El Canto del Colibri

El Canto del Colibrí is a profound and insightful documentary directed by Marco Castro-Bojorquez that debuted in 2015. A Spanish language film, its title translates to “The Hummingbird’s Song,” evoking an image of a creature small in size but immense in its resonance, a fitting metaphor for the stories it strives to amplify.

The film is a groundbreaking and intimate exploration of the relationships between Latino immigrant fathers and their LGBTQ+ children. Situated in the backdrop of a society where machismo culture is deep-rooted, El Canto del Colibri brings to the fore a narrative that is often muffled or ignored: the journey of acceptance, understanding, and love within Latino families, especially that of the fathers who must grapple with their ingrained cultural notions and their love for their children.

The movie presents a diverse group of Latino men speaking candidly, in Spanish, about their lives, families, and their LGBTQ+ children. The fathers, originating from various countries such as Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Argentina, all share their unique experiences, emphasizing the individuality of their stories while illuminating the universality of the paternal struggle to understand and accept their children’s identities.

Through this film, Castro-Bojorquez, who himself identifies as an HIV-positive queer Latino, gives us an intimate look into the lives of Latino immigrant fathers as they navigate through complex terrain of love, faith, culture, and identity. The real and raw narratives of these parents tear through the streets and homes, leading audiences to ask profound questions about their own families and cultural traditions, masculinity, and acceptance.

The film's storytelling format draws in viewers, not simply leading them as voyeuristic bystanders but engaging them to empathize with the fathers, their struggles, and ultimately their growth. Close-up shots of the subjects' faces, interspersed with family photographs and moving ambient sounds, deepen the connections between viewers and the individuals on screen.

El Canto del Colibri emphasizes that acceptance is not an easy, linear journey but comes with its own set of struggles, missteps, and moments of enlightenment. The fathers grapple with their religious beliefs, societal expectations, and the prevalent masculinity norms, facing their own vulnerabilities in the process. The fathers often express their regrets, their guilt over not having done enough, or not having understood soon enough. The powerful emotions on display emphasize that there is a learning curve to acceptance, a journey that is challenging yet worth traversing.

Simultaneously, the film sheds light on the strength and resilience of the LGBTQ+ youth. Their courageous decision to come out to their families and their firmness in their identities further fuels their fathers' evolution. These children, now adults, not only instigate change in their families but also become advocates for broader societal change.

Additionally, El Canto del Colibri touches upon issues of systemic racism and immigration, underscoring how these additional challenges compound the struggle of acceptance within Latino families. The film makes it clear that the personal is the political, illuminating how the lived experiences of the fathers and their LGBTQ+ children are shaped by the broader socio-political climate and norms.

Throughout its one-hour runtime, El Canto del Colibri achieves a delicate balance of highlighting the individuals' unique stories without overlooking the broader cultural, societal, and political issues that impact them. The profound and heartfelt narratives in the film make you reflect on your own perceptions while becoming cognizant of the shared human experiences that transcend geographical and cultural boundaries.

El Canto del Colibrí serves as a platform for a marginalized and often forgotten segment of society, giving them a voice to narrate their stories. Castro-Bojorquez paints a heart-rending picture of love, acceptance, and growth that lingers long after the movie ends. The film opens the conversation about acceptance and love in the face of internal and societal hurdles, making for a moving, tear-jerking, yet hopeful cinematic experience.