2020 Virginia Film Festival

Tote Grandfather + Jamaica y Tamarindo (Short) + A Discussion on Transborder Blackness & Indigeneity

Expired October 26, 2020 3:59 AM
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The jamaica flower and tamarind are iconic ingredients in Mexico, but their history comes from a place much further away. Filmmaker Ebony Bailey explores and reaffirms her own identity as a Black Mexican American or "Blaxican" in this documentary feature that examines the complicated relationship between Blackness and Mexican culture. Seeking to tackle the "invisibilization" of Mexico's African heritage, Bailey documents the stories of five individuals living in Mexico City to uncover the existence of African heritage in everyday aspects of Mexican culture, revealing a country where identity goes far beyond one's skin. Discussion with Negra director Medhin Tewolde Serrano, Tote Grandfather director Marίa Sojob, and Jamaica y Tamarindo director Ebony Bailey, moderated by Sonia Alconini (UVA). Discussion recorded and presented in Spanish.


Jamaica & Tamarindo is part of both the Transborder Blackness & Indigeneity (Indigenidad y Negritud Transfronteriza) series supported by UVA Arts Council and the Women in Film Series supported by Virginia Commission for the Arts & National Endowment for the Arts

  • Year
    2019
  • Runtime
    20 minutes
  • Language
    Spanish
  • Country
    Mexico
  • Director
    Ebony Bailey