World Languages

Complacency has never been a hallmark of Latin American literature. As the 21st century dawned, many young writers-and even some who had fueled the Latin American Boom-grew disenchanted with the status quo. This program profiles the careers and the potential of literary artists at the forefront of the region's emerging narrative trends. Addressing the influence of the Crack Movement and the McOndo Group-as well as an increasing overlap between cinematic and literary concerns-the program studies the work of Cesar Aira, Ricardo Piglia, Sergio Pitol, Juan Villoro, Fernando Vallejo, Roberto Bolano, Jorge Volpi, Alberto Fuguet, Edmundo Paz Soldan, Marosa di Giorgio, and Pedro Lemebel. Some language may be offensive. An FFH&S/Tranquilo Production. (49 minutes)

Complacency has never been a hallmark of Latin American literature. As the 21st century dawned, many young writers-and even some who had fueled the Latin American Boom-grew disenchanted with the status quo. This program profiles the careers and the potential of literary artists at the forefront of the region's emerging narrative trends. Addressing the influence of the Crack Movement and the McOndo Group-as well as an increasing overlap between cinematic and literary concerns-the program studies the work of Cesar Aira, Ricardo Piglia, Sergio Pitol, Juan Villoro, Fernando Vallejo, Roberto Bolano, Jorge Volpi, Alberto Fuguet, Edmundo Paz Soldan, Marosa di Giorgio, and Pedro Lemebel. Some language may be offensive. An FFH&S/Tranquilo Production. (Spanish with optional English subtitles, 50 minutes)

Charles IV succeeded to the Spanish throne in 1788. One year later, the cataclysmic revolution in neighboring France dealt European monarchism a blow of seismic proportions. Focusing on Charles' reign-conducted with extreme passivity and ending in abdication-this program uses film clips, dramatizations, paintings, and architectural landmarks to examine a country caught in the throes of sociopolitical turmoil. Queen Maria Luisa and her lover Manuel de Godoy, the true royal powers, are spotlighted as Spain's fortunes in the shadow of Napoleonic France are appraised. Not available in French-speaking Canada. An RTVE Production. (Spanish, 45 minutes)

Charles IV succeeded to the Spanish throne in 1788. One year later, the cataclysmic revolution in neighboring France dealt European monarchism a blow of seismic proportions. Focusing on Charles' reign-conducted with extreme passivity and ending in abdication-this program uses film clips, dramatizations, paintings, and architectural landmarks to examine a country caught in the throes of sociopolitical turmoil. Queen Maria Luisa and her lover Manuel de Godoy, the true royal powers, are spotlighted as Spain's fortunes in the shadow of Napoleonic France are appraised. Not available in French-speaking Canada. An RTVE Production. (Spanish with English subtitles, 45 minutes)

This program considers the works of Teresa de Avila, Juan de la Cruz, Gustavo Adolfo Becquer, Ruben Dario, Mariano Jose de Larra, Lope de Vega, Francisco de Quevedo, Mateo Aleman, and Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. Not available in French-speaking Canada. An RTVE Production. (Spanish, 42 minutes)

This program considers the works of Marco Fabio Quintiliano, Gonzalo de Berceo, Ana Maria Matute, Esteban Manuel de Villegas, Manuel Breton de los Herreros, Gregorio Martinez Sierra, Gerardo Diego, Rafael Alberti, Miguel de Unamuno, Federico Garcia Lorca, and Juan de Burgos. Not available in French-speaking Canada. An RTVE Production. (Spanish, 30 minutes)

This program considers the works of Francisco de Quevedo, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel Delibes, Jose Zorrilla, Jorge Guillen, Rosa Chacel, Miguel de Unamuno, Fray Luis de Leon, Calderon de la Barca, and Carmen Martin Gaite. Not available in French-speaking Canada. An RTVE Production. (Spanish, 37 minutes)

From medieval Gaul to the Age of the Internet, the French language has kept in step with history, changing and growing with the times yet never losing its unique character. This program stops at various points along the timeline to spotlight important chapters in the story of the evolution of a vibrant linguistic melange in locales as diverse as Europe, North America, and Africa. Many maps, representative texts from across the centuries, and newsreel clips help tell the tale. (French, 28 minutes)

