Following Wednesday’s launch of the sixth edition of NALIS’ Latin-Ibero American Festival, the Embassy of Chile took centre stage on Thursday, treating students of Arima North Secondary School to a special screening of the Chilean film Calle, translated as “street”.
Hosted by Chilean Ambassador Cristobal Fernandez, the event showcased the power of film to connect cultures, offering students an intimate look at the lives of Chilean teenagers while reinforcing the message that young people, regardless of where they live, share similar hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations.
“We present this film to show the teenagers and the students here in Trinidad and Tobago that their problems in their life are not much different that like suffer or leave other students or teenagers in other parts of the world and Latin America, and specifically in Chile.”
Beyond highlighting shared experiences, Mr Fernandez said the film encourages young people to overcome difficult circumstances and not allow their environment to define their future.
“Important that the circumstances in which you live don’t define you.”
Arima North Secondary School student Zahara Scipio identified with the themes of the film, noting that it portrays the realities that many young people in Trinidad and Tobago face.
“The film was really great, and because it talked a lot about it, it showed how music industries promote gun violence, and it showed us a lot about the perspective and home lives of the persons in Chile, and I feel like we as a nation in Trinidad and Tobago could also relate to their struggles.”
Meanwhile, fellow student Zinedean Hope Hernandez said the film underscored the importance of cultural understanding, especially as Trinidad and Tobago continues to become more culturally diverse.
“I find it actually very important because of how the world is today. It have a lot of foreigners in this country and moving everywhere, so being able to speak to them is very important.”
The Latin-Ibero American Festival will continue throughout the week, showcasing cultural connections through language, art, film and other forms of culture.