Andean Community Logo

This fall, learn about South America's northern and central Andean Region through the series of events available for MSU Billings students, faculty, and staff as well as the Billings community. All events are FREE and open to the public, unless otherwise stated.

The Andean CommunityThemed Semester is funded by a Undergraduate International Studies and Foreign Languages (UISFL) from the Department of Education.

 

Follow the Office of International Studies on social media to recieve updates and view events. 

 

Andean Passport, images from Andean Region

麻花影视 Students - Pick up your Andean Community Semester Passport at any of the events or at the Office of International Studies (Liberal Arts 700).

麻花影视 Students can use their passport to collect stamps throughout the Andean Community Themed Semester events. The first 10 students who attend the most events will win a prize! First place goes to the first passport received with the most attended events.

- 1st Place: Study Abroad Fee Waiver (worth $150), Passport Cover, & Travel Pouch

- 2nd-5th Places: Travel Pouch & Passport Cover

- 6th-10th Places: Passport Cover

To enter the contest, make sure to turn in your passport to International Studies (LA 700) no later than Dec. 5, 2025.

 

 

September

18th - Lecture:
Pre-Colonial Cosmovision of the Andean Region

colombia lecture pic

5:30 - 6:30 PM
麻花影视 Library, Room 148

Join us for a captivating talk about the Andean Region's Pre-Colonial period. This lecture will kick off the Global Studies Seminar: Andean Community Themed Semester.  The pre-colonial Andean cosmovision emphasized harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual world. Central concepts included Pachamama (Earth), Inti (Sun god), and Ayni (reciprocity). Time was cyclical, with the world divided into three realms. Duality, sacred geography, and community-focused values like Sumaq Kawsay shaped their worldview and practices.

This event is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the ethos of Andean region.

Erwin GarciaDr. Erwin Garcia, School District 2 Superintendent, is dedicated to educational excellence and community engagement. With over 18 years of experience in educational leadership, he has worked to create inclusive and supportive learning environments that cater to diverse student needs. Erwin has a proven track record of implementing innovative programs, improving academic performance, and fostering strong partnerships between schools, families, and local organizations. A passionate advocate for equity in education, he focuses on empowering students to succeed both academically and socially. Under his leadership, the district has seen significant growth in student achievement, well-being, and community involvement.

24th - Study Abroad Fair

麻花影视 student group at Machu Picchu

10 AM - 2 PM
麻花影视 Student Union, Glacier Room

Learn about the multitude of study abroad opportunities available to MSU Billings students. Whether you want to study literature in England, Spanish in Peru, or business in South Korea, International Studies has a program for you. All majors can study abroad!

Visit the Study Abroad Fair to learn about the various programs from 麻花影视 students who have studied abroad as well as from visiting exchange students at 麻花影视 who are representing their home universities. While you're there, pick up some snacks from around the world and enjoy a truly multicultural atmosphere.

This event is predominantly for 麻花影视 students, but community members are welcome to also attend.

 

 

25th - Lecture:
The Mountains and Beyond: The Cultures of the Andean Region

Andean Lecture 2

5 - 6 PM
麻花影视 Liberal Arts, Room 205

The longest mountain range in the world is home to several countries, each with unique traditions and rich histories. This presentation will explore the diverse cuisines, pop culture movements, and complex political histories that define countries like Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Despite their shared geography and indigenous roots, each country has developed its own distinct identity while maintaining cultural threads that bind them together. Join us for an engaging exploration of what makes the Andean region so special and influential across the globe.

Ana DiazDr. Ana K Diaz is an Associate Professor of philosophy at MSU Billings, where she teaches courses in medical ethics, ethics, introduction to philosophy, and political theory. She earned her Ph.D. in philosophy of mind from Johns Hopkins University (2010). Her research interests and publications are in physicalism, feminism, and intersectionality. She is also the Hispanic Outreach Coordinator for 麻花影视 and member of 麻花影视鈥檚 Hispanic Outreach Committee that has been working on several initiatives to highlight the presence of the Hispanic community in 麻花影视 and Billings. Diaz is originally from Lima, Peru and immigrated to the U.S. with her family when she was a child.

Ana DiazDiane Casanova is a journalist who has worked in the Billings community for several years. Casanova harbors from Houston, TX to where her parents immigrated from Colombia. She is an avid consumer of news and knowledge. While she has no formal education, she uses street smarts and common sense to get ahead in life - a recipe that seems to have worked pretty well so far. When she's not walking her dog for miles and miles, you can usually find her reading a book or watching her favorite shows with her cats.

