The due date for submission is January 2012, but for complete details on the dates and entry fees, visit www.cinelasamericas.org
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Mexican Literature in Cinema Series starts October 19th
'Rosa Blanca' is the first of five films to be shown at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center starting October 19th. The series of films will be in the Black Box Theater and are open to the public at no charge.This black and white film is in Spanish with English sub-titles and is by director Roberto Gavaldon, based on the novel by Bruno Traven.
For more information, visit www.cinelasamericas.org
*********************************************************
Cine las Americas es anfitrion de la serie de cintas de Mexico, Literatura en el cine mexicano, las cual son adaptadas de gran literatura.
La serie de cintas seran proyectadas cada miercoles a las 8pm, gratis y abierto al publico.
Rosa Blanca es la primer en la serie el 19 de octubre por el directo Roberto Gavaldon, basado en el libro por Bruno Traven.
Para mas informes, visite www.cinelasamericas.org
Friday, May 20, 2011
Carmen Marron's debut film 'Go For It' in theaters
The film 'Go For It!' had it's theatrical release across the U. S. on May 13th and it continues in many cities for the second week in a row. The film was screened in Austin during the Cine las Americas International Film Festival and was well received.
I have my review and interviews with the director, Carmen Marron and lead actress, Aimee Garcia posted on the site, so please take a moment to read then get to the theater to support this new filmmaker's inspirational film.
I have my review and interviews with the director, Carmen Marron and lead actress, Aimee Garcia posted on the site, so please take a moment to read then get to the theater to support this new filmmaker's inspirational film.
Friday, May 13, 2011
Audience Award winner Go For It opens May 13th
The debut feature film by director, writer and producer Carmen Marron, 'Go For It!' screened during the 14th annual Cine las Americas International Film Festival and won the Audience Award for Narrative Feature in April 2011. The successful indie production was acquired by Pantelion Films (a partnership between Lionsgate (NYSE:LGF) and Grupo Televisa) and it will have a theatrical release as of May 13th.
The filmmaker was in attendance during the festival and I sat down with the director to discuss her production. The feature was created from a script she began writing during her experience with youth considered "at risk" by the schools. She was a street dancer growing up in Chicago and drew from that experience too. She hopes to inspire youth to believe in their inner strength and follow their dreams. "The movie is pro education, anti-violence and youth empowerment," stated Marron, as she explained what her film is about, instead of the perception that the public may have of it as a "dance film" or a musical.
She talked about her past work. "I was a guidance counselor in South Phoenix and I learned from the families what the kids were going through. They [kids] are tough and resilient, but also very sweet. They respected people they saw on television or in film, so I thought if I make a film, they can learn from it." Determined, she set out with this thought in mind to get a message out to the youth. "I never wanted to be a filmmaker, nor wanted to make a Latino film to make money."
Her goal is to provide something different for the youth to model after instead of some of the celebrities in the tabloids, as she saw them doing in the schools. "Some kids may think they will see a hip-hop film, but instead will see an educational and inspirational film." Marron continued, "The film will be good for families and kids to see together, then they can talk about the issues later."
The filmmaker was in attendance during the festival and I sat down with the director to discuss her production. The feature was created from a script she began writing during her experience with youth considered "at risk" by the schools. She was a street dancer growing up in Chicago and drew from that experience too. She hopes to inspire youth to believe in their inner strength and follow their dreams. "The movie is pro education, anti-violence and youth empowerment," stated Marron, as she explained what her film is about, instead of the perception that the public may have of it as a "dance film" or a musical.
She talked about her past work. "I was a guidance counselor in South Phoenix and I learned from the families what the kids were going through. They [kids] are tough and resilient, but also very sweet. They respected people they saw on television or in film, so I thought if I make a film, they can learn from it." Determined, she set out with this thought in mind to get a message out to the youth. "I never wanted to be a filmmaker, nor wanted to make a Latino film to make money."
Her goal is to provide something different for the youth to model after instead of some of the celebrities in the tabloids, as she saw them doing in the schools. "Some kids may think they will see a hip-hop film, but instead will see an educational and inspirational film." Marron continued, "The film will be good for families and kids to see together, then they can talk about the issues later."
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Movie Doc Update
Here I am again playing catch up on my reviews since Saturday night. Sunday, because of Easter and my plans to spend it with family, I did not attend any films that day. Monday, however, I could be found back at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar where I was a regular fixture since Thursday night.
