Once upon a time a movie could really send you out of the theater with a smile on your face (Don’t make me explain what a movie theater was). James L. Brooks scores here with another fine entertainment, creating yet another character for Jack Nicholson to hit out of the park. But the generosity of characterization anoints the entire cast, especially Helen Hunt, the most emotionally deserving working woman since Shirley MacLaine’s Fran Kubelik. Nicholson’s miserable curmudgeon is once again a guy who learns how to be a mensch, at least a little bit. It’s an old story but Brooks makes it new again.
As Good As It Gets
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint]
1997 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 138 min. / Street Date September 3, 2021 / Available from / 50.99
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich, Shirley Knight, Yeardley Smith, Lupe Ontiveros, Bibi Osterwald, Brian Doyle-Murray.
Cinematography: John Bailey...
As Good As It Gets
Blu-ray
Viavision [Imprint]
1997 / Color / 1:85 widescreen / 138 min. / Street Date September 3, 2021 / Available from / 50.99
Starring: Jack Nicholson, Helen Hunt, Greg Kinnear, Cuba Gooding Jr., Skeet Ulrich, Shirley Knight, Yeardley Smith, Lupe Ontiveros, Bibi Osterwald, Brian Doyle-Murray.
Cinematography: John Bailey...
- 10/2/2021
- by Glenn Erickson
- Trailers from Hell
Welcome back to the Supporting Actress Smackdown. Each month we pick an Oscar vintage to explore through the lens of actressing at the edges. This episode goes back to the turn of the millenium, when Almost Famous, Pollock, Billy Elliot, and Chocolat were new in theaters and the following actresses were having a moment...
The Nominees 2000 provided a bevy of possibilities in the supporting actress category but Oscar ignored the gifted comediennes (Parker Posey in Best in Show and Elaine May in Smalltime Crooks), the foreign divas (Catherine Deneuve in Dancer in the Dark and Zhang Ziyi in Crouching Tiger), indie darlings (Lupe Ontiveros in Chuck & Buck) and even women in Best Picture contenders. What they came up with instead was an almost eerily archetypical shortlist which included five different kinds of traditional Oscar-friendly roles: long-suffering wife, feisty grandmother, manic pixie dream girl, mama bear, and the tough mentor.
The Nominees 2000 provided a bevy of possibilities in the supporting actress category but Oscar ignored the gifted comediennes (Parker Posey in Best in Show and Elaine May in Smalltime Crooks), the foreign divas (Catherine Deneuve in Dancer in the Dark and Zhang Ziyi in Crouching Tiger), indie darlings (Lupe Ontiveros in Chuck & Buck) and even women in Best Picture contenders. What they came up with instead was an almost eerily archetypical shortlist which included five different kinds of traditional Oscar-friendly roles: long-suffering wife, feisty grandmother, manic pixie dream girl, mama bear, and the tough mentor.
- 5/21/2021
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
To mark the 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray release of The Goonies on 31st August, we’ve been given a 4K copy to give away.
From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, The Goonies plunges a band of small heroes into a swashbuckling surprise-around-every corner quest beyond their wildest dreams! Following a mysterious treasure map into a spectacular underground realm of twisting passages, outrageous booby-traps and a long-lost pirate ship full of golden doubloons, the kids race to stay one step ahead of a family of bumbling bad guys… and a mild-mannered monster with a face only a mother could love.
The Gooniesstars Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Academy Award® nominee (2009) Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman (The Lost Boys franchise), Martha Plimpton (TV’s “Raising Hope”), Ke Huy Quan(Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) Joe Pantoliano (The Matrix) and Lupe Ontiveros (TV’s “Lies in Plain Sight”).
The Goonies...
From the imagination of Steven Spielberg, The Goonies plunges a band of small heroes into a swashbuckling surprise-around-every corner quest beyond their wildest dreams! Following a mysterious treasure map into a spectacular underground realm of twisting passages, outrageous booby-traps and a long-lost pirate ship full of golden doubloons, the kids race to stay one step ahead of a family of bumbling bad guys… and a mild-mannered monster with a face only a mother could love.
The Gooniesstars Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings trilogy), Academy Award® nominee (2009) Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman (The Lost Boys franchise), Martha Plimpton (TV’s “Raising Hope”), Ke Huy Quan(Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom) Joe Pantoliano (The Matrix) and Lupe Ontiveros (TV’s “Lies in Plain Sight”).
The Goonies...
- 8/23/2020
- by Competitions
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
If they’d waited even one more week, the Ha Comedy Festival would have been another casualty of coronavirus.
Producers of the three-day event held in San Antonio, Texas in late February, have been counting their blessings as they put the finishing touches on an hourlong special derived that premieres today on HBO Max.
“Ha Comedy Festival: The Art of Comedy” features short sets from comedians Gina Brillon, David del Rosario, Carmen Lynch, Monique Marvez, Pedro Salinas, Jesus Trejo and Mark Viera. Anjelah Johnson serves as emcee for the hour, which includes guest appearances from actors Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria and Danny Trejo.
The festival and the HBO Max special are important building blocks for New Cadence Productions, the cotent venture launched last year by veteran writer-producer Jeff Valdez and several partners, including former U.S. West CEO Sol Trujillo.
“As we were producing the festival we were all making jokes about Covid,...
Producers of the three-day event held in San Antonio, Texas in late February, have been counting their blessings as they put the finishing touches on an hourlong special derived that premieres today on HBO Max.
“Ha Comedy Festival: The Art of Comedy” features short sets from comedians Gina Brillon, David del Rosario, Carmen Lynch, Monique Marvez, Pedro Salinas, Jesus Trejo and Mark Viera. Anjelah Johnson serves as emcee for the hour, which includes guest appearances from actors Eugenio Derbez, Eva Longoria and Danny Trejo.
The festival and the HBO Max special are important building blocks for New Cadence Productions, the cotent venture launched last year by veteran writer-producer Jeff Valdez and several partners, including former U.S. West CEO Sol Trujillo.
“As we were producing the festival we were all making jokes about Covid,...
- 8/20/2020
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
In her Practical-ly Perfect column, Heather Wixson celebrated the Oscar-winning makeup effects in Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice, and horror fans will soon be able to admire them in more crystal clear detail than ever before now that the "ghost with the most" is coming to 4K Ultra HD on September 1st (along with The Goonies and Guy Ritchie's Sherlock Holmes movies) via Warner Bros. Home Entertainment.
From the Press Release: Burbank, CA, July 13, 2020 – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that Richard Donner’s The Goonies (1985), Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988), and Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011), will be released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on September 1, 2020.
4K Ultra HD showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (Hdr) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, and more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before.
For the complete 4K Ultra HD experience with Hdr,...
From the Press Release: Burbank, CA, July 13, 2020 – Warner Bros. Home Entertainment announced today that Richard Donner’s The Goonies (1985), Tim Burton’s Beetlejuice (1988), and Guy Ritchie’s Sherlock Holmes (2009) and Sherlock Holmes: Game of Shadows (2011), will be released on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray on September 1, 2020.
4K Ultra HD showcases 4K resolution with High Dynamic Range (Hdr) and a wider color spectrum, offering consumers brighter, deeper, and more lifelike colors for a home entertainment viewing experience like never before.
For the complete 4K Ultra HD experience with Hdr,...
- 7/14/2020
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
Goonies never say die! It’s been 35 years since the Richard Donner-directed adventure pic The Goonies was released and became a benchmark in pop culture and served as a touchstone for the childhood of many. As episode one the series “Reunite Apart” with Josh Gad, which helps raise funds for a charity in each episode.
The first episode raised funds for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to support their Covid-19 Response Fund. Gad welcomed the main cast including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen, Ke Huy Quan, Martha Plimpton and Kerri Green. They reminisced about filming the movie and they also welcomed surprise guests throughout the reunion.
More from DeadlineAs Pandemic Hobbles Exhibs & Studios, Screening Room Rechristened Sr Labs With $$ & Man Jit Singh New CEODon Winslow: Marquee Values & My Night At Heaven's Gate'At Home With Olaf': Disney Animation & Josh Gad Have A New Weekly Digital Series Post-'...
The first episode raised funds for the Center for Disaster Philanthropy to support their Covid-19 Response Fund. Gad welcomed the main cast including Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jeff Cohen, Ke Huy Quan, Martha Plimpton and Kerri Green. They reminisced about filming the movie and they also welcomed surprise guests throughout the reunion.
