Latin American History Goes to the Movies ─ Understanding Latin America's Past through Film

Latin American History Goes to the Movies combines the study of the rich history of Latin America with the medium of feature film. In this concise and accessible book, author Stewart Brewer helps students understand key themes and issues in Latin American history, from pre-Columbian times to the present, by examining how they have been treated in a variety of films. Moving chronologically across Latin American history, and pairing historical background with explorations of selected films, the chapters cover vital topics including the Spanish conquest and colonialism, revolution, religion, women, U.S.-Latin American relations, and more. Through films such as City of God,Frida, and Che, Brewer shows how history is retold, and what that retelling means for public memory.

From Apocalypto to Selena, and from Christopher Columbus to the slave trade,Latin American History Goes to the Movies sets the record straight between the realities of history and cinematic depictions, and gives students a solid foundation for using film to understand the complexities of Latin America’s history.

Stewart Brewer is Professor of History at Metropolitan Community College in Omaha, Nebraska.