Monday April 25
LA MIRADA INVISIBLE/THE INVISIBLE EYE
Director Diego Lerman who also co-wrote this film with Maria Meira presents a story of facist oppression, sexual repression, and revolution in early 1980s Argentina. Maria Teresa (Julieta Zylberberg) works as a teacher in a highly strict and rigid private school. Marita (nickname) leads a lonely and sad life, otherwise. Even though young, single, and attractive she has a shy, introverted personality. She lives with her mother and grandmother and has no social life whatsoever. While the nation is on the verge of a revolution, another revolution is taking place within Marita as she begins to embrace her longings for sexual passion and freedom. This longing leads to an obsession with one of her students, but also attracts some uncomfortable advances from her head master Biasutto (Omar Nunez).
Lerman does an amazing job visually using little dialogue in the film to truly build the tension in the movie so taut that when the film climaxes it explodes. Zylberberg offers an amazing performance, perfectly capturing the repression, longing, and loneliness in the character's heart. Using her expressiveness and body language she performs beautifully even with the limited lines Marita speaks. Omar Nunez excellently portrays the headmaster who lusts after Marita and constantly harasses her. Lerman and Meira's script ingeniously mirrors the political revolution of Argentina with Maria Teresa's story and her personal revolution.
4 Stars (Out of 4)
BALA MORDIDA/BITTEN BULLET
Mexican writer/director Diego Munoz Vega's entry in the film festival is a documentary style, unflinchingly raw satire on police corruption that stylistically may be slightly exaggerated, but nevertheless is not too far removed from reality. Police officer Mauro Hernandez gets himself too deeply involved in his units corrupt drug dealings headed by his commander. Besides the corruption involving the police and their handling of drugs, the injustice goes beyond this including mishandling and misappropriation of money, and scandal concerning the poor quality and tampering of police equipment such as body armor and weapons. Hernandez is at a turning point in his life where he has to decide if he should embrace the evil and unscrupulous practices in the force or abandon it completely. While he is no angel himself, he does have to the opportunity to make some moral changes in his life.
This raw, crude, and violent motion picture has some incredible moments that feel realistic as if a film crew followed a Mexican police unit around. However, there are some elements where Vega gets a little carried away with certain characters and elements. He particularly gets a little overzealous with his commander character who comes across more like a scenery chewing, mustache curling caricature in some of the movie's scenes. The actor Damian Alcazar does portray the character to frightening effect despite the writing flaws. I just felt that if the character had been shown in a less cartoonish manner, Vega would have had a stronger impact with this villainous person. Miguel Rodarte, who portrays Mauro Hernandez, does an excellent job as the protagonist of this movie. Miguel Munoz Vega's direction and story telling combines shocking elements of Ferrara's BAD LIEUTENANT, and the more comic elements of Robert Rodriguez's MACHETE to create a satirical film which should touch a nerve among Mexican citizens, and the Mexican police force. I do applaud his boldness for telling this type of story fearlessly.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Wednesday April 28
I didn't make it to CINE on Tuesday night because of a prior committment, but was back at the Alamo South on Wednesday for two more movies.
DOS HERMANOS/BROTHER AND SISTER
Another great entry from Argentina, this movie tells the story of two very different siblings, older brother Marcos and younger sister Susana. Marcos (Antonio Gasalla) tends to be much more sensible and down to earth than Susana (Graciela Borges). He has assumed responsibility for their elderly and ailing mother's care. A former goldsmith, Marcos these days does very little of his old trade and his life revolves around caring for his mom, and occassionally visiting Susana. Susana, on the other hand, has very little to do with her mother and constantly immerses herself in various cons and schemes while priding herself as an entrepreneur who deals in real estate, art, and cooking. When their mother passes away, Susana sells their mother's home to cover her growing debt and sends Marcos to live in a house she owns in Uruguay. While constantly blaming Marcos, Susana who can't seem to make a living honestly starts meddling in Marcos' life interrupting his attempts at reviving his goldsmith trade and his pursuit of a new hobby, acting. The meek and soft spoken older brother is driven to wit's end by his sister and eventually is forced to take a stand.
Directed by Daniel Burman who co-wrote the screenplay with Sergio Dubcovsky creates a lovely story that reflects the realities that do exist in brother/sister relationships. These elements are wonderfully portrayed in the story and quite well by the two lead actors. Co-starring in this film as Marcos' play director, Osmar Nunez,who also stars in another Argentinian entry LA MIRADA INVISIBLE/THE INVISIBLE EYE, shows that he can play a more likable role than the leacherous one in the above mentioned film. A great cast along with solid writing and direction make this a must see.
