Rita is an indigenous Raramuri woman from Mexico's Tarahumara Range. Departing her mountain community after facing abuse and social isolation, Rita embarked on a journey to Kansas by foot, where she was involuntarily detained in a psychiatric hospital for 12 years due to authorities' inability to determine her identity, origins, or language. Upon the discovery of the truth, Rita returned to her community, where her niece Juanita cared for her until her death.
Through Rita's story, The Woman of Stars and Mountains explores the racism and discrimination faced by indigenous women. Rita's resilience and endurance symbolize the strength of her indigenous Mexican community, as she traverses astonishing distances and confronts societal indifference. Despite her challenges, Rita's return to her community highlights the importance of cultural identity and the consequences of systemic neglect.
There are some minor issues with this documentary. First, the slow pace will make it difficult for some viewers to get into the film. While this may not be worth mentioning on its own, combined with the documentary’s time jumps and strange organization, it can confuse even those invested in Rita’s story. Putting these issues aside, The Woman of Stars and Mountains is an incredible look into Rita’s life and the culture of the people of Tarahumara. Artful interludes and recreations of interviewees' stories add to the cinematic value of the documentary, which is, first and foremost, beautifully shot.
Library patrons and students interested in disability rights, mental health institutions, indigenous life in Mexico, and strange stories will be fascinated by this documentary. The Woman of Stars and Mountains offers a moving portrait of Rita's struggle for recognition and acceptance, intimately portraying the enduring resilience of indigenous peoples in the face of adversity. Highly Recommended.
Where does this documentary belong on public library shelves?
- Documentaries: Given that it's a documentary film exploring Rita's life and the challenges faced by indigenous women, it would belong in the documentary section. Libraries often categorize documentaries by subject matter, so it could be placed in sections related to indigenous cultures, women's issues, social justice, or human rights.
- Cultural Studies: The documentary delves into the culture of the Tarahumara people and touches on themes of racism and discrimination, making it suitable for library shelves dedicated to cultural studies, anthropology, or indigenous peoples' studies.
- Biographies/Memoirs: Since the film revolves around Rita's life story, it could also be included in the biography or memoir section.
What kind of college instructor could use this title?
- Indigenous Stories: A film series highlighting documentaries or narrative films centered around the lives, struggles, and triumphs of indigenous peoples from various parts of the world.
- Social Justice and Human Rights: A series dedicated to films shedding light on issues of social justice, human rights abuses, discrimination, and the resilience of marginalized communities.
- Cultural Diversity and Identity: A series exploring documentaries that celebrate cultural diversity, delve into the intricacies of different cultural identities, and highlight the importance of preserving cultural heritage.
Director's Bio
Santiago Esteinou is a documentary filmmaker and producer from Mexico City. He studied cinematography in Mexico’s Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica and Temple University, in Philadelphia. Later he completed a master's degree in Human Rights and Democracy at the Latin American Faculty of Social Sciences.
Awards
- Best Documentary - Ibero-Latin American Film Festival of Trieste, Italy
- Nominated, Golden Alexander Award - Thessaloniki Documentary Film Festival, Greece
- Best Int’l Documentary – DOCVILLE International Documentary Film Festival, Belgium
- Ambulante Documentary Film Festival, Mexico
- Tallgrass Film Festival, US
- Hola Mexico Film Festival US
- International Human Rights Film Festival, Argentina
- San Diego Latino Film Festival, US
- Santiago del Estero Film Festival (SEFF), Int’l Festival of Independent Cinema, Argentina
- Rizoma International Film and Cultural Festival
- Grand River Film Festival, Canada
- Lane Doc Film Festival, US
- Latin American Studies Association International Film Festival, Colombia
Learn More About The Woman of Stars and Mountains
Click here to download The Woman of Stars and Mountains Study Guide
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Purchase The Woman of Stars and Mountains
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Click here to purchase the DVD w/ PPR: $250
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For purchase orders, to book screenings, and for other inquiries, please contact:
Larry Rattner - larry@epfmedia.com