CinemARC X Havana Glasgow Film Festival: Literacy, Language and Land
Enjoy these Spanish and Gaelic language films that speak to themes around literacy, language and the land. What is the connection between language and the land around us? Join us for an evening of film and discussion exploring land, language and literacy from Latin America to Gaelic Scotland.
ARC Public
Date: Monday 14 September 2026
Time: 17:45 - 20:00
Venue: Advanced Research Centre (ARC)
Category: Films and theatre
Enjoy these Spanish and Gaelic language films that speak to themes around literacy, language and the land.
What is the connection between language and the land around us? Join us for an evening of film and discussion exploring land, language and literacy from Latin America to Gaelic Scotland.
In partnership with Havana Glasgow Film Festival, we're proud to be screening three films, in Spanish and Gaelic, which speak to timely themes of literacy, language and land. With attention to the ways in which language shapes the land, and the land shapes language, our panel will discuss the intersections between Spanish, Gaelic and indigenous American languages, and the ways they are presented in film and our cultures more broadly.
Films
My First Calling | Dir. Silvio Rodriguez | 2022 | 25 mins
The little-known story of Cuban troubadour Silvio Rodriguez, speaking in first person about the life-shifting experience he had at 14-years-old when he signed up to join the youth brigades of the 1961 National Literacy Campaign and taught a rural campesino family how to read and write. This film will have English and Gaelic subtitles.
Clay Women | Dir. Concepción Vásquez | 2025 | 17mins
In the crucible of clay and tradition, Rufina - an Ayuujk potter from Oaxaca - transforms her pain into art, defying machismo and violence. Mujer de Barro is a story of resilience, liberation, and the transformative power of creation. This film will have English and Gaelic subtitles.
CEARTAS | Dir. Amber Blake | 2026 | 5 mins
A short film about a group of Gaelic activists in the 80s who repainted English road signs with Gaelic. This film will have English and Spanish subtitles
Schedule
17:45 – Doors open and refreshments
18:00 – 18:50 – Films play
18:50 – 19:30 – Panel discussion
19:30 – 19:45 – Audience Q&A
19:45 – 20:15 – Post-screening drinks
20:30 – Buildings close and event finishes
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This event is curated in partnership with Havana Glasgow Film Festival.
This event is free, but ticketed.
You will be entitled to one free drink on arrival, while stocks last.
You are welcome to bring food with you, but please ensure you take any rubbish away with you.
If you have any access requirements, please contact ARCEngage@Glasgow.ac.uk.