Exclusive: Vision Entertainment has brought on Chris Bellant as a manager in their talent and literary departments. He’ll work out of the company’s Los Angeles office and will also work with Vision’s production arm to produce both film and TV.
Bellant joins from Zero Gravity Management, where he also worked across talent, literary and production. Before Zero Gravity, he was a manager at Established Artists and previously ran the management and production company Waldorf Entertainment. Most recently, Bellant produced the upcoming crime thriller Nowhere Men, starring Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman. Previously, he produced films including Loserville, starring Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Matt McGorry, and The Lost Weekend, starring Tony winner Reed Birney and Gracie Gillam.
Bellant’s clients include Emmy-nominated writers Steven White and Daniel Dratch; actors Brad Leland, Taylor Anthony Miller...
Bellant joins from Zero Gravity Management, where he also worked across talent, literary and production. Before Zero Gravity, he was a manager at Established Artists and previously ran the management and production company Waldorf Entertainment. Most recently, Bellant produced the upcoming crime thriller Nowhere Men, starring Jack Quaid, Jeffrey Dean Morgan and Malin Akerman. Previously, he produced films including Loserville, starring Jamie-Lynn Sigler and Matt McGorry, and The Lost Weekend, starring Tony winner Reed Birney and Gracie Gillam.
Bellant’s clients include Emmy-nominated writers Steven White and Daniel Dratch; actors Brad Leland, Taylor Anthony Miller...
- 7/26/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
The return of Hayden Christensen in the Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ TV show shows that Star Wars is a generational saga, with fans who grew up with the prequels. Star Wars has an evolving fanbase that spans different generations, and the studio is appealing to all of them through its content on Disney+. The reputation of the sequel trilogy has improved over time, just like Ahsoka Tano, and it's likely that the same will happen with Rey Skywalker as her fans age and take their place in the fandom. Star Wars will continue to grow and evolve.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ TV show proves Star Wars has grown to love the prequel trilogy - and the same will happen with the sequels. When Lucasfilm launched the Star Wars sequels, the studio deliberately pivoted toward an original trilogy aesthetic. This was because George Lucas' prequel trilogy had divided the fanbase, while the original trilogy was still loved.
The Obi-Wan Kenobi Disney+ TV show proves Star Wars has grown to love the prequel trilogy - and the same will happen with the sequels. When Lucasfilm launched the Star Wars sequels, the studio deliberately pivoted toward an original trilogy aesthetic. This was because George Lucas' prequel trilogy had divided the fanbase, while the original trilogy was still loved.
- 8/17/2023
- by Thomas Bacon
- ScreenRant
We interviewed the talented female Dp Carolina Costa AMC, which two of her films were selected by Sundance 2023. Moreover, Costa lensed films that won multiple prizes, and she has earned the honor to be on Variety’s list of “10 Latinxs To Watch in 2020”. Read below what Costa has to say about the glass ceiling that touches many female cinematographers, and how to overcome/break it.
Dp Carolina Costa AMC Carolina Costa AMC
Originally from Brazil, Carolina studied at the University of the Arts, London, where she was mentored by Sue Gibson, the renowned first female president of the British Society of Cinematographers. Costa then moved to Los Angeles and earned her Masters in Cinematography from the American Film Institute. Her AFI thesis film Way In Rye went on to compete at Camerimage in Poland, followed by her AFI alumni short Contrapelo which premiered at Tribeca before being shortlisted for the Academy Awards.
Dp Carolina Costa AMC Carolina Costa AMC
Originally from Brazil, Carolina studied at the University of the Arts, London, where she was mentored by Sue Gibson, the renowned first female president of the British Society of Cinematographers. Costa then moved to Los Angeles and earned her Masters in Cinematography from the American Film Institute. Her AFI thesis film Way In Rye went on to compete at Camerimage in Poland, followed by her AFI alumni short Contrapelo which premiered at Tribeca before being shortlisted for the Academy Awards.
- 3/17/2023
- by Yossy Mendelovich
- YMCinema
Initiating one of Amazon’s most ambitious titles ever in Latin America, production has begun on “La cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta,” the region’s first Western Amazon Original series, Amazon Prime Video announced Tuesday.
An “action-packed” series made in Mexico, it added, “La cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta” stars top Mexican actor Juan Manuel Bernal and Alejandro Speitzer, a fast-rising star after prominent roles in Mexican hits in “Dark Desire” and “Someone Has to Die.”
Backed by a powerful creative combo, the Amazon Original series is produced by Dynamo, who handled the physical production of “Narcos” in Colombia and produced Amazon’s “Falco” and Netflix’s first-anounced Colombian Original series, “Green Frontier.”
The series is created by Dynamo’s Diego Ramírez Schrempp and Fidelio’s Mauricio Leiva-Cock.
Series episodes will be directed by Humberto Hinojosa Ozcariz and David Pablos, fresh of his success with “Dance of the 41,” and director of “The Chosen Ones,...
An “action-packed” series made in Mexico, it added, “La cabeza de Joaquín Murrieta” stars top Mexican actor Juan Manuel Bernal and Alejandro Speitzer, a fast-rising star after prominent roles in Mexican hits in “Dark Desire” and “Someone Has to Die.”
Backed by a powerful creative combo, the Amazon Original series is produced by Dynamo, who handled the physical production of “Narcos” in Colombia and produced Amazon’s “Falco” and Netflix’s first-anounced Colombian Original series, “Green Frontier.”
The series is created by Dynamo’s Diego Ramírez Schrempp and Fidelio’s Mauricio Leiva-Cock.
Series episodes will be directed by Humberto Hinojosa Ozcariz and David Pablos, fresh of his success with “Dance of the 41,” and director of “The Chosen Ones,...
- 9/7/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has set May 12 for the worldwide premiere of “El Baile de los 41” (“Dance of the 41”), the fact-based drama about the early 20th century scandal that rocked Mexican high society.
Penned by Monika Revilla and directed by David Pablos (“The Chosen Ones”), “El Baile de los 41” focuses on the 1901 scandal of the Ball of the Forty-One where police raided a private home in Mexico City and exposed various prominent society men in drag, including the son-in-law of the president of Mexico. Although the government tried to suppress the story, the local press gave it blanket coverage, marking the first time that homosexuality was openly discussed in the Mexican media and impacting the country’s culture for years to come.
In the trailer, which Netflix bows exclusively in Variety, it opens on an officer informing the president about 42 men caught in a raid. “I only count 41,” the president replies,...
Penned by Monika Revilla and directed by David Pablos (“The Chosen Ones”), “El Baile de los 41” focuses on the 1901 scandal of the Ball of the Forty-One where police raided a private home in Mexico City and exposed various prominent society men in drag, including the son-in-law of the president of Mexico. Although the government tried to suppress the story, the local press gave it blanket coverage, marking the first time that homosexuality was openly discussed in the Mexican media and impacting the country’s culture for years to come.
In the trailer, which Netflix bows exclusively in Variety, it opens on an officer informing the president about 42 men caught in a raid. “I only count 41,” the president replies,...
- 4/14/2021
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
France’s Manny Films has boarded Chilean feature “Maybe It Is True What They Are Saying About Us,” and will co-produce alongside leading Chilean independent label Storyboard Media and Argentina’s Murillo Cine, whose credits include Cannes sidebar entries “The Snatch Thief” and “Land of Ashes.”
“We are thrilled that Manny Films is joining as a co-producer on this exciting film,” Storyboard’s Carlos Nuñez told Variety. “Their involvement will go a long way in our continued efforts to promote this project internationally. Our idea is now to film later this year.”
Manny’s history of working with top Latin American talent is long and lauded. The company has co-produced award-winning fare such as Cannes players “Ardor” from Pablo Fendrik and “The Chosen Ones” from David Pablos, Venice competition player “Compañeros” from Alvaro Brechner and last year’s best film in a foreign language winner “Tragic Jungle” from Yulene Olaizola.
“We are thrilled that Manny Films is joining as a co-producer on this exciting film,” Storyboard’s Carlos Nuñez told Variety. “Their involvement will go a long way in our continued efforts to promote this project internationally. Our idea is now to film later this year.”
Manny’s history of working with top Latin American talent is long and lauded. The company has co-produced award-winning fare such as Cannes players “Ardor” from Pablo Fendrik and “The Chosen Ones” from David Pablos, Venice competition player “Compañeros” from Alvaro Brechner and last year’s best film in a foreign language winner “Tragic Jungle” from Yulene Olaizola.
- 3/5/2021
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Arturo Sampson will be the new Head of Production at Isaac Lee’s Exile Content Studios, which focuses on acquiring and developing premium original content for audiences across the U.S. and Latin America.
Based in Mexico, Sampson will oversee scripted and unscripted projects in Mexico, Spain, Colombia and the U.S. With Sampson on board, Exile Content will build out its production arm for exclusive branded content as well as a production services arm to non-Exile projects.
“We are very excited to welcome Arturo as our new Head of Production,” said Daniel Eilemberg, Exile’s President of Content. “His addition adds a physical production component to our work, further ensuring the highest quality on all our projects. I am looking forward to working closely with him on upcoming projects.”
Alejandro Uribe, Exile’s CEO, adds, “Arturo’s hire sets Exile Content up for further success, solidifying our...
Based in Mexico, Sampson will oversee scripted and unscripted projects in Mexico, Spain, Colombia and the U.S. With Sampson on board, Exile Content will build out its production arm for exclusive branded content as well as a production services arm to non-Exile projects.
“We are very excited to welcome Arturo as our new Head of Production,” said Daniel Eilemberg, Exile’s President of Content. “His addition adds a physical production component to our work, further ensuring the highest quality on all our projects. I am looking forward to working closely with him on upcoming projects.”
Alejandro Uribe, Exile’s CEO, adds, “Arturo’s hire sets Exile Content up for further success, solidifying our...
- 8/3/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
Sony Pictures Intl. Prods. and El Estudio, a major new independent production player in the Spanish-speaking world, are teaming to produce a Mexican version of breakout Cuban feature “Juan of the Dead,” with Emilio Portés directing.
Chronicling a U.S. zombie invasion of Mexico, the remake marks one in a strong first slate of titles from El Estudio, launched at the Berlin Festival by three of the most connected producers in the Spanish-speaking world: Ex-Canana producer-partner Pablo Cruz, “The Impossible” producer Enrique López Lavigne and former Sony Pictures Intl. Prods. head Diego Suárez Chialvo.
Based out of Mexico, Los Angeles and Madrid, El Estudio has 63 projects in development or production. El Estudio is represented by CAA. Partners on early titles include Sony Pictures Intl. Prods., Netflix, HBO, Lionsgate, Viacom Intl. Pictures, Movistar Plus and Beta Film, El Estudio told Variety, announcing some of its 2020-21 projects:
“Verguenza” stars Mexico’s...
Chronicling a U.S. zombie invasion of Mexico, the remake marks one in a strong first slate of titles from El Estudio, launched at the Berlin Festival by three of the most connected producers in the Spanish-speaking world: Ex-Canana producer-partner Pablo Cruz, “The Impossible” producer Enrique López Lavigne and former Sony Pictures Intl. Prods. head Diego Suárez Chialvo.
