Transcending Borders Film Series Kicks Off Thursday

A rug like the one master weaver Demetrio Bautista Lazo Oaxaca will discuss in his presentation about dying and rug weaving in Teotitlan del Valle during the first installment of the Western New Mexico University ¡Fiesta Latina! Transcending Borders Film and Discussion Series, which is being held virtually this fall.

© Western New Mexico University

While the 2020 edition of ¡Fiesta Latina! at Western New Mexico University was canceled, the Artisan Mercado was held online, and the Transcending Borders Film and Discussion Series is also set to occur virtually. A lineup of documentaries on traditional Mexican crafts and techniques, Transcending Borders includes live Zoom discussions with the featured artisans.

Hosted by WNMU Cultural Affairs and made possible by New Mexico Humanities Council and the National Endowment for the Humanities, the series will follow as outlined:

  • Thursday, September 10, 2020
    Film: Oaxaca Rug Weaving
    Live Zoom Discussion: 10 a.m.
    Topic: Oaxaca Dyeing and Rug Weaving in Teotitlan del Valle, presented by master weaver Demetrio Bautista Lazo?
  • Wednesday, October 7, 2020
    Film: Rebozos con Pluma of Ahuirán, featuring artisan Albertina Bautista
    Live Zoom Discussion: 10 a.m.
    Topic: The Mexican Rebozo – History and artisans of Mexico presented by Latin American tour guide, artisan advocate and rebozo collector Stephanie Schneiderman.
  • Thursday, November 12, 2020
    Film: Pottery of Mexico Vol II Trees of Life
    Live Zoom Discussion: 10 a.m.
    Topic: Mexico’s Tree of Life – History and significance presented by Marta Turok, an applied anthropologist living in Mexico City.
  • December 8, 2020
    Films: Four short films produced by the Instituto del Artisano Michoacano.

    1. Máscaras – Tócuaro (Masks) featuring artisan Felipe Horta
    2. Al Farería – San José de Gracia (Pineapples/Pinecones) featuring the Hernández Carlos artisan family
    3. Cobre Martillado – Santa Clara del Cobre (Copper) featuring artisan Abdón Punzo
    4. Maque y Laca, Pasta de Caña – Pátzcuaro (Laquerware, Cane Paste) featuring artisan Mario Agustín

Live Zoom Discussion: 10 a.m.
Topic: Instituto del Artisano Michoacano staff will answer questions over Zoom.

The films may be screened anytime at youtube.com/user/MediaTechServices, and Zoom event will occur at wnmu.zoom.us/j/96750508921, where community members can also sign up to receive information about the film series and the WNMU Cultural Affairs Fall 2020 Virtual Season.

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