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.
Difficulty: Beginner
Nicaragua
While stirring a pot, Doña Coco sings us a couple of Christian songs, which she learned at her evangelical church.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Colombia
We’ve already seen some interesting, fabulous and downright curious things in the “mercado de pulgas” (flea market). But what about the people in there? They’re as colorful, amusing and charming as the goods in any stall.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Spain
The Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought was named after Russian scientist and activist, Andrei Sakharov, and was established by the European Parliament in 1988 to recognize individuals and groups whose lives have stood for free thought and the defense of human rights. This segment focuses on the 2011 awards, where five Arab activists were honored.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Spain
Produced with a combination of tradition and innovation, the first Andalusian brut, Barbadillo Beta, was born in Andalusia's Barbadillo bodegas.
Difficulty: Adv-Intermediate
Spain
Europea Abierta informs us about the European space program as well as its 2011 award for journalistic excellence.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Spain
When 20-year-old Jassin Gaudi arrived in Sevilla to get in touch with his Moroccan roots, he thought he wanted to be a bullfighter, but instead found his passion in flamenco, an art which sometimes emulates it.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peru
Federico Kauffman Doig began his career at the Museo Rafael Larco Herrera as a security guard. Today he is president of that institution and one of the world’s most respected archeologists, as well as a delightful and engaging speaker! This program originally appeared on Televisión Nacional del Perú as part of the esteemed artistic series, Presencia Cultural.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Peru
Federico was something of a wanderer in his early days, and describes himself as having been a “pre-hippy.” His father, intent that his son be something other than a vagabundo, probed Federico for any hint of passion, any calling. “It’s called archeology!” he yelled upon hearing that the young man enjoyed exploring ancient ruins.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Colombia
Native Colombians speak about the importance of taking pride in their traditional music as well as its influences as they look forward to celebrating it at a festival.
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