Movie permission letter for Mrs. Wack’s Class
In Spanish students MAY view these movies during the course of the year.
FRIENDSHIP’S FIELD Feature Films for Families. This is not rated but it would
definitely qualify as “G” by the Motion Picture Association. The movie is set in 1965 in
rural America. The main character “Iris ( Ira)” is enjoying her last summer as a kid before
she must work with her sisters on the family farm. Her father hires a migrant family to
help on the farm. Ira becomes fast friends with Oscar, the family’s boy her age. The
movie follows the evolution fast of their friendship despite the language and cultural
barriers.
Rationale The film examines the cultural differences between the US and Mexico in
many areas including family, death and other customs. The film also explores the overt
prejudice against migrant families as it journals Ira and Oscar’s friendship.
SWEET 15 Wonderworks Family Movie This movie is a Parent’s Choice award winner.
Also unrated, this movie would definitely be rated “G” by the motion picture association.
Nothing is more important to Mexican-American Marta Delacruz than her quinceañerathe traditional 15th birthday celebration that symbolically ushers a young Mexican girl
into adulthood. She is angry and resentful when her father unexplainably cancels the
event. Her outlook completely changes when she accidentally uncovers her father’s
secret. He is an illegal working under another identity in the US.
Rationale This movie explores the struggles of various elements of immigration. It takes
a factual look at the immigration process and the struggles of people in each phase of
assimilation. Sweet 15 simultaneously takes a look at the unique situation of a second
generation immigrant teenager in Los Angeles. Marta, the main character, also struggles
to make the right choices and to be less selfish. This theme is something most teenagers
can relate well to their own lives.
SELENA Rated “PG” for adult themes, This is the story of Grammy Award winner
who’s travels with her family to entertain millions of fans in America and Mexico.
Rationale This movie portrays the life of a typical Mexican-American family in Southern
California about 25 years ago. The movie exposes students to Tejano music and
specifically explores 1st and 2nd generation immigrant challenges.
I give permission for my Son/Daughter ______________________ to watch these films.
_______________________/ _______________________/ _____________.
(Your name printed)
(Signature)
(Date)
GOAL Rated “PG”
Like millions of kids around the world, Santiago harbors the dream of being a
professional soccer player. However living in the barrios of Los Angeles, he thinks that it
is only that, a dream. Until one day an extraordinary turn of events has him trying out for
a professional team.
Rationale Much like Sweet 15, this movie gives a youth’s perspective on the challenges
of being a Hispanic American.
DESTINOS Episodes & MUZZY Equivalent “G” rating
Both of these are designed for early Spanish language learners. Destinos covers
vocabulary and travel in Spanish speaking countries. Muzzy is a cartoon that was
designed solely to reinforce vocabulary. Both are effective in helping students learn the
Spanish language.
Documentaries Equivalent “G” rating
There are 2 short (15 minute) holiday documentaries students MAY see this year. One is
on Day of the Dead, the other is about El Cinco de Mayo.