Andrea Moreno Porto
Senior Manager, Audience Engagement and Distribution| Aunt of one
5 Latino Documentaries That Celebrate Diversity
Inspire your family with movies that underscore our connection as human beings, regardless of our background, race, and political views.
Latino-themed movies and TV shows such as Dora the Explorer, One Day at a Time, and Pachamama show Hollywood's recent efforts to appeal to more diverse audiences. But Latino representation in entertainment is still lacking, and the media's portrayal of the community continues to promote negative stereotypes. With a growing U.S. Latino population, it's more important than ever for Latino kids to see positive role models. And whether young people are viewing a culture as an outsider or as a member, it's critical for the film and television industries to prioritize representation of Latino characters and culture.
But kids can't wait that long. That's why we unearthed some amazing documentaries that bring Latino culture to light with inspiring and touching portrayals of the culture. Although each features distinct stories, they have something in common: All highlight the importance of diversity, love, and acceptance. Your kids will get positive messages about community building, perseverance, overcoming adversity, and the importance of taking care of our planet.
Underwater Dreams (10+)
This documentary follows a group of high school students who are all sons of undocumented Mexican immigrants as they participate in an underwater robotics contest against fierce competition. Due to scarce resources, the team has to use their ingenuity to finish the project with low-cost materials. We see the challenges and disadvantages they have to wrestle with and how their hard work and discipline pay off. Underwater Dreams offers powerful lessons about curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork and shows kids what you can achieve if you never stop dreaming.
Perú: Tesoro Escondido (12+)
This Netflix documentary directed by the Uruguayan filmmaker Luis Ara brings viewers along for an eight-year journey through South America, including remote desert and popular spots like Machu Picchu and Lima. The film shares some secrets of these magical spots, as well as their incredible history. Perú: Tesoro Escondido celebrates diversity in all things, including landscape, food, and culture. Themes include environmentalism, respect for differences, and appreciation of cultural history.
Inocente (13+)
Inocente is an award-winning movie about a 15-year-old girl and undocumented immigrant raised in violence, neglect, and poverty. Despite the odds, she discovers her talent for painting -- and it proves to be her savior. Viewers will find rich topics of conversation in Inocente, including race relations, immigration issues, and the character strengths of resilience, gratitude, and empathy.
The Latino List (14+)
The Latino List highlights 16 Latino public and influential figures, including America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, and John Leguizamo, whose work has had a big impact in the United States. The 16 discuss what it means for them to represent Latino culture in the United States, as well as the challenges of equality, diversity, racial issues, and stereotypes they've faced throughout their early lives and careers. They also explore immigration problems and share their perspectives. This documentary provides a great opportunity for families to talk about character strengths like integrity and perseverance and the contributions made by Latino people in many fields.
Humano (15+)
With a camera and 200 questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of mankind, 25-year-old Argentinian Alan Stivelman takes a three-month journey through the Andes Mountains with a shaman named Plácido. During his time with Plácido, Stivelman experiences physical challenges and mystical rituals and hears myths with ancient wisdom that lead him to an epiphany about the meaning of life. With incredible cinematography and storytelling, Humano exposes meaningful folklore and hidden landscapes in the South American mountains, and showcases the fact that, in the end, we're all human.
For more bilingual activities and celebrations of Latino culture, visit our Common Sense Latino landing page.
Latino-themed movies and TV shows such as Dora the Explorer, One Day at a Time, and Pachamama show Hollywood's recent efforts to appeal to more diverse audiences. But Latino representation in entertainment is still lacking, and the media's portrayal of the community continues to promote negative stereotypes. With a growing U.S. Latino population, it's more important than ever for Latino kids to see positive role models. And whether young people are viewing a culture as an outsider or as a member, it's critical for the film and television industries to prioritize representation of Latino characters and culture.
But kids can't wait that long. That's why we unearthed some amazing documentaries that bring Latino culture to light with inspiring and touching portrayals of the culture. Although each features distinct stories, they have something in common: All highlight the importance of diversity, love, and acceptance. Your kids will get positive messages about community building, perseverance, overcoming adversity, and the importance of taking care of our planet.
Underwater Dreams (10+)
This documentary follows a group of high school students who are all sons of undocumented Mexican immigrants as they participate in an underwater robotics contest against fierce competition. Due to scarce resources, the team has to use their ingenuity to finish the project with low-cost materials. We see the challenges and disadvantages they have to wrestle with and how their hard work and discipline pay off. Underwater Dreams offers powerful lessons about curiosity, perseverance, and teamwork and shows kids what you can achieve if you never stop dreaming.
Perú: Tesoro Escondido (12+)
This Netflix documentary directed by the Uruguayan filmmaker Luis Ara brings viewers along for an eight-year journey through South America, including remote desert and popular spots like Machu Picchu and Lima. The film shares some secrets of these magical spots, as well as their incredible history. Perú: Tesoro Escondido celebrates diversity in all things, including landscape, food, and culture. Themes include environmentalism, respect for differences, and appreciation of cultural history.
Inocente (13+)
Inocente is an award-winning movie about a 15-year-old girl and undocumented immigrant raised in violence, neglect, and poverty. Despite the odds, she discovers her talent for painting -- and it proves to be her savior. Viewers will find rich topics of conversation in Inocente, including race relations, immigration issues, and the character strengths of resilience, gratitude, and empathy.
The Latino List (14+)
The Latino List highlights 16 Latino public and influential figures, including America Ferrera, Eva Longoria, and John Leguizamo, whose work has had a big impact in the United States. The 16 discuss what it means for them to represent Latino culture in the United States, as well as the challenges of equality, diversity, racial issues, and stereotypes they've faced throughout their early lives and careers. They also explore immigration problems and share their perspectives. This documentary provides a great opportunity for families to talk about character strengths like integrity and perseverance and the contributions made by Latino people in many fields.
Humano (15+)
With a camera and 200 questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of mankind, 25-year-old Argentinian Alan Stivelman takes a three-month journey through the Andes Mountains with a shaman named Plácido. During his time with Plácido, Stivelman experiences physical challenges and mystical rituals and hears myths with ancient wisdom that lead him to an epiphany about the meaning of life. With incredible cinematography and storytelling, Humano exposes meaningful folklore and hidden landscapes in the South American mountains, and showcases the fact that, in the end, we're all human.
For more bilingual activities and celebrations of Latino culture, visit our Common Sense Latino landing page.
Andrea is a bilingual Communications and Journalism professional, and she's been part of the Common Sense team since 2016. She has ten years of experience building and managing relationships with the Latino audience by understanding their cultural needs. As the Senior Manager, Audience Engagement and Distribution, she manages marketing projects for the Family and Community Engagement team (FACE) and oversees and leads the FACE Social Media Strategy. Additionally, she works as on-camera talent for our videos and reviews, supports Common Sense Latino media outreach, and serves as the spokesperson for Spanish Language media interviews. You can find her running, biking, reading on the beach, or enjoying an authentic Colombian cup of coffee in her free time.
Recommended reads on this topic
