5 SXSW Films Showcasing Diversity of Nuestras Historias

“*42nd Street” of the Dominican Republic was among the featured SXSW film. Photo by Manuela Hidalgo*

During Q&A following the world premiere of “42nd Street,” Dominican director and screenwriter José María Cabral shared, “I was always inspired by the resilience of the working community, by them coming together to fight the system through their talent.”

This electric documentary isn’t just about showcasing the teteos, or raves, of 42nd Street in the Dominican Republic; Cabral offers a raw look into the life, experiences, and culture of la gente there. It educates the audience on the history and significance of this street, as well as key Spanish terms, fostering a deeper connection to this vibrant and active community.

The documentary follows a series of individuals navigating life on 42nd Street—finding ways to get by, create art, and support their communities and loved ones while preserving their culture.

The film also pays tribute to the late Zuami, a neighborhood icon still honored and remembered by residents. Through this lens, the documentary captures both the lively teteos and the struggles of participating in this counter-cultural movement, including clashes with police and confronting politicians, making “42nd Street” a rewarding and eye-opening experience.

Reflecting on the filmmaking process, Cabral admitted, “I had no idea what I was doing in the beginning, but I started shooting. And sometimes shooting is how you get the answer.”

This film is a powerful testament to the resilience y resistencia de la gente of 42nd Street.

Screenings are still available at Violet Crown Cinema on Mar. 13 at 9:15 p.m.

“Corina”

The artistic and inspiring Mexican film, “Corina,” directed by Urzula Barba Hopfner, made its North American premiere at SXSW this year. This film is the story of a young woman from Guadalajara living with agoraphobia and the ways she pushes past her comfort zone in big and small ways.

Ever since the sudden and tragic death of her father during her childhood, Corina has lived a small and sheltered life with her mother, Renée. Their world is confined to the few familiar places in their neighborhood—all within a one-street radius.

When Corina realizes she’s made a major mistake regarding the ending of a book her office is printing, she scrambles to fix it. With the unexpected help of Carlos, a newcomer and potential friend, she ventures on a mission to save both her job and company.

Every frame of this film is thoughtfully and artistically crafted. “Corina” is a sensitive call to trust in oneself, confront fear, and step into the world. It invites us to believe that there is more waiting for us as we go beyond our comfort zones, paso a paso.

“I think we are so much more than the words we use to describe ourselves,” said the character of Renée in Spanish.

In an interview with Austin Vida, lead actress Naian González Norvind proudly stated that this film breaks American stereotypes and conventional ideas of Mexican cinema by telling the story of “a different face of Mexico.”

Regarding typical portrayals of Mexico and Latinos in American media, González Norvind said of this film, “once in a while you get these jewels of a story that speak to a different reality,” and that’s exactly what “Corina” does.

Find “Corina” showing at Violet Crown Cinema on Mar. 13 at 3:15 p.m.

If you can’t make it to “Corina” at SXSW, stay tuned for possible distribution by Amazon Prime LATAM in May 2025.

“La Salsa Vive”

From the opening scene, it’s clear this film is a love letter to Salsa, touching on its roots and influences from Cuba, New York, Puerto Rico, and more specifically Cali, Colombia.

This movie is about “the city that was the birth of salsa and the city that keeps it alive,” said director Juan Carvajal in a Q&A session following the film.

This vibrant, rhythmic documentary immerses audiences in the rich history of salsa, celebrating the cultures, countries, and people who have shaped and sustained its legacy. With colorful cinematography and energy, the film will have you dancing in your seat as it explores salsa’s enduring impact.

Paying homage to legends like Celia Cruz and Johnny “Dandy” Rodríguez, “La Salsa Vive” also features living Salsa icons such as Rubén Blades, Henry Fiol, and Willie Rosario. Through their stories and the passionate voices of Cali’s dancers and musicians, this film shows Salsa is the heartbeat of nuestra gente.

This documentary declares that salsa never disappeared, and never will. Though it may evolve with each generation, its soul remains intact and this film makes one thing clear—La Salsa Vive!

The March 8 showing at AFS Cinema featured a surprise performance of Austin-based dance group Latino Nation at the end of the film!

There’s still time to see “La Salsa Vive” at Alamo Drafthouse Lamar on Mar. 14 at 6 p.m.

“Sweetbriar”

Though only seven minutes long, this Spanish-language short film is a lasting ode to mothers, especially nuestras mamás Latinas. An older woman receives a call from her queer son, asking to stay the night. She spends the day preparing the house for him and makes a meal while speaking lovingly about her son and his boyfriend. The son arrives later that night, and the mom is asleep.

Featuring the director’s real mother Violeta Salazar, this touching short film by Danny Rivera is a hug and expression of love to and from all of our mamás.

“ASCO: Without Permission”

Chicano power is the driving force and narrative in Travis Gutiérrez Senger’s genre-bending film that lives up to its name by pushing the boundaries of what constitutes a documentary. Merging the past with the present in bold and demanding ways, “ASCO: Without Permission” is a Chicano work of resistance and strength through art.

Sharing footage and art pieces from the art group Asco, whose origins date back to the early 1970s through the late 1980s, it’s an empowering story of both artistic expression and political activism. The film features original ASCO members Harry Gamboa Jr., Patssi Valdez, Gronk, and Willie Herrón, this film emphasizes perseverance and creative struggle both historically and currently.

This visually rich documentary incorporates collaborations from contemporary artists Maria Maea, San Cha, and Ruben Ulises Rodriguez Montoya, a new generation of creatives who share the ways that Asco inspires and informs their work.

“ASCO: Without Permission” is rebellious, resistant, loud, and necessary. It transforms how we understand the word meaning “nausea” or “disgust” to something new and unifying: power and community.

Following the world premiere of “ASCO: Without Permission,” executive producer Gael García Bernal insisted that these days, “It almost sounds unethical to behave properly. Behave badly. Do it without permission — just like Asco.”

Catch “ASCO: Without Permission” at Alamo Lamar on Mar. 12 at 2:45 p.m. and Mar. 13 at 11:45 a.m.

Additional Films on our Radar:

“American Sons”