The “Movies That Matter” Festival this week applauds three victories over discrimination. The festival will continue every Sunday and Thursday at 2 p.m. through March at the Cine+Lago Theater in Plaza Bugambilias in Ajijic.
Sunday, March 22, “The Blue Trail” (“O Último Azul”, Brazil, 2025), is a deeply thoughtful, life-affirming coming of “old” age saga set in a dystopian future in Brazil, where the government’s policy is to exile elderly people to remote colonies for their “wellbeing.” A 77-year-old woman, determined to still explore life to her fullest, escapes and finds refuge and adventure in a clandestine journey on the Amazon River. She encounters other rebels who help her to realize her dreams and find the courage and means to live as a free spirit. Celebrated for its fascinating blend of realism and magic, this film was a major box office hit in Brazil.
Thursday, March 26, “Deaf President Now!” (U.S., 2025), recounts the historic 1988 student protest at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., after the board of trustees bypassed — yet again — better Deaf candidates to appoint a hearing president. Gallaudet is the world’s first and only higher education institution for the deaf. After rallies and boycotts that drew national attention, the students won. The hearing president resigned, and the university gained its first deaf president. Their fight against discrimination had an impact that extended well beyond the educational system. It paved the way for the landmark 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act and encouraged Deaf Pride movements worldwide.
Sunday, March 29, “A Million Miles Away” (U.S., 2023), is a real-life drama about flight engineer José Hernández, born in California to a migrant worker family from rural Michoacán, who became NASA’s first Mexican-American astronaut. José’s technical savvy and perseverance helped him achieve his dream to see Earth from above when he finally flew to the International Space Station. Viewers are encouraged to bring a Mexican student to see this inspiring film.
This annual fundraiser by the Democrats Abroad Lake Chapala Chapter helps support its non-partisan U.S. voter assistance at Lakeside. Type shorturl.at/Y9VyU in your browser for online tickets.