More from DeadlineAs Pandemic Hobbles Exhibs & Studios, Screening Room Rechristened Sr Labs With $$ & Man Jit Singh New CEODon Winslow: Marquee Values & My Night At Heaven's Gate'At Home With Olaf': Disney Animation & Josh Gad Have A New Weekly Digital Series Post-'...
- 4/27/2020
- by Dino-Ray Ramos
- Deadline Film + TV
America Ferrera: ‘For a Very Long Time, I Felt Very Alone and Isolated as a Latina in This Industry’
Even though she won Hollywood’s top TV awards, including an Emmy, Golden Globe, and Screen Actors Guild Award for her lead role in “Ugly Betty,” America Ferrera felt on her own as a Latina actress.
“For a very long time, I felt very alone and isolated as a Latina in this industry,” Ferrera said Friday at the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s 2020 Impact Awards Gala in Beverly Hills. She won the outstanding series producer impact award for her producing work on “Gentefied” and “Superstore.”
“I know many of us in this room have felt that way,” Ferrera said. “But we can write the new mandate for Latinos in this industry. A mandate that says we will lift each other up, and we will lift each other through new doors, that we will celebrate each other’s successes, that we will shower each other with praise, and that we will...
“For a very long time, I felt very alone and isolated as a Latina in this industry,” Ferrera said Friday at the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s 2020 Impact Awards Gala in Beverly Hills. She won the outstanding series producer impact award for her producing work on “Gentefied” and “Superstore.”
“I know many of us in this room have felt that way,” Ferrera said. “But we can write the new mandate for Latinos in this industry. A mandate that says we will lift each other up, and we will lift each other through new doors, that we will celebrate each other’s successes, that we will shower each other with praise, and that we will...
- 2/29/2020
- by Nicholas White
- Variety Film + TV
In today’s film news roundup, “El Norte” has been set for re-release, “A Dark Place” finds a home and Nazneen Contractor has joined the cast of the “Saw” reboot.
Anniversary Release
Fathom Events and Lionsgate have set a 35th anniversary release on Sept. 15 for “El Norte,” Gregory Nava’s drama about the dreams of immigrants from Central America.
“El Norte” has been set to coincide with the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It will play in more than 200 movie theaters in select markets nationwide and include an exclusive introduction by Nava, whose films also include “Selena” and “Mi Familia.”
The screenings will also include a featurette that explores the making of the film with the film’s stars, Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez and David Villalpando. Nava’s introduction and the behind-the-scenes featurette will be presented in both English and Spanish.
The Fathom Events presentation of “El Norte” is...
Anniversary Release
Fathom Events and Lionsgate have set a 35th anniversary release on Sept. 15 for “El Norte,” Gregory Nava’s drama about the dreams of immigrants from Central America.
“El Norte” has been set to coincide with the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month. It will play in more than 200 movie theaters in select markets nationwide and include an exclusive introduction by Nava, whose films also include “Selena” and “Mi Familia.”
The screenings will also include a featurette that explores the making of the film with the film’s stars, Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez and David Villalpando. Nava’s introduction and the behind-the-scenes featurette will be presented in both English and Spanish.
The Fathom Events presentation of “El Norte” is...
- 8/3/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
35 Years After Its Original Theatrical Release, the Oscar® Nominated Classic, Restored by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences, to Play on More Than 200 Screens to Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month
“El Norte,” the epic, widely acclaimed masterpiece about the dreams of immigrants from Central America and the promise of America, will return to movie theaters in select markets this September in a special one-day-only 35th anniversary presentation from Fathom Events and global content leader Lionsgate.
Directed by Gregory Nava from a screenplay co-written by Anna Thomas, “El Norte” will play on Sunday, September 15 – the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month – in more than 200 movie theaters in select markets nationwide. This special one-day-only presentation will include an exclusive introduction by Nava, whose films also include the beloved hits “Selena” and “Mi Familia.” The Fathom Events screenings will also include a brand-new featurette that explores the making of the film...
“El Norte,” the epic, widely acclaimed masterpiece about the dreams of immigrants from Central America and the promise of America, will return to movie theaters in select markets this September in a special one-day-only 35th anniversary presentation from Fathom Events and global content leader Lionsgate.
Directed by Gregory Nava from a screenplay co-written by Anna Thomas, “El Norte” will play on Sunday, September 15 – the first day of National Hispanic Heritage Month – in more than 200 movie theaters in select markets nationwide. This special one-day-only presentation will include an exclusive introduction by Nava, whose films also include the beloved hits “Selena” and “Mi Familia.” The Fathom Events screenings will also include a brand-new featurette that explores the making of the film...
- 8/2/2019
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
The cast of Young Widder Brown.
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1938: Young Widder Brown premiered on NBC Radio. The popular Frank and Anne Hummert radio soap opera told the story of young Ellen Brown, a 30 year old mother, who struggled to raise her children without the small town mentality that came with living in Simpsonville. The show ran for nearly 18 years, until June 22, 1956.
1972: On As the World Turns, Tom Hughes (Peter Galman) and Carol Deming (Rita McLaughlin) were married. The wedding was shot on location at...
"History speaks to artists. It changes the artist's thinking and is constantly reshaping it into different and unexpected images."
― Anselm Kiefer
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1938: Young Widder Brown premiered on NBC Radio. The popular Frank and Anne Hummert radio soap opera told the story of young Ellen Brown, a 30 year old mother, who struggled to raise her children without the small town mentality that came with living in Simpsonville. The show ran for nearly 18 years, until June 22, 1956.
1972: On As the World Turns, Tom Hughes (Peter Galman) and Carol Deming (Rita McLaughlin) were married. The wedding was shot on location at...
- 7/28/2019
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
Each year the Academy Awards pays tribute to those actors and industryites who died during the preceding year with a heartfelt montage sequence. This year’s In Memoriam segment unspooled with John Williams’s theme from “Superman” played by the Los Angeles Philharmonic, led by Gustavo Dudamel, over photos of actors, filmmakers and many others who died between March 2018 and February 2019. Although the montage usually features the most prominent names getting slightly longer clips at the end, this year’s segment didn’t follow that tradition.
Stanley Donen, the co-director of “Singin’ in the Rain” and director of “Two for the Road,” who died Saturday, was not included.
Those who were recognized included “Big” director Penny Marshall, “Deliverance” star Burt Reynolds and major filmmakers including Bernardo Bertolucci, Milos Forman, Nicolas Roeg, Neil Simon, Marvel legend Stan Lee and “Princess Bride” author William Goldman. Other prominent acting talents remembered in the montage were Albert Finney,...
Stanley Donen, the co-director of “Singin’ in the Rain” and director of “Two for the Road,” who died Saturday, was not included.
Those who were recognized included “Big” director Penny Marshall, “Deliverance” star Burt Reynolds and major filmmakers including Bernardo Bertolucci, Milos Forman, Nicolas Roeg, Neil Simon, Marvel legend Stan Lee and “Princess Bride” author William Goldman. Other prominent acting talents remembered in the montage were Albert Finney,...
- 2/25/2019
- by Pat Saperstein
- Variety Film + TV
The cast of Young Widder Brown."The best prophet of the future is the past."
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1938: Young Widder Brown premiered on NBC Radio. The popular Frank and Anne Hummert radio soap opera told the story of young Ellen Brown, a 30 year old mother, who struggled to raise her children without the small town mentality that came with living in Simpsonville. The show ran for nearly 18 years, until June 22, 1956.
1972: On As the World Turns, Tom Hughes (Peter Galman) and Carol Deming (Rita McLaughlin) were married. The wedding was shot on location at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Riverdale, New York.
1976: One...
― Lord Byron
"Today in Soap Opera History" is a collection of the most memorable, interesting and influential events in the history of scripted, serialized programs. From birthdays and anniversaries to scandals and controversies, every day this column celebrates the soap opera in American culture.
On this date in...
1938: Young Widder Brown premiered on NBC Radio. The popular Frank and Anne Hummert radio soap opera told the story of young Ellen Brown, a 30 year old mother, who struggled to raise her children without the small town mentality that came with living in Simpsonville. The show ran for nearly 18 years, until June 22, 1956.
1972: On As the World Turns, Tom Hughes (Peter Galman) and Carol Deming (Rita McLaughlin) were married. The wedding was shot on location at the Riverdale Presbyterian Church in Riverdale, New York.
1976: One...
- 7/26/2018
- by Roger Newcomb
- We Love Soaps
With stories of the Trump administration’s newest border policy decision causing children to be separated from their families and locked in cages, it’s no surprise the entertainment industry’s most prominent figures have spoken out against the policy this past week.
