Reactions to the Film

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Thanks for a great screening. It was a wonderful close to the festival. The film is life affirming, entertaining and beautiful to watch. You succeeded in telling an authentic story from an honest point of view that is not only respectful of Peruvian culture but is imbued in its spirit. Hard thing to manage when you are not from the culture. Many people told me they were surprised to learn you are not Peruvian. You have still some successful screenings ahead of you with this film....As Catholics would say -- "bendito tu eres entre todas las mujeres," Mitch! That means something like "blessed art thou amongst all the women" (it's from the Bible). Congratulations!
- Marcela Goglio, Curator
Latinbeat, Film Society of Lincoln Center

Quite wonderful. The film had passion that was unescapable. It felt very much connected to the dance culture. Thank you. I would like to show it to my folk dance class for obvious reasons. You captured the flavor of the culture. The two stories of the women and the way they intertwined was interesting, easy to follow, and touching.
- Jana Feinman, director of Dance Program
Hunter College

What an exquisite movie....you have captured the heart of a story which speaks to any of us who have "left home." The dancing and music uplift and invite. My life is richer for this brief, yet powerful and lasting connection with the spirit of Peru. Thank you, Mitch, Nelida, Cynthia, and all the awesome folks who participated in this project.
- Claire Mandeville

Ver la película Soy Andina fue una experiencia única para mi. Como le dije a Mitch cuando le agradecí por sus esfuerzos al hacer este documental, es la película que esperé toda mi vida. Fue lindo conocerte y espero poder vernos pronto. No veo las horas que ya salga en DVD para comprarlo y ver el documental muchas veces más.
- Cecilia

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As an Israeli immigrant in NY, I could deeply relate. A must-see for every person engaged in a cross-cultural lifestyle.
- Pazit Levitan, internet strategist/producer (Israeli)

There were lots of things I enjoyed about the film. But especially the dancing. I felt I was watching authentic Peruvian dancing as it is still done in small towns in Peru, not something that has been polished up for Americans...I also thought your interweaving of the two stories was an excellent approach. Watching the stories of both a Peruvian woman who learned these dances when she was learning to walk in a small Peruvian village, and a young "American" dancer who had to travel to Peru to find her dance heritage, was fascinating. Seeing her transformation from a modern dancer in New York to an authentic folkloric dancer as she travelled first to Lima, then to the small towns where the dances have changed very little, gives hope that these dances can be preserved, even by those who live in a more modern world. Thanks for bringing these experiences to those of us who aren't able to have them ourselves.
- Joan (American)

I liked the film very much. I really like the way that the two stories are weaved together -- the emailing device works really well as a connection between the two women. I am definitely hoping to use the film in my class....I always get amazed by your ability to create a community around this film. Wow -- sold out at Lincoln Center!! It was very interesting to see the audience -- how broad it was -- and I really enjoyed that part of the screening experience.
- Ulla Berg, anthropologist/filmmaker (Danish)

It sounds like the universal reaction to your film, from Peruanos, is that they are so thankful and proud that you celebrate their culture and traditions. I get the impression they don't ever see this portrayed in film (or perhaps not any media). Has that sentiment inpired a next project??!! Here are some photos I snapped last night.
- Doug (American)

Me informaron que la presentacion de "Soy Andina" estuvo magnica. Felicito a usted y a su equipo de colaboradores por este avance en la promocion de la obra y en el mensaje que esta lleva. Reciba usted mi aprecio por su trabajo y el testimonio de mi mayor consideracion.
- Gladys Garcia Paredes, Ministra Consejera
Consul General of Peru in New York

Wow, what an amazing piece you and your editor and team created -- a lovely, beautiful, strong movie! Here are some of the things I liked: Your characters -- very strong and clear and likeable ... The dancing!! ..... The amazing people we meet along the way in the pueblos ....The sound bites -- Nelida's sisters, the man at the parade, Cynthia's -- great stuff .....The scene of the girls dancing in purple dresses with the African influence intercut with the B&W photos -- exquisite editing ..... The use of the computer and email -- very creative ..... When Nelida yells at the band.
- Kathy Leichter, filmmaker (American)

