Diversify Your Viewing Experience
For this weekend's movie night, skip your local theater. Instead, head on over to the New York International Latino Film Festival for some intellectually stimulating movies.
The weekend’s here again, and you know what that means, the movie theater beckons. In this time of economic hardship, sometimes a little bit of escapism at the end of a stressful work week is just what the doctor ordered. Now, you can stand at the ticket counter deciding which one of the tired romances, big-budget action flicks, gross-out comedies, or horror movies sounds the most entertaining, or you can take the less-traveled road. Choose to see an independent film. A movie that means something. That stands for a cause. If you live in the New York area, this weekend, you have an opportunity to do just that.
Attend one of the nation’s premiere movie events and while satiating your cinematic craving, you’ll also be supporting silver-screen diversity. The New York International Latino Film Festival, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, runs through Sunday. The NYILFF’s mission is to highlight emerging Latino talent in the film industry, both in the United States and in Latin America. Over the last decade, the event’s organizers have worked to provide a comprehensive picture of the Latino experience, one that celebrates diverse aspects of the Latino community, both in the U.S. and abroad. Due to its popularity, the NYILFF has expanded to include various panels, a short film competition and musical showcases.
Overall, more than 100 features, short films and documentaries will be shown during the week-long event. The festival opened Monday night with the premiere of “La Mission,” a feature starring Benjamin Bratt and Erica Alexander that explores issues of violence and homophobia in San Francisco’s district of the same name. “The Line,” an action-packed drama about a drug cartel in Tijuana starring Ray Liotta and Andy Garcia, will close out the event.
Benjamin Bratt as Che in “La Mission”
This year some of the major stars to walk the red carpet include Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo and Vin Diesel. Saturday afternoon CNN’s Soledad O’Brien (of “Black/Latino in America” fame) is hosting a special panel with actors Rosie Perez, Luis Guzmán and Lauren Vélez.
And if you’re not in the New York area, there’s still an opportunity for you to savor some of the event’s flavor. Maybe you won’t get to hobnob with the who’s who in Latino film but, you can watch the highly acclaimed film that captures the essence of the festival. Hip-hop duo Calle 13’s documentary “Sin Mapa” was released on DVD earlier this week. “Sin Mapa” follows Grammy-award winning brothers Residente and Visitante on their journey through South America to gain an understanding of indigenous cultures.
Poster for Sin Mapa
This NYILFF is holding screenings at the Clearview Chelsea Cinemas, 260 West 23rd Street, and the School of Visual Arts Theater, 333 West 23rd Street. Tickets are available at the festival’s box office at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9 and on the festival’s web site. To buy tickets or view the full event schedule, visit www.NYLatinoFilm.com.
This week inCOLOR captured the energy of the The Latino International Film Festival. From the red carpet to the after parties, showcasing the vibrance and the energy surrounding the festival.
the SEEN: New York Latino International Film Festival
