Thursday, April 3, 2014

¡Luces, cámera, acción! 30th Chicago Latino Film Festival





By Carlo Calma

International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago has rolled out the red carpet to celebrate the 30th Chicago Latino Film Festival—with movies screening for two weeks from Apr. 3 to 17.

The event kicks off Thursday, Apr. 3, with an opening night gala styled as Night of Argentina—sponsored by the Argentine consulate. It will feature a screening of Hernán Findling and Oliver Kolker’s film “Fermín, Glorias Del Tango” at AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. in Streeterville, with a reception to follow at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 600 N. State St.

A closing night gala will cap the festivities, Wednesday, Apr. 16, and will feature the Gloria Achievement Award Ceremony. It will honor Chilean theater, television and movie actress Paulina Garcia.
An assortment of over 130 shorts and feature-length films from all over Latin America, Spain, Portugal and the U.S. are included in this year’s lineup. Of the 78 feature-length films, 31 are directed by first-time feature filmmakers, according to Alejandro Riera, the ILCC media relations representative.
“The fact that almost half of the feature-length films are by first-time filmmakers is one of those happy coincidences, but it’s also a sign of what’s happening in Latin America right now, in terms of what digital technology is capable of doing,” said Riera. “It facilitates a lot of these young filmmakers the opportunity to get their [films] on the big screen.”
In its 30th year, the festival has come a long way since its beginnings in 1985, when only 14 films were featured, and drew a crowd of 500 attendees. Now, the festival has attracted more than 35,000 in its 29 years, according to ILCC.
“To us it’s a sign that this festival is truly needed in our community,” said Riera, who adds that the milestone signifies the festival’s staying power and connection to the community, despite trying times, such as economic crises.
“The reason why we’ve been able to survive is because we keep bringing … films that very rarely gets seen in the city, films that people are eager to see … and because we’re bringing content that is relevant to this community.”
“I’ve always thought of the Latino Film Festival as a comprehensive look at what’s happening in Latin American and Spanish cinema right now,” adds Riera. “We’re not a competitive festival … The way I like to think of the Latino Film Festival is [it’s] holding a mirror to the current state of Latin American and Spanish cinema.”
The festival not only celebrates the achievements of Latin American cinema, but also of Latino LGBTQ talent and films. Featured LGBTQ motion pictures include Miguel Ferrari’s comedy-drama “Azul Y No Tan Rosa” from Venezuela; Roberto Fiesco’s documentary “Quebranto” from Mexico; José Antonio Dorado’s drama “Amores Peligrosos” from Colombia and Venezuela; and Paulo Paulista’s drama “Caleidoscopio” from Chile.
“We’ve always felt, and as well with women filmmakers … we needed to have a section that acknowledged the contributions of LGBTQ filmmakers to Latin American and Hispanic cinema,” said Riera, who acknowledged how Latin cinema has “evolved” in the last few years in showcasing more and more gay characters in film.
“What that shows is … a certain embrace of the gay community, a certain acceptance of the gay community,” he said.
And as far as the future of LGBTQ films in the festival’s lineup, Riera explained that the film’s ability to connect with the audience should be the main focus.
“The reality is, it’s got to be the quality of the film, the kind of the stories they’re telling, stories that are not only relevant to specific communities, but to people that can identify with [it],” he said, citing how Gustavo Loza’s “La Otra Familia,” which focuses on the theme of gay parenthood, won the festival’s Audience Choice award for Best Feature in 2012.
“The fact that it won the Audience Choice award, it means that that film … really spoke to our audience,” he said.
“Bottom line is as long as [the film] tells a good, strong story that’s relevant, that is capable to reach out of their particular niche, they will always be part of the festival.”
All screenings of the LGBTQ and other movies will take place at AMC River East 21. Unless otherwise noted, films are shown in their original language with English subtitles, according to the ILCC.
A full lineup of films, schedule of events and show times, and ticket information for its galas can be found atChicagoLatinoFilmFestival.org.
“Azul Y No Tan Rosa” / “Blue and Not So Pink”
Friday, April 4, 9 p.m. and Saturday, April 12, 6 p.m.
“Caleidoscopio” / “Kaleidoscope”
Monday, April 7, 6 p.m. and Thursday, April 10, 6 p.m.
“Amores Peligrosos” / “Dangerous Loves”
Friday, April 11, 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 12, 8:30 p.m.
“Quebranto” / “Disrupted”
Monday, April 14, 6:15 p.m. and Wednesday, April 16, 6:15 p.m.

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