Mexican & Mexican American culture films featuring footage from Cuernavaca, Mexico; Olvera Street, Los Angles, US; and California, US.
Included Films:
Why Braceros?
Why Braceros?
Produced: 1959
Length: 19 Minutes
Why Braceros? Why Mexican labor? Farming is one of Americas largest industries. It is an industry that has made leaps and bounds in farming through mechanical equipment revolutions but, much of the back breaking work must still be done by hand. Fruits that are too soft for a machine must be retrieved by hand, crops still must be dug from the ground, and this created a great many jobs. For such tasks the farmer of 1950s was unable to find enough willing American laborers. They were forced to turn to Mexican laborers brought across the border to work just for the harvesting season. A propaganda piece as to why such laborers are essential, this film touches on topics that are still a great source of debate today, such as employing illegal residents. The old, if we give them work they take away jobs from United States citizens who need them, is tested with the reply, they are taking back breaking, stooped labor that no American wants. An interesting look at a question weve been looking for an answer to for decades Why Braceros? not only serves as excellent propaganda as to why the government thinks, of course Braceros! but of the history of agriculture and problems in farming.
Good Friday Through Cuernavaca
Good Friday Through Cuernavaca
Produced: 1960s
Length: 15 Minutes
This is a classic travelogue film that travels through Cuernavaca, Mexico.
Street of Memory
Street of Memory
Produced: 1937
Length: 9 Minutes
Take a walk down memory lane. A Street of Memory prides itself on knowing the Mexican-American culture of Los Angeles. Olvera Street rests among the bustle of the city, but remains quiet with the illusion of a time long gone. As the narrator remarks on all the sights, sounds, and smells there are to experience in this cultural part of LA, viewers encounter a time of simplicity and harmony. The video takes a peek back into the soul of Mexican culture on this prominent street, and appreciates its remarkable heritage.