4 Stars (Out of 4)
TL-2 LA FELICIDAD IS UNA LEYENDA URBANA/HAPPINESS IS AN URBAN LEGEND
The TL in the title stands for Tetsuo Lumiere, the director of this second part of a planned "autobiographical" trilogy. I'm guessing that it's a fictional autobiography based on the highly imaginative and fantastic and the over-the-top style in which he tells the story. Lumiere is an amateur filmmaker who makes low budget movies on a cheap camcorder. In this sequel to TL-1 MY KINGDOM FOR A FLYING SAUCER, Lumiere falls in love with both a blind girl Lourdes and her best friend Natasha. All of this self-imposed drama and other negative factors in his life inhibit his ability to create the science fiction movie he's always dreamt of making. His greed and lust eventually take a tragic toll during the filming of a stunt. His friends and associates recount this crazy tale of an unusual but determined filmmaker in a documentary style.
I had not previously seen the first part of this film series, so I had no idea what to expect at all. What I saw was the work of an amazing and highly imaginative young filmmaker who obviously has a deep and true love for classic and B cinema. Lumiere, obviously has a profound love for films of the silent era, particularly Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. As his friends and associates recount their memories of Lumiere, he plays out the story very much in the style of films of the silent era using very physical slapstick comedy, as well as old school special effects and incredible editing techniques. His frenetic style of filmmaking and story telling serves the movie well along with his well written and performed humor which rarely falls flat. There are a few cringeworthy moments where women are hit or slapped around in what are meant to be comedic gags, but Lumiere often goes to far with this gag. Other than that, his film had me constantly laughing to the point of tears. This talented young Argentinian filmmaker has a tremendously bright future ahead of him.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Monday April 25
LA MIRADA INVISIBLE/THE INVISIBLE EYE
Director Diego Lerman who also co-wrote this film with Maria Meira presents a story of facist oppression, sexual repression, and revolution in early 1980s Argentina. Maria Teresa (Julieta Zylberberg) works as a teacher in a highly strict and rigid private school. Marita (nickname) leads a lonely and sad life, otherwise. Even though young, single, and attractive she has a shy, introverted personality. She lives with her mother and grandmother and has no social life whatsoever. While the nation is on the verge of a revolution, another revolution is taking place within Marita as she begins to embrace her longings for sexual passion and freedom. This longing leads to an obsession with one of her students, but also attracts some uncomfortable advances from her head master Biasutto (Omar Nunez).
Lerman does an amazing job visually using little dialogue in the film to truly build the tension in the movie so taut that when the film climaxes it explodes. Zylberberg offers an amazing performance, perfectly capturing the repression, longing, and loneliness in the character's heart. Using her expressiveness and body language she performs beautifully even with the limited lines Marita speaks. Omar Nunez excellently portrays the headmaster who lusts after Marita and constantly harasses her. Lerman and Meira's script ingeniously mirrors the political revolution of Argentina with Maria Teresa's story and her personal revolution.
4 Stars (Out of 4)
BALA MORDIDA/BITTEN BULLET
Mexican writer/director Diego Munoz Vega's entry in the film festival is a documentary style, unflinchingly raw satire on police corruption that stylistically may be slightly exaggerated, but nevertheless is not too far removed from reality. Police officer Mauro Hernandez gets himself too deeply involved in his units corrupt drug dealings headed by his commander. Besides the corruption involving the police and their handling of drugs, the injustice goes beyond this including mishandling and misappropriation of money, and scandal concerning the poor quality and tampering of police equipment such as body armor and weapons. Hernandez is at a turning point in his life where he has to decide if he should embrace the evil and unscrupulous practices in the force or abandon it completely. While he is no angel himself, he does have to the opportunity to make some moral changes in his life.
This raw, crude, and violent motion picture has some incredible moments that feel realistic as if a film crew followed a Mexican police unit around. However, there are some elements where Vega gets a little carried away with certain characters and elements. He particularly gets a little overzealous with his commander character who comes across more like a scenery chewing, mustache curling caricature in some of the movie's scenes. The actor Damian Alcazar does portray the character to frightening effect despite the writing flaws. I just felt that if the character had been shown in a less cartoonish manner, Vega would have had a stronger impact with this villainous person. Miguel Rodarte, who portrays Mauro Hernandez, does an excellent job as the protagonist of this movie. Miguel Munoz Vega's direction and story telling combines shocking elements of Ferrara's BAD LIEUTENANT, and the more comic elements of Robert Rodriguez's MACHETE to create a satirical film which should touch a nerve among Mexican citizens, and the Mexican police force. I do applaud his boldness for telling this type of story fearlessly.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Wednesday April 28
I didn't make it to CINE on Tuesday night because of a prior committment, but was back at the Alamo South on Wednesday for two more movies.