Based out of Mexico, Los Angeles and Madrid, El Estudio has 63 projects in development or production. El Estudio is represented by CAA. Partners on early titles include Sony Pictures Intl. Prods., Netflix, HBO, Lionsgate, Viacom Intl. Pictures, Movistar Plus and Beta Film, El Estudio told Variety, announcing some of its 2020-21 projects:
“Verguenza” stars Mexico’s...
- 2/21/2020
- by John Hopewell and Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
GÖTEBORG, Sweden — Scandi sales shingle The Yellow Affair has added to its Göteborg lineup the Swedish series “The Chosen Ones” (“Det Utvalda”), currently playing on Swedish pubcaster Svt’s streaming service Svt Play.
The short form sci-fi thriller stars a strong Swedish female cast of model-turned actress Frida Gustavsson (“Swoon”), singer/actress Amy Deasismont, Felice Jankell (“Young Sophie Bell”), Tind Soneby (“Modus”), Segal Mohamed, Isabella Touma Pettersson and Astrid Morberg.
Liza Morberg, Christian Hallman and Stina Hammar direct, from a screenplay by Leif Alexis and Henrik Lilliér. Erik Magnusson produces for top Swedish indie Anagram.
The show kicks off with 12 girls who wake up in a secluded mansion, without knowing how or why they got there. As they realize they are locked in, the situation in the house threatens to escalate. But the mansion also harbors a dark secret. The girls are part of a medical experiment. If they don...
The short form sci-fi thriller stars a strong Swedish female cast of model-turned actress Frida Gustavsson (“Swoon”), singer/actress Amy Deasismont, Felice Jankell (“Young Sophie Bell”), Tind Soneby (“Modus”), Segal Mohamed, Isabella Touma Pettersson and Astrid Morberg.
Liza Morberg, Christian Hallman and Stina Hammar direct, from a screenplay by Leif Alexis and Henrik Lilliér. Erik Magnusson produces for top Swedish indie Anagram.
The show kicks off with 12 girls who wake up in a secluded mansion, without knowing how or why they got there. As they realize they are locked in, the situation in the house threatens to escalate. But the mansion also harbors a dark secret. The girls are part of a medical experiment. If they don...
- 1/28/2020
- by Annika Pham
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon’s upcoming series about Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and Aztec Emperor Moctezuma II has made some high-profile additions to its creative team.
Actors Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna have come onboard the series as executive producers, while Ciro Guerra and Cristina Gallego are now attached to direct all four episodes of the series. Production designer Eugenio Caballero, an Oscar winner for his work on “Pan’s Labyrinth,” has also joined the production along with costume designer Anna Terrazas and casting director Luis Rosales. Caballero, Terrazas, and Rosales all previously worked together on the Oscar-winning film “Roma.” The Mexican production will be overseen by Stacy Perskie and local production company Redrum.
The untitled limited series was announced last year, with Javier Bardem attached to star as Cortés. Steven Zaillian is writing the series based on the screenplay by Dalton Trumbo. Zaillian and Bardem will executive produce along with Bernal,...
Actors Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna have come onboard the series as executive producers, while Ciro Guerra and Cristina Gallego are now attached to direct all four episodes of the series. Production designer Eugenio Caballero, an Oscar winner for his work on “Pan’s Labyrinth,” has also joined the production along with costume designer Anna Terrazas and casting director Luis Rosales. Caballero, Terrazas, and Rosales all previously worked together on the Oscar-winning film “Roma.” The Mexican production will be overseen by Stacy Perskie and local production company Redrum.
The untitled limited series was announced last year, with Javier Bardem attached to star as Cortés. Steven Zaillian is writing the series based on the screenplay by Dalton Trumbo. Zaillian and Bardem will executive produce along with Bernal,...
- 10/3/2019
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Cannes — Four Cannes 57th Critics’ Week shorts, sourced from the Morelia Festival – “Vuelve a mi ,” “Under the Sun,” “In Deep Water” and “Land of Waters, Sea of Mermaids” – highlighted Wednesday the seemingly bottomless well of young talent emerging in Mexico.
In a tradition which runs back to 2005, titles were chosen by Cannes Critics’ Week from a vast spread of fiction, animation and documentary shorts screened every year at Morelia, around 45 in 2017: a rich and ranging panoply, recording Morelia’s origins as a short film festival, which still marks it apart from other big Mexican film events.
Distinguished producer Roberto Fiesco (“David”) and director David Pablos (Un Certain Regard screener “The Chosen Ones”) both had early shorts playing at Morelia. Director Elisa Miller (“El placer es mío”) went straight from winning Morelia with “Watching It Rain” to winning a Palme d’Or at Cannes. The Morelia Festival shorts showcase remains...
In a tradition which runs back to 2005, titles were chosen by Cannes Critics’ Week from a vast spread of fiction, animation and documentary shorts screened every year at Morelia, around 45 in 2017: a rich and ranging panoply, recording Morelia’s origins as a short film festival, which still marks it apart from other big Mexican film events.
Distinguished producer Roberto Fiesco (“David”) and director David Pablos (Un Certain Regard screener “The Chosen Ones”) both had early shorts playing at Morelia. Director Elisa Miller (“El placer es mío”) went straight from winning Morelia with “Watching It Rain” to winning a Palme d’Or at Cannes. The Morelia Festival shorts showcase remains...
- 5/17/2018
- by John Hopewell and Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
In a deal announced at the Cannes Film Festival, Argentina’s Magma Cine and Chile’s Storyboard Media have closed co-production on the highly-anticipated historical drama “The Commitment.” The agreement will see the South American companies partner with French independent producers Manny Films.
Based in Paris, Manny Films was founded just over a decade ago, and focuses on internationally-aimed co-productions in feature films and high-end TV series. Films which they have produced which screened at Cannes include: “The Ardor,” starting Gael García Bernal; the animated “Lascars” which starred Vincent Cassel and Diane Kruger, and 2015’s “The Chosen Ones” among others.
“The Commitment” was written by Paola Campos, Bernardita Olmedo and Fernando Castillo, and is directed by Argentine Benjamín Ávila, whose 2011 film “Clandestine Childhood” world premiered at Cannes. He also scored a Goya, and cleaned up at the Argentine Academy Awards where the film won him best director, screenplay – shared with Marcelo Müller – and best picture.
Based in Paris, Manny Films was founded just over a decade ago, and focuses on internationally-aimed co-productions in feature films and high-end TV series. Films which they have produced which screened at Cannes include: “The Ardor,” starting Gael García Bernal; the animated “Lascars” which starred Vincent Cassel and Diane Kruger, and 2015’s “The Chosen Ones” among others.
“The Commitment” was written by Paola Campos, Bernardita Olmedo and Fernando Castillo, and is directed by Argentine Benjamín Ávila, whose 2011 film “Clandestine Childhood” world premiered at Cannes. He also scored a Goya, and cleaned up at the Argentine Academy Awards where the film won him best director, screenplay – shared with Marcelo Müller – and best picture.
- 5/14/2018
- by Jamie Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Bayona’s film scoops 12 nods, followed closely by ‘Smoke And Mirrors’ and ‘The Fury Of A Patient Man’.
The 2017 Goya award nominations were announced in Madrid today (December 14) by actors Natalia de Molina and Javier Cámara, Goya winners last year with Food And Shelter and Truman respectively. The ceremony for the 31st edition of the awards will be held on February 4.
J.A. Bayona’s A Monster Calls, which tops the box office so far in Spain this year with $27.6m (€25.9m), leads the nominations with 12 nods including best film, best director for Bayona, best adapted screenplay (for Patrick Ness who wrote the adaptation of his own novel), best supporting actress for Sigourney Weaver, best music, best cinematography, best production design and art direction. Bayona is currently in Hawaii preparing Jurassic World 2.
Two thrillers, a popular genre in Spanish cinema, scored 11 each. Smoke And Mirrors, by Alberto Rodríguez, big winner at the 2015 edition of the Goyas with Marshland...
The 2017 Goya award nominations were announced in Madrid today (December 14) by actors Natalia de Molina and Javier Cámara, Goya winners last year with Food And Shelter and Truman respectively. The ceremony for the 31st edition of the awards will be held on February 4.
J.A. Bayona’s A Monster Calls, which tops the box office so far in Spain this year with $27.6m (€25.9m), leads the nominations with 12 nods including best film, best director for Bayona, best adapted screenplay (for Patrick Ness who wrote the adaptation of his own novel), best supporting actress for Sigourney Weaver, best music, best cinematography, best production design and art direction. Bayona is currently in Hawaii preparing Jurassic World 2.
Two thrillers, a popular genre in Spanish cinema, scored 11 each. Smoke And Mirrors, by Alberto Rodríguez, big winner at the 2015 edition of the Goyas with Marshland...
- 12/14/2016
- ScreenDaily
The Chosen Ones (Las Elegidas), a drama about a teenage girl forced into prostitution, on Saturday night won best picture and director at the 58th Ariel Awards, Mexico's version of the Oscars. Produced by Canana Films, the production company of Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna, The Chosen Ones had its world premiere last year in Cannes' Un Certain Regard. { "nid": 796504, "type": "review", "title": "'The Chosen Ones' ('Las Elegidas'): Cannes Review", "path": "http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/chosen-las-elegidas-cannes-review-796504", "relative-path": "/review/chosen-las-elegidas-cannes-review-796504" } Writer-director David Pablo's film grabbed five Ariels on Saturday
read more...
read more...
- 5/29/2016
- by John Hecht
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The eighth annual Hola Mexican Film Festival, presented by DishLATINO, the largest festival of cinema outside of Mexico, today announced a partial lineup of the 2016 festival schedule including opening and closing nights and four special showcase presentations. The festival runs May 13-22 with all screenings taking place at the Regal La Live Stadium 14 Theatre, except for closing night which will be at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
This year’s festival will open with "Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla) nominated for 14 Premios Ariel Awards (Mexico’s “Oscars”). The film is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself. Directed by Celso R. Garcia, the film stars Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra. Confirmed to attend the premiere are Cosio and Palacios as well as other special guests.
Additional showcase screenings include "We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.) directed by Roberto Girault and starring Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm and "Mr. Pig" with star Danny Glover to attend, on Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 Pm.
Closing the festival on Sunday, May 22 is "Panoramas," a unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. Members of band Zoé will attend and perform a DJ set. This special event screening will take place at La Plaza Cultura y Artes Theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles.
Also this year marks the first time that films from a country outside of Mexico will be shown with special presentations of two films from Chile – "Sin Filtro" and "El Bosque de Karadima"
Opening Night Premiere – Friday, May 13 at 7:00 Pm
Regal La Live Stadium 14
"The Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla)
Dir. Celso R. Garcia
Cast: Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra
Mexico 2015, 95 Min
Five men are hired to paint the yellow line of a road that will link two forgotten towns in Mexico. With less than 2 weeks to cover over 200 kilometers aboard a '76 pick-up truck, they will discover that painting at a speed of 1 km/hour will teach them about the lines between good and evil, laughter and despair, life and death. The challenges they face will change their lives forever. The Thin Yellow Line is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself.