I thought Soy Andina was a really great movie! Congratulations!
- Hiromi (Japanese)

"The film was just lovely. I really enjoyed it."
- Lisa Skriloff, Publisher, Multicultural Marketing News

"Tuesday night rocked! Very professional and heartfelt at the same time. Excellent Q & A too."
- Nicole Gabei, actress; president, B. Organized! (Peruvian)

A great evening (Lincoln Center) and a big success. Glad to see the six years of work finally paying off. Being a movie director is one hell of a chick magnet, I should try it sometime! Congrats on a great turnout and premiere event. Watch out Brandjolina!
- Chris, American

We enjoyed the film immensely!
- Doris (American)

I was really impressed. The film was beautiful to watch (starting with the title - the colorful "Andina" was wonderful) and most importantly, as all good films, one cared about the characters involved. I've already told a bunch of people that they must see it...I personally will be proud to have it when it comes out on DVD.
- Miriam (Puerto Rican)

I can't tell you how much we enjoyed the film. The two ladies together play off each other so well -- the duality in the relationship, young-older, new-experienced, native-non native are fabulous.
- Cristina (Argentinean)

I am not Andean and have never been in Peru, but am so glad I saw your movie (at Lincoln Center). I had tears in my eyes most of the time, and really loved seeing the simple Peruvian people on the screen... It was really beautiful and I am glad I learned more about being Latina, being part of this big group of wonderful cultures.
- Denise (Brazilian)

"The film is amazing."
- Ivan Rebolledo, president Bolivian-American Chamber of Commerce

I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed Soy Andina -- even more the second time.
- Mitch (American)

I just got back from a screening of "Soy Andina" at Lincoln Center. What an inspirational, moving film! I was on the verge of tears throughout the entire screening (happy, proud tears). I was born in Peru and grew up in NY. Your film made me miss my country and reignited the desire to share my culture with my son. Thank you Mitch! By the way, any updates on Cynthia? I really liked her character and a small part of me felt connected to her since I grew up in Queens and my son is half Puerto Rican like her...a Peru Rican :)
- Seanna (Peruvian-American)

Congratulations on the Lincoln center events. You are an inspiration to all of us in your dedication to your creative spirit.
- Bill (American)

I have been following Soy Andina for some time. I found it by accident by surfing the web. It imediately hit a cord since I am also half-peruvian and have had a desire to discover my roots. My brother went to the premiere and loved it. I think it was part of the reason he decided to go to Peru for the first time.
- Tania (Peruvian/American)

I love that you made a movie that most of the world can connect with. The protagonist is so approachable. We were all youngsters once, and her struggles were different enough to be interesting but similar enough to connect with...audiences won't forget it. And it's true -- dancing tondero CAN be dangerous.
- Tom, Equal Exchange (American)

I lived and worked in Peru from 2005-2007; your film brought back lots of memories, and tears to my eyes.
- Laura (American)

For reactions to our earlier version shown earlier this year in New York and Peru: click here

Comments

[Dave Schraeger]

Hello All:

I believe that everyone in the anti-war movement, all progressive movements, in fact, needs to support a new documentary that I just saw recently. It's called "Soy Andina" ("I am Andean"). It features Nélida Silva, an indigenous native of Perú, and Cynthia Paniagua, a native of NY whose mother is Peruvian and father is Puerto Rican. Nélida is from a mountainous indigenous region called Llamellín which is far from the Peruvian capital of Lima.

In this wonderful documentary, Cynthia decides to go to Perú to learn Peruvian folkloric dancing and wins a Fullbright Scholarship to study in Perú but, prior to doing this, she goes to the website of "Soy Andina" from when this documentary was first being started and saw Nélida dancing. Nélida, who is one of the founders of Ballet Folklórico Perú (Peruvian Folkloric Dance) in Paterson, NJ, becomes Cynthia's mentor, friend and confidant.

In one scene there is a military parade celebrating Peruvian independence and Cynthia questions if this militaristic style parade is the only way they have to celebrate Peruvian independence. Then she ends up joining in the dancing of some indigenous Peruvians who are also celebrating, but without the military garb.

