MI CHUCO TU CHUCO (LOCAL SHORTS FILM BLOCK)

Mi Chuco Tu Chuco (Local Films Block)

Date: June 8th

Time: 4:15pm to 6:00pm

Location: El Paso Mexican American Cultural Center (Audotorium)

Crafted in the vibrant border region of El Paso, New Mexico, and Mexico, this block celebrates local filmmakers capturing life on the frontera and its diaspora. These stories reflect the complexity, creativity, and cultural fusion of our unique tri-border community. From raw documentaries to evocative fiction, each film is a testament to the talent thriving in our own backyard. Stick around for a post-screening Q&A with the filmmakers!

THE FILMS:

• Walls and Bridges 15:00 (US, El Paso) Dir. Deana Lee Ortega

Walls and Bridges explores the untold unity between El Paso and Juarez through the lens of roller derby. Featuring stories from trailblazing skaters like Frida Krueger, Kara Karronia, and D.D. Dynamite, the film highlights the sport’s power to bridge communities, empower individuals, and challenge stereotypes. More than a sport, roller derby thrives as a culture of resilience, diversity, and connection—even in the face of pandemic challenges and societal expectations.

• F*CK FAME - Underground Feminist Hip-Hop: Batallones Femeninos México14:21 (Mexico) Dir. Saray Argumedo

F*CK FAME sheds light on the underground feminist HipHop movement in Mexico through the lens of an all femme hiphop collective crew called Batallones Femeninos.

• La Cienaga 25:46 (Mexico) Dir. Ciela Avila

Don Efraín Delgado is the last member of a family line dedicated to the two most important cultural traditions of Temósachic, Chihuahua: The artisanal production of the sotol and northern band music. On his ranch "La Ciénega", a space that seems suspended in time on the banks of the Papigochi River, he works to maintain the identity and traditions of his people against the passage of time, migration and cultural syncretism.

• I Like You A Bot 5:53 (Las Cruces, NM) - Dir. Harmony Schlesinger

A clean and practical robot who follows his strict programming to a tee grapples with the difficulties of navigating the end of his relationship with his girlfriend.

• Eternal Elegy in Velvet 7:00 (Albuquerque, NM) - Dir. Michelle Adriana Martinez

Leah, during a challenging time in her life is comforted by her best friend Kira. Eternal Elegy in Velvet serves as a delicate reminder of the bittersweet aspects of existence while celebrating the moments that bring meaning and connection.