Kansas City Celebrates Its Latino Community with Heartwarming Film Series
This Thursday evening, Kansas City is set to host a special event that brings together the vibrant local Latino community through art and storytelling. The much-anticipated third installment of “We Are Latinos” will have its premiere at the Boulevard Drive-in Theatre, and it promises to be a heartfelt celebration of culture, creativity, and connection.
From Vision to Reality
Victor Antillanca, a proud Kansas City native, is the brain behind this inspiring documentary film series. Initially unsure of what the project would look like, he let the art guide him, which led to the creation of “We Are Latinos.” This series sheds light on the change makers within the local Latino community, telling their stories through their own eyes. When asked about the importance of this project, Antillanca shared, “We have to tell our stories. The best way to tell our stories is to do it ourselves.”
Spotlighting Changemakers
This particular installment shines a spotlight on three incredible individuals: author and poet José Faus, comic book artist Baldemar Rivas, and Monica Peña, who proudly serves as the first female president of the KC Estilo low-rider club. Antillanca expressed his excitement, saying, “The most fun is having the participants meet for the first time. Because a lot of them know each other from before, but a lot of them don’t.”
Imagine the energy in the air as these talented individuals gather, many for the first time, to connect and share laughter. For Antillanca, this is what “We Are Latinos” is truly about—the connections made and the bridges built within the community.
Finding Common Ground
Though the film centers on the stories of these three remarkable creators, Antillanca is keen to emphasize that their experiences resonate with many. “We’re all different but we all have these human traits that are the same,” he said, highlighting the universal truths that bind us all together, regardless of our backgrounds.
A Personal Journey
What makes this project particularly special for Antillanca is that he is not just sharing the stories of others; he is sharing his own journey as an immigrant, an artist, and a human being. He expressed how important it is for the Latino community to voice their identity, stating, “For the Latino community to stand up and say, ‘This is who I truly am, and this is what I do,’ I feel blessed to be one who can help open that door for them.”
Join the Celebration
Attendees of the premiere can look forward to an entertaining and culturally rich night that includes delicious bites from food trucks, stunning low-riders showcasing the pride of the community, and, of course, the screening of the film. This is more than just a movie event; it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and the power of storytelling.
Be Part of the Experience
If you’re interested in being part of this uplifting experience, registration for the premiere event is still open. Plus, those who want to catch up on the previous installments of the series can easily find them online. The “We Are Latinos” page on the Kansas City PBS website offers access to learn more about the project and see the stories that have already been told.
The heartwarming journeys of these individuals are just a glimpse into the richness and diversity of the Latino community in Kansas City. As Victor Antillanca beautifully captures through his art, it’s essential for everyone to embrace their stories and share them with pride.