The topic was unavoidable at the National Association of Latino Independent Producers’ Latino Media Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood on Saturday.
“Flatliners” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” star Diego Luna, who received the outstanding achievement in film award, told Variety he believes it is the duty of Latino creators to bring their stories to light, including the stories of the children being separated from their families.
“What’s been in happening in this country these last few days, this cruelty cannot be accepted or tolerated,” Luna said. “We have to remind ourselves that we are the ones telling our stories, so we...
The topic was unavoidable at the National Association of Latino Independent Producers’ Latino Media Awards at the Ray Dolby Ballroom in Hollywood on Saturday.
“Flatliners” and “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” star Diego Luna, who received the outstanding achievement in film award, told Variety he believes it is the duty of Latino creators to bring their stories to light, including the stories of the children being separated from their families.
“What’s been in happening in this country these last few days, this cruelty cannot be accepted or tolerated,” Luna said. “We have to remind ourselves that we are the ones telling our stories, so we...
- 6/25/2018
- by Ellis Clopton
- Variety Film + TV
It’s been 22 years since the death of Selena Quintanilla, a Tejano music singer who captured America’s heart in the early ‘90s with songs like “Como La Flor,” “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom” and “Dreaming of You.”
After conquering a male-dominant genre, a feat many deemed impossible, the Grammy winner had blossomed into a cultural icon at the time of her death.
On March 31, 1995, Selena was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldivar, the president of her fan club. She was 23 years old. The news sent shock waves around the world, prompting several vigils across the U.S. and Mexico. Saldivar was later found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. She will be eligible for parole in March of 2025.
While the passing of time can be a detrimental factor for any celebrity, in Selena’s case, it’s only helped broaden her legacy. Her cultural resonance can, in part, be attributed...
After conquering a male-dominant genre, a feat many deemed impossible, the Grammy winner had blossomed into a cultural icon at the time of her death.
On March 31, 1995, Selena was shot and killed by Yolanda Saldivar, the president of her fan club. She was 23 years old. The news sent shock waves around the world, prompting several vigils across the U.S. and Mexico. Saldivar was later found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. She will be eligible for parole in March of 2025.
While the passing of time can be a detrimental factor for any celebrity, in Selena’s case, it’s only helped broaden her legacy. Her cultural resonance can, in part, be attributed...
- 10/12/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
The time of year has come to honor some of the best and the brightest in the Latino entertainment community. The National Association of Latino Independent Producers will host the 16th annual Latino Media Awards in Hollywood June 27. Set to be honored are actors Raquel Welch, Dascha Polanco (“Orange Is the New Black”), writer-director-star of “Instructions Not Included” Eugenio Derbez, and other industry players. “Every year Nalip surveys the media landscape to identify Latinos and Latinas making strides, impacting, and changing the face of the industry,” Axel Caballero, executive director of Nalip, told Backstage via email. “Awardees are selected based on their incredible accomplishments and body of work, and how this advances our mission to move Latin media-makers forward. This year, the impressive awardees are a perfect representation of this.” Polanco, who stars on “Oitnb” as inmate and correctional officer John Bennett’s (Matt McGorry) love interest Dayanara Diaz, will receive the Lupe Award.
- 6/24/2015
- backstage.com
A few movies would venture into portraying the AIDs scare amongst the homosexual community of the 1980s.
In Chris Mason Johnson’s “Test,” rather than celebrating the death from AIDs, unlike many movies do, it showcased the community living in fear of the disease and the panics surrounding it.
The film is set around the free-spirited San Francisco of 1985 as it follows a young dancer in a modern dance company who must deal with the fear of disease, homophobia, effeminophobia during that period. And his ultimate escapism was through the music and dance.
The dance drama was on the film festival circuit for some time and won two grand jury prizes at Outfest.
Latino-Review had an exclusive phone interview with director Chris Mason Johnson last week. We discussed about the AIDs epidemic of the 1980s, homophobia, and the changes for gay cinema through the years.
“Test” is currently in theaters...
In Chris Mason Johnson’s “Test,” rather than celebrating the death from AIDs, unlike many movies do, it showcased the community living in fear of the disease and the panics surrounding it.
The film is set around the free-spirited San Francisco of 1985 as it follows a young dancer in a modern dance company who must deal with the fear of disease, homophobia, effeminophobia during that period. And his ultimate escapism was through the music and dance.
The dance drama was on the film festival circuit for some time and won two grand jury prizes at Outfest.
Latino-Review had an exclusive phone interview with director Chris Mason Johnson last week. We discussed about the AIDs epidemic of the 1980s, homophobia, and the changes for gay cinema through the years.
“Test” is currently in theaters...
- 6/10/2014
- by Gig Patta
- LRMonline.com
News
Tyra Banks is returning to daytime. She’ll lead a show featuring a team of “lifestyle experts” who will aim to provide viewers with “cutting-edge guidance.”
A study attempted to quantify how well Doctor Who handles female characters using the Bechdel test, companion speaking time and number of (non-companion) female characters. It turns out Russell T. Davies‘ run was a lot more female-friendly than Steven Moffat‘s first few seasons. That’s not surprising, but its actually been quantified here.
This year, the Academy changed the rules on what it takes to qualify for the Best Documentary Oscar, prompting HBO to cut back on the number of movies it pushes. It’s choices will include Proposition 8 documentary The Case Against 8.
For the first time, The Amazing Race started its next season in a very public place, Times Square. That means there is no mystery about who will be competing in the 25th season.
Tyra Banks is returning to daytime. She’ll lead a show featuring a team of “lifestyle experts” who will aim to provide viewers with “cutting-edge guidance.”
A study attempted to quantify how well Doctor Who handles female characters using the Bechdel test, companion speaking time and number of (non-companion) female characters. It turns out Russell T. Davies‘ run was a lot more female-friendly than Steven Moffat‘s first few seasons. That’s not surprising, but its actually been quantified here.
This year, the Academy changed the rules on what it takes to qualify for the Best Documentary Oscar, prompting HBO to cut back on the number of movies it pushes. It’s choices will include Proposition 8 documentary The Case Against 8.
For the first time, The Amazing Race started its next season in a very public place, Times Square. That means there is no mystery about who will be competing in the 25th season.
- 6/2/2014
- by Lyle Masaki
- The Backlot
With a name like HeyUGuys, it’s hard for us to hide our love of The Goonies and after being talked about for years and last week Richard Donner (known by everyone as Dick Donner) confirmed to the world that a Goonies sequel is in the works. We’ll still believe it when we see the cameras start to roll but for now, a fantastic documentary entitled ‘The Making of a Cult Classic, The Unauthorized Story of The Goonies’ has been released on YouTube. Thanks to our Goonies correspondent Andy Petrou for the heads up.
In 2010 the home of the Goonies, Astoria Oregon played host to the 25th anniversary of the movie where many stars from the film gathered to celebrate it’s awesomeness. During that event, the photo you see atop of this post was taken and the documentary was played to a crowd of people who had flown...
In 2010 the home of the Goonies, Astoria Oregon played host to the 25th anniversary of the movie where many stars from the film gathered to celebrate it’s awesomeness. During that event, the photo you see atop of this post was taken and the documentary was played to a crowd of people who had flown...
- 4/17/2014
- by David Sztypuljak
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Starring Latino comedienne Kiki Melendez, Journey of a Female Comic,is a documentary comedy that will be released through AMC Theatres’ AMC Independent Program in Los Angeles and San Diego on May 2nd, 2014 with other major markets to follow. The date will also see the release of Water & Power, which will be a historical accomplishment for Independent Latino Filmmakers just in time for the Cinco de Mayo weekend.
An award-winning actress,writer,producer, TV personality and trailblazing figure, Melendez is best known for creating Galavision’s #1 entertainment show in 2000, “Kiki Desde Hollywood”, and Showtime Network’s hit show, “Hot Tamales Live!”in2008, the longest running all-female comedy show, now available on Hulu.
Her debut feature is an inspirational film for audiences of all races,genders,and backgrounds. It centers on Melendez’ life growing up in a developing country, being raised by a single immigrant mother, and her career in Hollywood pursuing the American Dream. Never forgetting her humble beginnings, Melendez’ journey is thought-provoking, inspiring audiences to discover the difference between fame and fulfillment.
