Throughout the history of America cinema, artists of all backgrounds have made contributions, and tonight Latinos in film will be highlighted.

“The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood” explores how perceptions have evolved.

“There has been this negative portrayal, such as the Latin lover, but it has changed over the last few years,” said Laura Shedenhelm, the University’s Latin American bibliographer for Spain and Portugal. “I think that as a country we’re trying to be more open, and the rise of prominent Hispanic movie stars has helped.”

Written in 1990, the documentary shows the struggles of Hispanics to rise in American cinema and avoid stereotypes.

Events such as the film series allow students to explore cultures and go beyond comfort zones, Shedenhelm said.

“The best piece of advice I got in college was ‘when you’re comfortable with something, push beyond it and when you become more comfortable, push beyond that again.’”

Hosted by University Libraries and The Big Read, this year’s series focused on themes in “Bless Me Ultima,” a novel of Chicano culture.

The film is at 7 p.m. in MLC 142 and will be the last of the Hispanic Film Series shown for Hispanic Heritage Month.