Closing Night Premiere – Sunday, May 22 At 7:00 Pm
La Plaza Cultura y Artes theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles.
"Panoramas"
Dir. Rodrigo Guardiola y Gabriel Cruz Rivas
Cast: Zoé
Mexico 2016, 90 Min
A unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. “Panoramas” is a Cinéma Vérité-style portrait of Zoé that takes you on a contemplative audio/visual journey through some of the band's most decisive moments. A film crew accompanies the band during a two-year period to provide us with an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band’s longest international tour to date, in their first real shot at becoming well-known and "making it big" outside their home country of México. The 15-year artistic career of Zoé completes its growth-cycle and reaches full circle as the musicians arrive at the quintessential question all bands face: What's next?
MÉXico Now
"We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.)
Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Roberto Girault
Cast: Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
"We Fulfill Your Dreams" is a company that makes fantasies come to life. Made up of a group of actors and led by a ‘Director' (Jaime Camil), they create set-ups to re-enact real-life circumstances for the good of people.
For their latest job, they are hired by Mr. Balboa to spend a week in the roles of a long-gone loving grandson and his wife. Portrayed as an angel to his grandmother through fictitious letters created by the elderly Mr. Balboa, the young man has in reality become a villainous character. But things go awry for actors Mauricio and Isabel when the real grandson turns up for a show-down with his grandparents.
"Mr. Pig"
Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Diego Luna
Cast: Danny Glover, Maya Rudolph, Jose Maria Yazpik
Mexico 2016, 100 Min
Ambrose Eubanks (Danny Glover), is an old-school pig farmer from California. After the family farm is foreclosed, he sets off with Howard, his beloved (and very large) pig, on a road trip to Mexico.
Ambrose must figure out how to smuggle "Howie" across the border and find him a new home.
"In Your Eyes" (A los Ojos)
Friday, May 20 at 7:00 Pm and Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 Pm
Dir. Victoria Franco y Michel Franco
Cast: Mónica del Carmen, Omar Moreno, Benjamín Espinoza, Jacobo Najman
Mexico 2015, 96 Min
Monica is a social worker from Mexico City, a single mother whose child is suffering from a degenerative illness of the eyes. Having exhausted all other options, a corneal transplant is the child's only hope. Overwhelmed by the ineffectiveness of the health system and the scarcity of resources, Monica is driven to an extreme solution... Found within the world of the street children.
"The Aparicios" (Las Aparacio)
Sunday, May 15 at 4:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Moisés Ortiz - Urquidi
Cast: Ana De La Reguera, María Del Carmen Farías, Liz Gallardo, Eréndia Ibarra, Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Paulina Gaitán y Tenoch Huerta
México 2016,
The Aparicios are a family made up entirely of women, all cursed to become widows and to never bear male children. At their ranch in Xico, in the state of Veracruz, they discover the body of the first husband of an Aparicio woman. This leads the Aparicios to search their past in an attempt to end the ancient curse, and finally face their present
"Parallel Roads" (Rumbos Paralelos)
Saturday, May 14 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Rafael Montero
Cast: Ludwika Paleta, Iliana Fox, Michel Brown, Arturo Barba
Mexico 2016,
(Film in Spanish, no English subtitles)
Rumbos Paralelos (Parallel Roads) tells the emotional story of two young mothers whose lives change unexpectedly.
Silvia must suddenly confront both her son’s illness and the abrupt discovery that she is not his biological mother. Desperate to find a donor for a life-saving kidney transplant, Silvia will seek out Gaby, the child's true biological mother. The following actions will put the power of maternity to the test and challenge life as a whole. Are family ties made out of love? Or are they carried in our blood?
"Paradise Lost" (Paraiso Perdido)
Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Humberto Hinojosa
Cast: Ana Claudia Talancón, Iván Sanchez, Andrés Almeida
México 2016, 87 Min
Three friends are traveling by sailboat through Caribbean waters, when they come across a deserted paradise island and decide to explore it. What was supposed to be one of the best weekends of their lives will turn into a tireless fight for survival when they discover the island's hidden secret.
"She is Ramona" (Ella es Ramona)
Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 Pm and Monday, May 16 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Hugo Rodriguez
Cast: Andrea Ortega Lee, Daniel Giménez Cacho, María Rojo, Leticia Huijara
México 2015, 83 Min
Ramona is overweight, with too many kilos and not enough luck. She remembers a childhood as the victim of abuse at the hands of her mother, her sister, and even her friends. She was Big Belly Ramona, Big Eater Ramona, Ramona the Pig. Now an adult, things aren't looking much better. Her life seems to be crumbling. She gets fired for being fat; when she seeks liposuction, her doctor rejects as a candidate for the procedure because she is too overweight. Things begin falling into place, however, when she stumbles across a Tarot café which sells the magic beetles that will change her life.
"Elvira, I would Give You my Life, but I’m Using It" (Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando)
Thursday, May 19 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Manolo Caro
Cast: Cecilia Suárez, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Vanessa Bauche
Mexico 2015, 108 Min
Gustavo, husband of Elvira, goes out one night to buy cigarettes, never to return. Elvira, a 40-year-old mother of two, begins a relentless search for the love of her life. Clues lead her to the conclusion that her husband has kept a secret relationship. The unfortunate discovery will not stop Elvira in her mission of finding him.
"The Chosen Ones" (Las Elegidas)
Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. David Pablos
Cast: Nancy Talamantes, Óscar Torres
Mexico 2015, 105 Min
Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her...
New Voices
"Leaf Blower" (Sopladora de Hojas)
Saturday, May 14 at 2:00 Pm, Monday, May 16 at 9:30 Pm and Friday, May 20 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Alejandro Iglesias
Cast: Francisco Rueda, Alejandro Guerrero, Fabrizio Santini
Mexico 2015, 96 Min
Lucas, Emilio and Rubén are three friends united in a special quest: to find a set of lost keys in a pile of dead leaves. What appears to be a simple task will turn into a profound journey that forces the teenagers to confront their fears: of letting go of the past, of facing embarrassing truths, of taking risks... Of growing up. This afternoon, as trivial as it may sound, could change the course of their lives. Or maybe not.
"Amir"
Saturday, May 14 at 4:00 Pm and Thursday, May 19 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. José Paredes
Cast: Jorge Guevara, Tania Niebla y Lirio Karina
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
Amir, an aspiring musician, finds himself drawn to Jeanette, a beautiful singer he meets during a night out on the town with his friends. The attraction complicates his relationship with his current girlfriend, Elizabeth, who is expecting his child. Amir will attempt to work out his feelings towards his newfound love interest, music and maturity, as adulthood forces him to make some challenging choices along the way.
"The Arrival of Conrado Sierra" (El Arribo de Conrado Sierra)
Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. René Pereyra
Cast: Maite Perroni, Joaquín Cosío, Susana Dosamantes, Ana González, Rocío García, Jessica Mas
Mexico 2015, 120 Min
In 1940's "Torres Mochas" (the city of Torreón, Mexico), the widow Doña Josefina and her five spinster daughters await the arrival of a man aiming to marry the youngest of the sisters. The local townspeople, excited at the prospect of one of “Virgin Josefitas” finally marrying, prepare massive celebrations. When the mysterious suitor finally appears, circumstances take an unforeseen course.
For The Children
"The Adventures of Itzel and Sonia" (Las Aventuras de Itzel y Sonia)
Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 Pm
Dir. Fernanda Rivero
Cast: Arcelía Ramírez, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Joaquín Cosío, Bruno Bichir
Mexico 2016, 70 Min
This film was made as part of the “Cuéntamelo filmando” ("Tell it to me with the cameras rolling") workshop and was done with the support of 500 people from 10 rural communities in Mexico.
Itzel, an 8-year-old girl, and her best friend ‘Sonia the Frog’ will embark on a mission to find the guardians of the water, before the city's supply runs out. With the help of her grandmother, they will search in the most remote areas of Mexico, while a faceless being stalks them.
"By My Mustache" (Por Mis Bigotes)
Sunday, May 15 at 12:00 Pm
Dir. Manuel Carames
Cast: Jesus Ochoa, Santiago Torres, Fernando Becerril
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
Though it sounds unbelievable, little Ulises, at only nine years old, has grown an enormous mustache from one day to the next. So begins a series of extraordinary events for him, his mother and his best friends. From this moment forward, all of them, along with a cast of very curious characters, will find themselves caught up in a very hairy adventure.
Documentary
"Made in Bangkok"
Monday, May 16 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Flavio Florencio
Cast: Morgana Love
Mexico 2015, 75 Min
Morgana is a Mexican transgender opera singer with a relentless determination to assert her identity, despite having to fight against social stigma and family prejudice. Her dream is to have gender-reassignment surgery. Her only chance to make happen is by winning a beauty pageant in Bangkok, and use the $10,000 cash prize to pay for the surgery. The documentary embarks on Morgana’s journey with her, while providing us with an intimate portrait of what it is to construct a long-dreamt-of identity.
"Mexican Fighting" (Lucha Mexico)
Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Alexandria Hammond & Ian Markiewicz
Cast: 1000% Guapo, Blue Demon, Hijo Del Perro Aguayo, Tony Salazar, Arkangel
México / USA 103 Min
The ultimate look behind the mask, Lucha Mexico documents the joyous spectacle of Lucha Libre wrestling, which has thrilled Mexican fans for generations. The story follows "El 1000% Guapo" (1000% Handsome) Shocker, one of the most successful Luchadores of the modern era. His life is consumed by the need of being in the ring. A supporting cast of fan-favorites further reveal the world of Lucha Libre from the inside, with Blue Demon Jr. discussing life from behind a legendary mask; the violent history of El Hijo del Perro Aguayo (the Son of "The Dog" Aguayo); as well as veterans like Tony Salazar and Archangel, as they pass on the secrets of the ring to a new generation of fighters. These stars and others will shed light on the intense physical and emotional challenges they must constantly face in order to stand inside the ropes and thrill every last fan. With its unprecedented access to the top Lucha performers and promoters, as well as other players of this grand spectacle, Lucha Mexico steps into the ring to show us the great power behind the mask, and leads us straight to the beating heart of Mexico.
Hola Chile
"The Church Of Karadima" (El Bosque de Karadima)
Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Matías Lira
Cast: Benjamin Vicuña, Luis Gnecco, Ingrid Isensee
Chile 2015, 98 Min
Fernando Karadima, the pastor and leader of the most powerful Church of the Chilean upper class from the 1980's to 2000's, is considered a living saint. Thomas, a teenager in search of his vocation, finds himself drawn to Karadima and accepts him as a spiritual guide. For 20 years, Tommy will gradually be subjected to physical and psychological abuse by the priest, until he decides to speak out and confront both the charismatic priest and the power networks that protect him, finally uncovering the real Karadima hiding behind the investiture of God's representative on Earth.
"No Filter" (Sin Filtro)
Wednesday, May 18 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Nicolás López
Cast: Paz Bascuñán, Ignacia Allamand, Paulo Brunei
Chile 2016, 100 Min
Pía is on the verge of a nervous breakdown: Her boss humiliates her, her husband ignores her, her stepson is disrespectful, and her best friend no longer listens to what she says.
