Burbank, CA - September 19, 2012 - KCET, the nation's largest independent public television station, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month during September and October with fascinating specials, beginning September 26. Ranging from topics of dance and art to issues of politics and law, these programs highlight the Hispanic life and culture.

Airing Wednesday, Sept. 26, at 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. is Damza Folklorica Escencia: El Sello Artistico de Rafael Zamarripa, a documentary that traces the development of Mexican folklorico dance, a stylized, choreographed art form designed to vibrantly display the cultural diversity of Mexico. Showcasing acclaimed choreographer Rafael Zamarripa's experiences and his remarkable artistic productions, this original program offers an intimate understanding of this dynamic, and widely practiced cultural expression.

Later in the evening at 10 p.m. - 11 p.m. is Cruz Reynoso: Sowing the Seeds of Justice, a documentary that paints a portrait of a man touched by injustice as a child who dedicated his life to fighting discrimination and inequality as a lawyer, judge and teacher. The compelling biography, told through a combination of archival footage and interviews, charts Cruz Reynoso's humble origins, his appointment to the California Supreme Court (the first Latino justice to serve in the state's highest court) and more recently, his leadership on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights.

Tuesday, Oct. 2, explore the issues of modern day colonialism, residential tourism, global gentrification and reverse migration in Paraiso for Sale, from 5 a.m. - 6 a.m. Filmmaker Anayansi Prado returns to her homeland of Panama to document the effects the fast-growing migration of American retirees and developers to Bocas del Toro is having on the local community. Prado discovers that immigration between Latin America and the U.S. is not just a one-way street.  This program repeats Oct. 8 from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Oct. 3, uncover the touching story of Elvira Arellano, a single mother from Chicago, who fought her deportation, in Immigrant Nation: The Battle for the Dream, at 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. This documentary film that exposes the modern immigrant rights movement interweaves the stories of individuals, organizations, activists and community leaders united by passion and a concern for justice. It illustrates the opposition to the controversial HR4437 immigration bill as well as the ongoing struggle and demand for comprehensive immigration reform.

Thursday, Oct. 4, examine the steep personal toll and enduring legacy of the Vietnam War on three artists from south Texas: visual artist Juan Farias, author Michael Rodriguez and actor/poet Eduardo Garza in As Long As I Remember: American Veteranos, on from 10 p.m. - 11 p.m. This film examines the role art plays in the sorting of memories, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), activism and the current conflict in Iraq. These artists' poignant and powerful recollections illuminate the minority experience in the U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps at a time when Mexican Americans accounted for approximately 20 percent of U.S. casualties in Vietnam, despite comprising only 10 percent of the country's population.

Saturday, Oct. 6, see amazing story of how an intrepid American adventurer and a brilliant self-taught Mexican artist transformed a dying desert village into a home for world-class ceramics in The Renaissance of Mata Ortiz, on from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m. When Spencer MacCallum walked into a second-hand store in Deming, New Mexico, in 1976 and bought three pieces of pottery, he had no idea that he was about to embark on a journey that would lead to the revival of an ancient art form. Finding his way to Mata Ortiz, Mexico, MacCallum partnered with self-taught artist Juan Quezada and slowly they created an industry that today is known world-wide not only for its interpretations of a centuries-old style of ceramics, but for stunning post-modern works as well. This heart-warming and beautiful documentary tells the improbable story of how Quezada (without a kiln or a potter's wheel and using only found materials) and MacCallum both experienced creative and personal breakthroughs which led to dazzling, innovating works by Quezada and a passing of the torch to younger, award-winning artists such as Diego Valles. Catch the repeat Oct. 9 at 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Finally, on Thursday, Oct. 11, the popular series Globe Trekker travels to Paraguay and Uruguay at 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. From Mad Max style beach resorts and strange Utopian societies to mysterious jungles deep in the heart of the continent, this episode uncovers an incredibly diverse and unexpected world. Host Holly Morris explores these fascinating countries and learns about the tremendous history, interesting traditions, and rich culture each country has to offer.

ABOUT KCET

On-air, online and in the community, KCET plays a vital role in the cultural and educational enrichment of Southern and Central California. KCET offers a wide range of award-winning local programming as well as the finest public television programs from around the world. KCET currently produces the Emmy®, duPont-Columbia and Peabody Award-winning SoCal Connected, a hard-hitting prime-time weekly television news program that examines the issues and people of Southern California. Throughout its 48-year history, KCET has won hundreds of major awards for its local and regional news and public affairs programming, its national drama and documentary productions, its quality educational family and children's programs, its outreach and community services and its website, kcet.org. KCET is a donor-supported community institution. For additional information about KCET productions, web-exclusive content, programming schedules and community events, please visit kcet.org.

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