It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of Jorge Ruffinelli, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, teacher, and one of the world’s leading voices in Latin American arts and letters.

Born in Uruguay in 1943, Jorge dedicated his life to preserving and celebrating Latin American literature and cinema. He founded the influential literary journals Texto Crítico and Nuevo Texto Crítico, and spent decades as a well-respected professor of film at Stanford University, where he mentored generations of students in the Department of Iberian and Latin American Cultures.

As part of his work, Jorge watched over 4,000 Latin American films and wrote nearly 2,000 entries for what would become the first Encyclopedia of Latin American Cinema. He created his own documentary interviewing Mexican writers and critics, and served on the advisory board of the San Francisco Film Society.

But beyond his professional accomplishments, Jorge was a man who loved deeply, his family, his dogs, his students, and especially his grandchildren.

The Ruffinelli family is currently facing an especially difficult time, as they’ve been displaced from their home due to water damage. With finances already stretched thin, the unexpected cost of mortuary services has become an overwhelming burden.

We’re seeking to raise at least $5,000 to cover cremation and memorial expenses, allowing the family to focus on grieving and honoring Jorge’s extraordinary life.

If you knew Jorge, or simply want to support a family during a difficult time, any contribution or share means the world. Thank you for your kindness.

With gratitude,

Michael Hastings, on behalf of Paula and the Ruffinelli Family