DOS HERMANOS/BROTHER AND SISTER
Another great entry from Argentina, this movie tells the story of two very different siblings, older brother Marcos and younger sister Susana. Marcos (Antonio Gasalla) tends to be much more sensible and down to earth than Susana (Graciela Borges). He has assumed responsibility for their elderly and ailing mother's care. A former goldsmith, Marcos these days does very little of his old trade and his life revolves around caring for his mom, and occassionally visiting Susana. Susana, on the other hand, has very little to do with her mother and constantly immerses herself in various cons and schemes while priding herself as an entrepreneur who deals in real estate, art, and cooking. When their mother passes away, Susana sells their mother's home to cover her growing debt and sends Marcos to live in a house she owns in Uruguay. While constantly blaming Marcos, Susana who can't seem to make a living honestly starts meddling in Marcos' life interrupting his attempts at reviving his goldsmith trade and his pursuit of a new hobby, acting. The meek and soft spoken older brother is driven to wit's end by his sister and eventually is forced to take a stand.
Directed by Daniel Burman who co-wrote the screenplay with Sergio Dubcovsky creates a lovely story that reflects the realities that do exist in brother/sister relationships. These elements are wonderfully portrayed in the story and quite well by the two lead actors. Co-starring in this film as Marcos' play director, Osmar Nunez,who also stars in another Argentinian entry LA MIRADA INVISIBLE/THE INVISIBLE EYE, shows that he can play a more likable role than the leacherous one in the above mentioned film. A great cast along with solid writing and direction make this a must see.
4 Stars (Out of 4)
TL-2 LA FELICIDAD IS UNA LEYENDA URBANA/HAPPINESS IS AN URBAN LEGEND
The TL in the title stands for Tetsuo Lumiere, the director of this second part of a planned "autobiographical" trilogy. I'm guessing that it's a fictional autobiography based on the highly imaginative and fantastic and the over-the-top style in which he tells the story. Lumiere is an amateur filmmaker who makes low budget movies on a cheap camcorder. In this sequel to TL-1 MY KINGDOM FOR A FLYING SAUCER, Lumiere falls in love with both a blind girl Lourdes and her best friend Natasha. All of this self-imposed drama and other negative factors in his life inhibit his ability to create the science fiction movie he's always dreamt of making. His greed and lust eventually take a tragic toll during the filming of a stunt. His friends and associates recount this crazy tale of an unusual but determined filmmaker in a documentary style.
I had not previously seen the first part of this film series, so I had no idea what to expect at all. What I saw was the work of an amazing and highly imaginative young filmmaker who obviously has a deep and true love for classic and B cinema. Lumiere, obviously has a profound love for films of the silent era, particularly Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin. As his friends and associates recount their memories of Lumiere, he plays out the story very much in the style of films of the silent era using very physical slapstick comedy, as well as old school special effects and incredible editing techniques. His frenetic style of filmmaking and story telling serves the movie well along with his well written and performed humor which rarely falls flat. There are a few cringeworthy moments where women are hit or slapped around in what are meant to be comedic gags, but Lumiere often goes to far with this gag. Other than that, his film had me constantly laughing to the point of tears. This talented young Argentinian filmmaker has a tremendously bright future ahead of him.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Monday, April 25, 2011
Mark the Movie Doc's Cine Las Americas Update
Because I've been really busy attending the fest and also celebrating the Easter holiday with family, I hadn't really taken the time to cover the films I've watched so far. Here is a day-to-day breakdown of what I've seen.
Thursday Night April 21
Opening night, the first film I attended was a funny and eccentric narrative feature from Guatemala titled MARIMBAS DEL INFIERNO (MARIMBAS FROM HELL). Writer/Director Julio Hernandez Cordon tells the story of Don Alfonso (Alfonso Tunche), a sad and struggling Marimba musician whose only passion is to keep playing this traditional instrument. Because of the harassment of gangs extorting him and threatening violence, he separates himself from his family and struggles on his own. When he is fired from his regular gig, Alfonso seeks help from his godson Chiquilin (Victor Hugo Monterroso), who has street connections, but otherwise is of little help as he has a glue-sniffing problem. He introduces Alfonso to Blacko, a medical doctor whose real passion is heavy metal music. The two decide to fuse traditional marimba music and metal.
Overall, I enjoyed the film which oddly mixes the sad harsh realities of poverty and drug abuse in Guatemala along with well written and performed humor. Not all of the humor works in the film and does feel a bit awkward at times. Nevertheless, Cordon creates a piece fascinating and entertaining for it eccentricities alone.
