Living Quechua 2014
Distributed by Third World Newsreel, 545 Eighth Avenue, Suite 550, New York, NY 10018; 212-947-9277
Produced by Christine Mladic Janney
Directed by Christine Mladic Janney
Streaming, 18 mins
K-General Adult
Anthropology; Hispanic Americans; Language
Date Entered: 02/18/2022
Reviewed by Kara Van Abel, Reference Librarian & Liaison to the Collat School of Business, University of Alabama at BirminghamLiving Quechua captures one woman’s passion to keep her native language of Quechua alive. Indigenous to the town of Chinceros in Peru, its usage has dwindled so much that it is now on UNESCO’s list of endangered languages. The short film features Elva Ambía Rebatta, who immigrated to the US with her parents as a young girl. By teaching her granddaughter, others, and simply speaking the language to others, she hopes the language will live on.
The film captures the intent and spirit of Elva as we follow her through her community. The storyteller is very relatable, and the narrative is easy to follow. Quechuan music is sprinkled throughout the film which culminates in a cultural celebration that brings all of the subjects together. This film is recommended for all audiences, although it will be most useful to those interested in the study of endangered languages or lesser-known cultures.
Awards: Award of the Festival Director, International Film Festival ETNOFILM Čadca (Slovakia)
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