Thanks to initial enthusiastic reception during test screenings, AMC’s independent program added the 88-minute version to its slate. "Journey of A Female Comic fits perfectly within our AMC Independent programming initiative, which opens our screens to movies that resonate with our diverse audiences,” said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, Vice President of Alternative Content at AMC. “Kiki Melendez’ story is honest and entertaining, and will connect with many of our guests
“I am so grateful to AMC Independent for the opportunity to share my story. My hope in making this film, is to encourage and inspire women to take their dreams into their own hands”, says Melendez.
The feature began as an experimental short film,which premiered at the Dr Global International Film Festival. It also opened at Miami's Hispanicize Film Showcase and The Broadway International Film Festival in 2012, where it represented the U.S. and won “Best Documentary”.
The documentary also features other prominent Latino figures in Hollywood, including interviews with Edward James Olmos, Jacob Vargas, Esai Morales, Nadine Velazquez,the late Lupe Ontiveros, Maria Conchita Alonso and Guy Ecker. Melendez also has lively conversations with international stars including Aaron Spelling, Usher, Sofía Vergara, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, John Travolta, Shakira and Marc Anthony.
Journey of A Female Comic was produced by Latin Hollywood Films in association with Lions Kill Productions. It is produced and directed by Erick M. Crespo and Kiki Melendez, written by Lyn McCullough and Kiki Melendez. Executive Producers are David Albert Pierce, Mark Ford, Paul Lawrence, Gloria Ortiz, Vickie Leyva and Mike Levy.
To read more about this film visit: Here...
An award-winning actress,writer,producer, TV personality and trailblazing figure, Melendez is best known for creating Galavision’s #1 entertainment show in 2000, “Kiki Desde Hollywood”, and Showtime Network’s hit show, “Hot Tamales Live!”in2008, the longest running all-female comedy show, now available on Hulu.
Her debut feature is an inspirational film for audiences of all races,genders,and backgrounds. It centers on Melendez’ life growing up in a developing country, being raised by a single immigrant mother, and her career in Hollywood pursuing the American Dream. Never forgetting her humble beginnings, Melendez’ journey is thought-provoking, inspiring audiences to discover the difference between fame and fulfillment.
Thanks to initial enthusiastic reception during test screenings, AMC’s independent program added the 88-minute version to its slate. "Journey of A Female Comic fits perfectly within our AMC Independent programming initiative, which opens our screens to movies that resonate with our diverse audiences,” said Nikkole Denson-Randolph, Vice President of Alternative Content at AMC. “Kiki Melendez’ story is honest and entertaining, and will connect with many of our guests
“I am so grateful to AMC Independent for the opportunity to share my story. My hope in making this film, is to encourage and inspire women to take their dreams into their own hands”, says Melendez.
The feature began as an experimental short film,which premiered at the Dr Global International Film Festival. It also opened at Miami's Hispanicize Film Showcase and The Broadway International Film Festival in 2012, where it represented the U.S. and won “Best Documentary”.
The documentary also features other prominent Latino figures in Hollywood, including interviews with Edward James Olmos, Jacob Vargas, Esai Morales, Nadine Velazquez,the late Lupe Ontiveros, Maria Conchita Alonso and Guy Ecker. Melendez also has lively conversations with international stars including Aaron Spelling, Usher, Sofía Vergara, Halle Berry, Hugh Jackman, John Travolta, Shakira and Marc Anthony.
Journey of A Female Comic was produced by Latin Hollywood Films in association with Lions Kill Productions. It is produced and directed by Erick M. Crespo and Kiki Melendez, written by Lyn McCullough and Kiki Melendez. Executive Producers are David Albert Pierce, Mark Ford, Paul Lawrence, Gloria Ortiz, Vickie Leyva and Mike Levy.
To read more about this film visit: Here...
- 4/2/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
We asked a few LatinoBuzz amigos to get their Robinson Crusoe on and pick a film, an album, a book and a companion from the movies to join them in their shenanigans were they to be stuck on a deserted island (and before anyone nitpicks, filmmakers are resourceful, so of course they built solar powered entertainment centers made from bamboos, coconuts and grass to watch movies and listen to baby making slow jams). We figured we'd start with the narrative filmmakers since they probably sit around thinking about this kinda stuff anyway.
Film: Choosing desert island items may mean sacrificing taste and/or reason, thinking about those items that you wouldn’t forgive yourself for not bringing them as your company, it´s like choosing the woman of your life. Here it goes: Hiroshima Mon Amour; there might be others I fancy as much as or more than (La Dolce Vita, Vertigo, M , some Lubitsch or Preminger), but I can think of no other as unique. I wouldn’t be able to choose any other without feeling Hiroshima’s absence - the best love film, the best movie about war, the best motion picture regarding the memory and its consequences. I can spend my whole life learning about film and the world because of Hiroshima...'.
Album: “Los Preludios de Debussy” by Claudio Arrau. These were so important to my life (I'm referring to my childhood of course) and I think no one does it better than Arrau. Same thing: it is endless. I think I could never tire of this and I could still wake up each and every morning amazed by it.
Book: “Sentimental Education”, by Flaubert. Similar to “Hiroshima”, a book that changed my outlook on literature and the world and I am certain it will keep transforming it forever.
Companion: Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer in 'The fabulous Baker Boys'). Since I saw the film (which I liked very much!) in the provincial movie theater of my childhood, I felt as Jack Baker´s relative and I loved Susie. If we had a piano, it would all be all be perfect. - Santiago Palavecino (Algunas chicas/Some Girls)
Film: This is a tricky question. I've always said that on a deserted island you should bring some porn. You could use that more than regular movies. But since I've got to pick a film I guess it'd be Jaws. Why? Because it's one of my favorites (I could also go with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly). But being on a deserted island, Jaws will remind me all the time what'll happen to me for sure if I try to get away!
Album: “ Appetite for Destruction” (Guns N' Roses). Hey, I was 13 when this came out. I listen to it every day while I work, anyways. My favorite, by far.
A Book: I'm going to cheat on this one: 'The Complete Works' by Jorge Luis Borges. The best writer, and enough labyrinths to get lost on endless nights.
Companion: Sherlock Holmes. He's always been my favorite, and also, since my guess is he'll be pretty useless in a deserted island, every time we fail to get out because of him I can get to tell him "Is that the best you can do, Sherlock? - Alejandro Brugués (Juan of the Dead)
Film: Los Olvidados- this is punk rock and Pachuco. Mexico City style before the bombed out bunkers of Sid & Nancy. Bunuel is a hero and I wanna buy Jaibo a beer and milk for the old poetic man!
Album: The Blade Runner album. I can play it over and over, get cranked up or mellow with Blade Runner Blues and the constant rain.
Book: '20 years of Joda' - poems of Jose Montoya, my pop. Epic stuff! 'Ran with Miguel Pinero in the Lower Eastside!”
Companion: Michael Corleone cause he's Mack in my book! Jaibo gets an honorable mention. - Richard Montoya (Water & Power )
Film: I´d choose Misery because a year can go by and I can watch it again eagerly. It's simple and the director (Rob Reiner) and Stephen King are both masters of suspense.
Album: I know this may be considered cheating but it would have to be 'The Best of David Bowie'. That way I have 2 CD's with nearly 40 songs!
Companion: There's many great people who I would to live with but on a deserted Island? It would have to be Mary Poppins for obvious reasons.
Book: And finally the book would be 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy because it's one I haven't read yet. Analeine Cal y Mayor - (The Boy Who Smells Like Fish)
Film: I would say White Chicks. I’m going to need some humor! White Chicks is the movie that I put on when I need a good laugh. It does it for me every time. I grew up with characters like that; and admittedly, I can regress back to a few of them myself when no one is looking.
Album: ' Songs From the Capeman' - Paul Simon. I can’t get enough of that album. It instantly takes me to that world and electrifies that side of me that’s determined to make a change for Latinos. I want to keep that feeling with me alive eternally…wherever I’m at.”
Book: There are many but 'Anatomy of the Spirit' by Caroline Myss has been my compass. It taught me how to take control of my destiny by listening to my intuition and body. I stand by her quote: “Your biography becomes your biology.
Companion: The first person that came to mind when I read the question was silly Clarence from “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I guess I’m going to need an angel with me, and he’s perfect. He has a pure childlike spirit that would help me find gratitude in the most unlikely moments… even on a deserted island! That right there is the meaning of life. - Carmen Marron (Endgame)
Film: There are so many brilliant, groundbreaking favorite films that have influenced me (The 400 Blows; Jules and Jim ; Law of Desire; et al) but I wouldn't bring any of them. If I'm stuck on a deserted island, I'm bringing Neil Simon's Murder by Death so I can laugh my ass off. Not a great film at all, it's true, but it's a classic comedy.
