 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||||||
3 Américas
East Los Premiere
Writ./Dir./Prod. Cristina Kotz Cornejo, Cast: Kristen Gonzalez, Gy Mirano, Gilberto Arribas, Jaime Sanchez, Eleanor Monahan, Tyshanda Hasberry
2007, Drama, DVD, 98 min., USA, English, Spanish w/English subtitles
America is 16 years old, hates school and her aunt’s alcoholic husband, Joey. Most of her days are spent shoplifting, hanging out with friends, and trying to avoid Joey. Dramatic life-changing events force America to be sent to Buenos Aires, Argentina to live with her reclusive and anti-American grandmother, Lucia America. With a limited Spanish vocabulary, America struggles to find her place with a grandmother she has never known and to hold on to a friendship with Sergio, a neighbor twice her age.
Writer/Director/Producer Cristina Kotz Cornejo will be on hand for Q&A. Sunday, Program 8.
19: Victoria, Texas
East Los Premiere
Dir. Dolissa Medina
2006, Experimental, DVD, 4 min., USA, English
In May of 2003, near the town of Victoria, Texas, horrific events took place. As many as 100 Mexican and Central Americans had been locked for hours inside a sweltering truck. 19 of them died in what became one of the deadliest cases of human smuggling in recent history. Through various haunting tactics, this film explores the eerie and heartbreaking experience of human tragedy and loss. Saturday, Program 6.
A Day at the Theatre
East Los Premiere
Writ., & Dir. Kenneth Castillo, Prod. Karla Ojeda, Cast: Fred Albert, Osma Bryant, Amada Castillo, Sol Castillo, Cholo Chaplin, Mauricio Mendoza, Erica Ortega, Edward Padilla, Richard Soto, Trevor Wilde.
2007, Short, DVD, 13 min., USA, English
This short is episode V in a series of short films entitled The Misadventures of Cholo Chaplin. On his way to the theater, con su hijo Jr., tragedy finds witnesses and Cholo is torn between patriotism and culture, violence and soul. Saturday, Program 6.
Alondra Smiles
East Los Premier, 2008, Romantic Comedy, 119 mins.
Director: Conchita Nora Villa; Writers: Conchita Nora Villa, Juan Francisco Villa; Producer: Juan Francisco Villa; Store: Arturo Solar; Cast: Natalie Gomez, Paloma Rodríguez, Anthony Marquez, Hill Remez, Hugo Daniel Delgado, Brandon Miradi, Crystal Havens, Marie Lusher; Sno E. Blac, Manny Cazz, Jose V. Villa, Josefina Ortega-Villa
Alondra has had her share of ups and downs. But now it seems like she may be overcoming all the dark times with the love and support of her grandparents and friends. Along with her friends she is planning the exciting quinceañera she’s always dreamed of. Everything is going perfectly, until her spoiled cousin Tatiana shows up threatening to ruin everything unless Alondra can outwit Tatiana’s selfish aspirations.
Writer/Director Conchita Nora Villa & Co-Writer/Producer Juan Francisco Villa will be on hand for Q&A. Sunday, Program 7.
And When You’ve Seen What She’s Seen
East Los Premiere
Dir. Behnam Karbassi, Co-Dir. Kuya, Cast: Miss Elotes
2007, Short, DVD, 3:24 min., USA, English
In Los Angeles during times of war, a young girl, survivor of violence, searches for what is left of the past. The film was shot entirely on location around L.A. Saturday, Program 2.
Go to Festival Schedule
Return to top of Page
Below the Fold
East Los Premiere
Dir. Roberto Guidino, Writ. Roberto Guidino & Olga Briseño
2007, Documentary, DVD, 23 min., USA, English
In 1984 a group of Chicano journalists with the LA Times produced a ground breaking in-depth series about the growing Latino population in Los Angeles. The team’s stories challenged the common stereotypes predominating the media, created a new standard for Latino journalism and won the first Pulitzer Prize ever granted to Chicano journalists. Saturday, Program 4.
Casa Libre/Freedom House
World Premiere, 2008, Documentary, 57 mins.
Director: Roberto Oregel, Producer: Chon Noriega
Casa Libre is a non profit organization providing a home to children, including unaccompanied and undocumented children. This documentary highlights the unique children that bring the Freedom House to life and the dedicated workers who strive to maintain a sense of family for children caught in the middle of an on-going international political debate.
Director Roberto Oregel and Producer Chon Noriega will be on hand for Q&A. Saturday, Program 4.
Chiles
Writ./Dir. Tyrone HuFF, Prod. Charles Box
2007, Comedy, BetaSP, 15 min., USA, English & Spanish w/subtitles
Amidst language barriers, hilarious losses in translation and comical culture clashes, the dinner table is set as a young Black man tries to impress his future Mexican in-laws.
Writer/Director Tyrone HuFF will be on hand for Q&A. Sunday, Program 7.
