Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations continue Friday, Oct. 2, as the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County hosts a documentary screening with food, exhibits, and conversation at Mulberry’s Gem Theater.
Beginning at 6:30 p.m., the event will feature the local premiere of Diaspora: Curiosity of Culture, which features several Polk County residents. A pre-screening meet-and-greet will include cocktails, light appetizers, and exhibits, followed by the film and a question-and-answer session.
Directed by Margarita Sotomayor, Diaspora follows Emilio, a Puerto Rican man who grew up in Lakeland with limited knowledge of his cultural heritage. His journey in the 80-minute documentary explores Puerto Rican identity, family, and belonging through the experiences of people who left the island and those who remained.
WHAT: Diaspora: Curiosity of Culture — Polk County Premiere
WHO: Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County & Dolphin Image Films
WHEN: Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: The Gem Theater, 118 NW 1st Ave., Mulberry, Florida
TICKETS: $20.26 general admission; $17.76 for ages 55 and older. Purchase tickets on Eventbrite.
Founded in 2006, the Puerto Rican Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Polk County, led by Ana Rivera, supports Hispanic and other local entrepreneurs through networking, marketing, education, and business connections.
Nearly three in 10 Polk County residents are Hispanic or Latino, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. The agency’s 2024 American Community Survey estimates put the share at 29.2%, compared with 25.9% in 2020.
Event organizers encourage residents to attend and help “kick off Hispanic Heritage Weekend through community, culture, and commerce!”
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