“I love your movie Soy Andina. Its so inspiring and full of promise. Thank you for reaching out to all peruvians and human beings in general about the meaning of life. Well done! ” - “Deals with an aspect of culture not covered in academic courses, yet vitally important. I highly recommend the film for inclusion in Spanish/ Anthropology/ Dance courses.
” - Alita Kelley, Emerita Professor of Modern Languages, Penn State “Beautiful and exciting film! The women rocked my soul! I cried with joy, longing, nostalgia and deep recognition. Cynthia and Nelida are the protagonists of their stories, and are a mirror for the stories of many women. See it! Buy it! It truly is one of a kind. The tondero dance is exquisite, and never before seen so intimately on film. Thank you, Mitch Teplitsky. Soy Andina is a masterpiece.” - Cecilia Calderon “I have been showing the documentary SOY ANDINA for the last 4 years to my spanish 2 students. I finally got to meet the filmaker, director Mitchell Teplitsky. I have been on his blog, and have sent hiim sample papers my students have written about the movie which they love. It is a great cultural experience for my students and i am lucky I found the movie by chance on PBS one night!! It is a huge part of my unit on Peru now.
” - Shellii Binder, HS Spanish teacher (Florida) “Another 110 students watched SOY ANDINA and loved it!” - Shelli Binder Costa, high school Spanish teacher “The students and faculty loved your film because it touched many of the things we discussed in class. I have received wonderful comments about the event. ” - Elena Sabogal, professor, Womens Studies & Latin American Studies, WIlliam Paterson U. “Hi Mitch,
Soy Andina has finally arrived -- I really loved it!! Thank you for the opportunity to experience the cultural aspects of Peru. The scenery/ landscapes were amazing.
Watching the film did a lot to me. The desire to get there got stronger and the realization of the diversity and the amount of aspects I wish to discover and experience.... Wow. Loved the dancing! I wish to learn the marinera and tondero but i don't thing there is any opportunity to learn in Holland... a shame, isn't it!
I will also show the film to my daughter, she's 5,5 years old now, loves to dance and hears a lot about Peru. And mommy going to Peru for a month gives her an idea of where mommy is going
I missed a little bit of the role of Nelida..... it was more in the background and I would like to see/hear some more about her motivations and thoughts. Maybe also some information about the dances and the psychological turn that happeend to Cynthia. What happened when she felt the confusion of 2 worlds.. just some thoughts that came up when I was watching.
Good luck with all your work, like to see more --
Noelle” - “My name is Alexa Williams, and we met at the Georgia College viewing your film, Soy Andina. I was awe-struck by your film and it's impact. I am sending this email to stay in contact with you, simply because I find what you do very intriguing and inspiring!
” - “Te felicito. It made me want to jump right in there and dance! Watching the pasacalles, the presentation of the pan wawa, the dancing, and even the cajas de chelas made me miss Peru very much. Thank you for sharing your wonderful film.” - Cara Caponi “I loved this film and thought it was the most uniquely beautiful and most inspiring film I have ever seen. I am a dancer as well...I can connect so much with this film because of the struggles and obstacles I had to overcome to become the dancer I am today” - Kyndall Camacho, Florida high school student “I liked your video project very much for it is attached to a dual phenomenon that it is monitored by Latin American global discourses. One is the return of Latin American nationals to their countries of origin after a very diasporic traumatic experience. These formerly exiled individuals are returning as mature professionals who by now understand the meaning of "competition" "outside knowledge," "innovation," etc. The other one is the journey of children of exiles or any other type of travelers who were born in the first /second world who are not returning to "the mother country" but to the land of their ancestors. Some of them left their countries when they were babies or small thus they do not remember anything. At this point, Peru is seeing the "returning" of second generation of "Peruvians" born in the USA, China, Japan, Finland, Cuba who bring the education, motivation, etc. of their own countries. This sociological factor is well documented in your video.
I left Peru when I was 17 years old and I have been living in USA since 1969. Funny thing is that the so-called Peruvian Theater was not systematized until I began performing research (in Peru) and publishing books on Peruvian theater (in the USA). Nelida and Cynthia's journey were not only useful to them but to Peruvian folklore studies as they had a chance to be exposed to the outside world.” - Luis A. Ramos-Garcia, Spanish and Portuguese Studies, U. of Minnesota “I really enjoyed this! Particularly the juxtaposing of New York and Lima, and then the countryside. When the young woman returns to New York I found myself experiencing a sense of culture shock with her. This is a film that I will use in my class on Latin American cultures to show how pre-Columbian culture (and particularly music and dance) has persisted for hundred years despite myriad attempts to disparage and even destroy it. I also think that students who view it will have a robust discussion about this persistence vs. the huge changes to the culture, a point which they can debate. One other aspect I appreciate is that it is organically bilingual because students will notice how these women shift from one language to the other, and we can discuss why that is. They will also no doubt have a lively discussion about the young woman feeling like a "gringa" in Lima.