Pía begins having strong chest pains and, after trying many different healing methods, decides to undergo an acupuncture treatment. The Chinese doctor discovers that Pía's pain is caused by repressed feelings, and, with an ancient technique, he "removes the filter". From now on, an uninhibited Pía will realize that the only way to heal herself is to speak everything that comes to mind - which won't always bring her the best results.
Nocturnal/Genre
"Barrancas"
Saturday, May 14 at 12 Midnight and Wednesday, May 18 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Juan De La Peña
Cast: Diego Sánchez, Esteban De la Isla, Ana Lucía Camacho, Julia Dávalos, Eduardo Romo, Gustavo Gascón, Inés Vachez
Mexico 2016, 88 Min
The owner of a huge house in the woods, in the town of Barrancas, has a reputation for not paying his employees. When the latest housekeeper goes missing, everyone simply assumes that yet another employee has quit. Meanwhile, back in the city, the owner's nephew Mario is tasked with going to Barrancas to hand over the keys to the new caretaker. Young Mario thinks it’s a good idea to secretly invite his friends from college, as well as the girl he likes, out to the country house for a fun weekend. What Mario doesn’t know is that this may turn out to be a very dangerous idea indeed.
"The Similars" (Los Parecidos)
Sunday, May 15 at 9:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Isaac Ezban
Cast: Gustavo Sánchez Parra, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Humberto Busto, Carmen Beato
Mexico 2015, 89 Min
In the rainy darkness of the early morning hours of October 2, 1968, eight people are waiting in a remote bus station in the middle of nowhere for the bus heading to Mexico City. They’ll soon find themselves experiencing a strange phenomenon.
For more information and ticket sales visit - http://holamexicoff.com...
This year’s festival will open with "Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla) nominated for 14 Premios Ariel Awards (Mexico’s “Oscars”). The film is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself. Directed by Celso R. Garcia, the film stars Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra. Confirmed to attend the premiere are Cosio and Palacios as well as other special guests.
Additional showcase screenings include "We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.) directed by Roberto Girault and starring Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm and "Mr. Pig" with star Danny Glover to attend, on Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 Pm.
Closing the festival on Sunday, May 22 is "Panoramas," a unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. Members of band Zoé will attend and perform a DJ set. This special event screening will take place at La Plaza Cultura y Artes Theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles.
Also this year marks the first time that films from a country outside of Mexico will be shown with special presentations of two films from Chile – "Sin Filtro" and "El Bosque de Karadima"
Opening Night Premiere – Friday, May 13 at 7:00 Pm
Regal La Live Stadium 14
"The Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla)
Dir. Celso R. Garcia
Cast: Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra
Mexico 2015, 95 Min
Five men are hired to paint the yellow line of a road that will link two forgotten towns in Mexico. With less than 2 weeks to cover over 200 kilometers aboard a '76 pick-up truck, they will discover that painting at a speed of 1 km/hour will teach them about the lines between good and evil, laughter and despair, life and death. The challenges they face will change their lives forever. The Thin Yellow Line is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself.
Closing Night Premiere – Sunday, May 22 At 7:00 Pm
La Plaza Cultura y Artes theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles.
"Panoramas"
Dir. Rodrigo Guardiola y Gabriel Cruz Rivas
Cast: Zoé
Mexico 2016, 90 Min
A unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. “Panoramas” is a Cinéma Vérité-style portrait of Zoé that takes you on a contemplative audio/visual journey through some of the band's most decisive moments. A film crew accompanies the band during a two-year period to provide us with an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band’s longest international tour to date, in their first real shot at becoming well-known and "making it big" outside their home country of México. The 15-year artistic career of Zoé completes its growth-cycle and reaches full circle as the musicians arrive at the quintessential question all bands face: What's next?
MÉXico Now
"We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.)
Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Roberto Girault
Cast: Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
"We Fulfill Your Dreams" is a company that makes fantasies come to life. Made up of a group of actors and led by a ‘Director' (Jaime Camil), they create set-ups to re-enact real-life circumstances for the good of people.
For their latest job, they are hired by Mr. Balboa to spend a week in the roles of a long-gone loving grandson and his wife. Portrayed as an angel to his grandmother through fictitious letters created by the elderly Mr. Balboa, the young man has in reality become a villainous character. But things go awry for actors Mauricio and Isabel when the real grandson turns up for a show-down with his grandparents.
"Mr. Pig"
Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Diego Luna
Cast: Danny Glover, Maya Rudolph, Jose Maria Yazpik
Mexico 2016, 100 Min
Ambrose Eubanks (Danny Glover), is an old-school pig farmer from California. After the family farm is foreclosed, he sets off with Howard, his beloved (and very large) pig, on a road trip to Mexico.
Ambrose must figure out how to smuggle "Howie" across the border and find him a new home.
"In Your Eyes" (A los Ojos)
Friday, May 20 at 7:00 Pm and Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 Pm
Dir. Victoria Franco y Michel Franco
Cast: Mónica del Carmen, Omar Moreno, Benjamín Espinoza, Jacobo Najman
Mexico 2015, 96 Min
Monica is a social worker from Mexico City, a single mother whose child is suffering from a degenerative illness of the eyes. Having exhausted all other options, a corneal transplant is the child's only hope. Overwhelmed by the ineffectiveness of the health system and the scarcity of resources, Monica is driven to an extreme solution... Found within the world of the street children.
"The Aparicios" (Las Aparacio)
Sunday, May 15 at 4:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Moisés Ortiz - Urquidi
Cast: Ana De La Reguera, María Del Carmen Farías, Liz Gallardo, Eréndia Ibarra, Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Paulina Gaitán y Tenoch Huerta
México 2016,
The Aparicios are a family made up entirely of women, all cursed to become widows and to never bear male children. At their ranch in Xico, in the state of Veracruz, they discover the body of the first husband of an Aparicio woman. This leads the Aparicios to search their past in an attempt to end the ancient curse, and finally face their present
"Parallel Roads" (Rumbos Paralelos)
Saturday, May 14 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Rafael Montero
Cast: Ludwika Paleta, Iliana Fox, Michel Brown, Arturo Barba
Mexico 2016,
(Film in Spanish, no English subtitles)
Rumbos Paralelos (Parallel Roads) tells the emotional story of two young mothers whose lives change unexpectedly.
Silvia must suddenly confront both her son’s illness and the abrupt discovery that she is not his biological mother. Desperate to find a donor for a life-saving kidney transplant, Silvia will seek out Gaby, the child's true biological mother. The following actions will put the power of maternity to the test and challenge life as a whole. Are family ties made out of love? Or are they carried in our blood?
"Paradise Lost" (Paraiso Perdido)
Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Humberto Hinojosa
Cast: Ana Claudia Talancón, Iván Sanchez, Andrés Almeida
México 2016, 87 Min
Three friends are traveling by sailboat through Caribbean waters, when they come across a deserted paradise island and decide to explore it. What was supposed to be one of the best weekends of their lives will turn into a tireless fight for survival when they discover the island's hidden secret.
"She is Ramona" (Ella es Ramona)
Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 Pm and Monday, May 16 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Hugo Rodriguez
Cast: Andrea Ortega Lee, Daniel Giménez Cacho, María Rojo, Leticia Huijara
México 2015, 83 Min
Ramona is overweight, with too many kilos and not enough luck. She remembers a childhood as the victim of abuse at the hands of her mother, her sister, and even her friends. She was Big Belly Ramona, Big Eater Ramona, Ramona the Pig. Now an adult, things aren't looking much better. Her life seems to be crumbling. She gets fired for being fat; when she seeks liposuction, her doctor rejects as a candidate for the procedure because she is too overweight. Things begin falling into place, however, when she stumbles across a Tarot café which sells the magic beetles that will change her life.
"Elvira, I would Give You my Life, but I’m Using It" (Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando)
Thursday, May 19 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Manolo Caro
Cast: Cecilia Suárez, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Vanessa Bauche
Mexico 2015, 108 Min
Gustavo, husband of Elvira, goes out one night to buy cigarettes, never to return. Elvira, a 40-year-old mother of two, begins a relentless search for the love of her life. Clues lead her to the conclusion that her husband has kept a secret relationship. The unfortunate discovery will not stop Elvira in her mission of finding him.
"The Chosen Ones" (Las Elegidas)
Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. David Pablos
Cast: Nancy Talamantes, Óscar Torres
Mexico 2015, 105 Min
Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her...
New Voices
"Leaf Blower" (Sopladora de Hojas)
Saturday, May 14 at 2:00 Pm, Monday, May 16 at 9:30 Pm and Friday, May 20 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Alejandro Iglesias
Cast: Francisco Rueda, Alejandro Guerrero, Fabrizio Santini
Mexico 2015, 96 Min
Lucas, Emilio and Rubén are three friends united in a special quest: to find a set of lost keys in a pile of dead leaves. What appears to be a simple task will turn into a profound journey that forces the teenagers to confront their fears: of letting go of the past, of facing embarrassing truths, of taking risks... Of growing up. This afternoon, as trivial as it may sound, could change the course of their lives. Or maybe not.
"Amir"
Saturday, May 14 at 4:00 Pm and Thursday, May 19 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. José Paredes
Cast: Jorge Guevara, Tania Niebla y Lirio Karina
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
Amir, an aspiring musician, finds himself drawn to Jeanette, a beautiful singer he meets during a night out on the town with his friends. The attraction complicates his relationship with his current girlfriend, Elizabeth, who is expecting his child. Amir will attempt to work out his feelings towards his newfound love interest, music and maturity, as adulthood forces him to make some challenging choices along the way.
"The Arrival of Conrado Sierra" (El Arribo de Conrado Sierra)
Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. René Pereyra
Cast: Maite Perroni, Joaquín Cosío, Susana Dosamantes, Ana González, Rocío García, Jessica Mas
Mexico 2015, 120 Min
In 1940's "Torres Mochas" (the city of Torreón, Mexico), the widow Doña Josefina and her five spinster daughters await the arrival of a man aiming to marry the youngest of the sisters. The local townspeople, excited at the prospect of one of “Virgin Josefitas” finally marrying, prepare massive celebrations. When the mysterious suitor finally appears, circumstances take an unforeseen course.
For The Children
"The Adventures of Itzel and Sonia" (Las Aventuras de Itzel y Sonia)
Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 Pm
Dir. Fernanda Rivero
Cast: Arcelía Ramírez, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Joaquín Cosío, Bruno Bichir
Mexico 2016, 70 Min
This film was made as part of the “Cuéntamelo filmando” ("Tell it to me with the cameras rolling") workshop and was done with the support of 500 people from 10 rural communities in Mexico.
Itzel, an 8-year-old girl, and her best friend ‘Sonia the Frog’ will embark on a mission to find the guardians of the water, before the city's supply runs out. With the help of her grandmother, they will search in the most remote areas of Mexico, while a faceless being stalks them.
"By My Mustache" (Por Mis Bigotes)
Sunday, May 15 at 12:00 Pm
Dir. Manuel Carames
Cast: Jesus Ochoa, Santiago Torres, Fernando Becerril
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
Though it sounds unbelievable, little Ulises, at only nine years old, has grown an enormous mustache from one day to the next. So begins a series of extraordinary events for him, his mother and his best friends. From this moment forward, all of them, along with a cast of very curious characters, will find themselves caught up in a very hairy adventure.