Go to Festival Schedule
Return to top of Page
Crossing Numbers
Los Angeles Premiere
Writ./Dir./Prod. Abel Gonzalez
2007, Comedy, BetaSP, 12 min., USA/Spain, English & Spanish w/ subtitles
When a dead body is discovered on the border what country does the case belong to? This very dark comedy explores this political question with a very funny twist. Sunday, Program 7.
DNN: Dead News Network
Los Angeles Premiere, 2008, Animation, 16 mins.
Directors/Writers/Producers: John Jota Leaños, Sean Levon Nash
Unfair and unbalanced! An animated newscast from the dead unburies top stories censored by the living. Host, Peter Deadings reports bone breaking Deadline News from the frontlines of the War on Errorism, the Million Muerto March, and the Rave at the Rotunda.
Directors/Writers/Producers John Jota Leaños & Sean Levon Nash will be on hand for Q&A. Friday, Program 1.
Father Figure
East Los Premiere
Writ./Dir./Prod. Adam Schlachter, Cast: Jesse Garcia, Alex Castillo, Andrew Aguilar
2006, Drama, DVD, 6 min., USA, English
Jesse watches over his younger brother, Andy, as Alex, a gospel preaching stranger diverts Jesse’s attention to talk to about Jesus. Alex turns out to be a ghost from Jesse’s childhood. This piercing drama tackles tension between spirituality and forgiveness in the face of tragedy. Sunday, Program 8.
Go to Festival Schedule
Return to top of Page
Ganandose La Vida/Making A Living
Los Angeles Premiere
Dir./Prod. Rocco Rodriguez
2008, Documentary, DVD, 10 min., USA, Spanish w/subtitles
This insightful documentary explores the everyday trials and tribulations of Latino street cart vendors working the streets of Los Angeles.
Director Rocco Rodriguez will be on hand for Q&A. Saturday, Program 4.
Harakiry para Haiku 2 / Harakiry For Haiku 2
World Premiere
Writ. & Dir. Alberto Roblest, Prod. Hector Ruiz
2006, Experimental, DVD, 5 min., USA-Mexico, Spanish w/English subtitles
…‘tis a love story of blood and a poem of/through images. An interesting delight in the dark . . . come, dare to love. Saturday, Program 6.
High Voltige
California Premiere
Writ./Dir. Christina Soto, 2008, Experimental, DVD, 3 min., USA, Silent
The story of a young woman who finds her dreams and herself come alive through the art of mambo. Saturday, Program 5.
Look at Me
World Premiere
Dir., Writ., & Prod. James Avelar, Co-Prod. Rudy Carbajal, Cast: Diana Suko
2008, Drama/Comedy, DVD, 14 min., USA, English
When a young woman decides that being overweight has taken its toll, she wants to get a liposuction. But she must decide if this is the right thing for her. Saturday, Program 2.
Muñeca/Doll
World Premiere, 2007, Drama, 70 mins.
Director: Roderick Giles, Mario Lopez; Writers: Christina Soto, Romelio Rivera, Eric Velarde; Producer: Christina Soto; Executive producers: Christina Soto, Darryl Sempl; Cast: Frances Lozada, Chaz Mena, Eddie Rimada, Tanya Cruz
A young painter faces the loss of his greatest companion, and the ridicule of an unimpressed and critical father…Until one day when a beautiful life-sized doll, Sonia, mysteriously shows up at the doorstep of reclusive artist Esteban. Sonia’s “spirit” teaches Esteban to face the world he once feared and her presence ultimately transforms everyone she encounters.
Co-Writ./Prod. Christina Soto will be on hand for Q&A.
Producer/Co-Writer Christina Soto will be on hand for Q&A. Saturday, Program 5.
Go to Festival Schedule
Return to top of Page
Niña Quebrada/Broken Girl
East Los Premiere, 2008, Drama, 119 mins.
Writer/Producer: Diana Romero Premiere (Co-writ./Dir. Jen Kleiner, Writ./Producer, Diana Romero, Danny Klein, Cast: Yvette Yates, Geoffrey Rivas, Lucki Wheating, 2008, Drama, DVD, 23 min., USA, English/Spanish)
Lucena is a hopeful teenage girl who runs away from Mexico and her family for a boyfriend promising her a shiny new life in Los Angeles. When she arrives in the United States she discovers his violent betrayal and she finds herself in a brutal world. With out anyone she can trust she must find the strength to save her own life.
Writ./Prod. Diana Romero and Co-writ./Dir. Jen Kleiner will be on hand for Q&A. Saturday, Program 5.
Nuestra Familia/Our Family
Dir. & Prod. Oriana Zill de Granados, Co-Prod. & Reporter Julia Reynolds, Associate Reporter George Sanchez.
