Community Calendar

Journey into the Heart of the Amazon with EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT (2015). Directed by Ciro
Guerra, Embrace of the Serpent is a hauntingly beautiful, black-and-white odyssey through the Colombian
Amazon. The film follows two scientists—one German, one American—on separate quests thirty years
apart, guided by Karamakate, an indigenous shaman and the last of his people, in search of the sacred
plant yakruna. Inspired by real travel diaries, the film explores themes of colonialism, cultural loss, and
spiritual transformation.
Embrace of the Serpent has received worldwide acclaim:
- Won the Art Cinema Award at the Cannes Film Festival
- Took home 7 Platino Awards, including Best Ibero-American Film and Best Director
- Received the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at Sundance
- Became the first Colombian film ever nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards
This film is NOT recommended for young audiences due to its mature themes and intense imagery.

MSUB’s Office of International Studies is hosting its 5th annual Global Studies Seminar: Themed Semester
this fall and will be hosting weekly events for FREE from September through November to showcase South
America's northern and central Andean Region, also known as the Andean Community, featuring Peru,
Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, & Venezuela. See the full schedule of events at
https://www.msubillings.edu/interna.../themed-sem/Andean.htm.

Taste the Andes: A Traditional Cooking Experience!
Get ready to spice up your culinary skills with a delicious dive into Andean flavors! This interactive cooking
demonstration will guide you through the preparation of two beloved dishes from the Andean region:
Buñuelos – A classic Colombian treat, these golden, cheesy dough balls are crispy on the outside and soft
on the inside. Perfect for breakfast or as a festive snack, buñuelos are a staple of Colombian kitchens and
celebrations.
Solterito – A refreshing salad from Arequipa, Peru, packed with fava beans, corn, queso fresco, and olives.
Traditionally enjoyed by singles looking to stay fit while searching for love, this dish is as light and lively as
its name suggests!
Whether you're a foodie, a culture lover, or just curious about Andean cuisine, this demo offers a flavorful
way to connect with tradition and community.
Come hungry—and leave inspired!
This is an interactive event that is open to older kids.

MSUB’s Office of International Studies is hosting its 5th annual Global Studies Seminar: Themed Semester
this fall and will be hosting weekly events for FREE from September through November to showcase South
America's northern and central Andean Region, also known as the Andean Community, featuring Peru,
Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, & Venezuela. See the full schedule of events at
https://www.msubillings.edu/interna.../themed-sem/Andean.htm.

¡Viva la Cultura! A Celebration of South America's Vibrant Heritage
Join us for a captivating journey through the heart of South America as we explore the rich cultures,
traditions, and rhythms of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela. The event will open with an
educational experience provided by Breccia Performing Company, highlighting the unique customs,
dances, and histories of each region—giving you a deeper appreciation for the diverse tapestry of South
American culture.
The celebration continues with performances by Raizetna and En Fuego, two dynamic dance groups
united by a shared passion for movement, music, and community. All performances will be choreographed
and performed by talented local instructors, whose deep cultural roots and artistic vision bring authenticity
and energy to the stage. Their mission is simple: to inspire, uplift, and prove that anyone can dance!
Get ready to be moved by the vibrant rhythms of salsa, bachata, cumbia, and the high-energy murga—
each performance a celebration of identity and joy. But don’t just watch—we invite YOU to join the fun!
There will be live dance demonstrations where you can step in, move your feet, and feel the rhythm for
yourself.
Come celebrate, connect, and dance with us—because culture comes alive when we share it together.
This is an interactive event that people of ALL ages can enjoy!

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the vibrant spirit of the northern and western Andean regions. This dynamic concert will showcase the incredible talents of local musicians and dancers, bringing the rich cultural heritage of the Andean region to life through music and movement.

Feel the pulse of traditional Andean melodies, from the haunting sounds of flutes to the energetic guitar strums. Watch dancers ignite the stage with Latin-style dances, each step telling a story of tradition, joy, and resilience.

Whether you're a lover of world music, dance, or cultural celebration, this event promises to be a feast for the senses and a powerful tribute to community and heritage.

Come support local artists and immerse yourself in the beauty of Latin American traditions. Let the music move you!

This is an engaging event that people of ALL ages can enjoy!

The Great Andean Rebellion (1780-83), also known as the Túpac Amaru Rebellion, was the largest
uprising in Colonial Spanish-American history. The large-scale revolt, led by Indigenous husband and wife
duo Túpac Amaru II and the Micaela Bastidas, was an explicit fight for the freedom of Indigenous and
enslaved peoples. This talk explores the early lives, personal and logistical correspondence, and
gruesome public executions of the movement's leaders in order to highlight the broader historical
significance of this ultimately unsuccessful revolution.
Dr. Rachel De La Cruz is an assistant professor of Latin American history and the Director of the Women’s
and Gender Studies Center at Montana State University Billings. She earned her Ph.D. in history from
University of California, Irvine (2020) and has published articles in The Americas, The Journal of
Caribbean History, and American Behavioral Scientist. Her forthcoming book on refugee reception in
1980s Central America is under contract with the University of Wisconsin Press.

Get ready for a night of flavor, culture, and celebration at one of MSUB’s most anticipated annual events—
now bigger and better than ever! The 20th Annual International Food Fair is teaming up with the Andean
Community Themed Semester to bring you a culinary experience like no other.
Taste the world with dishes prepared by MSUB’s talented international students and help students raise
money for the MSUB Multicultural Club. During the same event, savor the Andes with authentic cuisine
from Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela — crafted by local community members who are
keen to show off their country's flavors.
Come enjoy a diverse array of cuisine from around the world, cultural displays, and the vibrant energy of
global traditions coming together.
This is an interactive event that people of ALL ages can enjoy!
This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at the link below.
https://my.onecause.com/event/organizations/3f130f65-1164-453e-a2f8-
4d2b16d4839f/events/vevt:b5b5b8dd-aaa0-4999-aed3-a1375ce79096/home/story
Adults: $25
MSUB Students, Faculty & Staff: One meal swipe or $22
Children 6-10: $17
Children 5 and Under: FREE

Step into the breathtaking landscapes of rural Peru with RETALBO, a visually stunning and emotionally
resonant film directed by Álvaro Delgado-Aparicio. Told entirely in Ayacucho Quechua, this award-winning
debut follows Segundo, a 14-year-old boy learning the sacred art of crafting religious retablos from his
father—until a life-altering secret threatens to unravel everything he knows.
Retablo has earned international acclaim, including:
Teddy Award for Best LGBTQ-Themed Debut Film at the Berlin International Film Festival
Best Peruvian Film at the Lima Film Festival
Havana Star Prize for Best Fiction Film at the Havana Film Festival New York
Selected as Peru’s official entry for Best International Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards
This is more than a film—it’s a poignant exploration of love, legacy, and the courage to be true to oneself.
Don’t miss your chance to experience one of Peru’s most celebrated cinematic achievements.
This film is NOT recommended for young audiences due to its mature themes and emotional intensity.