Documentary
"Made in Bangkok"
Monday, May 16 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Flavio Florencio
Cast: Morgana Love
Mexico 2015, 75 Min
Morgana is a Mexican transgender opera singer with a relentless determination to assert her identity, despite having to fight against social stigma and family prejudice. Her dream is to have gender-reassignment surgery. Her only chance to make happen is by winning a beauty pageant in Bangkok, and use the $10,000 cash prize to pay for the surgery. The documentary embarks on Morgana’s journey with her, while providing us with an intimate portrait of what it is to construct a long-dreamt-of identity.
"Mexican Fighting" (Lucha Mexico)
Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Alexandria Hammond & Ian Markiewicz
Cast: 1000% Guapo, Blue Demon, Hijo Del Perro Aguayo, Tony Salazar, Arkangel
México / USA 103 Min
The ultimate look behind the mask, Lucha Mexico documents the joyous spectacle of Lucha Libre wrestling, which has thrilled Mexican fans for generations. The story follows "El 1000% Guapo" (1000% Handsome) Shocker, one of the most successful Luchadores of the modern era. His life is consumed by the need of being in the ring. A supporting cast of fan-favorites further reveal the world of Lucha Libre from the inside, with Blue Demon Jr. discussing life from behind a legendary mask; the violent history of El Hijo del Perro Aguayo (the Son of "The Dog" Aguayo); as well as veterans like Tony Salazar and Archangel, as they pass on the secrets of the ring to a new generation of fighters. These stars and others will shed light on the intense physical and emotional challenges they must constantly face in order to stand inside the ropes and thrill every last fan. With its unprecedented access to the top Lucha performers and promoters, as well as other players of this grand spectacle, Lucha Mexico steps into the ring to show us the great power behind the mask, and leads us straight to the beating heart of Mexico.
Hola Chile
"The Church Of Karadima" (El Bosque de Karadima)
Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Matías Lira
Cast: Benjamin Vicuña, Luis Gnecco, Ingrid Isensee
Chile 2015, 98 Min
Fernando Karadima, the pastor and leader of the most powerful Church of the Chilean upper class from the 1980's to 2000's, is considered a living saint. Thomas, a teenager in search of his vocation, finds himself drawn to Karadima and accepts him as a spiritual guide. For 20 years, Tommy will gradually be subjected to physical and psychological abuse by the priest, until he decides to speak out and confront both the charismatic priest and the power networks that protect him, finally uncovering the real Karadima hiding behind the investiture of God's representative on Earth.
"No Filter" (Sin Filtro)
Wednesday, May 18 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Nicolás López
Cast: Paz Bascuñán, Ignacia Allamand, Paulo Brunei
Chile 2016, 100 Min
Pía is on the verge of a nervous breakdown: Her boss humiliates her, her husband ignores her, her stepson is disrespectful, and her best friend no longer listens to what she says.
Pía begins having strong chest pains and, after trying many different healing methods, decides to undergo an acupuncture treatment. The Chinese doctor discovers that Pía's pain is caused by repressed feelings, and, with an ancient technique, he "removes the filter". From now on, an uninhibited Pía will realize that the only way to heal herself is to speak everything that comes to mind - which won't always bring her the best results.
Nocturnal/Genre
"Barrancas"
Saturday, May 14 at 12 Midnight and Wednesday, May 18 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Juan De La Peña
Cast: Diego Sánchez, Esteban De la Isla, Ana Lucía Camacho, Julia Dávalos, Eduardo Romo, Gustavo Gascón, Inés Vachez
Mexico 2016, 88 Min
The owner of a huge house in the woods, in the town of Barrancas, has a reputation for not paying his employees. When the latest housekeeper goes missing, everyone simply assumes that yet another employee has quit. Meanwhile, back in the city, the owner's nephew Mario is tasked with going to Barrancas to hand over the keys to the new caretaker. Young Mario thinks it’s a good idea to secretly invite his friends from college, as well as the girl he likes, out to the country house for a fun weekend. What Mario doesn’t know is that this may turn out to be a very dangerous idea indeed.
"The Similars" (Los Parecidos)
Sunday, May 15 at 9:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Isaac Ezban
Cast: Gustavo Sánchez Parra, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Humberto Busto, Carmen Beato
Mexico 2015, 89 Min
In the rainy darkness of the early morning hours of October 2, 1968, eight people are waiting in a remote bus station in the middle of nowhere for the bus heading to Mexico City. They’ll soon find themselves experiencing a strange phenomenon.
For more information and ticket sales visit - http://holamexicoff.com...
- 5/5/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Top brass have announced the films in official selection at the Mexican festival’s fourth annual edition, set to run from November 11-15.
Official selection comprises Competencia Los Cabos entries from Mexico, the Us and Canada including Lorenzo Vigas’ recent Venice Golden Lion winner From Afar (Desde Allá), and México Primero. Winners from both programmes will each collect a $15,000 prize.
The films in México Primero will also compete for the Fipresci Award, the $12,200 Art Kingdom Award and the $40,000 Fox+ Award.
For the first time films in official selection will compete for the Cinemex Audience Award. Audiences at Cinemex Los Cabos–Puerto Paraíso screenings will choose their recipient of a $10,000 prize.
Competencia Los Cabos selections are:
From Afar (Desde Allá, Mexico-Venezuela, pictured), dir Lorenzo Vigas;
Tangerine (USA), dir Sean Baker;
Room (Canada-Ireland), dir Lenny Abrahamson;
Chronic (Mexico), dir Michel Franco;
James White (USA), dir Josh Mond;
Les Êtres Chers (Canada), dir Anne Émond;
Un Monstruo De Mil Cabezas (Mexico-France...
Official selection comprises Competencia Los Cabos entries from Mexico, the Us and Canada including Lorenzo Vigas’ recent Venice Golden Lion winner From Afar (Desde Allá), and México Primero. Winners from both programmes will each collect a $15,000 prize.
The films in México Primero will also compete for the Fipresci Award, the $12,200 Art Kingdom Award and the $40,000 Fox+ Award.
For the first time films in official selection will compete for the Cinemex Audience Award. Audiences at Cinemex Los Cabos–Puerto Paraíso screenings will choose their recipient of a $10,000 prize.
Competencia Los Cabos selections are:
From Afar (Desde Allá, Mexico-Venezuela, pictured), dir Lorenzo Vigas;
Tangerine (USA), dir Sean Baker;
Room (Canada-Ireland), dir Lenny Abrahamson;
Chronic (Mexico), dir Michel Franco;
James White (USA), dir Josh Mond;
Les Êtres Chers (Canada), dir Anne Émond;
Un Monstruo De Mil Cabezas (Mexico-France...
- 10/13/2015
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
The Omission wins best project while Memorias Del Calabozo receives a special mention.
The Omission (La Omision) has won the award for best project at the Europe-Latin America Co-production forum at San Sebastian Film Festival (Sept 18-26).
The film, an Argentinian-German co-production, is the feature debut for director Sebastián Schjaer, whose short The Broken Past (El Pasado Roto) played at Cannes’ director fortnight this year.
The story follows a young girl from Buenos Aires who travels to a remote city in the country’s south in search of work.
The film is produced by Argentinian outfit Trapecio Cine.
It won from a shortlist of 15 projects, which was narrowed down from an initial 173 submissions.
The award comes with a prize of $11,100.
A special mention was given to Álvaro Brechner’s Memorias Del Calabozo, a Spanish-Uruguyian co-production from Tornasol Films.
Projects presented at previous editions of the Forum have been selected for a major festivals including Carlos Moreno’s Que...
The Omission (La Omision) has won the award for best project at the Europe-Latin America Co-production forum at San Sebastian Film Festival (Sept 18-26).
The film, an Argentinian-German co-production, is the feature debut for director Sebastián Schjaer, whose short The Broken Past (El Pasado Roto) played at Cannes’ director fortnight this year.
The story follows a young girl from Buenos Aires who travels to a remote city in the country’s south in search of work.
The film is produced by Argentinian outfit Trapecio Cine.
It won from a shortlist of 15 projects, which was narrowed down from an initial 173 submissions.
The award comes with a prize of $11,100.
A special mention was given to Álvaro Brechner’s Memorias Del Calabozo, a Spanish-Uruguyian co-production from Tornasol Films.
Projects presented at previous editions of the Forum have been selected for a major festivals including Carlos Moreno’s Que...
- 9/24/2015
- ScreenDaily
Countries around the world have slowly begun announcing their official submissions for the Best Foreign Language Film Academy Award or shortlists of films that are being considered for the distinction. In the case of Mexico there is no clear candidate for the Mexican Academy to select this year, which leaves an open field of diverse films from the art house and commercial realms.
Undoubtedly, the best Mexican film audiences around the world, and in Mexico itself, have had the chance to see in 2015 is Alonso Ruiz Palacios “Güeros,” and some have even speculated that the black-and-white love letter to Mexico City could become the country’s Oscar candidate and even be among the favorites. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t qualify because it was considered to become the official entry last year, when it lost the opportunity to represent Mexico to the financially successful biopic “Cantinflas.” Ruiz Palacios' film would go on to win five Ariel Awards (Mexican Academy Awards) including Best Film and Best Director. It’s in fact the best choice, yet it simply can’t be anymore.
Each year the Mexican Academy sends out a call for entries for filmmakers and producers to submit their films. The organization will only consider those films that are entered by their respective creators, which means that even if a film qualifies if it’s not submitted it won’t be considered. The submission period is over now and the Mexican Academy will announce a list of films competing to represent the nation at the Oscars and the Spanish Goya’s in the upcoming days. Even without a gem like “Güeros” there are still other likely choices and many others that don’t stand a chance against the world-class works that will be send from across the globe. Commercial successes like “A la Mala,” “Tiempos Felices” or “Visitantes” will have a hard time finding support, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they are entered to be in the running anyway.
After looking carefully at release dates, festivals, last year’s films in competition, and having seen several of them, here is a list of 15 films that look like reasonable choices to represent the Mexican film industry at Hollywood’s most prestigious award show. Let’s see how many of these are actually on the official list.
"600 Millas" (600 Miles)
Dir. Gabriel Ripstein
Winner of the Best First Feature at this year’s Berlinale and starring Tim Roth, Gabriel Ripstein’s gun trafficking drama is a gritty and powerful statement about one of the numerous complex issues afflicting both Mexico and the U.S. However, giving the duality it deals with, the film is partially in English, which could become a tricky problem when deciding if it can compete as a foreign language work or not. Furthermore, “600 Miles” hasn’t had a theatrical release in Mexico yet, something that AMPAS requires for a film to qualify. If selected a one-week qualifying run would be mandatory.
"Alicia en el País de Maria" (Alice in Marialand)
Dir. Jesús Magaña Vázquez
Starring Stephanie Sigman ("Spectre") and Uruguayan-born actress Barbara Mori, this highly stylized romantic fantasy follows a love triangle between reality and a strange dreamland. This is Magaña Vázquez highest profile film to date and premiered at the Guadalajara International Film Festival earlier this year. It’s non-linear narrative and the fact that it hasn’t screen much outside its homeland might play against it, but it’s still appears to be an interesting choice. The film opens August 28 in Mexico.
