Stéphane Bédère was born and raised in the Basque country in southwest France. Since 2011, he is an Assistant Professor of French and Spanish at Aquinas College, MI. His research focuses on the role of political discourse in Paraguay nation's building in the first half of the 19th century. At Aquinas College, he teaches Latin American Literature and Latin American Culture and Civilization, as well as French Language courses at all levels. He also collaborates with the History department for whom he teaches a course on Latin American history. In addition to his teaching, Bédère is also a member of the organization committee of the Grand Rapids Latin American Film Festival since its creation in 2010.