In the third Hispanic film festival, producers from all over the country were chosen to present their films in Monterey County. Some of the topics that will be touched on are pollution and the impact on the oceans, immigration and agricultural workers are also discussed.
In this special report, Telemando Costa Central, I spoke to a group of young people in Monterey County, who are inspired by the movement to care for the environment and who are making a change on the planet.
The Hispanic community recognized in the stories shown in the third Hispanic film festival.
The Hispanic Access Foundation presented a series of short films at the Monterey Bay Aquarium in early October, and they say interest in environmental health is growing among the Hispanic community.
Víctor Torres, member of Safe Ag, Safe Schools or SASS, participated in this tape exhibition and says he is inspired to know that there are more people interested in making a change on the planet.
“Films that teach a little bit about environmental justice, racial justice, and other topics that we need to see,” Víctor added.
Brenda Gallegos, spokeswoman for the Hispanic Access Foundation, said that this project was created three years ago to create a connection between the Hispanic community.
“We also noticed that important voices, voices of color, are not heard in the conservation film spaces,” added Brenda.
The goal of the foundation is to raise awareness about the use of chemicals and pollution that affect communities, especially marine life.
According to Monterey Aquarium studies, in the last 50 years, plastic pollution has increased by 40% and it is estimated that it will increase by 350% by the year 2050.
Currently, it affects more than 700 marine species that ingest plastic. In Monterey Bay alone, microplastics are polluting the ocean, from the surface to the bottom of the ocean.
The short films also cover immigration issues affecting DACA recipients. Out of 500 filmmakers who submitted their films… only 30 were chosen to go out of the auditorium, like an aquarium.
Alejandra Quiroz, co-producer, with Kristina Andrez, tells stories that connect the Latino community, through DACA limitations.
“It’s about how the two stories within the Latino community can come together and create awareness of the situation that many of us face such as identity, immigration, and problems in our countries,” Alejandra added. .
The Foundation for Hispanic Access says there are more opportunities for Hispanic filmmakers to show their work in places like the aquarium. In addition, they present online film festivals.