"Carmín Tropical"
Dir. Rigoberto Pérezcano
A personal favorite from what I’ve seen and one of the strongest candidates on this list, “Carmin Tropical” tells the story of Mabel, a “muxe” or physical male who lives as a woman, who returns to her hometown to investigate the death of her estranged best friend, also a "muxe." After winning the highest award at the Morelia International Film Festival, the film has gone to screen in festivals around the world including Outfest Los Angeles and the Sarajevo Film Festival. Added to this, Pérezcano’s work earned him the Ariel Award for Best Original Screenplay at this year’s ceremony. Its relevant ideas regarding gender identity and hate crimes could give it some traction.
"Club Sandwich"
Dir. Fernando Eimbcke
While Fernando Eimbcke’s most recent indie has been around since 2013 in the festival circuit, the film was not considered last year to become the country’s entry as it only open theatrically in Mexico last November. Given these facts this delightful comedy technically qualifies, though it’s hard to say if the filmmaker will pursue the candidacy. “Club Sandwich” uses deadpan charm to explore the relationship between a teenage boy and his mother while on vacation yo a beachside town. The film screened during last year’s Los Angeles Film Festival.
"Las Elegidas" (The Chosen Ones)
Dir. David Pablos
This is the obvious heavyweight at least on paper. In recent years Mexican films that were selected to participate in the Cannes Film Festival have become ideal selections for Oscar consideration. Carlos Reygadas “Silent Light,” Gerardo Naranjo’s “Miss Bala,” Michel Franco’s “After Lucia,” and Amat Escalante’s “Heli,” represented the country in their respective years. Despite being highly regarded internationally, these type of hyperrealist art house films have failed to garner a nomination from AMPAS, which could mean the Mexican Academy might want to look towards more commercial projects like they did last year. Pablos' film is similar to some of the aforementioned titles in terms of the crude realities they depict. Reviews were mostly positive and the film could definitely continue with the Cannes-to-Oscar pattern, but might prove another hard sale for Academy voters. “Las Elegidas” still hasn’t open theatrically in Mexico.
"Elvira, Te Dariá Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando" (Elvira, I'd Give You My Life But I'm Using It)
Dir. Manolo Caro
A sophisticated romantic dramedy starring two of Mexico’s most prolific actors Cecilia Suarez and Luis Gerardo Mendez (Netflix’ “Club de Cuervos”), the film represents a departure for filmmaker Manolo Caro from the more conventional romantic comedies he’s done in the past. When Elvira’s husband goes missing she embarks on a search to find him, even if the outcome of her quest is not what she expects her devotion is unwavering. The film had its U.S. premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June and it’s opening in Mexico this weekend.
"Estrellas Solitarias" (Lonely Stars)
Dir. Fernando Urdapilleta
By far the most unconventional choice, this irreverent comedy about dreams of stardom focuses on a pair of transvestites hoping to get their big break while working in a dingy and unglamorous bar. Music plays a big role in Fernando Urdapilleta’s sophomore feature, which shines a light on characters rarely seen in Mexican cinema. Produced by the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica the film has screened around the country and competed for the Maguey Award to Lgbt films at the 30th edition of Guadalajara International Film Festival (Ficg).
"Gloria"
Dir. Christian Keller
Working from a screenplay by Sabina Berman, Swiss filmmaker Christian Keller crafted a searing biopic about one of Mexico’s most iconic pop stars, Gloria Trevi, and her tumultuous career. The film took audiences and critics by surprise mainly because of the authenticity brought to it by the young actress Sofia Espinosa, who truly embodied Trevi’s outrageous personality and commanding stage presence. “Gloria” opened in Mexico back in February and it screened at SXSW in Austin last March. It’s also the only film in the list that has already had a U.S. theatrical release, which has handled by Picturehouse. This would definitely be a divisive selection given that Gloria is not widely known in the English-speaking world.
"La Guerra de Manuela Jankovic" (Manuela Jankovic's War)
Dir. Diana Cardozo
Nominated for 3 Ariel Awards including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress this year, this peculiar drama opened late last year and hasn’t travel much internationally. Set in the early 90s the film deals with Manuela, a middle-aged woman who must take care of her bitter Serbian grandmother who escaped to Mexico during World War II. Beautifully executed and acted the film is a sleeper that could actually be an ideal choice given its unique premise and approach. Stories about the Eastern European community in Mexico have rarely been explored in film.
"Hilda"
Dir. Andres Clariond
Dealing with classicism within Mexican society, this Audience Award-winning film at the last Morelia Film Festival paints a disturbing picture about the divide between the elite and the working class. Starring Veronica Langer as Mrs. Le Marchand, a wealthy woman depressed due to her unfulfilled ambitions, the film is a psychological drama with darkly comedic undertones. When Hilda (Adriana Paz) a new housemaid is hired, Le Marchand’s obsessive behavior unravels. Andres Clariond’s debut feature is based on a French play by Marie Ndiaye, the filmmaker certainly found parallels between the playwright’s work and his homeland. “Hilda” will open in Mexico in early September.
"Las Horas Contigo" (The Hours With You)
Dir. Catalina Aguilar Mastretta
This endearing dram about a young woman coming to terms with her grandmother’s imminent death has been a quiet success since it’s premiere at the 2014 Ficg where it won the Best Director award for debutant Catalina Aguilar Mastretta. “Las Horas Contigo” was nominated for three Ariel Awards winning the Best Supporting Actress statuette for veteran thespian Isela Vega. The film’s U.S. premiere took place during the 4th edition of Ficg in La and was also part of the Latin Cinema section at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. It’s a well-made film that offers a handful of moving moments that could resonate with voters, though in my opinion it’s a bit slight.
"Manto Acuífero" ( The Well)
Dir. Michael Rowe
Australian filmmaker Michael Rowe, who has made a career working in Mexico, received great acclaim and accolades for his debut feature “Año Bisiesto,” including the Camera d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival. “Manto Acuífero,” his sophomore effort, premiered at the Rome Film Festival in 2013 and was produced by Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna’s Canana. Centered on a young girl dealing with troubling situations at home, the film also screened at the Morelia Film Festival. Its theatrical release didn’t happen until November of last year, which based on AMPAS rules qualifies it for consideration. “Manto Acuífero” was not considered last year.
"El Más Buscasdo" (Mexican Gangster)
Dir. José Manuel Cravioto
By far the most commercial and most expensive-looking film on the list, this action tale revolves around a bank robber whose alter ego is a mysterious masked singer. Jose Manuel Cravioto’s narrative debut stars Tenoch Huerta (“Güeros”) as skillful criminal Alfredo Rios Galeana and as al El Charro Misterioso, the elusive and talented performer. Set in the 1980s “El Más Buscado” showcases costumes, production design, and music from that period in a Robin Hood-like story of a unique antihero. The film screened in L.A. as part of the Hola Mexico Film Festival back in May but other than that lacks noticeable international presence.
"Las Oscuras Primaveras" (The Obscure Spring)
Dir. Ernesto Contreras
Moody and darkly sensual, this intense drama from director Ernesto Contreras won the Knight Competition Grand Jury Prize as well as the Best Performance Grand Jury Prize and the Miami International Film Festival. Cecilia Suarez and Jose Maria Yazpik star as a childless married couple whose relationship is threaten when he starts having a steamy affair with a lonely single mother in need of companionship. “Las Oscuras Primaveras” also received three Ariel Awards at the most recent ceremony for Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Original Score.
"La Tirisia" (Perpetual Sadness)
Dir. Jorge Pérez Solano
Last but definitely not least, the one film that, in this writer’s opinion, is the best opinion from the pack. Jose Perez Solano’s poetic feature follows two women in a remote community who have to choose between their children and their partner in a chauvinist society. The beauty and authenticity of “La Tirisia” have connected with audiences and juries from diverse backgrounds. Karlovy Vary, Palm Springs, Thessaloniki, Chicago, and Guadalajara were a few of the festivals that screened the film where it often was awarded prizes for its director and cast. Actress Adriana Paz (“Hilda”) won the Ariel Award for Best Actress for her work in the film, while Noé Hernandez took home the award for Best Supporting Actor. It’s art house roots and segmented narrative might work against it, but if voters at the Mexican Academy can look past that, this might be the one to bet on.
Undoubtedly, the best Mexican film audiences around the world, and in Mexico itself, have had the chance to see in 2015 is Alonso Ruiz Palacios “Güeros,” and some have even speculated that the black-and-white love letter to Mexico City could become the country’s Oscar candidate and even be among the favorites. Unfortunately, the film doesn’t qualify because it was considered to become the official entry last year, when it lost the opportunity to represent Mexico to the financially successful biopic “Cantinflas.” Ruiz Palacios' film would go on to win five Ariel Awards (Mexican Academy Awards) including Best Film and Best Director. It’s in fact the best choice, yet it simply can’t be anymore.
Each year the Mexican Academy sends out a call for entries for filmmakers and producers to submit their films. The organization will only consider those films that are entered by their respective creators, which means that even if a film qualifies if it’s not submitted it won’t be considered. The submission period is over now and the Mexican Academy will announce a list of films competing to represent the nation at the Oscars and the Spanish Goya’s in the upcoming days. Even without a gem like “Güeros” there are still other likely choices and many others that don’t stand a chance against the world-class works that will be send from across the globe. Commercial successes like “A la Mala,” “Tiempos Felices” or “Visitantes” will have a hard time finding support, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they are entered to be in the running anyway.
After looking carefully at release dates, festivals, last year’s films in competition, and having seen several of them, here is a list of 15 films that look like reasonable choices to represent the Mexican film industry at Hollywood’s most prestigious award show. Let’s see how many of these are actually on the official list.
"600 Millas" (600 Miles)
Dir. Gabriel Ripstein
Winner of the Best First Feature at this year’s Berlinale and starring Tim Roth, Gabriel Ripstein’s gun trafficking drama is a gritty and powerful statement about one of the numerous complex issues afflicting both Mexico and the U.S. However, giving the duality it deals with, the film is partially in English, which could become a tricky problem when deciding if it can compete as a foreign language work or not. Furthermore, “600 Miles” hasn’t had a theatrical release in Mexico yet, something that AMPAS requires for a film to qualify. If selected a one-week qualifying run would be mandatory.
"Alicia en el País de Maria" (Alice in Marialand)
Dir. Jesús Magaña Vázquez
Starring Stephanie Sigman ("Spectre") and Uruguayan-born actress Barbara Mori, this highly stylized romantic fantasy follows a love triangle between reality and a strange dreamland. This is Magaña Vázquez highest profile film to date and premiered at the Guadalajara International Film Festival earlier this year. It’s non-linear narrative and the fact that it hasn’t screen much outside its homeland might play against it, but it’s still appears to be an interesting choice. The film opens August 28 in Mexico.
