See titles curated by Hispanic and Latinx communities at Microsoft
The entertainment industry has long been influenced by Hispanic and Latinx players. With a wide range of racially diverse communities representing over 20 countries, plus a myriad of unique cultures and languages, the creative world continues to thrive from their collective and individual influences. From gaming lead programmers to Oscar-winning directors to critically acclaimed actresses, the gaming arena, the big screen, and the small screen continue to produce content that will keep you engaged, enlightened, and excited to explore its variety of cultural impact. As recommended by Hispanic and Latinx communities at Microsoft, the titles featured in this article are just a handful of ultra-rich experiences related to some of these identities.
GAMES
Spacelines from the Far Out
Spacelines from the Far Out gives you and your gaming pals an opportunity to run your very own Starliner. This indie game boasts endless replayability as you find ways to keep your alien passengers happy while managing the daily hazards of flying a massive spacecraft through space. From the minds of the developers over at Coffeenauts in Brazil, the companyâs co-founder and head of studio admits that this comedic, sci-fi party is heavily inspired by the music and architecture of the 1960s, which was heavily influenced by Brazilâs music and building designs.
Mortal Kombat 11
Whether you play video games or not, youâd be hard pressed to not be familiar with the Mortal Kombat gaming franchise, which launched in 1992. Dominican-American, co-creator Ed Boon served as the lead programmer as well as the voice of Scorpion. In the latest iteration of the game, Mortal Kombat 11, players can take advantage of Custom Character Variations as they gear up for their next iconic battle.
Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling
Developed by Moonsprout Games out of Panama, Bug Fables: The Everlasting Sapling, is a role-playing game that allows the player to control three characters as they explore the overworld as they search for treasure and immortality. Travel across multiple landscapes, engage in battle, and solve puzzles while saving the entire bug race. Find the most wanted artifact, the âEverlasting Sapling,â for that needed boost to reach immortality.
VA-11 Hall-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
Set in the year 207X, VA-11 Hall-A (or Valhalla) is a divebar in a cyperpunk post-dystopian world, featuring a bartender named Jill whoâs all ears for the most interesting visitors. In this simulation game, expect a city overrun by corporate greed, corruption, and a serious shortage of food. Driven by dialogue and carefully delivered storytelling, decisions are based on the drinks you prepare. Visuals are inspired by old Japanese adventure games, with a modern touch. With a development team based out of Venezuela, many of the ideas and plot points have been drawn from the personal experience of the designers and developers.
Narita Boy
What can we say? The 80s is the ultimate throwback decade right now. So Narita Boy, a retro-pixel, action-adventure game, fits right in as it chronicles the success of a fictional game of the same name that reaches critical success. But, beneath the binary code, lies an unexpected connection to reality leading to the protagonist seeking to save the Digital Kingdom from the Stallions. This action platformer was created by Spanish development team Studio Koba, with its director stating that the story and aesthetic was heavily influenced by his childhood in Spain and time spent in Japan.
MOVIES and TV
Nightmare Alley
One of the big screenâs most revered names is at it again with the psychological thriller, Nightmare Alley. Mexican Oscar-winning filmmaker (Best Director, Best Picture), Guillermo del Toro, breathes new life into the second adaptation of the 1946 novel of the same name. A power-hungry carnival grifter who claims to be a mind reader sinks deeper into the world of depravity as he plans to con a dangerous tycoon. However, an equally formidable, yet mysterious psychologist may be his biggest foe, pulling him into a world that he might not be able to escape. âNightmare Alleyâ boasts an all-star cast including Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, Toni Collette, Willem Dafoe, Rooney Mara, and Richard Jenkins.
West Side Story
Sixty years after the release of the first feature-length adaptation of West Side Story, Steven Spielberg directs and co-produces a reimagined version, which is more closely aligned to the original 1957 stage musical. Lovers of this classic will find back stories of beloved characters, Puerto Rican and Latinx actors portraying the Sharks and Sharks-adjacent characters, and the inclusion of Oscar winner Rita Morena in a significant role rather than a quick cameo. Of note, Spielberg insisted on honoring the Spanish language by including more Spanish dialogue with no subtitles. Colombian-American actress Rachel Zegler stars as Maria. Ariana DeBose, who is of Afro-Puerto Rican descent, went on to win a Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role Oscar for her portrayal of Anita.
Language Lessons
In her directorial debut, Cuban-American actress and screenwriter, Natalie Morales stars as CariĂąo, a Spanish-language instructor who takes on a new student whose husband signs him up for 100 sessions without his knowledge. The two go on to grow an unexpected, supportive relationship after a devastating event brings them closer. Mark Duplass and Desean Terry also star in Language Lessons.
Plaza Catedral
How far would you go to help a stranger? This is the question posed in this Panamanian thriller about a grief-stricken woman who has isolated herself from the world; however, is quickly pulled into the fast-paced life of a troubled teen who has been shot. Mexican actress Ilse Salas and Manolo Cardona (Colombia) star in this riveting tale. Panamanian teen Fernando Xaviar De Casta starred opposite of Salas in his debut role. Plaza Catedral went on to be the first Panamanian film to be shortlisted for the Best International Feature Film for the Academy Awards. Screenwriter Abner Benaim of Panama directs.
Moon Knight
Moon Knight follows Steven Grant, a mild-mannered, gift-shop employee, who becomes plagued with blackouts and memories of another life. Steven discovers he has dissociative identity disorder and shares a body with mercenary Marc Spector. As Steven/Marc’s enemies converge upon them, they must navigate their complex identities while thrust into a deadly mystery among the powerful gods of Egypt. Guatemalan- and Cuban-American actor, Oscar Isaac, stars in the titular role.