church. Oddly enough, despite his firebrand rhetoric, the film ends on a rather conservative note, suggesting that perhaps what poor nations need is not so much charity but rather a change in actitude, or “attitude,” so as to reflect the mindset of people in successful nations. Tune in to find out the details.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Venezuela
Enjoy this video presentation about Coro, one of Venezuela's oldest cities, founded in 1527 by Juan de Ampies. In Coro's old colonial center, you can admire many historical buildings, which helped prompt UNESCO to declare this beautiful city a "World Heritage" site in 1993.
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