Quince Años

I am currently in the process of filming (and have received a grant in support of) a documentary about the Mexican Quince Años (English "15 years") ceremony/fiesta which will invite Latina girls and their families to realize and reflect on the cultural, universal and personal significance of rites of passage for girls currently (with Spanish roots) and traditionally (with prehispanic roots) conducted in Mexico. While the Quince Años ceremony/fiesta celebrated in Mexico (and other Latina countries) and among immigrants in the U.S. is described as a pageant and/or as the presentation of a fifteen year old girl's matrimonial eligibility within her community, this film intends to bring light to that role/expectation and contrast it with prehispanic ceremonies (little known and rarely practiced today) that initiate the girl into her community as a valued, responsible member with choice.

This socially important piece will both educate and provide an opportunity for young women to reflect on their roles in their community. This film will invite Latina and non Latina girls and their families to realize and reflect on the cultural, universal, and personal significance of this (Quince Años) and other rites of passage.