Keep me in the loop about Kennesaw if you can, and I will certainly be in touch if I can work something out here at Georgia College.
Warm regards, and my best to your wife,
Rebecca
” - Rebecca Carte, Ph.D., Dept. of Modern Languages and Cultures, Georgia College & State U., “THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU so much for the wonderful film, discussion and dance presentation. Wow - what a hit! The Association of Latino Alumni events don’t regularly generate such large crowds so the board was beaming. You both brought something truly special to this campus and we couldn’t be happier.” - Cecilia D. Ramirez, Assistant Director, Multicultural Outreach, U. of Penn. Alumni Relations “A useful addition to any classroom discussion of globalization, gender, and migration...an extremely useful tool in teaching students about the lives of Latin American migrants to the United States and the importance of people’s search for identity and the fluidity of its construction in human action.
” - William P. Mitchell, Professor of Anthropology, Monmouth University “We love Soy Andina -- our instructors now use it in our introduction to Latin American Studies.
” - Angelina Cotler, Associate Director, Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies, U. of Illinois, Urbana-Champaige “Phenomenal, great job! It really is a remarkable story-- Cynthia and Nelida's personalities shined through beautifully. And from a cinematic perspective, the voice was so thoughtful, authentic, strategic yet effortless -- the thematic layers are enriching and so relatable to any viewer. I am impressed and even more excited now to be doing this screening with you.” - Cecilia Ramirez, Assistant Director, Multicultural Outreach, U. of Pennsylvania Alumni Relations “Great film -- very inspiring!
” - Mitchell Kossak, Director, Division of Expressive Therapies, Lesley University “Your TV broadcast and everything else you've done with the film are a testament to your powers, and a huge inspiration
” - Ina Parker “Your film is...WONDERFUL!! It's moving and informative and it gave me wanderlust to travel and
explore. You really did something special!
” - Janet Saines “Thanks for a great screening. It was a wonderful close to the festival. The film is life affirming, entertaining and beautiful to watch. You succeeded in telling an authentic story from an honest point of view that is not only respectful of Peruvian culture but is imbued in its spirit. Congratulations!” - Marcela Goglio, Film Society of Lincoln Center
“An excellent introduction for students and scholars to see the cultural challenges migrants face while living in diaspora, and upon returning to their places of origin....a valuable source for learning about Peruvian tradition expressed particularly through dance... also useful for courses dealing with ethnographic film production.
” - Gabriela Martínez (Visual Anthropology Review, May 2010) “I just wanted to say that I finally got a chance watch your film and was very impressed. I think the voice of the girl was just "street" and honest enough to make her both funny and extremely
likable while still exploring a world that is so different from what we experience in the US. My only question is: "who is the father?" at the end!
” - Kiara Doerr, editor “Soy Andina is an extraordinary program that promotes mutual understanding and dialogue, and touched people profoundly
” - Steven Ramirez, Cultural Affairs, U.S. Embassy-Lima (sponsor of tour of Peru) “Brilliantly tells the human side of the immigration story
” - Larry Pittman, editor, ACAP magazine “In Cynthia and Nélida we see two women, New Yorkers both, following a path of discovery through dance – a path that leads each one both back to her Peruvian roots, and optimistically forward. Soy Andina celebrates multi-ethnic lives in an intergenerational story of individual and community, art and empowerment that is highly instructive and delightful all at once.
” - Kathleen M. McIntosh, Professor of Spanish and Women's Studies
Chair, Dept. of World Language Studies, Westfield State University “Your film breaks down cultural barriers....Nélida's dance created a lasting impact...I discovered how a woman from a remote Andean village was able to find community in New York....
has given me new food for thought in exploring my own heritage.
” - Students, Springfield College “Just a short note to say how OUTSTANDING the program about Peru and two modern immigrant women was at the Museum of Early Trades and Crafts. A prestigious venue for the film maker to interact with a responsive, diverse audience. A win-win. Kudos to all who helped make this event possible.” - Leanna Brown NJ State Senator (ret.) State Senator “Thank you for everything. I have gotten nothing but wonderful feedback from the staff and trustees in attendance. Everyone really enjoyed the program. It was just wonderful.” - April Lyzak, programming, Museum of Early Trade and Crafts (Madison, NJ) “It was fascinating watching the dances and listening to the music. It brought tears to my eyes, remembering the old days in my beautiful Peru. ” - Anonymous “Mi Mama acaba de fallecer hace un ano, y ella bailaba la marinera de trujillo, y (Soy Andina) me lo ha hecho recordar y revivir mis memorias de ella"
” - de Miraflores “Thanks to Nelida and Cynthia for being such an inspiration and role models for those who think that dancing is just a way to stand out in the middle of a crowd...I feel I've known them for a long time.
” - Mercedes Fernandez, Circulo de Estudios Peruanos “Yes! This is what I've been waiting for! I'm tired of seeing whites in Peruvian television. I'm Peruvian myself and I don't want this to sound mean but it is the truth... Well, I'm happy, and hopeful that Peru will make more strives for those underepresented in the media.