3 (Out of 4 stars)
I immediately followed MARIMBAS with a Colombian film called RETRATOS EN UN MAR DE MENTIRAS (PORTRAITS IN A SEA OF LIES). Writer/director Carlos Gaviria takes audiences into the harsh poverty of Colombia. Two cousins Jairo (Julian Roman), an amateur photographer, and Marina (Paola Baldion), a mute and psychologically troubled young lady travel to their home following the death of their grandfather. They attempt to reclaim the land from which Marina was displaced many years prior. During the road trip, Marina's traumatic memories from her past surface and she must cope with these experiences along with other threats that the two face upon their arrival.
I must say that I found this dramatic film very compelling and sad as I'm sure that it was inspired by real stories of real people. Gaviria, a native of Colombia does an excellent job presenting this story of tragedy and loss. The two leads Roman and Baldion perform admirably and credibly portray their characters. I would love to see this film succeed as an art house favorite.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Friday April 22
HABANA EVA
So far this has been my favorite film of the festival. Director Fina Torres, who co-wrote this film with writers Jorge Camacho and Julio Carrillo does a fine job with this comedy/romantic tale of Eva (Prakriti Maduro), a headstrong seamstress working in a sweatshop dress factory in Cuba who would rather design her own dresses than manufacture ugly cookie cutter dresses. Unhappy living at home with her parents and her lazy boyfriend Angel (Carlos Enrique Almirante), things begin to look up when she meets Jorge (Juan Carlos Garcia), a worldly, aspiring photographer whom she falls for. Eva reaches a turning point in her life where she must decide whether or not to pursue her dreams or settle for her currently sad mundane existence.
I absolutely love this film. Fina Torres and her co-writers create a hilarious and thoroughly entertaining film with wonderful characters. I particularly enjoyed the character Teresa (Yuliet Cruz), Eva's wild and crazy best friend. Cruz has tremendous talent and uses it well to deliver many laughs. Maduro who portrays Eva is a lovely talent who should not be ignored.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
TE CREIAS LA MAS LINDA....(PERO ERIS LA MAS PUTA)/YOU THINK YOU ARE THE PRETTIEST...(BUT YOU ARE THE SLUTTIEST)
As I read throught the film schedule, this film title definitely caught my eye. Based on the title alone, I had to see this movie. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this tedious and over-lengthy movie, which does manage to deliver some laughs, but becomes annoyingly redundant after a while. Javier (Martin Castillo), a highly insecure unlucky in love young man, decides to wander the streets in search of romantic conquest after a poor performance with his love interest Valentina. Having no game whatsoever, Javier strikes out left and right all the time imagining that his artist "friend" (Francisco Braithwaite) has once again seduced and stolen one of his ladies.
The insecurities and imagination of the Javier character along with his failing attempts at scoring becomes fodder for laughs, but this gag runs thin and becomes old after awhile. Perhaps Chilean writer/director Che Sandoval could have cut this idea down and made a much more solid short film from this material rather than an 84 minute feature which feels much longer than it actually is.
2.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Saturday April 23
GO FOR IT!
This was the first English language Hispanic/Latino themed motion picture that I watched at the fest. Written and directed by first time filmmaker Carmen Marron, GO FOR IT! tells the story of Carmen Salgado (Aimee Garcia), a Chicago high school girl who spends her nights competing in street dance offs with her friends. Her teacher Frank Martin (Al Bandiero) sees her potential for an education and career and encourages her to pursue a college education at a school with a great dance program. Unfortunately, Carmen faces other drama, both at home with her family and with her best friend Gina (Gina Rodriguez) who's in an abusive relationship with her thug boyfriend.
I have never been a big fan of the urban dance STEP UP films. While they have great dance choreography, these films definitely lack when it comes to story and characters, and usually have plots as transparent as a freshly cleaned window. Marron puts a heartfelt and fresh spin on this type of movie giving it a genuine story with great characters. For a first time filmmaker, she skillfully mixes comedy and drama, and should have audiences cheering when this film is released in theaters next month.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
ON THE ICE
I followed up the fist pumping, feel good GO FOR IT! with a very dark and grim motion picture from writer/director Andrew Okpeaha MacLean. ON THE ICE takes audiences into the lives of Iniupiaq people (an Eskimo culture) living in nearly constant daylight in Alaska. Two teenage boys played by Josiah Patkotak and Frank Qutuq Irelan have to literally and figuratively cover their tracks when a hunting trip fueled by alcohol and drugs ends in a tragic death. The two boys go through an emotional journey as they must come to grips with what they have done and the lies they tell to cover up this huge mistake.
