Festival Schedule



	FESTIVAL SCHEDULE OF ALL FILMS AND EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 18, 2007 7:00 – 9:00 PM Opening Night Presented by CSULA College of Arts and Letters Lobby Display: “The Art of El Muerto” While El Muerto was originally created for the black and white landscape of independent comic books, creator Javier Hernandez continues to produce new El Muerto images in a variety of styles. Paintings & digital art as well as traditional comic art such as brush and ink are among the media with which Javier explores the dynamic character. With El Muerto’s origins tied to death and resurrection, mythology and the afterlife, Javier draws upon many universal themes to realize his artistic vision formed by the four-color fantasies of his youth. Inspired in equal parts by Mexican luchadores like Mil Mascaras, Japanese anime characters like Speed Racer and good-old fashioned American superheroes like Spider-Man, El Muerto is truly an integration of cultures and many idyllic Saturday afternoons. “The bold colors you find in the celebrations of the Day of the Dead also leave an emotional and positive effect on the viewer. “That’s what I hope I achieve in my art.”
	CALIFORNIA PREMIERE - Deadtime Stories with Mariachi Goose and Friends (Writ./Dir./Prod. John Jota Leaños and Sean Levon Nash, Animation by Luz Cabrales and John Leaños, Music Performances Juan G. Aguilar, J.Javier Enriquez, and L3S, 2007, Animation, DVD, 11 min., USA, Spanglish) From the animators of the number one 2006 Reel Rasquache “Audience Pick,” witness the Great Fall of Humpty Mariachi Dumpty! Uncover questions buried for generations! Explore the wonders of Muertolandia and all its curious inhabitants! Meet Jack & Jill, So White and the Seven Deadly Dwarves, Rapunzel, and the Diva Big Bad Wolf.
	El Muerto (Writ./Dir. Brian Cox, Prod. Larry Rattner, Assoc. Prod. Javier Hernandez, Cast: Wilmer Valderrama, Angie Cepeda, Tony Plana, Michael Parks, Maria Conchita Alonso, 2006, Drama, DigiBeta, 94 min., USA, English) A young man unwittingly marks himself in homage to the old Aztec god of death, Mictlantecuhtli, and dies in a car accident on his way to a Dia de Los Muertos festival. He awakens in the Aztec realm of the dead, Mictlan, to be sacrificed to the old god. Afterward, he is sent back to Earth exactly one year after his death, having supernatural powers.

Trailblazer Award – Wilmer Valderrama	9:00-10:00 Award Ceremony Pioneer Award - Tony Plana

	10:00-12:00 Gala Reception on the Luckman Street of the Arts

	SATURDAY, MAY 19, 2007 11:00AM - 12:30 PM Program: Free Admission CINE SIN FIN Presents Manifesting Our Destiny (Writ./Dir./Prod. Claudia Gómez-Arteaga, Documentary, DVD, 6 mins., USA, English) The struggle of undocumented immigrant students who pursue higher education despite a U.S. immigration system that criminalizes them.
	El Triunfo/The Triumph (Writ./Dir./Prod. Jesus “Chuy” Santillan, 2005, Drama, VHS, 22 mins., USA, English) Chronicle of a Chicano family struggling to make ends meet. Community Co-Presenter: Cine Sin Fin
	Third World California (Writ./Dir. Otavio Juliano, Prod. Luciana Ferraz, Ed. Johanna Cavard, 2005, Documentary, DVD, 40 mins., USA, English/Spanish) A complex and emotional documentary that examines, the plight of undocumented Latino immigrant workers, issues of sovereign Indian land, and the disgrace of substandard living conditions.

