Pelo Malos Film Analysis

Marisela Lugo
Feature Writing 399
Pelo Malo

“He sings, he brushes his hair all day. I want to know if he is…gay,” Marta tells the doctor. Junior has thick, curly, difficult to manage hair. For Latinos born with Afro-textured or curly hair, it is referred to as “Pelo Malo” which means “bad hair.” The IDC screened Pelo Malo on September 16th, 2015 in the Student Union Theater to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. The film emphasized the non-existing limitations of oppression through the portrayal of different exploited characters. It also explores the effects of belittlement and the importance of individuality through little Junior’s wish to become an international pop star.
Mariana Rondon cleverly directed this film using hair as a window into Latino culture. When Junior goes to the mirror, the mirror is a window into the deepest part

of our self. Every time someone looks in the mirror and has something they do not like about themselves, this is where people begin to recognize themselves. In this sense, everyone has “pelo malo.” She wanted to make a film about respecting one’s differences but she also wanted to explore what happens when there is a lack of respect, the hurt it can cause when one’s differences are not recognized. Mariana uses Caracas, a violent city, but focused on the smaller offenses that happen everyday and how these insignificant wrongdoings can traumatize someone. Her goal was to give the audience the freedom to identify themselves with any of the characters based on their own story. She uses black hair as a gateway,

In Latin America, racism and homophobia are often an unmentionable topic: Pelo Malo, a Venezuelan film confronts these topics through the portrayal of Junior, a 9-year-old boy who wishes to look like a pop star.

“Pelo Malo” means “bad hair” in Spanish and its derivation is often offensive. This film takes a look into a Venezuelan home that many Latin Americans can relate to. It goes through ever aspect of modern day Venezuela, racism, culture, violence, poverty, politics and homophobia through an unwanted child and his mother.
The IDC is a center at UB that offers events and activities to celebrate UB’s diversity and to bring awareness to the community on accepting peoples’ differences. One of their programs is the Annual IDC Film Series. This is a film series dedicated to examining modern film from a critical lens. It celebrates heritages and experiences of people in the United States. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, IDC screened Pelo Malo on Thursday September 17th, in the Student Union Theater. Following the screening, IDC held a discussion about the films relevance, gender roles, racism, and what constitutes good

hair.
The film began at 6:30PM sharp and light refreshments were served. There were several moments throughout the film where feelings of shock ran through the crowd. Sighs and gasps filled the room as Junior’s life began to unravel on screen. This film affected some instantaneously; attendees were forced to witness Junior’s rejection from his mother. The crowd ached with Junior as they learned to hurt with him during painful lessons. Most also grew a hatred for Marta, his mother, some could not understand her nor did their reaction show they wanted to. Almost every time she did something on screen, someone would speak under their breath about her decisions and her obsession to set an example for her son.
At the end of the film, people stood up to clap vigorously, and soon after the discussion was to commence. People began to voice their opinions on the issues pointed out in the film. The first topic was about Juniors’ mother, Marta, and what people thought abut her role. Megan Aguirre said, “My job as a parent is to make sure my child loves himself or herself.” This comment was followed by nods and snaps from people around her who agreed.
Tension began to arise when the topic of racism and oppression came up. There was a feeling of discomfort in the room; people did not have much to say anymore. Some went from assertiveness to more indifferent and shy.