Charlotte Latino Film Festival: The Changebaker + Comparsa

Sun Apr 26 2026 at 04:00 pm to 06:00 pm UTC-04:00

The Independent Picture House | Charlotte

Cine Casual
Publisher/HostCine Casual
Charlotte Latino Film Festival: The Changebaker + Comparsa
Advertisement
Join us for a powerful double feature, beginning with the local short The Changebaker, followed by the Guatemalan documentary Comparsa.
About this Event

THE CHANGEBAKER
Directed by Courtney Dixon
(USA, 2025, 16m, Documentary)
in Spanish and English with English subtitles

Manolo Betancur immigrated to the U.S. to chase the American Dream and escape the horrors of war in Colombia, where he was a captain in the Army. He uses nightmares of the past to fuel his mission to create jobs for fellow immigrants at his bakery in North Carolina. But after a string of ICE raids, the shop has become something more than just a trendy local spot for baked goods. It has become a hub for local activism, and a symbol of hope and resilience for the community. A sign hangs proudly at Betancur’s door for all to see: "Made in America by the Hands of Immigrants."

Manolo Betancur emigró a Estados Unidos buscando el sueño americano y huyendo de la guerra en Colombia, donde fue capitán del ejército. Sus pesadillas del pasado impulsan su misión: crear empleos para inmigrantes en su panadería en Carolina del Norte. Tras varias redadas de ICE, el local se transformó en mucho más que una panadería de moda: es un centro de activismo y un símbolo de esperanza y resistencia. En la puerta, un cartel lo dice claro: "Hecho en Estados Unidos por manos inmigrantes."

COMPARSA
Directed by Vickie Curtis and Doug Anderson
(Guatemala, 2025, 1h 29m, Documentary)
in Spanish with English subtitles

"Comparsa" fully immerses audiences in the intense world of Ciudad Peronia, Guatemala, where sisters Lesli and Lupe use art to inspire local youth and heal deep wounds. After 41 girls are killed in a state-run “Safe House” and the government refuses to act, the sisters organize a community comparsa —an exuberant street performance featuring towering puppets, fire-breathing stilt walkers, and thundering drums. Their youth movement takes to the streets, confronting corruption and reclaiming public space for women and girls.

“Comparsa” sumerge al público en el intenso mundo de Ciudad Peronia, Guatemala, donde las hermanas Lesli y Lupe utilizan el arte para inspirar a la juventud local y sanar heridas profundas. Tras el asesinato de 41 niñas en una supuesta casa segura estatal y la negativa del gobierno a tomar acción, las hermanas organizan una comparsa comunitaria: un exuberante espectáculo callejero con marionetas gigantes, zanqueros que escupen fuego y tambores atronadores. Su movimiento juvenil sale a las calles, enfrentando la corrupción y reclamando el espacio público para mujeres y niñas.

Content advisory: child sexual abuse and domestic abuse references



Advertisement

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Independent Picture House, 4237 Raleigh Street, Charlotte, United States

Tickets

USD 15.66

Icon
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Ask AI if this event suits you:

More Events in Charlotte

Buff Faye\u2019s Drag Brunch: VOTED #1 BEST OF CHARLOTTE
Sun, 26 Apr at 11:00 am Buff Faye’s Drag Brunch: VOTED #1 BEST OF CHARLOTTE

Dilworth Neighborhood Grille

May Planner Workshop
Sun, 26 Apr at 02:00 pm May Planner Workshop

2108 South Blvd

Paint Your Frequency
Sun, 26 Apr at 02:00 pm Paint Your Frequency

Activation Studios

Chris Andrade at The Comedy Zone - Charlotte
Sun, 26 Apr at 03:00 pm Chris Andrade at The Comedy Zone - Charlotte

The Comedy Zone - Charlotte

Let's Get Silly Charlotte - Sharon Lakes! Pickleball League
Sun, 26 Apr at 03:00 pm Let's Get Silly Charlotte - Sharon Lakes! Pickleball League

Pickleball Charlotte - Sharon Lakes

The Filthy Heathens return to The Thirsty Beaver Saloon
Sun, 26 Apr at 05:00 pm The Filthy Heathens return to The Thirsty Beaver Saloon

The Thirsty Beaver Saloon

Escape the Fate Vip
Sun, 26 Apr at 05:00 pm Escape the Fate Vip

The Underground

Nina Simone Day
Sun, 26 Apr at 05:00 pm Nina Simone Day

2910 Parkway Avenue

From the Darkness Comedy Roast Battles
Sun, 26 Apr at 06:00 pm From the Darkness Comedy Roast Battles

330 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC, United States, North Carolina 28202

World Ballet Company - Swan Lake at Ovens Auditorium
Sun, 26 Apr at 06:00 pm World Ballet Company - Swan Lake at Ovens Auditorium

Ovens Auditorium

Qnotes 40th Anniversary Celebration
Sun, 26 Apr at 06:00 pm Qnotes 40th Anniversary Celebration

The Scorpio

Charlotte is Happening!

Never miss your favorite happenings again!

Explore Charlotte Events