At one point, Cynthia gets disgusted with the way she's treated in Lima, never being fully accepted in spite of her commitment and, in spite of being of part-Peruvian ancestry. She writes to Nélida to complain about this and Nélida tells her that she understands because when she is in Lima, she is treated as the Indian mountain woman ("la serrana").

Nélida then advises Cynthia to visit other parts of Perú, outside of Lima, to learn native dances from the indigenous peoples of Perú and the Afro Peruvians. Cynthia takes Nélida's advice and finds greater acceptance by the native indigenous peoples and the Afro Peruvians than in Lima.

I took as the overall theme if this wonderful documentary respect and reverence for the authochthonous (Yes, that is a word!), or indigenous, culture. Surrounded by a world of "fast-food," overly commercialized culture, "Soy Andina" has a positive message of respect for all peoples and their cultures. It uses dance as the medium, but the message is very powerful.

I do not know when or where it will be showing intheaters near everyone to whom I've written but I do know that it is supposed to be in California soon. Please look for it in your area and take and/or encourage others to join you. This is the type of film that progressives need to support. I believe that progressives will identify very much with both Cynthia and Nélida.

Pass the word: "Soy Andina" is worth seeing! It is not only an important documentary, but a necessary one as well.

Dave Schraeger

[Ana Maria Quispe]

For Dave Schraeger:
This is the first comment that exactly describes the underlying causes of our divisions.
It felt like a knife in my heart only two days ago when my own mother did not embrace my friend, an Otavalo tribe M.D. from Ecuador, who is visiting for the UN Indegenous People mission. My mother is usually "very nice" to my "other" more spanish/white looking friends!....
I am andean myself!, I "discovered" this in an intreview on a Spanish speaking radio. My intervier (from Chile) asked for the origin of my name. "I only know is indigenous" I responded, "but we are from the Coast of Peru", as if this would excuse me from having an indegenous name.....
You are very right Dave! In the world we live today, WE ALL should watch Soy Andina over and over till we "learn".... I never though of labeling myself progressive, I only want to be human...thanks to Soy Andina I also continue to be very proud of my andean looks!
Ana Maria QUISPE
www.myspace.com/quispeanamaria
PD. QUISPE in the quechua language of Peru means clarity, transparency, it should be adopted by our brother Dave!

[miguel villafane]

Message for Mitch Teplisky,
Congratulations on the film's success. I've been reading the enthusiastic viewer responses. Hope soon to see this much loved and highly crafted work of art.
I am in Lima at the moment, remembering past collaborations and looking forward to new ones.
Best wishes,
M

[Christopher Kende]

From "you can't go home again" to "deal with it, we all change" Great job Mitch. You cut the parts I hoped you would. More off-line. Chris (New York).

[David H Schraeger]

Un mensaje bilingüe para mi hermana Ana María Quispe/A bilingual message for my sister Ana María Quispe. Primero en español y después en inglés. First in Spanish and then in English.
¡Cuánto me alegra saber que eres orgullosa de tu apariencia andina! Uno siempre debe aceptarse tal como es. Además, hay muchas hermosas mujeres andinas. Por ejemplo, mi novia Tina quien es peruana y orgullosa de su hermosa piel canela. También, Nélida y Cynthia son hermosas. Cuando estuve en el sexto grado me inspiré a aprender a hablar el español porque me quedé fascinado con una hermosa colombiana en mi clase con piel canela y pelo negro. Obviamente, si ella no hubiera tenido sangre indígena o algún mestizaje con familiares indígenas o, posiblemente negras, no hubiera tenido piel canela. En Latino América se habla elogiosamente sobre la piel canela y con razón. El color de la piel canela es hermoso. Es por la influencia del racismo que se habla con menosprecio del indio. Sin embargo, ¿cuántas personas en Latino América no tienen ningún mestizaje racial, tomándose en cuenta que muchos tienen piel canela? Serían sólo los blancos panes de leche.
En Solidaridad,
Tu hermano DAVE
I’m so happy to know that you’re proud of your Andean looks! One must always accept oneself as one is. Besides, there are many beautiful Andean women. For example, my beautiful girlfriend Tina who is Peruvian and proud of her beautiful cinnamon-colored skin. Also, Nélida and Cynthia are beautiful. When I was in sixth grade I was inspired to learn to speak Spanish because I was fascinated with a beautiful Colombian girl in my class with cinnamon skin and black hair. Obviously, if she had not had any indigenous blood or some race mixture with indigenous family members, or possibly Blacks, she would not have had cinnamon skin. In Latin America one speaks in praise of cinnamon skin and with good reason. The color of cinnamon skin is beautiful. It is due to the influence of racism that people speak ill of the Native Peoples of the Americas. However, how many people in Latin America have no racial mixture, taking into account that many have cinnamon skin? It would only be the very whitest ones.
In Solidarity,
Your Brother Dave

