Spanish Film Week Connects Victoria With Global Stories

Sometimes the best way to understand our world is through someone else's story on the big screen.

The Hispanic Film Society of Victoria just wrapped its 16th annual Latin American & Spanish Film Week at the University of Victoria, and this year brought something special. For the first time ever, the September event included a "film conversation" that invited audience members onto the stage to discuss what they'd just watched.

"We wanted to create some interaction among audience members and make people talk to each other," said Dr. Dan Russek, professor of Hispanic Studies and the Film Society's president. In an era when most people watch movies alone on their phones, he saw an opportunity to bring community back to cinema.

The five-day event showcased films from across Latin America and Spain, including a documentary about female revolutionaries in Nicaragua and a psychological thriller about a man who falsely claimed to be a Holocaust survivor. Each night featured a different genre, from dry comedy to family drama.

Why This Inspires

What started in 2010 as a way to promote university courses has blossomed into a genuine community event. The film conversation experiment proved that people still crave real connection and shared experiences.

After screening "Marco, la verdad inventada," Dr. Kristin Semmens gave a short presentation on Holocaust memory in Spain before opening the floor. Audience members gathered in groups on stage, starting with prepared questions but quickly finding their own topics to explore.

"It's so revealing when you listen to someone else," Russek explained. "They might see something you didn't see." That simple insight captures why these conversations matter—different perspectives enrich everyone's understanding.

The week ended with a concert featuring Mariachi sin Frontera, Cuban pianist Pablo Cárdenas, and marimba player Robin Layne and the Rhythm Makers. Music and film combined to celebrate the vibrant cultures of the Spanish-speaking world.

The Hispanic Film Society carefully curates each year's lineup to cover diverse perspectives without forcing a single theme. This year balanced documentaries with fiction, comedy with drama, ensuring something for everyone.

Now in its 16th year, the event proves that thoughtful programming and genuine community engagement can thrive even as entertainment habits shift toward isolated viewing.