Bolivia                                                       Call Number 791.4372

"Visceral, sanguine, extremely well directed. An essential film. Caetano is extremely talented." —Walter Salles, director of The Motorcycle Diaries

"Dazzling! Full of restless energy… Reminiscent of Taxi Driver." —Jamie Russell, bbc.co.uk

A starkly realistic story of an illegal immigrant from Bolivia who lands a job with a greasy spoon on the outskirts of Buenos Aires, Bolivia poignantly depicts the world of poverty, racism and violence that characterize his newfound reality. Much like Do the Right Thing, tempers flare as discontented working-class people barrel toward tragedy. Shot in a lyrical, neo-realistic style, this taut film is an urgent and timely drama of life in Argentina, a nation in crisis that in the last few years has reached unprecedented poverty levels with vast unemployment, bankruptcy, and a shrinking economy. A multiple prizewinner in film festivals worldwide, Bolivia suggests that an important new voice is being heard.

The Official Story                              Call Number DVD 791.4372

Amazon.com
This is one of those rare political films that transcend politics with a stirring emotional story. Argentinean first-time director Luis Puenzo tells the story of a strong-willed teacher who tries to learn the true identity of her adopted daughter's father, coming to suspect that he was a political prisoner. Her political awakening is actually an emotional one as well because of her detached persona. Ironically, even though she is a teacher, she doesn't connect with people very well, thinking of history in the most abstract terms. But she learns the painful truth of present-day life. Tautly directed by Puenzo, The Official Story was a 1985 Oscar-winner for Best Foreign Film, with a riveting performance by Norma Aleandro. --Bill Desowitz