MacLean does a tremendous job as writer and director of this intensely dark and tragic tale and his leads, Patkotak and Irelan, offer solid performances in a great film which had me wincing on the edge of my seat throughout its run.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Thursday Night April 21
Opening night, the first film I attended was a funny and eccentric narrative feature from Guatemala titled MARIMBAS DEL INFIERNO (MARIMBAS FROM HELL). Writer/Director Julio Hernandez Cordon tells the story of Don Alfonso (Alfonso Tunche), a sad and struggling Marimba musician whose only passion is to keep playing this traditional instrument. Because of the harassment of gangs extorting him and threatening violence, he separates himself from his family and struggles on his own. When he is fired from his regular gig, Alfonso seeks help from his godson Chiquilin (Victor Hugo Monterroso), who has street connections, but otherwise is of little help as he has a glue-sniffing problem. He introduces Alfonso to Blacko, a medical doctor whose real passion is heavy metal music. The two decide to fuse traditional marimba music and metal.
Overall, I enjoyed the film which oddly mixes the sad harsh realities of poverty and drug abuse in Guatemala along with well written and performed humor. Not all of the humor works in the film and does feel a bit awkward at times. Nevertheless, Cordon creates a piece fascinating and entertaining for it eccentricities alone.
3 (Out of 4 stars)
I immediately followed MARIMBAS with a Colombian film called RETRATOS EN UN MAR DE MENTIRAS (PORTRAITS IN A SEA OF LIES). Writer/director Carlos Gaviria takes audiences into the harsh poverty of Colombia. Two cousins Jairo (Julian Roman), an amateur photographer, and Marina (Paola Baldion), a mute and psychologically troubled young lady travel to their home following the death of their grandfather. They attempt to reclaim the land from which Marina was displaced many years prior. During the road trip, Marina's traumatic memories from her past surface and she must cope with these experiences along with other threats that the two face upon their arrival.
I must say that I found this dramatic film very compelling and sad as I'm sure that it was inspired by real stories of real people. Gaviria, a native of Colombia does an excellent job presenting this story of tragedy and loss. The two leads Roman and Baldion perform admirably and credibly portray their characters. I would love to see this film succeed as an art house favorite.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Friday April 22
HABANA EVA
So far this has been my favorite film of the festival. Director Fina Torres, who co-wrote this film with writers Jorge Camacho and Julio Carrillo does a fine job with this comedy/romantic tale of Eva (Prakriti Maduro), a headstrong seamstress working in a sweatshop dress factory in Cuba who would rather design her own dresses than manufacture ugly cookie cutter dresses. Unhappy living at home with her parents and her lazy boyfriend Angel (Carlos Enrique Almirante), things begin to look up when she meets Jorge (Juan Carlos Garcia), a worldly, aspiring photographer whom she falls for. Eva reaches a turning point in her life where she must decide whether or not to pursue her dreams or settle for her currently sad mundane existence.
I absolutely love this film. Fina Torres and her co-writers create a hilarious and thoroughly entertaining film with wonderful characters. I particularly enjoyed the character Teresa (Yuliet Cruz), Eva's wild and crazy best friend. Cruz has tremendous talent and uses it well to deliver many laughs. Maduro who portrays Eva is a lovely talent who should not be ignored.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
TE CREIAS LA MAS LINDA....(PERO ERIS LA MAS PUTA)/YOU THINK YOU ARE THE PRETTIEST...(BUT YOU ARE THE SLUTTIEST)
As I read throught the film schedule, this film title definitely caught my eye. Based on the title alone, I had to see this movie. Unfortunately, I was disappointed by this tedious and over-lengthy movie, which does manage to deliver some laughs, but becomes annoyingly redundant after a while. Javier (Martin Castillo), a highly insecure unlucky in love young man, decides to wander the streets in search of romantic conquest after a poor performance with his love interest Valentina. Having no game whatsoever, Javier strikes out left and right all the time imagining that his artist "friend" (Francisco Braithwaite) has once again seduced and stolen one of his ladies.
The insecurities and imagination of the Javier character along with his failing attempts at scoring becomes fodder for laughs, but this gag runs thin and becomes old after awhile. Perhaps Chilean writer/director Che Sandoval could have cut this idea down and made a much more solid short film from this material rather than an 84 minute feature which feels much longer than it actually is.
2.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Saturday April 23
GO FOR IT!