Album: Oh, this is easy: Madonna's "Ray of Light." I am no Madonna fanatic, but "deserted island, " means beach + summer weather + Fire Island-like atmosphere. So somewhere nearby there's got to be gay guys partying and I will use Madonna to lure them to me so I can be rescued.
One Book: Varga Llosa's "Feast of the Goat" ("La Fiesta del Chivo") -- it's action-packed historical fiction. It will keep me occupied. One of my favorite novels.
Companion: Huckleberry Finn. He will be a great companion: not only will he tell great stories, but undoubtedly, the ever-resourceful Huck Finn will figure out how to build a raft and get us out off that island! - Terracino (Elliot Loves )
Film: Whenever anyone asks me this I always think of what use these items would serve practically on a deserted island, so I answered this in that respect. Tokyo Story - Yasujiro Ozu. This would be a great film to take on a deserted island because it's really about the unavoidable suffering of the cycle of life, which I'm sure you'd relate to if you were stuck on an island. I really could watch this film a million times over and notice something new every time. Watching most Ozu films is not unlike participating in a Zen meditation practice. It's patience and slowness and trying to empty your mind of thought until your left with the basics of existence. Kind of like sitting on a deserted island alone. I can watch the scene where Kyoto says “Life is disappointing, isn't it?” and Noriko smiles and says “Yes it is.” I can watch that endlessly and cry every time. It's so true.
Album: ' Tusk' - Fleetwood Mac. I could also deal with 'Rumours' but I picked 'Tusk' because it's longer and denser; probably better for an island. 'Sara' is maybe my favorite song in the world and so it would be nice to have that with me. I think channeling the powerful witchy energy of Stevie Nicks would be a real asset on an island. This album has so much strange material on - you wouldn't get bored too easily with it. It's also got a range of emotions so if you get too depressed on the island you can just put on 'Never Forget' and feel better. And 'Sisters of the Moon' would be good around a fire at night. Even though you're stuck on an island, it's good to create an ambiance to remind you that life is worth living.
Book: ' In Search of Lost Time' - Marcel Proust. I've only read 'Swann's Way' which is first part of this. My analyst recommend it to me when I was totally heartbroken after someone broke up with me. It really did the trick. This would be a good long epic read that has enough complex ideas in it to keep you occupied for a life time. Probably a good book (or set of books) to get back to nature with.
Companion: I'll say Terry Malloy from “On the Waterfront”. He'd be strong and good to have around to cut down trees and hunt and stuff. He's also easy on the eyes and someone that could do with a little lonely contemplation away from the loading docks. That doesn't sound half bad...stuck on like a tropical island with a young, cute Marlon Brando, watching Ozu, reading Proust and listening to Fleetwood Mac all day. Sign me up! - Joshua Sanchez (Four)
Film: My film would have to be Luis Buñuel's Los Olvidados. I have been a movie watcher since I was a child. Raised on mainstream American films and Wuxia flicks, it wasn't until I was a late teen that I took my first film class and was introduced to the work of Buñuel. Los Olvidados literally changed my perception of the world, both socially and visually. It was also the gateway for me to progress from movie watcher to film student.
Album: Music is my religion and I belong to the church of Robert Nesta Marley. I would prefer the whole anthology, but if I had to choose one album it would be “Exodus”. When on an island listen to island music.
Book: Right around the time I discovered the work of Buñuel, I was gifted Jose Montoya's 'In Formation: 20 years of Joda'. The book is a treasure of epic poems, sketches, and corridos. All testaments to the beauty and strength of Chicana/o culture. 20 years later I pay homage to both of these Maestros in my debut feature film, “Cry Now”. The film's protagonist is nicknamed 'Ojitos' during the course of the narrative, a reference to one of the characters in Los Olvidados. The late great Lupe Ontiveros playing the role of a sage loosely recites Montoya's mantra 'La Locura Cura' (In madness you find truth) while she councils our protagonist.
Companion: To bring it all full circle my fictitious character would have to be a Wuxia hero. As a child I was awe inspired by these bigger than life martial artists. As an adult, Ang Lee's “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” did the same. I know all would be as it should if Yu Shu Lien was on that island with me. - Alberto Barboza (Cry Now )
Film: Nothing But a Man (1964) It's a film that does an incredible job balancing a character-driven story within a politically charged context. It's a film I'm finding myself inspired by as I continue to write Los Valientes.
Album: I'm not a fan of albums, but if I had to choose one I guess I would have to go with any of Prince's albums. His music always puts me in a trance.
Book: My dream journal so I can look back look for signs of what is to become of my future.
Companion: Who better than TV's MacGyver. I'd put his ass to work on getting me off the island! -Aurora Guerrero (Mosquita y Mari)
Film: Hell in the Pacific so that I can be reminded that even in paradise there is a duality.
Album: “La Scala: Concert” by Ludovico Einaudi – I've listened to it a thousand times and each time I feel or discover something new.
Book: “ Voces Reunidas” by Antonio Porchia. Each time I read one of his poems I learn something new and I'm deeply moved.
Companion: Barbarella, so I could never be lonely and I could enjoy this planet-island – Diego Quemada-Díez (La jaula de oro/The Golden Dream)
Written by Juan Caceres . LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow [At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook...
Film: Choosing desert island items may mean sacrificing taste and/or reason, thinking about those items that you wouldn’t forgive yourself for not bringing them as your company, it´s like choosing the woman of your life. Here it goes: Hiroshima Mon Amour; there might be others I fancy as much as or more than (La Dolce Vita, Vertigo, M , some Lubitsch or Preminger), but I can think of no other as unique. I wouldn’t be able to choose any other without feeling Hiroshima’s absence - the best love film, the best movie about war, the best motion picture regarding the memory and its consequences. I can spend my whole life learning about film and the world because of Hiroshima...'.
Album: “Los Preludios de Debussy” by Claudio Arrau. These were so important to my life (I'm referring to my childhood of course) and I think no one does it better than Arrau. Same thing: it is endless. I think I could never tire of this and I could still wake up each and every morning amazed by it.
Book: “Sentimental Education”, by Flaubert. Similar to “Hiroshima”, a book that changed my outlook on literature and the world and I am certain it will keep transforming it forever.
Companion: Susie Diamond (Michelle Pfeiffer in 'The fabulous Baker Boys'). Since I saw the film (which I liked very much!) in the provincial movie theater of my childhood, I felt as Jack Baker´s relative and I loved Susie. If we had a piano, it would all be all be perfect. - Santiago Palavecino (Algunas chicas/Some Girls)
Film: This is a tricky question. I've always said that on a deserted island you should bring some porn. You could use that more than regular movies. But since I've got to pick a film I guess it'd be Jaws. Why? Because it's one of my favorites (I could also go with The Good, the Bad and the Ugly). But being on a deserted island, Jaws will remind me all the time what'll happen to me for sure if I try to get away!
Album: “ Appetite for Destruction” (Guns N' Roses). Hey, I was 13 when this came out. I listen to it every day while I work, anyways. My favorite, by far.
A Book: I'm going to cheat on this one: 'The Complete Works' by Jorge Luis Borges. The best writer, and enough labyrinths to get lost on endless nights.
Companion: Sherlock Holmes. He's always been my favorite, and also, since my guess is he'll be pretty useless in a deserted island, every time we fail to get out because of him I can get to tell him "Is that the best you can do, Sherlock? - Alejandro Brugués (Juan of the Dead)
Film: Los Olvidados- this is punk rock and Pachuco. Mexico City style before the bombed out bunkers of Sid & Nancy. Bunuel is a hero and I wanna buy Jaibo a beer and milk for the old poetic man!
Album: The Blade Runner album. I can play it over and over, get cranked up or mellow with Blade Runner Blues and the constant rain.
Book: '20 years of Joda' - poems of Jose Montoya, my pop. Epic stuff! 'Ran with Miguel Pinero in the Lower Eastside!”
Companion: Michael Corleone cause he's Mack in my book! Jaibo gets an honorable mention. - Richard Montoya (Water & Power )
Film: I´d choose Misery because a year can go by and I can watch it again eagerly. It's simple and the director (Rob Reiner) and Stephen King are both masters of suspense.