	Co-Presented with Community Partner: Cine Sin Fin 1:00 – 2:30 PM Program – Free Admission Longo Toyota-Scion-Lexus Presents High School Student Filmmakers Showcase Celebrate and enjoy this year’s specially curated selection of promising and talented local teen works. PROGRAM CURATORS Michael Avila, CSULA Television, Film, Media Studies; B.A. Program Valentín Duran, CSULA Television, Film, Media Studies; B.A. Program Victor Madrid, CSULA Television, Film, Media Studies; B.A. Program PARTICIPATING HIGH SCHOOLS AND CENTERS Belmont High School,Los Angeles, CA Echo Park Film Center. Los Angeles, CA Roosevelt High School. East Los Angeles, CA San Pedro High School, San Pedro, CA Wilson High School. Los Angeles, CA WILSON HIGH SCHOOL Gorilla Newscast (Dir. Javier Espinosa, 2006, Experimental Comedy, DVD, 3 min., USA, English) Breaking new store on an escaped zoo gorilla and the damage he causes. Teacher: Javier Espinoza S.O.S. (Dir. Diego Olivares, Prod. Javier Espinoza, 2006, Drama, DVD, 5 min., USA, English) A lonely student places bottles all over campus to find that special someone. Teacher: Javier Espinoza BELMONT HIGH SCHOOL Teenage Pregnancy (Writ./Dir. Isamar Hernandez, Erendida Toban, Itzel Moralez, Jazmin Maldonado, 2006, Documentary, DVD, 5 min., USA, English) Teenage pregnancy is a big issue in Latino familias as many girls have to deal with school, chores and baby. Teacher: Mr. Kress Special 13 (Dir. Jose Garcia, Writ. Azain Bustamante, 2006, Drama, DVD, 3 min., USA, English) A teenager’s experiences faced when walking home in the streets of Los Angeles. Teacher: Carmen Juarez ECHO PARK FILM CENTER The Wedge (Writ./Dir. Woodrow White & Nick Solow-Collins, 2006, DVD, 2 min., USA, English) Teachers: Paolo Davanzo. Thi Nguyen, Troy Perry Warped (Writ./Dir. Elijah Kleeman, 2006, DVD, 2 min., USA, English) Teachers: Lee Lynch, Lisa Marr, Shauna McGarry, Mike Mills Going Home (Writ./Dir. Cord Brooks, 2006, DVD, 4 min., USA, English) Teacher: Paolo Davanzo, Thi Nguyen, Troy Perry He Loves Me Not (Writ./Dir.Anabel Curry, 2006, DVD, 5min., USA, English) Teachers: Lee Lynch, Lisa Marr, Shauna McGarry, Mike Mills ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL Simple Revenge (Dir. Dolores Tejada, Writ. Jovanna Santamauro, Cast: Brenda Gonzalez, Fernie Calzada, Nayelit Hernandez, Sandy Romero, 2006, Drama, DVD, 5, USA, English) A girl gets back at a boy who has betrayed her trust. Teacher: Thomas McCluskey Juan of the Dead (Writ./Dir. Joseph Valdivia, 2006, Comedy, DVD, 7 min., USA, English) Zombies in East L.A.!! Teacher: Thomas McCluskey Finding Chepe (Writ./Dir. Mario Robles, 2006, Comedy, DVD, 7 min., USA, English) A young man goes on a heroic quest to save his friend from the evil suoervisors. Teacher: Thomas McCluskey SAN PEDRO HIGH SCHOOL Sgaffio (Dir. Elijah Cervantes, 2006, Documentary, DVD, 12 min., USA, English) Profile of a Los Angeles urban artist who believes in the craft of graffiti art as a way of life, while others call it vandalism. Teacher: Anthony Saavedra
	2:30 – 3:30 PM High School Filmmakers’ Reception - Luckman Street of the Arts Amphitheatre Live Band : OLLIN Ollin is an East L.A. band that plays folk music with a punk rock attitude. The band stands out from the rest because of their high energy live shows and their ability to play Irish melodies, Klezmer laments and Mexican rhythms all under the banner of the Ollin sound. With their latest EP release "San Patricios," Ollin is on a mission to entertain as well as educate.

