It’s officially National Hispanic Heritage Month, and aspireTV is proud to celebrate a time that not only honors the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans but also empowers them—especially through the arts.
With a start date that aligns with many of the independence anniversaries—Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua on September 15; Mexico on September 16; and Chile on September 18—this annual observation is celebrated nationwide through parades, festivals, art exhibits, performances, and beyond.
When is National Hispanic Heritage Month?
National Hispanic Heritage Month is annually observed in the United States from September 15 to October 15. It aims to recognize the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture on the nation’s achievements, culture, and history.
Although it began as a week-long celebration in 1968 under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Hispanic Heritage Month expanded to its 31-day observance under the leadership of President Ronald Reagan in 1988.
Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month in the Bronx
In cities like New York, the celebration takes on a local flavor, especially in the Bronx, a borough long known for its vibrant Hispanic heritage. From the El Barrio Latin Jazz Festival, an annual event spotlighting Latin jazz performances, to initiatives like the Bronx Latino History Project—which preserves and shares Latino stories through archives, research, and exhibits—the community keeps Hispanic culture alive year-round.
Art imitates life on aspireTV, and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re proud to highlight films and shows that celebrate the brilliance of Hispanic communities. On Friday, September 19, Playing Sam will premiere as one of the titles representing our continued expansion of storytelling around both the Black experience and the exploration of the diaspora.
Set in the Bronx, Playing Sam reflects the same cultural heartbeat that makes the borough central to Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
What is the aspireTV movie, Playing Sam about?
Playing Sam follows Samantha (played by Jenni Ruiza), a non-Spanish-speaking Latina actress from the Bronx. After a breakup, she struggles to rediscover her identity and career, which is often limited by Hollywood’s narrow and stereotypical roles for Latinx actors.
The film is a semi-autobiographical, inspired by the experiences of its director Ramon Pesante’s mother—an Afro-Boricua actress who often faced discrimination within the industry. Moreover, it goes beyond just one’s pride in their heritage. Playing Sam also explores themes of mental health, sexuality, and the challenges of being an authentic Afro-Latina artist.
Playing Sam—a love letter to struggling actors, artists, and Hispanic people who are often told they aren’t Spanish enough—premieres on aspireTV on Friday, September 19, at 9 PM ET, and will also be available to stream on aspireTV+ starting September 30.
Looking for more ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Catch your favorite cultural shows and movies on aspireTV and stream even more anytime on aspireTV+—available now on Prime Video Channels and Xfinity! Start your 7-day free trial today.
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