Indigenous Showcase X yəhaw̓ – Mosquita y Mari
This event took place on Apr 20, 2019
** Free with RSVP! **
** This screening has moved from its original April 25 date **
Aurora Guerrero
US
2011
1h 25m
Series -
Indigenous Showcase
Visiting Artist
** Director Aurora Guerrero in attendance – Q&A to follow screening! **
About
Set in a predominately Mexican, immigrant neighborhood in Los Angeles, Mosquita y Mari tells the story of two 15-year-old Chicanas growing up in H.P. — Huntington Park.
When Yolanda Olveros (“Mosquita”) meets her new neighbor, Mari Rodriguez, all they see in each other are their differences. As a sheltered, only-child to her older, immigrant parents, Yolanda’s sole concern is securing her college-bound future. Street-wise Mari hustles to help her undocumented family stay above water. But despite Yolanda and Mari’s contrasting approach to survival, Yolanda and Mari are soon brought together when Mari is threatened with expulsion after saving Yolanda from an incident at school involving Yolanda’s boy-crazed friends.
Determined to call it even, Yolanda convinces Mari to let her tutor her after school to prove to the administrators that she’s more than a delinquent. Mari and Yolanda forge a friendship that soon proves more complex and sensual than anticipated. Pushed to the edge, Yolanda and Mari are faced with taking hold of their own lives.
“This gritty, verite piece… [is] a robust work of self-discovery for two girls at the most awkward and confusing years of their young lives, and a testament to Aurora Guerrero’s storytelling prowess.” — Duane Byrge, The Hollywood Reporter
“Incredible… Crafted nearly to perfection… [Not a] false note in the piece.” — Danielle Riendeau, Afterellen
Indigenous Latinx Exhibit at Vermillion Gallery
In conjunction with yəhaw̓ at King Street Station*, Vermillion Gallery will host a three-month satellite art exhibit featuring Indigenous Latinx artwork from acrylic paintings and mixed media art to large scale installations by 18 Indigenous Latinx artists from the Pacific Northwest. The diasporic experience of Indigenous Latinx people takes on many faces, whether it’s knowing that the border crossed us or not knowing our Indigenous tribal ancestry.
The artists featured in these exhibits identify with their indigeneity as a resiliency practice and their art is one example of how they keep the spirits of their ancestors alive. The exhibits at Vermillion Gallery and accompanying community events are curated by Jessica Ramirez. Jessica is 15 year resident of Seattle and is a media maker, events producer, and community advocate.
*yəhaw̓ is an expansive, yearlong, multi-city project. It includes satellite installations across the Puget Sound region, performances, artists-in-residence, a publication, and art markets, all culminating in a large-scale exhibition at King Street Station.