Galentine's Day: 5 Latino Films to Love

5 Latino-Produced Movies to Watch this Galentine's Day. From left to right, movie covers for: A Little Princess (1995), Niñas Mal (2017), Too Late to Die Young (2018), Real Women Have Curves (2002), and Like Water for Chocolate (1992)

Gather the troops and get the popcorn ready because we've got the ultimate Galentine's Day movie lineup. And forget the sappy romance flicks because we're talking about five Latin-American films that celebrate sisterhood, the success, and the struggles of women.


From school adventures to coming-of-age stories, we've got it all. So grab your amigas and get ready to be transported to new worlds, feel empowered, and maybe even shed a tear or two.

A Little Princess (1995), by Alfonso Cuarón / Mexico

Still image from the film A Little Princess / La Princesita (1995) directed by Alfonso Cuar\u00f3n showing two little girls on top of an abandoned buddha statue being illuminated by a ray of sunshine

Source: IMDB

This heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a young girl named Sara, who is sent to a boarding school in England while her father goes off to fight in World War I.

From the moment she arrives, Sara is treated like royalty, but when news of her father's death reaches her, she is forced to work as a servant in the school. However, with her wild imagination and unwavering spirit, Sara refuses to let her circumstances dim her light.

Filled with charming characters, sumptuous costumes, and a healthy dose of fairytale magic, "A Little Princess" will make you believe in the power of kindness and the importance of never losing your inner sparkle. So put on your finest crown, sit back, and prepare to be enchanted by this lovely tale.

Real Women Have Curves (2002), by Patricia Cardoso / Colombia

Still image from the film Real Women Have Curves / Las Mujeres de Verdad Tienen Curvas (2002) directed by Patricia Cardoso showing four women in their underwear laughing with each other

Source: MUBI

This feel-good film follows the adventures of Ana, a young Latina woman living in East LA who is torn between pursuing her dreams and pleasing her traditional family.

With a cast of strong, sassy, and inspiring women, this movie celebrates the beauty and power of diversity. As Ana struggles to find her voice and follow her heart, she learns that real women come in all shapes and sizes and that confidence is the sexiest thing of all.

Filled with humor, heart, and a whole lot of sass, "Real Women Have Curves" is a movie that will make you feel good about yourself, no matter what your body type. So if you're in the mood for a movie that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired, then this is the film for you.

Like Water for Chocolate (1992), by Alfonso Arau / Mexico

Still image from the film Like Water for Chocolate / Como Agua Para Chocolate (1992) directed by Alfonso Arau showing a woman in a kitchen holding a newborn baby

Source: IMDB

This magical realist film takes us on a journey through the life of Tita, a talented cook who expresses her forbidden emotions through her delectable dishes.

With a pinch of heartache, a dash of romance, and a heap of Mexican tradition, this film will make your mouth water and your heart ache in equal measure. If you're in the mood for a captivating movie experience that will leave you feeling hungry for love, "Like Water for Chocolate" is our go-to recipe.

Too Late to Die Young (2018), by Dominga Sotomayor / Chile

Still image from the film Too Late to Die Young / Tarde Para Morir Joven (2018) directed by Dominga Sotomayor showing a woman hugging a man from behind while riding a motorcycle with the sun behind them

Source: MUBI

This beautifully shot film takes us on a journey through the lives of three teens living in a remote Chilean community in the 1990s.

As they navigate the challenges of growing up, our heroes find themselves falling in love, fighting with their families, and learning about the world beyond their secluded neighborhood. And through it all, they discover that growing up can be both beautiful and bittersweet.

If you're in the mood for a movie that will transport you to another time and place, look no further. With a lush, atmospheric soundtrack and stunning cinematography, "Too Late to Die Young" is a feast for the senses that will leave you feeling nostalgic and inspired.

Niñas Mal (2007), by Alfonso Arau / Mexico

Still image from the film Charm School / Ni\u00f1as Mal (2007) directed by Alfonso Arau showing three girls waving to someone while going down the electric stairs

Source: IMDB

This quirky comedy follows the misadventures of a group of misfits who are sent to a finishing school to learn how to behave like proper young ladies.

With a cast of characters that range from the delightfully ditzy to the charmingly clueless, this film is a masterclass in mayhem. As our heroes struggle to master the finer points of etiquette, they find themselves getting into all sorts of scrapes and misadventures.

From exploding toilets to flying fish, "Niñas Mal" is a whirlwind of laughter and absurdity that will leave you in stitches. So if you're in the mood for a movie that's equal parts silly and sophisticated, then "Niñas Mal" is the education you never knew you needed.

LDC Latina Initiative group photo
LDC Latina Initiative Press

The Latino Donor Collaborative launched the LDC Latina Initiative in New York City on November 19th, 2024. The history-making initiative aims to empower Latinas through cutting-edge reports, impactful events, and transformative programs. It also serves to uplift Latina voices and pave the way for a new era of leadership and innovation. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as recent economic data highlights the immense and growing impact of Latinas on the U.S. economy and culture.


Keep ReadingShow less
latina woman looking tired

Kinkeeping refers to all activities related to maintaining family relationships, passing down traditions, and remembering the family’s heritage. This includes things like cooking, sharing food recipes, teaching stories, crafts and duties, contacting family members, and even organizing events to keep in touch with relatives.

Keep ReadingShow less
latino family having dinner

Thanksgiving is such a weird holiday.

As far as my knowledge goes, not a lot of people in Latin America celebrate it but many are aware of this U.S. holiday. As a native Salvadoran, growing up I remember that I thought it was weird to have a holiday that’s a day to just be thankful. We perceived it differently. Later I realized what Thanksgiving actually commemorated: a day to celebrate, but to celebrate how European colonizers had taken advantage of Native Americans.

Keep ReadingShow less