Our Picks for Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15, 2025 • Read in 4 minutes

Dear Hyphenly Readers,

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month! 🎉 If you’re in the U.S., you know this celebration runs from September 15 to October 15, but do you know why it starts mid-month? Because September 15 marks the Independence Days of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.

The month-long observance began as a week in 1968 (thanks to President Johnson) and expanded to a full month under President Reagan in 1988. Today, the Hispanic community makes up nearly 19% of the U.S. population, making the community the largest ethnic and racial group in the country. This month honors their profound impact on American culture and democracy.

Want to learn more? Explore the National Museum of the American Latino for history, resources, and virtual exhibitions.

Here at Hyphenly, we’re celebrating the best way we know how: by sharing must-watch cinema created by the Hispanic and Latino community, with a spotlight on women-centered stories:

WOMEN WEARING SHOULDER PADS (2025)

Transport yourself to 1980s Ecuador with this new animated show. Think campy humor, Latin pop, telenovela vibes, sapphic undertones, and the messiness of mother-daughter relationships. And yes, it is Adult Swim’s first ever Spanish language show.

Streaming now on HBO Max

WOMEN ON THE VERGE OF A NERVOUS BREAKDOWN (1988)

This absurdist dark comedy, written and directed by Pedro Almodóvar is considered one of the greatest Spanish films of all time and was adapted to Broadway in 2010. The film, nominated for the 1988 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, follows two voice actors who have recently broken up and an ensemble of eccentric characters who inhabit their lives.

Available to rent or buy on Amazon 

EMA (2019)

In this Chilean film, a couple deal with the aftermath of a failed adoption. Ema, a dancer divorces her toxic husband Gastón. Together, they had adopted a young boy they were unable to take care of, and had to eventually return. The film follows a journey of self-discovery and recovery from trauma.

Streaming on Amazon

Want more Hispanic voices? Listen to Saadia’s conversation with Delsy, a Guatemalan-American therapist, visual artist, and co-host of the Tamarindo Podcast. She’s also the creative force behind the Ocu-Pasión Podcast, where she amplifies the voices of Latin American artists and visionaries on Immigrantly Podcast.

How are you celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month? Reply to this email and tell us and we will give you a shoutout in next week’s newsletter!

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