Dominican University will present a film festival throughout the month of March celebrating the diversity of Ibero-American culture. Films, which will be shown with English subtitles, will be followed by a light reception and discussions with Dominican faculty and two of the films’ directors. This free program is open to the public.

Delicate Balance will be shown on Tuesday, March 19 at 5:30 p.m. in the Martin Recital Hall. The film, directed by Guillermo Garcia Lopez, is centered around an extensive interview with former president of Uruguay, Jose “Pepe” Mujica, the rare politician who lives according to the ideas and principles he preaches. Mujica’s ideas about modern society are used to connect three stories—about a Japanese worker in Tokyo, a sub-Saharan community trying to cross the border into Europe, and a family evicted from its home in Spain. The film will be followed by a discussion led by Patrick Homan, associate professor of political science.

Bad Hair will be shown on Wednesday, March 20 at 2:30 p.m. in the Springer Suite. The film, directed by Mariana Rondón of Venezuela, centers on a nine-year-old boy, whose obsession with straightening his mop of curly hair elicits a wave of homophobia in his mother. The boy is focused on giving himself a new look befitting his fantasy of being a long-haired boy singer before his school photo is taken. The film will be followed by a discussion with Clinton Nichols, assistant professor of sociology and criminology, and director Maria Rondón.

The film festival closes with On the Roof on Thursday, March 28 at 5:30 p.m. in the Springer Suite. The film, directed by Patricia Ramos of Cuba, is an ensemble dramedy about three friends who, out of boredom, set up their own business in their old Havana neighborhood. The cost of their dreams of success lead them to personal maturity, but not without great difficulties. The film will be followed by a discussion with Christina Perez, associate professor of sociology and criminology, and the director, Patricia Ramos.

Photo Caption: The Empty Classroom, On the Roof