[Carol Bird]

Id love to view this documentary but alas I'm in Chattanooga TN. Not much of a chance of a viewing down in these parts:-) If it comes to Atlanta im there! Otherwise please let me know if there is any way I can get a copy at some point.
Thanks, Carol Bosch Caceres Bird
(mom is peruvian /dad is belgian)

[Mitchell Teplitsky]

Carol, we'd love to bring the film to many parts of the USA, not just the usual big ones. We are working on that. And we don't have to be invited by film festivals. Universities, cultural centers, libraries, communities can invite us! Mitch

[Michael Kotzen]

Wonderful! I just returned from a trip to Peru and was already missing it. The film truly captured the beauty found in village life. Looking forward to the DVD release.

Michael Kotzen
Kotz Custom Cajon & Percussion
http://www.ToneCajon.com

[Mario Ledesma]

Congratulations Mitch - I went to your premiere at LA Latin American FF where I volunteer for the week and I was very moved and proud to see your
work ...so natural and well presented.

Gracias por querer y hablar bien de mi pais nativo: "SOY ANDINA" es fenomenal mostrando nuestro rico folklore y costumbres de la sierra peruana y creo que puedes ofrecerl el documental a los Distritos Escolares de California y demas con poblacion latinoamericana.
- Mario Ledesma

[lourdes]

Congratulations! Considering you took a huge risk, your efforts have been worthwhile; your film, manages to capture aspects of the essence of Peruvian culture and hints on the aspects of relative values facing peoples of diverse backgrounds and in different parts of the world today, while at the same time widening the door to inquiry, curiosity and discovery.

[Lucille Petersen]

Many thanks to you for such a special evening. I very much appreciated attending the important occasion of the first west coast showing of this story. It could not have been better.

[TANIA NIEVES]

Comment:
Mitch, I asked you tonight about the timeframe and stories of both characters, how they have a parellel feel via email comunications amongst them when sharing moments, the scenes in which they are both together are almost magical....muchas gracias!! the children dancing were amazingly captured, takes me back to "mi PACHAMAMA ANDINA"

[Nelly Salas]

Hi Mitch! It was nice to see you in Boston and the film was Fantastic! I trully loved it. Congratulations again.

[Mitchell Teplitsky]

Wow, I'm blushing!:) And very pleased. Nelly,your comments as an Ancashina and friend of Nelly Silva really mean a lot to me. That's the big test, pleasing the Andeans!:)

[Nancy Barber]

What a satisfying end to many years of hard work. It was worth the wait. Anyone who has ever been curious about where their family came from, or who has had to leave their family to pursue opportunity will relate to this film. Learning about Peruvian culture and dance was fascinating, and knowing these two amazing women has enriched my life. Congratulations on this great accomplishment.

[Caroline]

Hi Mitch... Your film was great. We all loved it. It is great to walk out of movie and actually feel good. Keep me posted if it comes to the Cape area and I will round up people. Keep up the good work.
- Caroline

[Janet and Jeff Murray]

I saw "Soy Andina" at the Harvard Film Archive. I was enchanted and moved and wanted to be sure my grandaughter and others could see it. I saw the dance as part of the richness and beauty of the people and the place. It is also a film of a remarkable, talented and sympathetic woman whose strength and dedication would surely be an inspiration to my 9 year old grandaughter who studies dance as well. I look forward to the release of the DVD.