	3:00 – 5:00 PM Program CALIFORNIA PREMIERE - Search for the Chupacabra (Writ./Dir./Prod. Henry Serrato, 2005, Mockumentary, DVD, 41 mins., USA, English) TV follows one man’s search for the mythical creature.
	LOS ANGELES PREMIERE - Recalling Orange County (Writ./Dir./Prod. Mylène Moreno, 2006, Documentary, VHS, 96 mins., USA, English/Spanish) A personal look at the orchestrated backlash against an immigrant rights leader reveals fierce conflicts in California’s Orange County over what it means to be American.
	5:30 – 7:00 PM Program LOS ANGELES PREMIERE - Perros Sin Amor/Loveless Dogs (Writ./Dir./Prod. Christina Soto, 2006, Experimental Silent, DVD, 5 min., USA, English/Spanish) Visual exploration of an artist’ sinner struggle in a life of doubt and uncertainty as she pursues her art.
	EAST LOS PREMIERE S.P.I.C.: The Storyboard of My Life (Writ./Dir./Prod./Animator Robert Castillo, 2005, Animation, DVD, 25 min., USA, English) Five illustrated episodes from the youth of a very “Special Person in Chelsea.”
	Mirror Dance/La Danza Del Espejo (Co-Writ./Dir. Frances McElroy, Maria Teresa Rodriguez, 2005, Documentary, DVD, 54 min., USA/Cuba, English/Spanish) The story of Cuban twin sisters forever linked through birth and dance but separated by a revolution. Ramona and Margarita de Saá became estranged through politics when one moved to the U.S. and the other remained in Cuba. Separated for almost 40 years, both continued to share a passion for dance. Shot over four years in the U.S. and Cuba, the film reveals complexities of their relationship: the worlds in which they live, the choices each has made and the conflicts each has endured.
	7:30 – 9:30 PM Program Sony Pictures Presents EAST LOS PREMIERE The Stain on the Sidewalk (Writ./Dir. Adam Schlachter, 2007, Experimental, DVD, 3 min., USA, English) Fantasy, obsession, wonderment, and anxiety as the ingredients of pubescent love.
	EAST LOS PREMIERE Ladrones y Mentirosos/Thieves and Liars (Co-Writ./Prod./Dir. Ricardo Mendez Matta,Poli Marichal, Ed. Martin Singer, Cast: Steven Bauer, Elpidia Carrillo, Magda Rivera, Carlos Paniagueas, Dennis Mario,Lymari Nadal, 2006, Action Drama, DVD, 114 min, USA, Spanish with English subtitles) A small island with a population of four million, Puerto Rico is the only U.S. territory where Spanish is the main language. Strategically located between South and North America, it has become the main gateway for cocaine into the U.S. east coast. This film follows the lives of three Puerto Rican families, each affected by this wave of corruption and crime, as the older generations helplessly watch the deterioration of truth and justice in their society’s youth.

	SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2007 1:00 – 3:00 PM Program EAST LOS PREMIERE - Una Causa Noble/A Noble Cause (Writ./Dir. Miles Merritt, Co-Writ. Carlos Pascual, Cast: Montserrat De León, Marta Aura, Arnulfo Reyes, Sylvia Velásquez, Horacio Zeta, Fernando Guerra Elias,2006, Drama, Digibeta, 26 mins., Mexico/USA, Spanish/English) Ignacio (Arnulfo Reyes) and Marina (Montserrat de León), a young Mexican couple, are at odds over what is best for their young son’s future. Ignacio, who has been working most of the time in the United States, believes that more opportunities exist for them “en el otro lado” (on the other side). After Ignacio decides to join the U.S. Army in order to expedite his application for citizenship, Marina is faced with some heartrending decisions. Shot in San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico, this film tells the tragic story of a young Mexican man who emigrates to the US to join the army based on President Bush's offer of a fast track to citizenship. Told from the point of view of the wife, son and extended family left behind, this short film highlights the human side of migration.
	EAST LOS PREMIERE - The Short Life of José Antonio Gutierrez (Writ./Dir. Heidi Specogna, 2006, Documentary, DVD, 90 mins., Germany, Spanish/English) A few hours after the Iraq war started in March 2003, Antonio Gutierrez’s photo was sent around the world: the first fallen soldier on the American side, and he’d never lived as an American citizen! In death Antonio’s dream finally came true: like 38,000 other non-U.S. soldiers, he had enlisted in the US army because of the promise of US citizenship.

