Run-time (hh:mm:ss): 00:05:06
Language: English
Synopsis: Fulana's 'Lupe & JuanDi from the Block' is a mock music video that explores two main themes: the hyper-commercialization of
religious icons, and the 'whitening' of Latinos when they cross over into mainstream pop culture. Fulana used The Virgin of
Guadalupe to comment on the commodification of religion, as her image is everywhere: on t-shirts, postcards, key chains, handbags,
designer jeans, etc.; she has become a hipster-friendly Latina Virgin superstar. Juan Diego, the indigenous man to whom this
Virgin first appeared, has recently made it to sainthood, but he has been 'whitened' in the Vatican's official image, which
erases his indigenous traits and makes him look like a Spaniard. This is reminiscent of the whitening of Latina/o pop stars
when they 'make it' in the music industry ( e.g. Shakira).Rewriting J-Lo's pop hit, 'Jenny from the Block,' this video stages the 'creation' of Saint Juan Diego by mafia-sounding Vatican
intelligence (the Pope and music producer Emilio Estefan). Knowing the Catholic Church is in crisis, losing many of their
flock to Evangelicals, they decide to canonize Juan Diego to attract the Latino market. Mr. Estefan gives Juan Diego a 'cross-over
make-over' and the Pope canonizes him on the spot. JuanDi is thrilled by his transformation, but the Virgin admonishes him
for having sold out. As the song progresses, their fighting becomes more intense, their egos take over, and they eventually
alienate their supporters, who go off with an Evangelical couple who knocks at their door. Fulana (www.fulana.org) is a Latina
video collective from New York City.Through parody and satire, Fulana explores themes that are relevant to Latino cultures in the U.S., delving into the nuances
that bind our experiences, experimenting with strategies to make visible what we're so often made to read between the lines.
Their work, which consists mainly of mock television commercials, music videos and print advertisements, responds to the ways
products and ideas are marketed to Latinos through the mass media.
Copyright Information:
"Materials of the Hemispheric Institute Digital Video Library are protected by
copyright. They may not be copied, downloaded, or reproduced. The owner of this work has granted
NYU Libraries non-exclusive rights to include this material in the Hemispheric Institute Digital
Video Library and to make it accessible to the public for educational and research purposes.
Requests to purchase or for permission to use the work should be directed to the owner."
Copyright Holder: Fulana
Address:
Email: info@fulana.org
Website: http://www.fulana.org
Copyright Holder: Fulana
Address:
Email: info@fulana.org
Website: http://www.fulana.org
A project of 