Peoria Hispanics want their presence in central Illinois to be known.
So the group is sharing its heritage by hosting a Latin-American film festival starting Thursday and running through Oct. 12.
Films will be screened at the Peoria Public Library's North Branch, 3001 W. Grand Parkway. All films start at 5:30 p.m.
Cesar Vargas, secretary of Peoria Hispanics, said the screenings are free and open to the public.
"I picked films that are classics and represent the Latino experience here in the United States," Vargas said.
The series is a nod to Hispanic Heritage Month, the period from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15. The U.S. government estimates more than 50 million Hispanics are living in the U.S., making it the largest and fastest growing minority group.
- Sept. 29: "Under the Same Moon" - a 2007 film about a young Mexican boy who travels to the U.S. to find his mother after his grandmother passes away. Stars Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez. Rated PG-13. (1:46)
- Where: Peoria Public Library's North Branch, 3001 W. Grand Parkway.
- Cost: Free.