This was the first English language Hispanic/Latino themed motion picture that I watched at the fest. Written and directed by first time filmmaker Carmen Marron, GO FOR IT! tells the story of Carmen Salgado (Aimee Garcia), a Chicago high school girl who spends her nights competing in street dance offs with her friends. Her teacher Frank Martin (Al Bandiero) sees her potential for an education and career and encourages her to pursue a college education at a school with a great dance program. Unfortunately, Carmen faces other drama, both at home with her family and with her best friend Gina (Gina Rodriguez) who's in an abusive relationship with her thug boyfriend.
I have never been a big fan of the urban dance STEP UP films. While they have great dance choreography, these films definitely lack when it comes to story and characters, and usually have plots as transparent as a freshly cleaned window. Marron puts a heartfelt and fresh spin on this type of movie giving it a genuine story with great characters. For a first time filmmaker, she skillfully mixes comedy and drama, and should have audiences cheering when this film is released in theaters next month.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
ON THE ICE
I followed up the fist pumping, feel good GO FOR IT! with a very dark and grim motion picture from writer/director Andrew Okpeaha MacLean. ON THE ICE takes audiences into the lives of Iniupiaq people (an Eskimo culture) living in nearly constant daylight in Alaska. Two teenage boys played by Josiah Patkotak and Frank Qutuq Irelan have to literally and figuratively cover their tracks when a hunting trip fueled by alcohol and drugs ends in a tragic death. The two boys go through an emotional journey as they must come to grips with what they have done and the lies they tell to cover up this huge mistake.
MacLean does a tremendous job as writer and director of this intensely dark and tragic tale and his leads, Patkotak and Irelan, offer solid performances in a great film which had me wincing on the edge of my seat throughout its run.
3.5 (Out of 4 Stars)
Mark The Movie Doc's First Year at Cine Las Americas
I am super excited to be a part of this year's Cine Las Americas Film Festival. My colleague Elizabeth Lopez encouraged me to apply for press credentials to the fest and so far, it has been a really cool, laid back experience. I suppose this is a bit of a double edged sword. It is nice that this event is less chaotic and easier to navigate than SXSW; however, this means that so many people in Austin and elsewhere are really missing out. The fest continues through Thursday April 28, so there is still plenty of films to check out. Most of the screenings are taking place at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center and at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar. Go to cinelasamericas.org for more details and a film schedule. For non-badgeholders, there are plenty of free events and screenings. Even the screenings at the Alamo (not free) are usually easy to get into. I highly recommend it.
Mark Saldana
The Movie Doc
trueviewreviews.net
Mark Saldana
The Movie Doc
trueviewreviews.net
Friday, April 22, 2011
Liz and friends at Cine las Americas Festival on Thursday
The Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar is dressed up with banners welcoming the 14th annual Cine las Americas Film Festival participants when they step into the theater. Filmmakers, film fans and press gathered for the inaugural film.
Mark Saldana, writer from www.trueviewreviews.net was very early to attend the festival for the first time and found Cine las Americas to be a bit more peaceful than the one we attended in March. Marylou Castillo, Board Chair of LUPEArte, and I started to look for seats in the theater as we entered at the same time, and we ran into my friends, Mary Reyna and Sylvia Araiza, who celebrated her birthday at the film festival.
After the screening of the inaugural film, Marimbas del Infierno, we all ran into Cine las Americas board member, David Rice. I had not visited with David for a while due to our busy schedules and found he has a book soon to be released. He is also the screenwriter for the movie directed by Demetrius Navarro, 'Gone Hollywood', that will premiere in Austin Texas at the festival on Easter Sunday, 4pm at the Alamo Drafthouse in the Hecho En Tejas category.
The cast includes Fernando Carrillo, Venezuelan born, educated in London and very, very handsome. Talented Valente Rodriguez hails from the Rio Grande Valley as I and we graduated from the same educational institution, University of Texas- Pan American in Edinburg, plus he has many film and television acting credits. Most often, he is remembered as the character, Ernie, in the George Lopez television series, but he has many feature films to his credit as well. There are many other talented cast members, as this film was shot in the Rio Grande Valley.
You can find the 'Gone Hollywood' trailer on YouTube and the festival website under the Festival Program tab. It is great eye candy before arriving at the theater on Easter Sunday!
Much of the programming is at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, where badge holders and individual ticket holders will enjoy great films. Tickets can be purchased individually for each film.
The festival is also holding free screenings and Master Classes at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. For complete listings, visit www.cinelasamericas.org and download or view the festival schedule.
Mark Saldana, writer from www.trueviewreviews.net was very early to attend the festival for the first time and found Cine las Americas to be a bit more peaceful than the one we attended in March. Marylou Castillo, Board Chair of LUPEArte, and I started to look for seats in the theater as we entered at the same time, and we ran into my friends, Mary Reyna and Sylvia Araiza, who celebrated her birthday at the film festival.