	3:30 – 5:30 PM Carmona Entertainment Presents Directors’ Roundtable Producer/Co-Director John Bohm, is a New York native and has been teaching for over fifteen years. He moved from New York to LA in 1998. John worked in production for two years before directing two short films. Father G and the Homeboys is his first feature length film.
	Third World California Producer, Luciana Ferraz has an extensive background in entertainment production. She worked as a producer for about eight years for different TV stations and independent production companies in Brazil. She moved to the U.S. in the mid-‘90s. After graduating from UCLA’s Film, TV and New Media program, she worked as a producer for the Fox Latin American Channels for about three years. She also worked as Production Manager for Passport International, managing DVD pre and post-production of documentaries produced for the U.S. and Europe. For the past four years Luciana worked for Disney-ABC Cable Networks Group producing special events and marketing campaigns.
	John Jota, Director of Deadtime Stories with Mariachi Goose and Friends, is a multi-disciplinary artist and Assistant Professor in the Department of Chicana/o Studies at Arizona State University. Leaños’s social art practice has focused on the convergence of memory, history, social space and decolonization. His installation, digital media and performance work has been exhibited at the 2002 Whitney Biennial in New York, The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, MoCA of Los Angeles, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and San Francisco Art Commission Gallery. Professor Leaños is currently teaching at the University of California, Santa Barbara, on a residency in the Center for Chicano Studies. For more information about John Jota Leaños and/or his work, see http://www.leanos.net
	Co-Writer and Producer, Ladrones y Mentirosos is Poli Marichal’s first feature film. She wrote and co-produced the short Todo Cambia/Everything Changes (also with Ricardo Méndez Matta) in 1994. As a part of a Rockefeller fellowship she completed the documentary Son Afrocaribeño: Puerto Rico Bomba y Plena in 1998. Prior to that she wrote and directed the animated short Una Historia de los Reyes Magos, as well as several award winning Super 8mm experimental shorts, such as Underwater Blues and Guernica, both of which were included in the retrospective “Big As Life: An American History of 8mm Films” at New York City’s Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) in 2000.
	Co-Writer and Producer, Ladrones y Mentirosos is Ricardo Méndez Matta’s first feature film as a Director. He has worked as a First AD for directors such as Allison Anders (In the Echo), Andy García (The Lost City), Stuart Gordon (The Wonderful Ice Cream Suit), León Ichaso (Ali: An American Hero), Ken Loach (Bread and Roses) and Gregory Nava (American Family). His first directing credit was the award-winning short film Todo Cambia/Everything Changes, written by his wife, Poli Marichal, for Universal Studios’ Hispanic Film Project in 1994. He subsequently directed episodes of the series Weird Science, Nash Bridges, Touched By An Angel and The District, as well as the 2nd unit for Mark Illsley’s Happy, Texas. Ladrones y Mentirosos is his first writing credit, in collaboration once again with Poli Marichal.
	Una Causa Noble Director, Miles Merritt began his career as a writer with TV Guide Magazine in Los Angeles. Miles subsequently began working with New Century Images, a video production studio that specialized in the development of videos for private industry and various city agencies. In 1997, Miles moved to New York to work with a Cable News Network in White Plains. As writer and producer, he helped create several public relations pieces and short documentaries. Miles’ writing has appeared in the LA Times, Seattle Times, Rolling Stone, Atencion, and various other periodicals. In 2003 he was “Featured Guest Poet of the Month” in San Miguel de Allende, GTO. His first fictional film project, El Cochero, won three awards and was an official selection at twelve film festivals internationally.
	Writer /Director and New York native Dave Rodriguez wrote, directed and produced PUSH which stars Chad Lindberg, Michael Rapaport and Academy Award* nominee Chazz Palminteri. Produced with a $500,000 budget, the film went on to win awards at multiple festivals. He also directed the short, SHE KILLS HE (2005) and a series of commercials. Dave has quickly built a reputation as one of the hardest working filmmakers in Hollywood; a lesson he learned long ago. Born in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx in New York, Dave was influenced at a very early age by music and film and broke into the music business at just 16 years of age, as a producer with Paul "DJ Ice" Jennings and Eli Tubo at Power Play studios in Long Island City, N.Y. In 1997, Dave enrolled in the "Actors Conservatory" in Hollywood where he studied dramatic arts. Dave currently makes his home in Los Angeles.
	Writer, Director, Producer Jesus “Chuy” Santillan was born and raised in La Colonia of Oxnard, California and is an alumn of Oxnard College. He went on to California State University, Long Beach where from 1998 through 2005 he continued pursuing his goal of helping to bring more Mexicano, Chicano, Latino images to media. El Triunfo, Chuy’s first venture toward his goal, won Best Short at the 12 Annual Cine Sin Fin Festival in 2006.
	Father G and the Homeboys Co-Director/Editor Pete Tapia is a San Gabriel Valley, California Native and 1996 alumn of the Cal State L.A. TV, Film & Media Studies program. Pete has worked freelance for the past four years, editing and directing music videos, commercials and documentaries.