” - Patricia “A fantastic film...great ...real. It certainly touches home...congratulations!
” - Sofia Caceda “As a woman of color, andina, costeña, New Yorkina, it swirled my soul to see our images on the screen. and to see Nelida and Cynthia truly be the protagonists of their own stories. It is a tribute to my matrilineage -- way long overdue.” - Cecilia Calderon “This film is important for so many reasons. It promotes Peruvian (and Andean) culture in the best, informative, graphic way... It shows the world what a complex and magical world peruvian dance is, and how hidden has been....It promotes Latino culture beyond the established images and stereotypes” - Luis Valverde, Valverde Dance Co.“Thank you for that sweet movie. I was an exchange student in Cusco, so I relate to Cynthia's experiences. My life was forever affected by my time in Peru. My stateside family and friends and my children never could understand. And it is true, after the dance gets into your bones it can never ever be replaced by anything else. I am soooo very happy to see the Peruvian community alive and well in the Metro NY area, and keeping alive traditions. Vaya Con Dios!
” - Rosemary Vorel Black “Thanks for Soy Andina! It is a valuable piece of insight into what Perú is, and what what Peruvians value.
” - Walt Gangwere “I saw the screening in San Francisco, I can only say that I enjoyed the film enormously. The two dancers are from two different worlds and have so much in common... the big love for Peru. Being Peruvian, I thanked Mitchell then, and I thank him know for the wonderful production and for his love of Peru. I want to know which one of the "locals" is his wife
” - Ame “I saw Soy Andina at National Geographic. It was excellent and I purchased a copy to share with my daughters....they will be thrilled!
Thank you and again, what an enjoyable and INSPIRATIONAL movie!” - Susan “I saw your film over the weekend and really enjoyed it. I think it's especially a great film for youth audiences. Even if we weren't to arrange a public screening of this film, is this a film we could order to keep in our library and show to the high school kids that we bring to DC every summer? ” - Ranald Woodaman, Public Programs Director, Smithsonian Latino Center
“Dear Mitch, Soy Andina for me is an inspiration as an artist, as an human being and specially as a Peruvian from the Andes; where the dance, the music and the popular theatre are so rich, strong and beautiful, and have so much to offer to the world. Thank you so much for given us SOY ANDINA and I hope you can make other films from other regions of Perú and Latin America.” - Fernando Pomalaza “Hello Mitch, I am Eleana Coll from Peruvian Dance Company. Congratulations for this beautiful production "Soy Andina." I cried of emotion, love and pride.
” - Eleana Coll, Peruvian Dance Company “Mitch, I watched Soy Andina yet again last night -- I can't get enough of it! I plan to share it with my 3 nieces, Peruvian Americans living in Midwest.
” - Carlos Quiroz, "Peruanista" blogger/journalist “This movie was so real for me and touched me very much. It's the first Peruvian movie that I ever seen that brought out the beauty and the reality of people from the Andes and other parts of Peru using the dance and the music as a form of communication to the big screen. I hope Mitch will bring more Peruvian movies to make all the Peruvians so proud to be Peruvian and also share the Peruvian culture with the rest of the world. Also Cynthia's performance was outstanding and creative. It spoke more than a 1,000 words can express, about how people are transform by the influence of the city of Peru but still have "the heart of the Andes" deep inside. Cynthia, Nelida, and Mitch, we love you! ” - Anonymous “The film came at the end of our Folklore conference and made a terrific wrap-up; the response was very warm...a great enrichment to the event.
” - Dorothy Noyes, Center for Folklore Studies, Ohio State U. “You seem to have redefined the meaning of dancing, taking it far beyond conventional and fashionable terms.” - Agustín Da Fieno (Ireland) “I am so proud of my Indigenous and African Peruvian heritage. Thanks for doing this, it will open doors for the vindication of our culture in a country that is plagued with racism. Beautiful work! Viva Peru!” - Carlos Quiroz “The film was great, and Cynthia's live dance afterwards was HOT!” - Student at Rutgers University “Esta película muestra de una forma positiva y realista la necesidad de identificación cultural que tenemos los inmigrantes y los hijos de inmigrantes y ademas como la diversidad cultural y racial de nosotros los peruanos se expresa en nuestras comunidades en EEUU, a pesar de la distancia que nos separa de nuestro país de origen.” - Carlos A. Quiroz “I spoke at the Burns FIlm Center about how I was touched by the movie, you did a great job.!. I am Irish/Scotch, but have known Central and South Am. since I was 16. My brother has lived in El Salvador for 30+ years helping social organizations. So I understand, a little, the issues. I have a very small business where I buy products from cooperatives of artisans, in Peru, Uruguay, Argentina, Bali, India -- women's apparel and accessories....I am not sure why I am telling you all this, other then I understand..... And would love to keep up with all you all are doing!
” - Amy McCracken, http://shopdenalifour.com
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