Our Vibes of the Week are…

Narcocorrido: Música y Peligro in Mexico

The narcocorrido, a Mexican musical genre that combines traditional music with lyrics praising drug cartels, has become a popular and controversial phenomenon. Artists like Peso Pluma have achieved great fame, inspiring young musicians like Yair to follow in their footsteps with the hope of achieving economic success. However, this path carries serious risks, as the creation and dissemination of narcocorridos often require the authorization of the cartels and can have deadly consequences if the established "protocols" are not followed. The genre also serves as a tool for communication and propaganda among rival groups, and its popularity has raised concerns among authorities, such as the mayor of Tijuana, who has banned narcocorrido concerts due to their violent content and connection to organized crime. Despite the dangers, many artists continue to pursue the dream of fame and success in this complex and often tragic environment.

Cahiers du Cinéma Forges Landmark Digital Archive with Google Arts & Culture: A New Era for Film Scholarship (2025)

June 7, 2025 – In a monumental collaboration set to redefine film scholarship and accessibility, Cahiers du Cinéma, the venerable French film magazine, has officially launched a comprehensive digital archive in association with Google Arts & Culture. This groundbreaking initiative, revealed today, makes over seven decades of unparalleled film criticism, theory, and debate accessible to a global audience, democratizing a crucial repository of cinematic history.

This partnership marks a significant leap forward in the digital preservation of cultural heritage, particularly within the realm of film criticism. By leveraging Google Arts & Culture's advanced digitization and AI capabilities, the extensive back catalog of Cahiers du Cinéma—comprising over 70,000 pages from 820 issues—is now fully searchable, explorable, and enriched with contextual information. This move is poised to deeply impact researchers, filmmakers, students, and cinephiles worldwide.

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Afternoons of Solitude: A Deep Dive into Albert Serra’s Provocative Bullfighting Documentary

If you’re searching for a film that challenges the boundaries of documentary storytelling while offering a profound exploration of bullfighting, Tardes de Soledad (Afternoons of Solitude) is a must-watch. Directed by Albert Serra, this Spanish-French-Portuguese co-production has sparked critical acclaim and academic interest since its debut at the 72nd San Sebastian International Film Festival in 2024. With its unique cinematic approach, intimate portrayal of a bullfighter’s world, and bold stance on a controversial tradition, the film has become a cultural touchstone. Below, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about Afternoons of Solitude, from its production details to its reception and significance in modern cinema.  

What is Tardes de Soledad and Why Should You Watch It? 

Tardes de Soledad is a documentary that immerses viewers in the life of Andrés Roca Rey, one of Spain’s most celebrated bullfighters, and his team as they navigate the high-stakes world of bullfighting. Unlike traditional documentaries that focus on the spectacle of the arena, Serra’s work delves into the psychological and spiritual dimensions of the sport, capturing moments of quiet introspection and intense focus. This approach has earned it praise from critics and scholars alike, positioning it as a standout in the genre.  

The film’s title, Tardes de Soledad, translates to “Afternoons of Solitude,” a fitting metaphor for the solitary nature of a bullfighter’s craft. Serra’s lens avoids grandeur, instead opting for tight framing that mirrors the tension of a bullfight. This technique, likened to the spotlight of a theater or circus, forces viewers to confront the raw humanity of the performers and the existential risks they face.  

For those interested in the intersection of art, tradition, and controversy, this film is a compelling blend of visual poetry and cultural critique. It’s not just about bullfighting—it’s about duty, aesthetics, and the personal sacrifices of those who choose this path.