30th - Andean Film Festival:
EMBRACE OF THE
SERPENT (COLOMBIA)

Film Festival 1

7 - 10 PM
The Art House Cinema
109 N 30th St., Billings

Journey into the Heart of the Amazon with EMBRACE OF THE SERPENT (2015). Directed by Ciro Guerra, Embrace of the Serpent is a hauntingly beautiful, black-and-white odyssey through the Colombian Amazon. The film follows two scientists鈥攐ne German, one American鈥攐n separate quests thirty years apart, guided by Karamakate, an indigenous shaman and the last of his people, in search of the sacred plant yakruna. Inspired by real travel diaries, the film explores themes of colonialism, cultural loss, and spiritual transformation.

Embrace of the Serpent has received worldwide acclaim:

  • Won the Art Cinema Award at the Cannes Film Festival
  • Took home 7 Platino Awards, including Best Ibero-American Film and Best Director
  • Received the Alfred P. Sloan Prize at Sundance
  • Became the first Colombian film ever nominated for Best Foreign Language Film at the Academy Awards

This film is NOT recommended for young audiences due to its mature themes and intense imagery.

Space is limited to 100 seats.  RSVP to secure place. 

Matt PeisenMatt Peisen, 麻花影视 Assistant Professor of Spanish, will hold a short lecture prior to the screening. Matt holds his MA in Hispanic Literatures from the University of Iowa and is completing his PhD in Hispanic Literatures and Cultures from Indiana University. He enjoys engaging his students through the study of films from Spain and Latin America.

 

October

2nd - Reception:
Into Peru: An 麻花影视 Experience
& Andean Cultural Exhibition 

Cultural Showcase

5 - 7 PM
麻花影视 Liberal Arts Building, 1st Floor

Experience Peru through the eyes of 麻花影视鈥檚 student group that spent two weeks in May 2025 studying Spanish and Peruvian culture in Cusco. Visitors will be able to peruse some of the most impressive sites of the former Incan capital and region, shots that were taken through the lenses of program participants.  The exhibit will also showcase authentic artifacts from throughout Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia.

Artifacts on display will include a traditional festival outfit used in Bolivia鈥檚 Dance of the Devils (La Diablada), which is a prominent part of the Carnaval de Oruro, hand woven tapestries and musical instruments seen throughout the Andean region, antique brass stirrup boot covers from Colombia, and more.

An art reception will take place at 5pm in the 1st floor Lobby of Liberal Arts Building on Oct. 2. We will have an exhibition talk at around 5:30pm. Light refreshments will be served.

 

The exhibit will be on display from
Oct. 2 to Oct. 31, 2025

9th - Cooking Demonstration:
Taste of the Andes

叠耻帽耻别濒辞蝉

5:30 - 6:30 PM
麻花影视 Liberal Arts Building, Room 206

Taste the Andes: A Traditional Cooking Experience!

Get ready to spice up your culinary skills with a delicious dive into Andean flavors! This interactive cooking demonstration will guide you through the preparation of two beloved dishes from the Andean region:

叠耻帽耻别濒辞蝉 鈥 A classic Colombian treat, these golden, cheesy dough balls are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Perfect for breakfast or as a festive snack, bu帽uelos are a staple of Colombian kitchens and celebrations.

Solterito 鈥 A refreshing salad from Arequipa, Peru, packed with fava beans, corn, queso fresco, and olives. Traditionally enjoyed by singles looking to stay fit while searching for love, this dish is as light and lively as its name suggests!

Whether you're a foodie, a culture lover, or just curious about Andean cuisine, this demo offers a flavorful way to connect with tradition and community.

Come hungry鈥攁nd leave inspired!

This is an interactive event that is open to older kids.

This event has a maximum capacity of 50 participants due to space. Please register using the below link if you are interested in attending. If you have registered and are no longer able to attend this event, please contact ois@msubillings.edu so we can let someone else take your spot should there be a waitlist.

 

15th - Workshop:
Latin Dancing

Salsa workshop

5:30 - 7 PM
麻花影视 
Student Union Building,
Glacier Room

隆Viva la Cultura! A Celebration of South America's Vibrant Heritage

Join us for a captivating journey through the heart of South America as we explore the rich cultures, traditions, and rhythms of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, and Venezuela. The event will open with an educational experience provided by Breccia Performing Company, highlighting the unique customs, dances, and histories of each region鈥攇iving you a deeper appreciation for the diverse tapestry of South American culture.

The celebration continues with performances by Raizetna and En Fuego, two dynamic dance groups united by a shared passion for movement, music, and community. All performances will be choreographed and performed by talented local instructors, whose deep cultural roots and artistic vision bring authenticity and energy to the stage. Their mission is simple: to inspire, uplift, and prove that anyone can dance!