	6:00 – 8:00 PM Program U. S. PREMIERE - The Breakdown (Writ./Dir./Prod. Barbara Holguín, 2006, Drama, DVD, 19 mins., USA, English/Spanish) In an attempt to challenge film stereotypes, this film follows three New Jersey male teens on a night out in New York City as they encounter a string of mishaps.
	EAST LOS PREMIERE - Push (Dir. Dave Rodriguez, Writ. Benjamin H. Carlin, Dave Rodriguez, Prod. Don Mabdrick, David Schwartz, Cast: Chazz Palminteri, Chad Lindberg, Charlotte Ayanna, Michael Rapaport, Otto Sanchez, William DePaolo, 2006, Action Drama, Digibeta, 90 mins., USA, English) Drugs, sex, and the temptation of fast money blur the boundaries between two very different societies. A bartender in his twenties, Joe DeSimone (Chad Lindberg) is dissatisfied with his financial situation and relationship with his stripper girlfriend, Lisa (Charlotte Ayanna). While clubbing with best friends, Kevin Doyle (Pierce Forsythe), a rookie stockbroker and recovering drug addict, and Mickey Cohen (William DePaolo), a suburban rich kid, the trio witnesses a drug bust. The dealer drops a package of ecstasy pills on the dance floor before the cops get to him and Mickey retrieves the package. Seeing this as an opportunity to make some fast cash, the friends decide to approach notorious neighborhood gangster Paul Diaz (Otto Sanchez), offering to distribute the drugs for him in their community. Diaz accepts and the three young men soon find themselves commanding a burgeoning criminal operation. Encouraged by their immediate success, Kevin’s greed surfaces and he increases the volume of their operation while relapsing into his past cocaine addiction. But as payday approaches, the friends come to realize that visiting the other side comes at a high price.
	8:30 – 10:30 PM Closing Program Fox Entertainment Presents CALIFORNIA PREMIERE - Father G and the Homeboys (Prod./Co-Dir. John Bohn, Co-Dir./Ed. Pete Tapia, Narrated by Martin Sheen, Cinematography Marc Saltarelli & Bong Hung, Orig. Music by Bill Newlin, Orig. Artwork by Jose Ramirez, 2006, Documentary, Digibeta, 1:44 mins., USA, English) Chronicle of the lives of four Latino gangbangers as they re-direct their lives in a war torn area of Los Angeles known as Boyle Heights, at one time, the street gang capital of the world. For over twenty years Father Gregory Boyle (Father G) and his non-profit organization "HOMEBOY INDUSTRIES" have helped kids plan for their futures instead of their funerals.