Within hours of the start of the 1973 coup against Salvador Allende-the world's first democratically chosen Marxist president-Allende was dead and the junta was in control of Chile. This program thoroughly examines the rise of Allende's Political Unity party and the trip-hammer response of General Augusto Pinochet, the man who seized the reins of power and then held them in his iron grip for almost two decades. Interviews with members of the Allende family, writer Antonio Skarmeta, and mothers of the disappeared" shine light into the darkness of the Pinochet regime. An RTVE Production. (Spanish, 29 minutes)"

Marco Antonio de la Parra has been acclaimed as one of the best playwrights and novelists of Chile's new generation of writers, and his works of have been performed at venues including the GALA Hispanic Theatre, in Washington, D.C., and Joseph Papp's Festival Latino, in New York. This outstanding program features an interview with the writer, scenes from a performance of his Madrid/Sarajevo, and a rehearsal of his La Vida Privada. (Spanish, 53 minutes)

Santiago de Compostela is a small but welcoming city. In this program, a young man named Adrian introduces viewers to the capital of Galicia, known for its cathedral and the many pilgrims it attracts. He then heads for the beach to indulge his passion for surfing, after which he pursues another love-for TV, radio, and film. At a school for audiovisual production, Adrian works on a short movie he is producing. The program concludes with Adrian, who is also a scout leader, on a camping trip with his troop. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. (Spanish, 11 minutes)

As the reconquista thrust into the heart of Spain, the ethnic and cultural makeup of the peninsula grew ever more complex. This program sheds light on those cultural dynamics with the help of architectural case studies and engaging historical narratives. The royal monastery of Las Huelgas de Burgos, founded by Alfonso VIII in the 1180s, is examined along with examples of Benedictine and Clunaic influences. Moving into the 13th century, the program focuses on the ascension of Fernando III, his campaigns against Arab forces, and the retaking of Cordoba and other highly contested territories. Not available in French-speaking Canada. (Spanish, 25 minutes)

As the 1970s progressed, the political climate in Latin America became increasingly dark, with no end in sight to the proliferation of brutal dictatorships. This program analyzes the cultural impact of those developments and the tensions which gave Latin American literature of the period its energy and resonance. With insight into the challenges of writing in the face of tyranny, the program explores the work of authors from the Southern Cone region and offers perspectives on Carlos Monsivais, Elena Poniatowska, Rodolfo Walsh, Miguel Gutierrez, Oswaldo Reynoso, Julio Cortazar, Hector Tizon, and Diamela Eltit. The emergence of the urban cronica is discussed in depth. Some language may be offensive. An FFH&S/Tranquilo Production. (50 minutes)

As the 1970s progressed, the political climate in Latin America became increasingly dark, with no end in sight to the proliferation of brutal dictatorships. This program analyzes the cultural impact of those developments and the tensions which gave Latin American literature of the period its energy and resonance. With insight into the challenges of writing in the face of tyranny, the program explores the work of authors from the Southern Cone region and offers perspectives on Carlos Monsivais, Elena Poniatowska, Rodolfo Walsh, Miguel Gutierrez, Oswaldo Reynoso, Julio Cortazar, Hector Tizon, and Diamela Eltit. The emergence of the urban cronica is discussed in depth. Some language may be offensive. An FFH&S/Tranquilo Production. (Spanish with optional English subtitles, 53 minutes)

Madrid, the capital of Spain, is also Spain's largest city. In this program, a young man named Alejandro gives viewers a quick tour on his way to work, pointing out the Plaza de Cibeles, the Museo del Prado, the Puerta de Alcala, the Congreso de los Diputados, and other sights. At his family's cafe/bar, he waits tables and works in the kitchen. At closing time, Alejandro meets up with his girlfriend, Maria, and other friends-all of them music lovers-in the Parque del Buen Retiro. Later on, Alejandro invites viewers to join him while he and his rock band practice. A viewable/printable instructor's guide is available online. (Spanish, 11 minutes)