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Celebrating Peruvian Independence with the Powerful Film “Reinas” at Facets Chicago
Experience the Power of Peruvian Cinema: A Night of Film, Food, and Community
As Peru celebrates its 204th year of independence on July 28th, there’s no better way to honor this momentous occasion than through the lens of exceptional Peruvian cinema. The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago is thrilled to present a special screening of “Reinas” as part of their celebrated Reel Film Club series at Facets Chicago on Tuesday, July 29th, creating the perfect cultural bridge between Peru’s historic independence and its contemporary artistic voice.
A Cinematic Celebration of Heritage
This intimate evening begins at 6:00 PM with authentic Peruvian appetizers and a cash bar, setting the stage for a truly immersive cultural experience. But the heart of the evening lies in the screening of “Reinas” (Queens), a profoundly moving film that captures the essence of Peruvian resilience and family bonds during one of the country’s most challenging periods.
REINAS • QUEENS (Trailer)
About “Reinas”: A Story of Survival and Love
“Reinas,” directed by Swiss-Peruvian filmmaker Klaudia Reynicke, is a 2024 coming-of-age drama set in 1992 Peru during a time of economic collapse and social unrest. The film follows two teenage sisters, Aurora and Lucía, who are about to leave their homeland with their mother Elena when they unexpectedly reconnect with their absent father, Carlos.
The timing couldn’t be more poignant. Set against the backdrop of Peru’s economic collapse when the national currency has devalued greatly and the insurgent organization Shining Path continues to carry out attacks, “Reinas” explores universal themes of family, sacrifice, and the search for belonging during times of upheaval.
The internationally acclaimed film has garnered an impressive 86% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and premiered at the prestigious 2024 Sundance Film Festival. It won the Jury Award for Best Screenplay at the Lima Film Festival 2024 and was selected as Switzerland’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film at the 97th Academy Awards.
A Personal Journey to Peru’s Heart
What makes “Reinas” particularly special is its authentic portrayal of Peru during the 1990s. Director Klaudia Reynicke, who left Peru when she was 10 with her mother and Swiss stepfather, created this film as “an unconscious way to go back to a country that I didn’t know anymore”. This personal connection infuses every frame with genuine emotion and cultural authenticity.
As one Peruvian viewer noted, “This is a very, very accurate depiction of what life was at the time. They even start with the famous TV broadcast of the minister of economy, announcing the measures taken to stop hyper inflation. All Peruvians of more than 30 years old know about this broadcast”.
Why This Screening Matters
The International Latino Cultural Center’s choice to screen “Reinas” during Peruvian independence celebrations is both intentional and powerful. The film serves as a testament to the strength and resilience that have defined Peru’s journey as an independent nation. Through its portrayal of “shifts and sacrifices,” the film shows how “strength and loss are necessary parts of growth” – a message that resonates deeply with Peru’s own national story.
The film’s exploration of how “two separated parents, neither of them ill-intentioned, struggle to compromise for their children’s wellbeing amid chaos” mirrors the broader struggles and triumphs that have shaped Peru since its independence in 1821.
Building Community Through Cinema
Following the screening, audiences will participate in a Q&A session designed to foster community discussion and cultural exchange. This interactive element transforms the evening from a simple film viewing into a meaningful dialogue about identity, family, and the immigrant experience – themes that resonate far beyond Peru’s borders.
Critics have praised the film for its “lived-in intimacy” and “quiet authenticity,” noting how it captures “the fragility and pain of father/daughter relationships with unsentimental authenticity”. These universal themes create perfect opportunities for audience members to share their own experiences and connections to the story.
A Cultural Institution’s Commitment
The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, which presents the largest Latino film festival in the U.S., has been providing multidisciplinary arts programming that includes film, dance, visual arts, literature, comedy, poetry, culinary arts, and theater in venues all across Chicago. This screening of “Reinas” exemplifies their commitment to showcasing exceptional Latino cinema while building bridges within Chicago’s diverse communities.
Join the Celebration
As Peru marks another year of independence, “Reinas” offers audiences a unique window into the country’s soul. The film transports viewers “to Lima in the ’90s, right into the heart of a family faced with a universal challenge: the search for a safer place” – a search that has defined not just individual families, but nations throughout history.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025
- Time: 6:00 PM (Peruvian appetizers and cash bar), Film screening to follow
- Location: Facets Chicago
- Presented by: International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago
- Special Features: Post-film Q&A and community discussion
This special evening promises to be more than just a film screening – it’s a celebration of Peruvian independence, a showcase of exceptional Latino cinema, and an opportunity to build community through shared stories. Don’t miss this chance to experience the power of “Reinas” and connect with fellow lovers of Latin American culture and cinema.
Come hungry for both exceptional food and exceptional storytelling. Come ready to laugh, reflect, and perhaps shed a tear or two. Most importantly, come ready to celebrate the enduring spirit of Peru and the power of cinema to bring us all closer together.