Album: I know this may be considered cheating but it would have to be 'The Best of David Bowie'. That way I have 2 CD's with nearly 40 songs!
Companion: There's many great people who I would to live with but on a deserted Island? It would have to be Mary Poppins for obvious reasons.
Book: And finally the book would be 'Blood Meridian' by Cormac McCarthy because it's one I haven't read yet. Analeine Cal y Mayor - (The Boy Who Smells Like Fish)
Film: I would say White Chicks. I’m going to need some humor! White Chicks is the movie that I put on when I need a good laugh. It does it for me every time. I grew up with characters like that; and admittedly, I can regress back to a few of them myself when no one is looking.
Album: ' Songs From the Capeman' - Paul Simon. I can’t get enough of that album. It instantly takes me to that world and electrifies that side of me that’s determined to make a change for Latinos. I want to keep that feeling with me alive eternally…wherever I’m at.”
Book: There are many but 'Anatomy of the Spirit' by Caroline Myss has been my compass. It taught me how to take control of my destiny by listening to my intuition and body. I stand by her quote: “Your biography becomes your biology.
Companion: The first person that came to mind when I read the question was silly Clarence from “It’s a Wonderful Life”. I guess I’m going to need an angel with me, and he’s perfect. He has a pure childlike spirit that would help me find gratitude in the most unlikely moments… even on a deserted island! That right there is the meaning of life. - Carmen Marron (Endgame)
Film: There are so many brilliant, groundbreaking favorite films that have influenced me (The 400 Blows; Jules and Jim ; Law of Desire; et al) but I wouldn't bring any of them. If I'm stuck on a deserted island, I'm bringing Neil Simon's Murder by Death so I can laugh my ass off. Not a great film at all, it's true, but it's a classic comedy.
Album: Oh, this is easy: Madonna's "Ray of Light." I am no Madonna fanatic, but "deserted island, " means beach + summer weather + Fire Island-like atmosphere. So somewhere nearby there's got to be gay guys partying and I will use Madonna to lure them to me so I can be rescued.
One Book: Varga Llosa's "Feast of the Goat" ("La Fiesta del Chivo") -- it's action-packed historical fiction. It will keep me occupied. One of my favorite novels.
Companion: Huckleberry Finn. He will be a great companion: not only will he tell great stories, but undoubtedly, the ever-resourceful Huck Finn will figure out how to build a raft and get us out off that island! - Terracino (Elliot Loves )
Film: Whenever anyone asks me this I always think of what use these items would serve practically on a deserted island, so I answered this in that respect. Tokyo Story - Yasujiro Ozu. This would be a great film to take on a deserted island because it's really about the unavoidable suffering of the cycle of life, which I'm sure you'd relate to if you were stuck on an island. I really could watch this film a million times over and notice something new every time. Watching most Ozu films is not unlike participating in a Zen meditation practice. It's patience and slowness and trying to empty your mind of thought until your left with the basics of existence. Kind of like sitting on a deserted island alone. I can watch the scene where Kyoto says “Life is disappointing, isn't it?” and Noriko smiles and says “Yes it is.” I can watch that endlessly and cry every time. It's so true.
Album: ' Tusk' - Fleetwood Mac. I could also deal with 'Rumours' but I picked 'Tusk' because it's longer and denser; probably better for an island. 'Sara' is maybe my favorite song in the world and so it would be nice to have that with me. I think channeling the powerful witchy energy of Stevie Nicks would be a real asset on an island. This album has so much strange material on - you wouldn't get bored too easily with it. It's also got a range of emotions so if you get too depressed on the island you can just put on 'Never Forget' and feel better. And 'Sisters of the Moon' would be good around a fire at night. Even though you're stuck on an island, it's good to create an ambiance to remind you that life is worth living.
Book: ' In Search of Lost Time' - Marcel Proust. I've only read 'Swann's Way' which is first part of this. My analyst recommend it to me when I was totally heartbroken after someone broke up with me. It really did the trick. This would be a good long epic read that has enough complex ideas in it to keep you occupied for a life time. Probably a good book (or set of books) to get back to nature with.
Companion: I'll say Terry Malloy from “On the Waterfront”. He'd be strong and good to have around to cut down trees and hunt and stuff. He's also easy on the eyes and someone that could do with a little lonely contemplation away from the loading docks. That doesn't sound half bad...stuck on like a tropical island with a young, cute Marlon Brando, watching Ozu, reading Proust and listening to Fleetwood Mac all day. Sign me up! - Joshua Sanchez (Four)
Film: My film would have to be Luis Buñuel's Los Olvidados. I have been a movie watcher since I was a child. Raised on mainstream American films and Wuxia flicks, it wasn't until I was a late teen that I took my first film class and was introduced to the work of Buñuel. Los Olvidados literally changed my perception of the world, both socially and visually. It was also the gateway for me to progress from movie watcher to film student.
Album: Music is my religion and I belong to the church of Robert Nesta Marley. I would prefer the whole anthology, but if I had to choose one album it would be “Exodus”. When on an island listen to island music.
Book: Right around the time I discovered the work of Buñuel, I was gifted Jose Montoya's 'In Formation: 20 years of Joda'. The book is a treasure of epic poems, sketches, and corridos. All testaments to the beauty and strength of Chicana/o culture. 20 years later I pay homage to both of these Maestros in my debut feature film, “Cry Now”. The film's protagonist is nicknamed 'Ojitos' during the course of the narrative, a reference to one of the characters in Los Olvidados. The late great Lupe Ontiveros playing the role of a sage loosely recites Montoya's mantra 'La Locura Cura' (In madness you find truth) while she councils our protagonist.
Companion: To bring it all full circle my fictitious character would have to be a Wuxia hero. As a child I was awe inspired by these bigger than life martial artists. As an adult, Ang Lee's “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” did the same. I know all would be as it should if Yu Shu Lien was on that island with me. - Alberto Barboza (Cry Now )
Film: Nothing But a Man (1964) It's a film that does an incredible job balancing a character-driven story within a politically charged context. It's a film I'm finding myself inspired by as I continue to write Los Valientes.
Album: I'm not a fan of albums, but if I had to choose one I guess I would have to go with any of Prince's albums. His music always puts me in a trance.
Book: My dream journal so I can look back look for signs of what is to become of my future.
Companion: Who better than TV's MacGyver. I'd put his ass to work on getting me off the island! -Aurora Guerrero (Mosquita y Mari)
Film: Hell in the Pacific so that I can be reminded that even in paradise there is a duality.
Album: “La Scala: Concert” by Ludovico Einaudi – I've listened to it a thousand times and each time I feel or discover something new.
Book: “ Voces Reunidas” by Antonio Porchia. Each time I read one of his poems I learn something new and I'm deeply moved.
Companion: Barbarella, so I could never be lonely and I could enjoy this planet-island – Diego Quemada-Díez (La jaula de oro/The Golden Dream)
Written by Juan Caceres . LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow [At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook...
- 3/5/2014
- by Juan Caceres
- Sydney's Buzz
Press Release:
“Max Steel” Unveils Its Lead Actors, Ben Winchell, Ana VILLAFAÑE Dolphin Films International, Mattel, Im Global Announce “Max Steel” International Distribution Rights to be Sold at European Film Market
Hollywood – Feb. 6, 2014 – Dolphin Films announced today that Ben Winchell (Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm,” “Necessary Roughness”) and Ana Villafañe (“Hiding,” “Los Americans”) have signed on to play the signature roles of Max McGrath™ and Sydney Gardner in “Max Steel,” the highly anticipated, live-action franchise feature film based on Mattel’s popular superhero property of the same name.
“Max Steel,” which is being produced by Dolphin Films and Mattel, is slated for a wide theatrical release by Open Road Films domestically and Im Global internationally in 2015. It’s being penned by Marvel Studios veteran Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”) and directed by award-winning director Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” “H+”).
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce...
“Max Steel” Unveils Its Lead Actors, Ben Winchell, Ana VILLAFAÑE Dolphin Films International, Mattel, Im Global Announce “Max Steel” International Distribution Rights to be Sold at European Film Market
Hollywood – Feb. 6, 2014 – Dolphin Films announced today that Ben Winchell (Disney’s “A.N.T. Farm,” “Necessary Roughness”) and Ana Villafañe (“Hiding,” “Los Americans”) have signed on to play the signature roles of Max McGrath™ and Sydney Gardner in “Max Steel,” the highly anticipated, live-action franchise feature film based on Mattel’s popular superhero property of the same name.