Get ready to be moved by the vibrant rhythms of salsa, bachata, cumbia, and the high-energy murga鈥攅ach performance a celebration of identity and joy. But don鈥檛 just watch鈥攚e invite YOU to join the fun! There will be live dance demonstrations where you can step in, move your feet, and feel the rhythm for yourself.

Come celebrate, connect, and dance with us鈥攂ecause culture comes alive when we share it together.

This is an interactive event that people of ALL ages can enjoy!

21st - Andean Film Festival:
UTAMA (BOLIVIA)

Utama Film

7-10 PM
The Art House Cinema
109 N 30th St., Billings

Witness the Soul of the Andes in UTAMA (2022). Directed by Alejandro Loayza Grisi, Utama is a visually stunning and deeply moving Bolivian drama that follows an elderly Quechua-speaking couple, Virginio and Sisa, as they confront the harsh realities of climate change and cultural erosion in the arid highlands of the Andes. When a prolonged drought threatens their way of life, and Virginio鈥檚 health begins to fail, their grandson arrives from the city, forcing them to choose between tradition and survival.

Utama has received widespread international acclaim, including:

  • Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival 1
  • Golden Biznaga for Best Iberoamerican Film at the M谩laga Film Festival1
  • Bolivia鈥檚 official submission for the 95th Academy Awards 1
  • Over 28 wins and 23 nominations globally

With breathtaking cinematography and heartfelt performances by non-professional indigenous actors, Utama is a poetic reflection on love, legacy, and the resilience of ancestral wisdom.

This film appropriate for mature older children and teens, especially those with an interest in cultural, environmental, or humanistic themes.

Space is limited to 100 seats.  RSVP to secure place. 

 Matt PeisenMatt Peisen, 麻花影视 Assistant Professor of Spanish, will hold a short lecture prior to the screening. Matt holds his MA in Hispanic Literatures from the University of Iowa and is completing his PhD in Hispanic Literatures and Cultures from Indiana University. He enjoys engaging his students through the study of films from Spain and Latin America.

 

23rd - Workshop:
The Art of Weaving

Weaving workshop

5 - 6 PM
麻花影视 Liberal Arts Building, Room 206

Discover the ancient art of Andean weaving in this immersive workshop that blends tradition, creativity, and community! Participants will explore the rich history and cultural significance of weaving across the Andean region鈥攆rom intricate patterns to symbolic colors鈥攁nd then create your own hand-woven masterpiece to take home.

Come solo or with friends鈥攏o experience needed!

This is an interactive event that people of ALL ages can enjoy!

This event has a maximum capacity of 50 participants due to space. Please register using the below link if you are interested in attending. If you have registered and are no longer able to attend this event, please contact ois@msubillings.edu so we can let someone else take your spot should there be a waitlist.

 

Rebecca Berru-DavisSince 2006, Dr. Rebecca Berru Davis has collaborated with Peruvian women artists from Pamplona Alta, a shantytown outside of Lima to support, interpret, and support their art through exhibition. She is seen here with an Andean weaver in the Korikancha in Cuzco. Her interdisciplinary interests include art, gender, and cultural studies to center women鈥檚 perspectives and creative contributions. In this workshop, Rebecca will offer some historical context, images, and examples for appreciating the rich Andean tradition of weaving.

30th - Andean Community Trivia

Andean Trivia

5 - 6 PM
麻花影视 Student Union Building, Beartooth Room (2nd floor)

Andean Trivia Night: Test Your Knowledge and win!

Think you know the Andes? From ancient civilizations and breathtaking landscapes to vibrant music, eclectic food, and unique traditions鈥come prove it at Andean Trivia Night!

Form a team or come solo鈥攚e鈥檒l match you up with fellow trivia lovers for a night of fun, facts, and friendly competition.
Prizes await the top teams, so bring your A-game and your curiosity!

Expect lively vibes, cultural surprises, and maybe even a few bonus questions about Andean music and cuisine.

Bring your brain, bring your friends, and get ready to celebrate the Andes like never before!

This is an interactive event that people of ALL ages can enjoy!

Mia Rodriguez Vera Mia Rodriguez Vera is senior and Billings West High School in the graduating class of 2026. Born in Samborondon, Ecuador, Mia and her mother and father immigrated to the United States in 2011. Even though she is still in high school, she strives to educate herself on important matters and be apart of her community. When not in school, Mia participates in both her schools varsity track, and Cross-Country teams.

November

5th - Concert:
Andean Community Cultural Showcase

cultural showcase, dancing, music

6 - 7:30 PM 
麻花影视 Cisel Hall,
Cisel Theater

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the vibrant spirit of the northern and western Andean regions. This dynamic concert will showcase the incredible talents of local musicians and dancers, bringing the rich cultural heritage of the Andean region to life through music and movement.

