70 Films From Around the World Explore the Diversity of Latino Culture
Israel López ‘Cachao’ y Andy García
SAN FRANCISCO Ñ The International Latino Film Society kicks off the 12th International Latino Film Festival, San Francisco Bay Area, on November 7, 2008, with a gala opening night, “Noche Cubana,” at the beloved Castro Theatre, followed by “Cuba Exposure,” an exciting event filled with Cuban rhythms by John Santos and DJ Nica at the Kabuki Hotel in San Francisco.
The acclaimed Festival, which celebrates the diversity of Latino culture through the timeless medium of film, runs November 7- 23, 2008. The program includes over 70 features, shorts, and documentaries from Argentina, Brazil, Belize, Bolivia, Cuba, Colombia, Chile, Mexico, El Salvador, Puerto Rico, Uruguay, Venezuela and Spain. The Festival will present screenings in eight Bay Area cities: San Francisco, Redwood City, San Jose, San Rafael, Larkspur, Berkeley, San Mateo, and San Bruno. All films include English subtitles.
“This year we were able to bring together an amazing collection of films that truly reflects the diversity of Latino cinema throughout the world. We are especially excited to honor several outstanding artists this year including Gregory Nava, and Alex Rivera. These US-based filmmakers have all done extraordinary work that embodies the vital connection between Latino cinema in the US and in Latin America,” said Sylvia Perel, Festival Director. Some of the highlights of the 2008 festival will include:
- Tribute to Women & Film.
- Tribute to “El Norte,” US, celebrating its 25th Anniversary and honoring its director, Gregory Nava.
- New Vision Award to Alex Rivera, for “Sleep Dealer,” US.
- CinePride: A celebration of LGBT marriage equality, “Spinnin,’” Spain.
- Lehaim to Salvadorean Righteous: “Glass House,” El Salvador.
- Noche de Arte y Política: “Against the Grain,” Peru.
- Closing Night: ¡Viva Brazil! “Mare, Nossa Historia de Amor,” Brazil.
- Youth in Video: A collection of 2008 films by our young students Some of the film highlights of the 2008 festival are: “Cachao: uno más”
Dir. Dikayl Rimmasch, 2008, Cuba / USA, 68 min.
Celebrating the life of one of the most infl uential Afro-Cuban musicians, Cachao: uno más explores the musical journey of Israel “Cachao” López.
This documentary follows the legendary bassist from his early days in Cuba to worldwide recognition and features interviews with Andy García and John Santos, who will perform at our “Noche Cubana” opening night party.
Hers who lose their way when sent on an errand. Locally cast and spoken in the Raramuri language, the brothers’ adventures present the traditional way of life in this universal coming-of-age story.