2006, Documentary, DVD, 54 min., USA, English
More than three years of research and filming has resulted in this groundbreaking documentary that goes inside one of California’s most violent and organized gangs. Nuestra Familia features interviews in prison and on the streets with family members and gang members opening up about their lives, painting a haunting picture rarely seen by the public. The film contains never-before-seen footage of Nuestra Familia in action. Ultimately, the film is a powerful chronicle of families determined to bring an end to the terror of gangs before the next generation repeats the mistakes of their fathers. Saturday, Program 2.
Pancho Goes to College
East Los Premiere, 2008, Comedy, 105 mins.
Director: Ruben Reyes
Pancho is looking forward to his new life in college, away from the barrio, his culture, and way of life. But then he meets his new zany roommates, and together, they discover girls, parties, study time, and multiculturalism in a large Arizona college campus. Can Pancho adapt? Will he survive away from home? Shot entirely in Southern Arizona, "Pancho Goes to College" is a comedy feast for the eyes and ears. Scenic desert landscapes, crazy college parties, class lectures, rowdy Chicano bars, and an eclectic rock-norteño-hip-hop music soundtrack drives "Pancho Goes to College" as a fast paced coming-of-age Chicano Animal House with heart. Friday, Program 1.
Go to Festival Schedule
Return to top of Page
Redevelopment
East Los Premiere
Dir., Writ, & Prod. Rick Escamilla, Dir. of Photography Alma Catalan, Cast: Federico Patino, Robert Babish, Amanda Coffin, Yael Sanchez, Andres Jimenez, Abrahm Jimenez, Adrian Jimenez.
2007, Drama, DVD, 3 min., USA English
Councilman Francisco Salas is at an ethical crossroads when he is forced to make a decision that will affect the future of his community. Saturday, Program 2.
Shine
World Premiere
Writ./Dir. Johnny Kirk, Dir. Cinematography Angel Gallegos, Co-Prod. Johnny Kirk & Mario Smith; Cast: Arturo Castro, Will Carranza Jr., Denny Joshua, Angel Garcia.
2007, Short, DVD, 22 min., USA, English
Family tensions arise when a young man from East L.A. reveals his desire to drop out of college and dance. This visceral short explores notions of masculinity and gender performance in a Latino community.
Director Johnny Kirk will be on hand for Q&A. Friday, Program 1.
The 7
East Los Premiere, 2007, Horror/Drama, 85 mins.
Director: Adam Schlachter, Writer/Producer:Blacky Bokich, Director of Photography: Tim Angulo, Executive Producer: Alain Silver, Composer: Carlos Alvarez; Cast: Sandra Echeverria, Henry Czerny, Kelly Blatz, Alison Macinnis, Walter Perez, Carrie Finklea, Derek Craigie, Dani Miura
High school seniors on a field trip to a cave with their science teacher encounter a problem not covered in the class outline.
Director Adam Schlachter will be on hand for Q&A. Saturday, Program 6.
Go to Festival Schedule
Return to top of Page
The Mexican Surfers of Venice
East Los Premiere
Writ./Dir./Prod. Leonard Melchor
2008, Documentary, DVD, 4 min., USA, English
This short documentary focuses on the history of Mexican surfers in Venice, California.
Writer/Director/Producer, Leonard Melchor will be on hand for Q&A. Saturday, Program 4.
The Sun Shines on the Other Side of the Street
World Premiere
Writ./Dir./Prod Emilio Rosa, Co-Writ./Co-Prod. Juan Shamsul Alam, Prod. Tito Puente Jr., Cast: Tito Puente Jr., Santo Alam, Christina Rosa, Brandon Rosa, Carlito Figueroa
2008, Drama, DVD, 25 min., USA, English
Returning from the Gulf war, David accidentally killed a man for which he spends ten years in prison. Upon his release, David returns to a family in shambles under the looming shadow of poverty, drug dealers, and indifference.
Writer/Director/Producer Emilio Rosas & Producer/Actor Tito Puente Jr. will be on hand for Q&A. Sunday, Program 8.
Reel Rasquache 2008 is pleased to present a selection of works by the 2007-08 Cal State L.A. recipients of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association student filmmaking fellowships.
Existence
World Premiere
Writ./Dir. Steve M. Ayala, Cast: Max Huber, Jon Bradford
2008, Drama, DVD, 20 min., USA, English
In the after life, after his recent death, an elderly man is met with the ultimate gift, entry into the halls of heaven. However, before he can walk the holy halls of heaven, he must first make a decision that will forever change him. Who to spend the rest of his existence with; his first wife or his second wife? Sunday, Hollywood Foreign Press Student Showcase
Rock On
World Premiere
Writ./Dir. Daniel Anthony Ross
2008, Documentary/Music Video, DVD, 20 min., USA, English
This innovative rockumentary focus on L.A. Hip Hop artist Ellay Khule AKA Rifleman, takes place after a show. The production follows Mr. Khule to different party locations to chronicle his experiences through his eyes. Sunday, Hollywood Foreign Press Student Showcase
Go to Festival Schedule
Return to top of Page