“Max Steel,” which is being produced by Dolphin Films and Mattel, is slated for a wide theatrical release by Open Road Films domestically and Im Global internationally in 2015. It’s being penned by Marvel Studios veteran Christopher Yost (“Thor: The Dark World”) and directed by award-winning director Stewart Hendler (“Halo 4: Forward Unto Dawn,” “H+”).
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce...
- 2/6/2014
- by Jess Orso
- ScifiMafia
He had the first auds roaring in the aisles with his seam-splitting debut. The Park City at Midnight launch of Black Dynamite catapulted Scott Sanders into the B-movie homage/slapstick elite. Fast forward to 2012, and the helmer found his sophomore project with cult actor Luis Guzman toplining. High grade schlock or a delirious action-comedy offering, details on the Lionsgate project have been mum: production got underway in June of 2012, there is no release date and not much news in the in what should have been its year of release. Has Aztec Warrior been pinned down because of extra work (see concept art here) or has it been prepped with a ribbon, marketing campaign for a slick Sundance delivery? We’ll soon find out.
Gist: Based on a story by Handfield and Javier Chapa, co-written by Sanders and Don Handfield, Guzman plays the Warrior in the Lucha Libre-inspired pic who goes...
Gist: Based on a story by Handfield and Javier Chapa, co-written by Sanders and Don Handfield, Guzman plays the Warrior in the Lucha Libre-inspired pic who goes...
- 11/18/2013
- by Eric Lavallee
- IONCINEMA.com
Early Entry Deadline: September 13, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($15), Feature Film ($25)
Normal Entry Deadline: October 11, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($25), Feature Film ($35)
Late Entry Deadline: November 8, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($40), Feature Film ($60)
For entry form, click here.
or
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Media Arts Center San Diego is now seeking films and videos for 20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (March 13-23, 2014)! Come celebrate our landmark 20th year with an even broader program of exhilarating new activities, special events, and initiatives.
The 21st Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (Sdlff) is now accepting entries for the 2014 festival. Sdlff will take place March 13-23, 2014 at the Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center located in beautiful San Diego, California.Submit early for discounted entry fees!
Last year's festival was attended by an audience of 20,500 actively-engaged film lovers, filmmakers, actors, programmers, distributors, industry representatives and journalists from around the world. The San Diego Latino Film Festival has used the unique geographical and cultural position of the San Diego Border Region to make the festival a premiere venue for the exhibition of international and U.S. Latino features, shorts and documentaries.
Never participated in Sdlff before? Become apart of San Diego's proud celebration of the best in Latino film.
The 2014 San Diego Latino Film Festival will include expanded opportunities for participating filmmakers and their films/videos to take the spotlight. The following is just a taste of what filmmakers and attendees can experience by participating at the upcoming San Diego Latino Film Festival:
* 155 feature and short films to be screened
* over 100 guest filmmakers and actors
* Sdlff Awards Competition
* "Country of Focus" showcase
* Workshops/Seminars with industry representatives and filmmakers (i.e. "Financing", "Distribution")
* Special 20th Anniversary Spotlight
* Celebrity Guest Curator
* "Tributes" to acclaimed filmmakers/actors
* Concerts @ the Fest
* Pre-Fest Launch Parties
* Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night Gala Celebrations
* Sdlff Awards Ceremony
* Free Student Outreach Screenings
* "Meet the Filmmaker" Dialogues
* Sdlff's Annual "Border Visions" Sidebar
For entry form, click here.
Stars!
Twenty-one years ago, the San Diego Latino Film Festival was originally established as a student film festival focusing on works by Latinos and/or about the Latino Experience. Since that time, the San Diego Latino Film Festival has developed into one of the biggest and most well respected Latino film festivals in the country.
Over 240,000 people have attended during the past seventeen years, and2,100 films/videos from across Latin America and the United States have been screened. Past festival guests have included such renowned individuals asLou Diamond Phillips, Gina Rodriguez, Jorge Salinas, Dulce Maria, Rafael Amaya, Ana Serradilla, Eduardo Verastegui, Barbara Mori, Alfonso Arau, Robert Young, Miguel Littin,Angelica Maria, Dayanara Torres, Demian Bichir, Kate del Castillo, America Ferrera, John Leguizamo, Bruno Baretto, Barbara Mori, Roselyn Sanchez, Alfonso Cuaron, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Carlos Carrera, Rodrigo Prieto, Alex Lora, Lupe Ontiveros, Bruno Bichir, Carmen Salinas, Luis Mandoki, Danny Trejo, Adal Ramones, Tony Plana, Elpidia Carrillo, Humberto Solas, Dennis Leoni, Arturo Ripstein, Paul Rodriguez, Patssi Valdez, Luis Valdez, Gregory Nava, Edward James Olmos, Lourdes Portillo, Moctesuma Esparza, Ray Bradbury, Jacob Vargas, Patricia Velasquez, Fernando Sarinana, Lucia Murat, Nancy de los Santos, Vanessa Bauche, and hundreds of other emerging and established Latino filmmakers.
Selection Process (Important Information)
Sdlff 2014 is seeking innovative works that are 'by', 'about' or 'for' the Latino community, that have been completed between 2013-2014. Work previously exhibited in the San Diego / Tijuana Border Region - whether theatrically at another local festival or broadcast on television, - is not eligible to apply. A panel of distinguished curators from the San Diego and Tijuana community will select the films and videos to be screened during the "Official Selection" of the festival. All entries will be pre-screened for eligibility by curators, however, not all entries will be programmed.
Films must be submitted with English subtitles if the dialogue is in a language other than English. Films must have been completed after January 2013. Because we use entry fees to make grants to filmmakers, fee waivers will not be granted. Exceptions will only be made for non-profit organizations and international governmental organizations.
*DVD screeners and press kits will not be returned.
Upon acceptance to the festival, a press kit is required, to include the following:
Features: 100 word synopsis in English, 2 hi-res film stills (300dpi, Cmyk color), digital trailer
Shorts: 50 word synopsis in English, 1 hi-res film still (300dpi, Cmyk color)
Optional: digital trailer
For exhibition the following formats will be accepted:
Features: 35mm, HDCam, Blu-ray, Dcp. Features must be received by March 1, 2014
Shorts: must be received by February 1, 2014 in Digital format via Usb or email using a file sharing service like DropBox or HighTail (Previously YouSendIt). USBs will not be returned.
*Submitters will be notified by January 4, 2014. Judges’ decisions are final. Due to the large number of films we receive, feedback on individual films will not be provided. Films entered after the November 8 deadline will not be reviewed or returned.
An additional panel of distinguished filmmakers, film critics, and actors will sit on this year's Awards Jury. Awards are given for excellence in form and content. Films to be considered for competition will be determined by the Festival Curator.
For entry form, click here.
Entry Categories:
Narrative Feature (40 or more minutes)
Documentary Feature (40 or more minutes)
Short (under 40 mins)
Local Film
Youth Short (no entry fee)
Awards Categories:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Audience Award Narrative Feature
Audience Award Documentary Feature
Best Short Film
Best Local Film
Best Youth Film...
Entry Fees: Short Film ($15), Feature Film ($25)
Normal Entry Deadline: October 11, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($25), Feature Film ($35)
Late Entry Deadline: November 8, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($40), Feature Film ($60)
For entry form, click here.
or
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Media Arts Center San Diego is now seeking films and videos for 20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (March 13-23, 2014)! Come celebrate our landmark 20th year with an even broader program of exhilarating new activities, special events, and initiatives.
The 21st Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (Sdlff) is now accepting entries for the 2014 festival. Sdlff will take place March 13-23, 2014 at the Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center located in beautiful San Diego, California.Submit early for discounted entry fees!
Last year's festival was attended by an audience of 20,500 actively-engaged film lovers, filmmakers, actors, programmers, distributors, industry representatives and journalists from around the world. The San Diego Latino Film Festival has used the unique geographical and cultural position of the San Diego Border Region to make the festival a premiere venue for the exhibition of international and U.S. Latino features, shorts and documentaries.
Never participated in Sdlff before? Become apart of San Diego's proud celebration of the best in Latino film.
