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.

Image of Lazaro Aguero, a Latino father participating in university protests at USC advocating against the genocide in Palestine.
Photography by brownskinhazel on Instagram

College students are rising up across the country to protest the ongoing genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza and the lack of action from global governments. After the initial October 7th attack on Israeli people that resulted in an estimated 1,200 deaths, an estimated 42,000 Palestinians have been killed in response, with over 15,000 of those killed being children. The Palestinian death toll count is an estimate for various reasons, including an unknown number of bodies that are still under the rubble, decomposing bodies in unsafe areas that can’t be searched, and the lack of access to a government source that can accurately account for Palestinian citizens.

Keep ReadingShow less
a photo of a girl in school looking bored behind two classmates

Throughout my life, my relationship with education was a complicated one, to say the least. It wasn't that I was flunking, but I always felt like I was clinging on by my fingertips. It was demanding, stressful, and overall seemed much more daunting than it did for my peers. I'd see the straight-A students, the effortless academic overachievers, and just couldn't comprehend how they made it look so easy.

Keep ReadingShow less
Latino gardener tending plants.

On April 14, gardeners and lucky people with green thumbs celebrated National Gardening Day. While it doesn’t usually garner a lot of attention, National Gardening Day is focused on encouraging others to get into some plants or into a garden to start their journey. We propose it should also be a time to honor the special skill and knowledge gardeners have, especially in the Latino community, where our connection to the earth is such a big part of the culture.

Keep ReadingShow less