By: Gabriela Angel
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, students in the Spanish Dual Language Immersion Program at Durfee School screened the 1931 Spanish adaptation of Drácula and enjoyed a captivating presentation from Alejandra Espasande, a film researcher and curator at the LA Cultural Preservation Society. Ms. Espasande shared insights into the often-overlooked or unknown history of Latin representation in early Hollywood films.
Ms. Espansande highlighted how Hollywood produced diverse and inclusive projects as early as the 1930s, shedding light on the contributions and achievements of Latin actors and filmmakers that many students were unaware of. “I came to talk about preserving the history of the past, specifically when it comes to knowing about the history of Spanish-language films made in Hollywood in the 1930s,” she shared. “[This] opened the floodgates to a lot of talent from all over the world [including] Los Angeles, which was very diverse.”
Film Historian and Author Luis Reyes joined Ms. Espasande to tell students about the significance of representation and preserving their history. “Many of these classic films were lost. They were not preserved. So, unfortunately, all we have is bits and pieces of these movies or photographs. So, it is very important that we also start preserving our own history,” he said.
“When Hollywood wants, Hollywood can be very diverse and give opportunities. So, I think it’s important for students to understand the history of the past and to understand how films like the Spanish Dracula are important to be preserved,” stated Ms. Espasande.
When asked about the presentation, student Gianna C. shared, “I think the presentation was really cool because it gave us another perspective of working in the film industry, and it gave us the idea that maybe I want to become that.” Another student, Hector M. said, “I liked it! I liked the stuff that they talked about and I liked hearing about all of the old films. She talked about the lady in the first short film with sound.” He is referring to the Spanish actress Conchita Piquer, who appeared in the 1932 short film “From Far Seville,” which is considered to be the first sound-integrated film in history.
Ahead of the presentation, students watched the Spanish-language version of the classic 1931 film Drácula. Unlike the well-known English version, Spanish Drácula was filmed at night on the same set with the same costumes and featured an all-Latino cast. “They loved it! Especially for it to be a black-and-white movie from the 1930s, which is not as fast-paced as modern movies. I think they liked the Spanish aspect of it and to see actors, in that time period, speaking Spanish in the exact same costumes as the English version,” said Mr. Carrillo, a Spanish Dual-Language teacher.
For many students, it was eye-opening to see a classic horror film performed entirely in Spanish by artists who shared their cultural backgrounds. Student Jordyn S. explained, “For being in a Dual-Language class and seeing a very pop-culture famous character, it was very inspiring. It inspires me to go beyond because if they can do it I can do it.”
For the students, many of whom come from Spanish-speaking families, the presentation and watching Drácula were both an inspiring lesson on film history and a powerful reminder of their own cultural heritage.
