Introduction to Chicana Studies
Bless Me, Ultima is a cinematic adaptation of the novel written by New Mexico native Rudolfo Anaya. Set in New Mexico in 1994, the film depicts a Mexican American family trapped in a period of political, economic and cultural transition. Following the spiritual journey of a young boy (Antonio) and the teachings of a very well known healer/curandera (Ultima), the film reveals conflicts between different kinds of faith, between modernism and tradition, and between the lives of native people and a larger world that seeks to marginalize or assimilate them.
As shown in the film, Ultima considers herself a curandera while society labels her as "La Bruja." In your film analysis, try to bring together this week’s readings in order to examine Ultima’s character within the context of the formation of Chicana spirituality as a decolonial project, as resistance, as "spiritual activism." Also, think about the politics of representation in relation to how society demonized and discarded Ultima’s knowledge and practices.
Solution PreviewIn the film, “Bless Me, Ultima” we Ultima viewing herself as a curandera whereas the society views her as a bruja. The differences in the manner in which Ultima views herself and how the society views her is brought about by conflicting cultural identities. Ultima still believes in Chicana’s religious beliefs. For instance, she believes that she has a connection…