After the screening of the inaugural film, Marimbas del Infierno, we all ran into Cine las Americas board member, David Rice. I had not visited with David for a while due to our busy schedules and found he has a book soon to be released. He is also the screenwriter for the movie directed by Demetrius Navarro, 'Gone Hollywood', that will premiere in Austin Texas at the festival on Easter Sunday, 4pm at the Alamo Drafthouse in the Hecho En Tejas category.
The cast includes Fernando Carrillo, Venezuelan born, educated in London and very, very handsome. Talented Valente Rodriguez hails from the Rio Grande Valley as I and we graduated from the same educational institution, University of Texas- Pan American in Edinburg, plus he has many film and television acting credits. Most often, he is remembered as the character, Ernie, in the George Lopez television series, but he has many feature films to his credit as well. There are many other talented cast members, as this film was shot in the Rio Grande Valley.
You can find the 'Gone Hollywood' trailer on YouTube and the festival website under the Festival Program tab. It is great eye candy before arriving at the theater on Easter Sunday!
Much of the programming is at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar, where badge holders and individual ticket holders will enjoy great films. Tickets can be purchased individually for each film.
The festival is also holding free screenings and Master Classes at the Emma S. Barrientos Mexican American Cultural Center. For complete listings, visit www.cinelasamericas.org and download or view the festival schedule.
Liz attends Cine las Americas Film Festival 2011 Opening Night
Opening night for the 14th annual Cine las Americas Film Festival was Thursday, April 21st, at the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar, featuring two films. At 7pm, Eugenio del Bosque, Executive Director of Cine las Americas, welcomed viewers to the festival and the first night of films and parties.
Del Bosque introduced the feature film from Guatemala, Marimbas del Infierno (Marimbas from Hell), by director Julio Hernandez Cordon, has been screened at four film festivals prior to coming to Austin and won Best Picture at the 2011 Miami International Film Festival-Ibero American Competition and the Morelia International Film Festival.
The comedy/drama was funny in some scenes, in particular the character Blacko with long hair who is supposedly a doctor, but avid rocker at heart and has a history of trying out different spiritual beliefs. It was sad to see the unemployment and homelessness faced by Don Alonso, but he was determined not to give up his life as a musician with the marimba that has been his lifelong friend. Marimba and heavy metal fusion is not heard of before, but hey, they give it a shot to make it work. With no where else to go, the creative juices flow.
Although I did like the opening film, I am definitely more drawn to the first film screened in the Narrative Feature Competition, Retratos en un mar de mentiras (Portraits in a Sea of Lies) by director Carlos Gaviria. A native of Colombia, Gaviria is a graduate of the film department of New York University. He has worked as a cinematographer in films and television series.
The cinematography in Colombia is beautiful, capturing the beauty of the country and the story shows both the joys and extreme opposite, the violence that changes lives forever. The acting is very good, in particular, the young actress who performs as the protagonist, Marina.
I think this film would make a good one to have theatrical release in the U. S. and would be well received. I wish the best for it in the competition during the festival. For more information on the film, please visit www.retratosenunmardementiras.com
Del Bosque introduced the feature film from Guatemala, Marimbas del Infierno (Marimbas from Hell), by director Julio Hernandez Cordon, has been screened at four film festivals prior to coming to Austin and won Best Picture at the 2011 Miami International Film Festival-Ibero American Competition and the Morelia International Film Festival.
The comedy/drama was funny in some scenes, in particular the character Blacko with long hair who is supposedly a doctor, but avid rocker at heart and has a history of trying out different spiritual beliefs. It was sad to see the unemployment and homelessness faced by Don Alonso, but he was determined not to give up his life as a musician with the marimba that has been his lifelong friend. Marimba and heavy metal fusion is not heard of before, but hey, they give it a shot to make it work. With no where else to go, the creative juices flow.
Although I did like the opening film, I am definitely more drawn to the first film screened in the Narrative Feature Competition, Retratos en un mar de mentiras (Portraits in a Sea of Lies) by director Carlos Gaviria. A native of Colombia, Gaviria is a graduate of the film department of New York University. He has worked as a cinematographer in films and television series.
The cinematography in Colombia is beautiful, capturing the beauty of the country and the story shows both the joys and extreme opposite, the violence that changes lives forever. The acting is very good, in particular, the young actress who performs as the protagonist, Marina.
I think this film would make a good one to have theatrical release in the U. S. and would be well received. I wish the best for it in the competition during the festival. For more information on the film, please visit www.retratosenunmardementiras.com
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