Latin American Series For Triangle Television

22 August 2006

Lively Latin American Series A First For Triangle Television

A Spanish language television series made and presented by New Zealand-based award-winning documentary maker Jorge Méndez Cunha, begins screening on Triangle Television early next month.

The 10-part series, BUSCANDO LATINOAMERICA (which translates as "Looking for Latin America"), goes to air on Triangle Television's Auckland and Wellington stations on September 4 at 9pm and promises to be as lively and colourful as the South American continent itself.

Each 30-minute episode turns the spotlight on a South American nation, featuring interviews with members of New Zealand's fast-growing Latin American ex-patriot community. Interviewees describe their experiences of establishing themselves in their new society, and how they now contribute to the New Zealand way of life, socially, professionally and artistically.

The first two episodes focus on Cuba and the life of New Zealand's Cuban community, with a look at the huge surge in popularity of salsa dancing in New Zealand and an intriguing interview with a Cuban senora living here. Cuban cuisine and drink will also be on show. Peru, Uruguay and Chile are among the countries featuring in later episodes.

Triangle Television Chief Executive Officer Jim Blackman says BUSCANDO LATINOAMERICA will give Latin Americans a chance to discover and appreciate the things that unite them historically, culturally and in their lives here.

The series will give Spanish-speaking Latin American residents of New Zealand an opportunity to report, inform and entertain in their first language.

"Each of the Latin nations is very different but at the same time has innate similarities to the others, and that's what will make this series so fascinating. It is an innovative way for Triangle Television to offer Latin American viewers in Auckland and Wellington – and people from all sorts of other cultures - an insight into the Latin American way of life."

Though not a travel series, BUSCANDO LATINOAMERICA will also be of great benefit to people living in New Zealand who are learning Spanish or planning a holiday in a Latin American country.

BUSCANDO LATINOAMERICA is produced and directed by Jorge Méndez Cunha, with Tracey Mitchell as production co-ordinator.

Jorge says: "Latin Americans opened the doors to their homes and hearts during filming, sharing both their old and new ways of living. It has been fascinating - touching, entertaining, and revealing – and we believe it will make wonderful viewing for Triangle Television's audience."

Méndez Cunha's first documentary, LOS DE AFUERA SON DE PALO, won the Mercosur Award for Best Documentary in Argentina in 2001. The outstanding documentary on Uruguay's football team that won the World Cup in 1950 was shown at several South American film festivals, gaining further honours. It screened on Triangle Television Auckland in January, and there is a repeat showing planned for the coming months on Triangle Television's Auckland and new Wellington stations.

The series is Triangle Television's first step towards its goal of having a permanent Spanish programme on air.

ENDS

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