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HBO Documentary Films: “15: A QUINCEAÑERA STORY”

by Jef Dinsmore
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Overview: 15: A QUINCEAÑERA STORY, is a collection of four short documentary films. Executive produced by renowned music executive Tommy Mottola and directed by Emmy winner Matthew O’Neill and Latin Grammy-winning recording artist Thalía Sodi, the films follow five Latina girls from different cultural, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds as they transition to Doc-logo2adulthood, all observing the traditional rite of passage of the quinceañera, a celebration of their 15th birthdays.

“As a Latina, I’m proud to share our culture and shine a spotlight on the dynamic, talented and beautiful young women featured in these four films,” comments director Thalía Sodi. “The featured young women are examples of the breadth and diversity of the Latina experience in America – we’re proud to celebrate them and their communities as they contend with the complicated realities of growing up in America today,” says director Matthew O’Neill. “I couldn’t think of a better home for these stories than HBO.”

Collectively the films follow young girls and their families as they navigate the complexities of coming of age in the U.S. From grappling with gender identity to the constant fear of having a loved one deported, the issues raised in each piece reflect the current cultural and political landscape.

 

Expectations: This should be a nice enough series of short-form docs to wrap up the year. I have known, even though I am not even close to being Latino, of the quinceañera ritual for a while now. I remember reading a piece about the tradition in National Geographic. Anyhow, on top of going through the big party in their honor, the five girls depicted here get a video documentation to boot courtesy of Mottola, Sodi & O’Neill. So, I guess I am about to celebrate womanhood.

Gut Reaction: I know I am horribly behind in reviewing on the documentary front. This piece was actually the last documentary to air in 2017 and I watched it over the four nights it aired in December. I am now just fitting it into my schedule, but you can always seek them out if you subscribe to either one of HBO’s streaming options. Each film is 27 to 29 minutes long and I will treat each debutant and their story separately.

ZOEY (debuted 12.19) about a young Mexican-American living south of Los Angeles, who was assigned male at birth and celebrates with her trans-madrinas (godmothers), who never had quinceañeras of their own. This is the traditional coming-a-woman observation with a twist as Zoey identifies as female though born male. More and more stories of this kind of individual are being told and here we see a confident and always smiling Zoey stepping out with a full court celebrating womanhood the only way she knows how – with bubbly gusto. Bottom line here is that regardless of whether you look or feel one gender over the other everyone should have the opportunity to celebrate ‘you.’ In this culture, they get that chance and here we see Zoey get that chance.   

ROSI (debuted 12.20), about an American growing up in Florida with a mother from Guatemala and a father from Cuba, who combines all three of her cultures for a quinceañera in Havana. She chooses to celebrate there because her beloved grandfather cannot get a visa to the U.S. You already know that these stories are going to be diverse and Rosi’s story is different as she tries to assemble a cohesive identity as a young woman across cultural lines. She gets to Havana and starts putting the event together. She has a photo shoot fit for a model with six outfits, she has a butchered pig for roasting, a dance move and even family from Guatemala and she is really for the cultural splash of the decade. They go all out Cuban style. Bottom line here is that multicultural influences always spice up life as evidenced by this quinceañera.

ASHLEY (debuted 12.21), about an amateur boxer living in East Los Angeles, whose mother is a Dreamer and whose father has been deported. She is as nervous about her first official fight as she is about her quinceañera. Ashley’s coach, who is undergoing deportation procedures, may not get to see her special day. Her story represents those families that aren’t as affluent or complete. Her father is not in her life and her mother is poor. That doesn’t stop her from having a quinceañera, a father figure and her boxing. We see how she strives to balance her planning & her training and putting together a back patio soiree that is full of love and fun. All the hard work we see them go through to get to Ashley’s special day is all worth it. Bottom line is that a quinceañera does not have to be posh and swanky to be special.

JACKIE and NINA (debuted 12.22), about best friends from San Antonio, who decide to honor their multi-generational Mexican-American heritage by mixing their joint quince with their love of escaramuza, a traditional Mexican horse-dancing display. The horse-dancing adds a unique element to their special event. The convenience of doubling up on their quinceañera makes it a whole giggly, fun time coupled with pageantry. Bottom line is that even though quinceañeras have distinct features like receiving the last childhood doll & changing into heeled shoes, they can be filled with uniqueness to match any young lady’s lifestyle.

In Conclusion: A harmless, fun look at a ritual most Latinas experience as they turn 15. I didn’t care much for the packaging of this set of films though. Committing to watching them over four nights over the Holidays wasn’t the best, but I guess HBO wanted a lighter documentary fare that time of year. Anyway, we celebrated alongside these gals in 15: A QUINCEAÑERA STORY and it was a privilege to meet them all.  

 

Next: We start a new year of documentary films with DAVID BOWIE: THE LAST FIVE YEARS.

 

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