La Quinceañera 2007
Distribution via the La Quinceañera web site
Produced by Horizon Line Documentary
Directed by Adam Taub
DVD, color, 41 min.
Jr. High - Adult
Latin American Studies
Date Entered: 09/02/2008
Reviewed by Cindy Badilla-Melendez, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MNIn Tijuana, Mexico, Ana Maria will be fifteen years old soon. Her mother and her five siblings are trying to organize her birthday celebration. In Mexico and many other Latin American countries when a girl turns 15, this is considered a very important and significant step in her life. Passing from child to adolescent, from a girl to a young woman, many changes are possible and permissible. At 15 years old, a girl can experience more freedom, such as having a boyfriend. While a little girl thinks only of playing, and young woman no longer entertains such thoughts.
The “quince años” party, for the girls and their parents, is extremely important and does not impact their social or economic conditions. This celebration is a big party with music, a mass, formal dress, and dancing. The documentary does not elaborate on the historical or traditional view of the custom. It focuses on the family’s history, their struggles, the expenses and preoccupations with the party. For those desiring a historical or sociological impact study of the “quince años” party tradition, another film would be a better choice.
The documentary feels very long. The lack of an introduction to the customs and traditions of this celebration limit its viability as an educational resource. The picture and sound qualities are good, and it is in Spanish with English subtitles. Preview before purchase.