Feel the pulse of traditional Andean melodies, from the haunting sounds of flutes to the energetic guitar strums. Watch dancers ignite the stage with Latin-style dances, each step telling a story of tradition, joy, and resilience.

Whether you're a lover of world music, dance, or cultural celebration, this event promises to be a feast for the senses and a powerful tribute to community and heritage.

Come support local artists and immerse yourself in the beauty of Latin American traditions. Let the music move you!

This is an engaging event that people of ALL ages can enjoy!

Expected Peformances by:

  • En Fuego Dance Group
  • John Roberts - trombone
  • Haylee Koon - flute
  • Diego Charlet Pons - guitar

*Subject to change

13th - Lecture:
The Great Andean Rebellion: T煤pac Amaru II, Micaela Bastidas, and 18th-Century Indigenous Uprisings 

Andean Rebellian

5 - 6 PM
麻花影视 Liberal Arts Building, Room 205

The Great Andean Rebellion (1780-83), also known as the T煤pac Amaru Rebellion, was the largest uprising in Colonial Spanish-American history. The large-scale revolt, led by Indigenous husband and wife duo T煤pac Amaru II and the Micaela Bastidas, was an explicit fight for the freedom of Indigenous and enslaved peoples. This talk explores the early lives, personal and logistical correspondence, and gruesome public executions of the movement's leaders in order to highlight the broader historical significance of this ultimately unsuccessful revolution.  

Rachel De La CruzDr. Rachel De La Cruz is an assistant professor of Latin American history and the Director of the Women鈥檚 and Gender Studies Center at Montana State University Billings. She earned her Ph.D. in history from University of California, Irvine (2020) and has published articles in The Americas, TheJournal of Caribbean History, and American Behavioral Scientist. Her forthcoming book on refugee reception in 1980s Central America is under contract with the University of Wisconsin Press.

 

14th - Cuisine:
麻花影视 20th Annual International Food Fair / Andean Cuisine Night

Food Fair

5 - 7 PM, 麻花影视 Rimrock Caf茅
First Floor - Student Union Building

Get ready for a night of flavor, culture, and celebration at one of 麻花影视鈥檚 most anticipated annual events鈥攏ow bigger and better than ever! The 20th Annual International Food Fair is teaming up with the Andean Community Themed Semester to bring you a culinary experience like no other.

Taste the world with dishes prepared by 麻花影视鈥檚 talented international students and help students raise money for the 麻花影视 Multicultural Club. During the same event, savor the Andes with authentic cuisine from Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, and Venezuela 鈥 crafted by local community members who are keen to show off their country's flavors.

Come enjoy a diverse array of cuisine from around the world, cultural displays, and the vibrant energy of global traditions coming together.

This is an interactive event that people of ALL ages can enjoy!

This is a ticketed event. Tickets are available at the link below.

  • Adults: $25
  • 麻花影视 Students, Faculty & Staff: One meal swipe or $22
  • Children 6-10: $17
  • Children 5 and Under: FREE

18th - Andean Film Festival:
RETALBO (PERU)

Retablo

7 - 10 PM
The Art House Cinema
109 N 30th St., Billings

Step into the breathtaking landscapes of rural Peru with RETALBO, a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film directed by 脕lvaro Delgado-Aparicio. Told entirely in Ayacucho Quechua, this award-winning debut follows Segundo, a 14-year-old boy learning the sacred art of crafting religious retablos from his father鈥攗ntil a life-altering secret threatens to unravel everything he knows.

Retablo has earned international acclaim, including:

  • Teddy Award for Best LGBTQ-Themed Debut Film at the Berlin International Film Festival
  • Best Peruvian Film at the Lima Film Festival
  • Havana Star Prize for Best Fiction Film at the Havana Film Festival New York
  • Selected as Peru鈥檚 official entry for Best International Feature at the 92nd Academy Awards

This is more than a film鈥攊t鈥檚 a poignant exploration of love, legacy, and the courage to be true to oneself. Don鈥檛 miss your chance to experience one of Peru鈥檚 most celebrated cinematic achievements.

This film is NOT recommended for young audiences due to its mature themes and emotional intensity.

Space is limited to 100 seats.  RSVP to secure place. 

Matt PeisenMatt Peisen, 麻花影视 Assistant Professor of Spanish, will hold a short lecture prior to the screening. Matt holds his MA in Hispanic Literatures from the University of Iowa and is completing his PhD in Hispanic Literatures and Cultures from Indiana University. He enjoys engaging his students through the study of films from Spain and Latin America.