[Charlotte von Hemert]

Hi Mitch and Cynthia-
It was so wonderful to meet you both and have the opportunity to share this film with the Bay Area. I'm very excited for your return in June- if not before- and I'm really glad that the Ethnic Dance Festival was responsive to the idea of collaborating with us. Thank you again for bringing your beautiful journey to the Bay Area!! Hasta pronto!
- Charlotte von Hemert
International Latino Film Society

[Liz]

Hi Mitch, I've been a follower of Soy Andina for quite a while and last year I thought I heard there would be a DVD coming out... if this is true could you tell me the approximate release date? I'm from CT and have shown my parents the trailer... I was hoping to purchase the DVD for them
- A huge Fan, Liz

[Mitchell Teplitsky]

Liz and everyone - the rumors are true. There will definately be a DVD for sale. We're aiming for end of year. I'll announce it like crazy here on the web and in newsletter - don't worry, you'll find out!:) Mitch

[Patricia Durand Urbina]

Comment:
Hola a todos! I emigrated from Peru 1989 at the age of 15 and lived in Berkeley – CA - USA with my parents ever since. I’m the first generation in my family born in Lima-Peru with parents from the Andes. My parents took me to the Andes every year since I was 2 years old so I got to love it and appreciated but in Lima I had to behave and talk different so my friends can accept me. This is a reality that not only in Peru occurs but in every other country in one way or another. Now, I’m an electrical engineer graduated from the University of Berkeley and with masters in the University of San Francisco. This movie was so real for me and touched me very much. It’s the first Peruvian movie that I ever seen around here that brought out the beauty and the reality of people from the Andes and other parts of Peru using the dance and the music as a form of communication to the big screen. Peru is a rich country in many ways and can be a great source for learning about unity and love of many different cultures. Learning about a country’s culture can help us all appreciate it better regardless where we’re from. Thank you Mitch and all who made it happen. I hope Mitch will bring more Peruvian movies to make all the Peruvians so proud to be Peruvian and also share the Peruvian culture with the rest of the world. There are a lot to share and learn from Peru’s vast culture. Also Cynthia’s performance last night was outstanding and creative. It was a dance at the end of the movie that spoke more than a 1,000 words can express. Spoke about how people are transform by the influence of the city of Peru but still have “the heart of the Andes” deep inside. Cynthia, Nelida, and Mitch, we love you here in Berkeley! And wish you all the best in your future projects. (Berkeley-California, USA)

[Jenny]

I just saw the screening last night as part of the Queens International Film Festival and have to say that I fell in love with this film. Thank you Nelida and Cynthia for sharing your story. It was well worth the wait. Cynthia bravo for being honest with your dance. You touch many of our hearts.

Your dance at the end of the film was amazing. It’s sad that racism and self-hatred is still an issue for most of Peruvians. Hopefully with sharing some light to it Peruvians will be more accepting of themselves and their beauty. I'm still full of nostalgia. I am recommending this film to every Peruvian I know and can't wait for the DVD to come out. Thank you all!

[Jenny Nue]

I really enjoyed the film. Thank you so much for making this possible. I feel that there was a need for this story to be told. I want to help spread the word, it really touched my heart.

[Jennster]

It's a cold and rainy late night movie at PS 166 in Astoria yesterday !! Cynthia's dance was really a nice piece !!

This is my second screening w/ Soy Andina and it's really nice to see more of "La fiesta patronal " but one editing part might make some audience wonder, is there another fiesta ?? While Cynthia was on her way searching for Marinera, at one point La Fiesta Patronal showed up again w/ Neli dancing w/ Cynthia!

All in all it's good to see more of La Fiesta Patronal !! One day, I wish to be at that Fiesta ~ 17 hrs bus ride from Lima ? I was surprised Leda told me that she hasn't been to Llamellin .. Let's go next year !!

- Jenny

[Jorge Miranda]

Hey, I saw the class from the video! It was amazing! Here in Lima, I keep on hearing form people that comes from the States lots of nice comments on your work and the documentary. I keep it alll in my heart.