"Carmín Tropical"
Dir. Rigoberto Pérezcano
A personal favorite from what I’ve seen and one of the strongest candidates on this list, “Carmin Tropical” tells the story of Mabel, a “muxe” or physical male who lives as a woman, who returns to her hometown to investigate the death of her estranged best friend, also a "muxe." After winning the highest award at the Morelia International Film Festival, the film has gone to screen in festivals around the world including Outfest Los Angeles and the Sarajevo Film Festival. Added to this, Pérezcano’s work earned him the Ariel Award for Best Original Screenplay at this year’s ceremony. Its relevant ideas regarding gender identity and hate crimes could give it some traction.
"Club Sandwich"
Dir. Fernando Eimbcke
While Fernando Eimbcke’s most recent indie has been around since 2013 in the festival circuit, the film was not considered last year to become the country’s entry as it only open theatrically in Mexico last November. Given these facts this delightful comedy technically qualifies, though it’s hard to say if the filmmaker will pursue the candidacy. “Club Sandwich” uses deadpan charm to explore the relationship between a teenage boy and his mother while on vacation yo a beachside town. The film screened during last year’s Los Angeles Film Festival.
"Las Elegidas" (The Chosen Ones)
Dir. David Pablos
This is the obvious heavyweight at least on paper. In recent years Mexican films that were selected to participate in the Cannes Film Festival have become ideal selections for Oscar consideration. Carlos Reygadas “Silent Light,” Gerardo Naranjo’s “Miss Bala,” Michel Franco’s “After Lucia,” and Amat Escalante’s “Heli,” represented the country in their respective years. Despite being highly regarded internationally, these type of hyperrealist art house films have failed to garner a nomination from AMPAS, which could mean the Mexican Academy might want to look towards more commercial projects like they did last year. Pablos' film is similar to some of the aforementioned titles in terms of the crude realities they depict. Reviews were mostly positive and the film could definitely continue with the Cannes-to-Oscar pattern, but might prove another hard sale for Academy voters. “Las Elegidas” still hasn’t open theatrically in Mexico.
"Elvira, Te Dariá Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando" (Elvira, I'd Give You My Life But I'm Using It)
Dir. Manolo Caro
A sophisticated romantic dramedy starring two of Mexico’s most prolific actors Cecilia Suarez and Luis Gerardo Mendez (Netflix’ “Club de Cuervos”), the film represents a departure for filmmaker Manolo Caro from the more conventional romantic comedies he’s done in the past. When Elvira’s husband goes missing she embarks on a search to find him, even if the outcome of her quest is not what she expects her devotion is unwavering. The film had its U.S. premiere at the Los Angeles Film Festival in June and it’s opening in Mexico this weekend.
"Estrellas Solitarias" (Lonely Stars)
Dir. Fernando Urdapilleta
By far the most unconventional choice, this irreverent comedy about dreams of stardom focuses on a pair of transvestites hoping to get their big break while working in a dingy and unglamorous bar. Music plays a big role in Fernando Urdapilleta’s sophomore feature, which shines a light on characters rarely seen in Mexican cinema. Produced by the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica the film has screened around the country and competed for the Maguey Award to Lgbt films at the 30th edition of Guadalajara International Film Festival (Ficg).
"Gloria"
Dir. Christian Keller
Working from a screenplay by Sabina Berman, Swiss filmmaker Christian Keller crafted a searing biopic about one of Mexico’s most iconic pop stars, Gloria Trevi, and her tumultuous career. The film took audiences and critics by surprise mainly because of the authenticity brought to it by the young actress Sofia Espinosa, who truly embodied Trevi’s outrageous personality and commanding stage presence. “Gloria” opened in Mexico back in February and it screened at SXSW in Austin last March. It’s also the only film in the list that has already had a U.S. theatrical release, which has handled by Picturehouse. This would definitely be a divisive selection given that Gloria is not widely known in the English-speaking world.
"La Guerra de Manuela Jankovic" (Manuela Jankovic's War)
Dir. Diana Cardozo
Nominated for 3 Ariel Awards including Best Actress and Best Supporting Actress this year, this peculiar drama opened late last year and hasn’t travel much internationally. Set in the early 90s the film deals with Manuela, a middle-aged woman who must take care of her bitter Serbian grandmother who escaped to Mexico during World War II. Beautifully executed and acted the film is a sleeper that could actually be an ideal choice given its unique premise and approach. Stories about the Eastern European community in Mexico have rarely been explored in film.
"Hilda"
Dir. Andres Clariond
Dealing with classicism within Mexican society, this Audience Award-winning film at the last Morelia Film Festival paints a disturbing picture about the divide between the elite and the working class. Starring Veronica Langer as Mrs. Le Marchand, a wealthy woman depressed due to her unfulfilled ambitions, the film is a psychological drama with darkly comedic undertones. When Hilda (Adriana Paz) a new housemaid is hired, Le Marchand’s obsessive behavior unravels. Andres Clariond’s debut feature is based on a French play by Marie Ndiaye, the filmmaker certainly found parallels between the playwright’s work and his homeland. “Hilda” will open in Mexico in early September.
"Las Horas Contigo" (The Hours With You)
Dir. Catalina Aguilar Mastretta
This endearing dram about a young woman coming to terms with her grandmother’s imminent death has been a quiet success since it’s premiere at the 2014 Ficg where it won the Best Director award for debutant Catalina Aguilar Mastretta. “Las Horas Contigo” was nominated for three Ariel Awards winning the Best Supporting Actress statuette for veteran thespian Isela Vega. The film’s U.S. premiere took place during the 4th edition of Ficg in La and was also part of the Latin Cinema section at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. It’s a well-made film that offers a handful of moving moments that could resonate with voters, though in my opinion it’s a bit slight.
"Manto Acuífero" ( The Well)
Dir. Michael Rowe
Australian filmmaker Michael Rowe, who has made a career working in Mexico, received great acclaim and accolades for his debut feature “Año Bisiesto,” including the Camera d’Or prize at the Cannes Film Festival. “Manto Acuífero,” his sophomore effort, premiered at the Rome Film Festival in 2013 and was produced by Gael Garcia Bernal and Diego Luna’s Canana. Centered on a young girl dealing with troubling situations at home, the film also screened at the Morelia Film Festival. Its theatrical release didn’t happen until November of last year, which based on AMPAS rules qualifies it for consideration. “Manto Acuífero” was not considered last year.
"El Más Buscasdo" (Mexican Gangster)
Dir. José Manuel Cravioto
By far the most commercial and most expensive-looking film on the list, this action tale revolves around a bank robber whose alter ego is a mysterious masked singer. Jose Manuel Cravioto’s narrative debut stars Tenoch Huerta (“Güeros”) as skillful criminal Alfredo Rios Galeana and as al El Charro Misterioso, the elusive and talented performer. Set in the 1980s “El Más Buscado” showcases costumes, production design, and music from that period in a Robin Hood-like story of a unique antihero. The film screened in L.A. as part of the Hola Mexico Film Festival back in May but other than that lacks noticeable international presence.
"Las Oscuras Primaveras" (The Obscure Spring)
Dir. Ernesto Contreras
Moody and darkly sensual, this intense drama from director Ernesto Contreras won the Knight Competition Grand Jury Prize as well as the Best Performance Grand Jury Prize and the Miami International Film Festival. Cecilia Suarez and Jose Maria Yazpik star as a childless married couple whose relationship is threaten when he starts having a steamy affair with a lonely single mother in need of companionship. “Las Oscuras Primaveras” also received three Ariel Awards at the most recent ceremony for Best Editing, Best Sound, and Best Original Score.
"La Tirisia" (Perpetual Sadness)
Dir. Jorge Pérez Solano
Last but definitely not least, the one film that, in this writer’s opinion, is the best opinion from the pack. Jose Perez Solano’s poetic feature follows two women in a remote community who have to choose between their children and their partner in a chauvinist society. The beauty and authenticity of “La Tirisia” have connected with audiences and juries from diverse backgrounds. Karlovy Vary, Palm Springs, Thessaloniki, Chicago, and Guadalajara were a few of the festivals that screened the film where it often was awarded prizes for its director and cast. Actress Adriana Paz (“Hilda”) won the Ariel Award for Best Actress for her work in the film, while Noé Hernandez took home the award for Best Supporting Actor. It’s art house roots and segmented narrative might work against it, but if voters at the Mexican Academy can look past that, this might be the one to bet on.
- 8/20/2015
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
The San Sebastian Film Festival will once again present, in its 63rd edition, some of the most outstanding Latin American films of the year. The Horizontes Latinos program will include 14 productions from Argentina, Brazil, Columbia, Cuba, Chile, Guatemala, Mexico, Peru and Venezuela. Films that have competed or premiered at important international festivals, but which have not yet been screened at a Spanish festival or had their commercial release in the country.
The selected films compete for the Horizontes Award, decided by a specific jury and coming with €35,000, of which €10,000 will go to the director of the winning film, and the remaining €25,000 to its distributor in Spain.
The section will open with Pablo Larraín’s "El Club," Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the last Berlin Festival. The film tells the tale of four men who share a secluded house in a small beach town, sent there to purge the sins they have committed in the past.
Here is the full list of titles screening in this important section:
"El Club" (The Club) Pablo Larraín (Chile) Opening Night Film
Pablo Larraín won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the last Berlin Festival with this film. Four men share a secluded house in a small beach town, sent there to purge the sins they have committed in the past.
"600 Millas" (600 Miles) Gabriel Ripstein (Mexico) Arnulfo Rubio, a young gun trafficker between the United States and Mexico, is being followed by Atf agent Hank Harris. After a risky mistake by Harris, Rubio makes a desperate decision: he smuggles the agent to Mexico. Best First Feature Award in the Panorama section of the Berlin Festival.
"El Abrazo de la Serpiente" (Embrace of the Serpent ) Ciro Guerra (Colombia - Argentina - Venezuela) Premiered at the Cannes Festival Directors’ Fortnight, the latest film from Ciro Guerra tells the epic story of the first contact, encounter, approach, betrayal and, eventually, life-transcending friendship, between an Amazonian shaman and two Western explorers.
"El Botón de Nácar (The Pearl Button) Patricio Guzmán (France - Chile - Spain ) Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán talks to us in his latest documentary about water, the cosmos and ourselves, human beings. It all begins with the discovery of two mysterious buttons in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Chile.
"Chronic" Michel Franco (Mexico - France) David is a nurse who works with terminally ill patients. Efficient and dedicated to his profession, he develops strong and even intimate relationships with each person he cares for. But outside of his work David is ineffectual, awkward, and reserved. Best Screenplay Award-winner at the Cannes Festival.
"Desde Allá" (From Afar) Lorenzo Vigas (Venezuela) Armando, aged 50, looks for young men in the streets of Caracas and pays them to come back to his house with him. He also regularly spies on an older man with whom he seems to have ties from the past. One day he meets Elder, aged 17, leader of a small band of thugs. Competitor in the Official Selection of the Venice Festival.
"Las Elegidas" (The Chosen Ones) David Pablos (Mexico - France) David Pablos’s second film took part at the San Sebastian Co-production Forum in 2014 and premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes Festival. Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her.
