Lights, camera, language

by Nicole Findlay

Complete immersion is often the best way to learn another language.

Biana Laguardia, a Spanish instructor in the School of Linguistics and Applied Language Studies, is offering her students a virtual experience for a couple of hours each week. To provide exposure to Spanish-speaking cultures, Laguardia is launching the Ibero American Film Festival

“I believe that the process of learning a foreign language is easier and more enjoyable through culture,” said Laguardia. “It is easier to remember a poem, song or joke, than the conjugation of the verb ‘ser’ in present perfect.”

The festival will feature 10 films shot in Spanish with English subtitles. Each screening will bring a different country to life. For a couple of hours at least, admirers of the Spanish language and cultures can take a celluloid trip to Argentina, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Mexico, Columbia, Cuba, Spain, Chile, and Venezuela

To develop the festival, Laguardia collaborated with the cultural attaches of each country’s embassy.

The Ibero American Film Festival begins on Thursday, September 21st with Spain’s El Otro Lado de la Cama (The Other Side of the Bed). The ambassador of Spain will present opening remarks.

Films will be screened each Thursday until the end of November.