Queer Cinema Steps Forward with Epic “La Bola Negra”
“La Bola Negra” is the kind of grand, unapologetically queer film we have waited far too long to see: sweeping in scope, intimate in feeling.
J. Don Birnam
J. Don Birnam is a Mexican American writer based in New York City with his husband and son. He’s a lifelong fan of all cinema, particularly international films. He is a founding member of the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association, and a member of other renowned critics groups including GALECA and CCA.
Latest Posts:
Latin American Women Face Violence in “We Shall Not Be Moved”
Argentina had the Spiderwoman and Colombia the revolutionary Latina in Noviembre. Not to be outdone, Mexico’s entry to this year’s Oscars — We Shall Not Be Moved — continues Latin American cinema’s recent exploration of how the region’s violent past affects women’s lives. The film (No Nos Moverán, originally) is the feature-length debut of young […]
Mexican Conservationist Carolina Vasquez Stars in Urgent “La Reserva”
Beautifully haunting and terribly tragic, “La Reserva” highlights the work of Mexican conservationists – both real and fictional.
“Noviembre” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” Give Us Women in Revolution
The women of “Noviembre” and “Kiss of the Spider Woman” remind us how trauma, gender, and power intersect, giving us hope along the way.
Three Latina Oscar Snubs in 2025 – We Can Do Better
The Oscar nominations are out but already knew what was going to happen – the Academy delivered snubs to Latina filmmakers, again.
“I’m Still Here” Gives Us a Quietly Resolute Mother-Turned-Activist
“I’m Still Here” follows the daily lives of a middle-class Brazilian family, while showing the grandiose perseverance of the human spirit.