"Ixcanul" Jayro Bustamante (Guatemala - France) María, a 17 year-old Mayan girl, lives and works with her family in a plantation on the Guatemalan plateau. Her days go by uneventfully until her parents arrange her marriage to the estate foreman, Ignacio. A film that landed a special mention at the last edition of Films in Progress and competed at the Berlin Festival, where it won the Alfred Bauer Award.
"Magallanes"
Salvador Del Solar (Peru Argentina- Colombia - Spain) Winner of Films in Progress at last year's Festival. Magallanes recognises a woman getting into a taxi. It's Celina, the young peasant girl he randomly arrested more than twenty years ago, when he was a soldier. They both have unfinished business. And for Magallanes, this is an opportunity to redeem himself. Damián Alcázar, Magaly Solier and Federico Luppi play the leading parts.
"La Obra del Siglo" (The Projcxt of Century) Carlos M. Quintela (Cuba -Argentina- Germany -Switzerland) Amidst a mosquito plague, Leonardo, struggling with the breakdown of his relationship, moves back to live with a grandfather who fights with everyone and everything, and a father living with the melancholy of the unfinished. Tiger Award-winner at the last Rotterdam Festival.
"Pulina" Santiago Mitre (Argentina- Brazil- France) Paulina decides to leave her brilliant law career to teach in a downtrodden Argentinian region. In a hostile atmosphere, she will set about her pedagogical mission, even if it means losing her boyfriend and confrontation with her father. Fipresci Prize-winner at the last Cannes Festival Critics’ Week.
"Para Minha Amada Morta" (To My Beloved) Aly Muritiba (Brazil) Fernando is a good man who takes care of his only child, Daniel, a shy and sensitive boy. Following the death of his wife Ana, every night Fernando recalls their love as he sorts out his beloved dead spouse’s belongings. One day he finds a VHS tape that will change everything. This movie participated in the Films in Progress section at the last Festival. The film took part at the Co-Production Forum in 2014.
"Te Prometo Anarquía" (I Promise You Anarchy) Julio Hernández Cordón (Mexico - Germany) Julio Hernández Cordón’s new film was selected for the Locarno Festival Competition. Miguel and Johnny have known each other since childhood. They spend their time skateboarding and having fun. To make easy money and continue skateboarding, they sell their own blood clandestinely. They turn the ploy into a business, until a major transaction doesn't turn out as they'd expected.
"La Tierra y la Sombra" (Land and Shade) César Augusto Acevedo (Colombia- Chiles - Brazil - Netherlands - France) Winner of the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Festival, after having participated at the San Sebastian Co-Production Forum in 2013, this film portrays a family as they try to repair the fragile ties that bind them in the face of their imminent disappearance, brought about by the overwhelming power of progress.
The selected films compete for the Horizontes Award, decided by a specific jury and coming with €35,000, of which €10,000 will go to the director of the winning film, and the remaining €25,000 to its distributor in Spain.
The section will open with Pablo Larraín’s "El Club," Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the last Berlin Festival. The film tells the tale of four men who share a secluded house in a small beach town, sent there to purge the sins they have committed in the past.
Here is the full list of titles screening in this important section:
"El Club" (The Club) Pablo Larraín (Chile) Opening Night Film
Pablo Larraín won the Silver Bear Grand Jury Prize at the last Berlin Festival with this film. Four men share a secluded house in a small beach town, sent there to purge the sins they have committed in the past.
"600 Millas" (600 Miles) Gabriel Ripstein (Mexico) Arnulfo Rubio, a young gun trafficker between the United States and Mexico, is being followed by Atf agent Hank Harris. After a risky mistake by Harris, Rubio makes a desperate decision: he smuggles the agent to Mexico. Best First Feature Award in the Panorama section of the Berlin Festival.
"El Abrazo de la Serpiente" (Embrace of the Serpent ) Ciro Guerra (Colombia - Argentina - Venezuela) Premiered at the Cannes Festival Directors’ Fortnight, the latest film from Ciro Guerra tells the epic story of the first contact, encounter, approach, betrayal and, eventually, life-transcending friendship, between an Amazonian shaman and two Western explorers.
"El Botón de Nácar (The Pearl Button) Patricio Guzmán (France - Chile - Spain ) Chilean filmmaker Patricio Guzmán talks to us in his latest documentary about water, the cosmos and ourselves, human beings. It all begins with the discovery of two mysterious buttons in the depths of the Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Chile.
"Chronic" Michel Franco (Mexico - France) David is a nurse who works with terminally ill patients. Efficient and dedicated to his profession, he develops strong and even intimate relationships with each person he cares for. But outside of his work David is ineffectual, awkward, and reserved. Best Screenplay Award-winner at the Cannes Festival.
"Desde Allá" (From Afar) Lorenzo Vigas (Venezuela) Armando, aged 50, looks for young men in the streets of Caracas and pays them to come back to his house with him. He also regularly spies on an older man with whom he seems to have ties from the past. One day he meets Elder, aged 17, leader of a small band of thugs. Competitor in the Official Selection of the Venice Festival.
"Las Elegidas" (The Chosen Ones) David Pablos (Mexico - France) David Pablos’s second film took part at the San Sebastian Co-production Forum in 2014 and premiered in the Un Certain Regard section of Cannes Festival. Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her.
"Ixcanul" Jayro Bustamante (Guatemala - France) María, a 17 year-old Mayan girl, lives and works with her family in a plantation on the Guatemalan plateau. Her days go by uneventfully until her parents arrange her marriage to the estate foreman, Ignacio. A film that landed a special mention at the last edition of Films in Progress and competed at the Berlin Festival, where it won the Alfred Bauer Award.
"Magallanes"
Salvador Del Solar (Peru Argentina- Colombia - Spain) Winner of Films in Progress at last year's Festival. Magallanes recognises a woman getting into a taxi. It's Celina, the young peasant girl he randomly arrested more than twenty years ago, when he was a soldier. They both have unfinished business. And for Magallanes, this is an opportunity to redeem himself. Damián Alcázar, Magaly Solier and Federico Luppi play the leading parts.
"La Obra del Siglo" (The Projcxt of Century) Carlos M. Quintela (Cuba -Argentina- Germany -Switzerland) Amidst a mosquito plague, Leonardo, struggling with the breakdown of his relationship, moves back to live with a grandfather who fights with everyone and everything, and a father living with the melancholy of the unfinished. Tiger Award-winner at the last Rotterdam Festival.
"Pulina" Santiago Mitre (Argentina- Brazil- France) Paulina decides to leave her brilliant law career to teach in a downtrodden Argentinian region. In a hostile atmosphere, she will set about her pedagogical mission, even if it means losing her boyfriend and confrontation with her father. Fipresci Prize-winner at the last Cannes Festival Critics’ Week.
"Para Minha Amada Morta" (To My Beloved) Aly Muritiba (Brazil) Fernando is a good man who takes care of his only child, Daniel, a shy and sensitive boy. Following the death of his wife Ana, every night Fernando recalls their love as he sorts out his beloved dead spouse’s belongings. One day he finds a VHS tape that will change everything. This movie participated in the Films in Progress section at the last Festival. The film took part at the Co-Production Forum in 2014.
"Te Prometo Anarquía" (I Promise You Anarchy) Julio Hernández Cordón (Mexico - Germany) Julio Hernández Cordón’s new film was selected for the Locarno Festival Competition. Miguel and Johnny have known each other since childhood. They spend their time skateboarding and having fun. To make easy money and continue skateboarding, they sell their own blood clandestinely. They turn the ploy into a business, until a major transaction doesn't turn out as they'd expected.
"La Tierra y la Sombra" (Land and Shade) César Augusto Acevedo (Colombia- Chiles - Brazil - Netherlands - France) Winner of the Caméra d’Or at the Cannes Festival, after having participated at the San Sebastian Co-Production Forum in 2013, this film portrays a family as they try to repair the fragile ties that bind them in the face of their imminent disappearance, brought about by the overwhelming power of progress.
- 8/19/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Projects selected from across South America and Europe.
Scroll down for full list of projects
San Sebastian’s Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum (Sept 21-23) has revealed the 15 projects selected from 173 submissions.
The majority of titles, spanning 17 countries, have yet to be seen at international co-production gatherings
Furthermore, in the framework of the Festival’s collaboration with the Ibermedia Programme, one project, selected at the Workshop to develop film projects from Central America and the Caribbean, will participate in the Co-production Forum, not in competition - Patricia Ramos’s El sueco.
The final selection includes projects by established directors such as Nicolás Rincón and Israel Adrián Caetano alongside emerging filmmakers such as including Larissa Figueiredo and Théo Court.
Projects presented at previous editions of the Forum have been selected for a major festivals including Carlos Moreno’s Que Viva la Música!, which played at Sundance in January; David Pablos’s Las Elegidas, which screened...
Scroll down for full list of projects
San Sebastian’s Europe-Latin America Co-production Forum (Sept 21-23) has revealed the 15 projects selected from 173 submissions.
The majority of titles, spanning 17 countries, have yet to be seen at international co-production gatherings
Furthermore, in the framework of the Festival’s collaboration with the Ibermedia Programme, one project, selected at the Workshop to develop film projects from Central America and the Caribbean, will participate in the Co-production Forum, not in competition - Patricia Ramos’s El sueco.
The final selection includes projects by established directors such as Nicolás Rincón and Israel Adrián Caetano alongside emerging filmmakers such as including Larissa Figueiredo and Théo Court.
Projects presented at previous editions of the Forum have been selected for a major festivals including Carlos Moreno’s Que Viva la Música!, which played at Sundance in January; David Pablos’s Las Elegidas, which screened...
- 8/6/2015
- ScreenDaily
Read More: The 2015 Indiewire Cannes Bible: Every Review, Interview and News Item Posted During Run of Festival This article was originally published on the Film Independent blog and has been republished here with permission. This week, while the rest of us are wistfully looking at photos of glamorous movie stars and celebrated directors parading the red carpet on the French Riviera, one of Film Independent's Project Involve Fellows will be there. Only a year after emerging from the Project Involve program, Carolina Costa is at Cannes with the film "Las Elegidas." During her early days as cinematographer, she would joke with her friends about having their films in Cannes. When the news broke out, a fellow Dp called to say: "I hate you, I didn't think you would be so quick." Congratulations on "Las Elegidas"' inclusion in Un Certain Regard! Where were you when you heard the news? I...
- 5/20/2015
- by Lorena Alvarado
- Indiewire
After being recognized for his short film La Canción de los Niños Muertos (2008) and his debut feature length feature The Life After (2013) - dramas about guilt and forgiveness, which narrate fraternal confrontations from the mother's absence and a significant death that irremediably mutate the characters' personality - Mexican filmmaker David Pablos returns with The Chosen Ones (Las Elegidas). Inspired by Jorge Volpi's novel of the same name - which will be published soon and describes how in Tenancingo, Tlaxcala (a quintessential sexist Mexican town) the practice of female trafficking is inherited like any other tradition - the film takes the action to Tijuana and tells the love story between Ulises and Sofía, a relationship that is altered when Ulises' father Marcos, who is...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 5/7/2015
- Screen Anarchy
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.