From comedian George Lopez to artists Diego Rivera and Jose Clemente Orozco; to the extraordinary contributions of Hispanic veterans to the U.S. effort in World War II, NPT will present a number of broadcast premieres and encore presentations over the next month that recognize the cultural, historical and societal impact of America’s growing Hispanic community.
Not wanting to miss the excitement, MAYA & MIGUEL will also join in with a special “Latin Fun Fiesta,” celebrating their family, language and culture with new episodes.
While NPT broadcasts programs and offers online content for adults and children by Latino and other filmmakers of color year-round, during Hispanic Heritage Month NPT presents a wealth of compelling programs that examine the rich history, cultural contributions and fascinating heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans.
Here are some highlights for Hispanic Heritage Month.
AMERICAN MASTERS, which pioneered the television biography genre, continues to offer insightful profiles of important figures in America’s artistic and cultural life.
“Orozco: Man on Fire”
Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 8:00-9:00 p.m. CT
This is the vibrant story of an artist whose dramatic life, iconoclastic personality and dynamic painting changed the way we see art and politics. Jose Clemente Orozco’s travels back and forth across the U.S.-Mexico border are emblematic of the experiences of millions of Mexican migrants and immigrants who come seeking a better life in America. His personal convictions and tenacity in the face of daunting obstacles make him a compelling figure with universal appeal. Shot on location in Mexico and the United States, the documentary weaves a rich tapestry of images and sound, evoking Orozco’s artistic style while opening a window onto the artist’s inner life, passions and convictions.
“Rivera in America”
Wednesday, September 19, 2007, 9:00-10:00 p.m. CT
Considered the greatest Mexican painter of the 20th century, Diego Rivera had a profound effect on the international art world. He is credited with the reintroduction of fresco painting into modern art and architecture. His radical political views and tempestuous romance with the painter Frida Kahlo were then, and remain today, a source of public intrigue. In a series of visits to America, from 1930 to 1940, Rivera brought his unique vision to public spaces and galleries, enlightening and inspiring artists and laymen alike.
BROWN IS THE NEW GREEN: GEORGE LOPEZ AND THE AMERICAN DREAM
Wednesday, September 12, 2007, 7:00-8:00 p.m. CT
Latinos, this nation’s largest and fastest-growing minority group, are big business. This smart, fast-paced program examines how efforts to profit from this group are shaping the contemporary Latino identity. The documentary’s focal point is George Lopez, an icon and advocate for Latinos’ move into the mainstream. As Cosby did for African Americans decades ago, Lopez normalizes the image of Latinos in a way that delights and entertains. BROWN IS THE NEW GREEN contrasts his endeavors with the efforts of marketers intent on spinning Latinos as a wholly distinct subculture. The show also features conversations with members of the much-coveted Latino youth market, whose tastes and interests are far more eclectic than the marketers would have us believe.
MAYA & MIGUEL
Monday – Thursday, 4:30 p.m. CT
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month and the launch of their highly anticipated fourth season, MAYA & MIGUEL and Scholastic Media are declaring the month of October MAYA & MIGUEL’s “Latin Fun Fiesta.” Beginning Monday, October 1, a new episode of the returning hit series will premiere each day through October 10 on PBS KIDS GO! (check local listings), including: “The Wedding,” “The Big Fight,” “Good Luck Paco,” “House Divided” and “I Love Maya.”
In addition, throughout Hispanic Heritage Month the twins will be appearing throughout the country at JuntaHispana®, an event that celebrates the cultures, traditions, heritage and customs of 20 Spanish-speaking countries.
Hispanic Heritage Month will also mark the official collaboration between the Girl Scouts of USA and Scholastic Media’s MAYA & MIGUEL. The Girl Scouts of USA have invited Maya to become an official member of the Girl Scouts. To celebrate the occasion, Maya will be inducted into the Girls Scouts on September 29 at an event held at the Scholastic store in New York City.
FROM CURANDERA TO CHUPACABRA: THE STORIES OF RUDOLFO ANAYA
Friday, September 14, 9:30-10:00 p.m.
Mexican-American author Rudolfo Anaya’s prolific writing career has included a steady and diverse collection of short stories, mysteries, plays, epic poems and children’s books.
THE BORINQUENEERS
Thursday, October 4, 8:00-9:00 p.m
Through compelling interviews and rare archival footage, this program relates the never-before-told story of the 65th Puerto Rican Regiment, the only all-Hispanic unit in the history of the U.S. Army.
THE WAR
THE WAR will air over two weeks, beginning Sunday, September 23, 2007 (four nights the first week and three nights the second week) from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. CT (7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. CT on three nights).
THE WAR, a seven-part series directed and produced by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick — including stories focusing on Latinos and Native Americans — tells the story of the Second World War through the personal accounts of a handful of men and women from four quintessentially American towns. The series explores the most intimate human dimensions of one of the greatest cataclysms in history — a worldwide catastrophe that touched the lives of every family on every street in every town in America — and demonstrates that in extraordinary times, there are no ordinary lives.