The 2014 San Diego Latino Film Festival will include expanded opportunities for participating filmmakers and their films/videos to take the spotlight. The following is just a taste of what filmmakers and attendees can experience by participating at the upcoming San Diego Latino Film Festival:
* 155 feature and short films to be screened
* over 100 guest filmmakers and actors
* Sdlff Awards Competition
* "Country of Focus" showcase
* Workshops/Seminars with industry representatives and filmmakers (i.e. "Financing", "Distribution")
* Special 20th Anniversary Spotlight
* Celebrity Guest Curator
* "Tributes" to acclaimed filmmakers/actors
* Concerts @ the Fest
* Pre-Fest Launch Parties
* Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night Gala Celebrations
* Sdlff Awards Ceremony
* Free Student Outreach Screenings
* "Meet the Filmmaker" Dialogues
* Sdlff's Annual "Border Visions" Sidebar
For entry form, click here.
Stars!
Twenty-one years ago, the San Diego Latino Film Festival was originally established as a student film festival focusing on works by Latinos and/or about the Latino Experience. Since that time, the San Diego Latino Film Festival has developed into one of the biggest and most well respected Latino film festivals in the country.
Over 240,000 people have attended during the past seventeen years, and2,100 films/videos from across Latin America and the United States have been screened. Past festival guests have included such renowned individuals asLou Diamond Phillips, Gina Rodriguez, Jorge Salinas, Dulce Maria, Rafael Amaya, Ana Serradilla, Eduardo Verastegui, Barbara Mori, Alfonso Arau, Robert Young, Miguel Littin,Angelica Maria, Dayanara Torres, Demian Bichir, Kate del Castillo, America Ferrera, John Leguizamo, Bruno Baretto, Barbara Mori, Roselyn Sanchez, Alfonso Cuaron, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Carlos Carrera, Rodrigo Prieto, Alex Lora, Lupe Ontiveros, Bruno Bichir, Carmen Salinas, Luis Mandoki, Danny Trejo, Adal Ramones, Tony Plana, Elpidia Carrillo, Humberto Solas, Dennis Leoni, Arturo Ripstein, Paul Rodriguez, Patssi Valdez, Luis Valdez, Gregory Nava, Edward James Olmos, Lourdes Portillo, Moctesuma Esparza, Ray Bradbury, Jacob Vargas, Patricia Velasquez, Fernando Sarinana, Lucia Murat, Nancy de los Santos, Vanessa Bauche, and hundreds of other emerging and established Latino filmmakers.
Selection Process (Important Information)
Sdlff 2014 is seeking innovative works that are 'by', 'about' or 'for' the Latino community, that have been completed between 2013-2014. Work previously exhibited in the San Diego / Tijuana Border Region - whether theatrically at another local festival or broadcast on television, - is not eligible to apply. A panel of distinguished curators from the San Diego and Tijuana community will select the films and videos to be screened during the "Official Selection" of the festival. All entries will be pre-screened for eligibility by curators, however, not all entries will be programmed.
Films must be submitted with English subtitles if the dialogue is in a language other than English. Films must have been completed after January 2013. Because we use entry fees to make grants to filmmakers, fee waivers will not be granted. Exceptions will only be made for non-profit organizations and international governmental organizations.
*DVD screeners and press kits will not be returned.
Upon acceptance to the festival, a press kit is required, to include the following:
Features: 100 word synopsis in English, 2 hi-res film stills (300dpi, Cmyk color), digital trailer
Shorts: 50 word synopsis in English, 1 hi-res film still (300dpi, Cmyk color)
Optional: digital trailer
For exhibition the following formats will be accepted:
Features: 35mm, HDCam, Blu-ray, Dcp. Features must be received by March 1, 2014
Shorts: must be received by February 1, 2014 in Digital format via Usb or email using a file sharing service like DropBox or HighTail (Previously YouSendIt). USBs will not be returned.
*Submitters will be notified by January 4, 2014. Judges’ decisions are final. Due to the large number of films we receive, feedback on individual films will not be provided. Films entered after the November 8 deadline will not be reviewed or returned.
An additional panel of distinguished filmmakers, film critics, and actors will sit on this year's Awards Jury. Awards are given for excellence in form and content. Films to be considered for competition will be determined by the Festival Curator.
For entry form, click here.
Entry Categories:
Narrative Feature (40 or more minutes)
Documentary Feature (40 or more minutes)
Short (under 40 mins)
Local Film
Youth Short (no entry fee)
Awards Categories:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Audience Award Narrative Feature
Audience Award Documentary Feature
Best Short Film
Best Local Film
Best Youth Film...
- 7/31/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Title: Guido Director: Colin Campbell (‘Pants on Fire’) Starring: Alki David (‘The Bank Job’), Lupe Ontiveros, Billy Zane, Gary Busey, Armand Assante (TV’s ‘NCIS,’ ‘ER’) and Ron Jeremy Sometimes living through the worst possible scenario can positively change the outcome of a person’s life and ultimately push them to make changes for the better. That’s certainly true for Alki David’s title character of the action film ‘Guido,’ which arrives tomorrow on home release, including DVD via FilmOn Home Video and VOD on FilmOn.com. While the title assassin initially seems content with unquestioningly killing anyone who gets in the way of his work, Guido emotionally changes his mindset and ways during [ Read More ]
The post Guido Movie Review 2 appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Guido Movie Review 2 appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 7/1/2013
- by Karen Benardello
- ShockYa
Lupe Ontiveros longed to play roles that would showcase her talents, like possibly that of union organizer Dolores Huerta.
Yet more often than not she was cast as the maid -- a role she said she played more than 150 times.
Born Guadalupe Moreno, the actress from El Paso, Texas told The New York Times back in 2002 that if she spoke perfect English she didn’t get the part. "It's their continued perspective of who we are," she said, lamenting Hollywood’s view of Hispanics.
She played a maid in a slew of hit films, including "The Goonies" and "As Good As It Gets," where she cracks us up with her memorable "sell crazy someplace else" scene. (Check out the mash-up of Lupe playing a maid above)
Prime-time television has also been known to feature Latina actresses as maids. Some examples have been Rosario on "Will & Grace" played by Shelley Morrison...
Yet more often than not she was cast as the maid -- a role she said she played more than 150 times.
Born Guadalupe Moreno, the actress from El Paso, Texas told The New York Times back in 2002 that if she spoke perfect English she didn’t get the part. "It's their continued perspective of who we are," she said, lamenting Hollywood’s view of Hispanics.
She played a maid in a slew of hit films, including "The Goonies" and "As Good As It Gets," where she cracks us up with her memorable "sell crazy someplace else" scene. (Check out the mash-up of Lupe playing a maid above)
Prime-time television has also been known to feature Latina actresses as maids. Some examples have been Rosario on "Will & Grace" played by Shelley Morrison...
- 6/21/2013
- by The Huffington Post
- Huffington Post
The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (Nalip) is ramping up for its 14th Annual Conference this weekend and to my great gusto, the discourse promises to be more specific, relevant and fresh than last year on how to empower Latino independent storytellers. Judging by the practical and forward-thinking panel discussions, Nalip’s YouTube channel premiering a curated selection of upcoming films, and the hip, savvy talent invited to represent, Nalip is setting the tone for discovery and healthy debate. Chief among the themes will be a contextualized creative response to the much-propagated Latino trillion dollar purchasing power statistic, and how to strategically seize territorial claim to the wild wild west expansion of online distribution platforms.
Among the established and rising American Latino actors and filmmakers on tap are Richard Montoya, Cristina Ibarra, Aurora Guerrero, Gina Rodriguez, Danny Trejo, Jeremy Ray Valdez, and Jesse Garcia. The keynote speech on Friday will be given by none other than Richard Peña, one of the most influential film curators in the world who headed the prestigious Film Society of Lincoln Center for twenty-five years. It will be an insightful and thoughtful conversation moderated by the sensitive, master documentarian and MacArthur Genius Grant fellow, Natalia Almada. As this year’s Nalip Conference Co-Chair, Almada helped inform the direction of the conference and scored Peña’s participation. When talking about how each year’s conference organically takes shape with the feedback of board members, staff and hosting committee, Beni Matias, Acting Executive Director of Nalip, referenced Natalia’s concern of prominently featuring the voice of the independent filmmaker over the commercial as a guiding pursuit.
Natalia’s involvement with Nalip goes back to 2003 when she became the recipient of the Estela Award, given in recognition to an emerging filmmaker who has ‘arrived’. Her revelatory documentaries include El Velador, El General and Al Otro Lado – all which have been critically acclaimed worldwide and have been featured in museums and screened at film festivals including Sundance and Director’s Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. I asked her to share a few words about Nalip’s import and she replied over email, “I think that more than anything else the conference is a place where we can really exchange ideas, address shared concerns in our community and collectively fuel to keep going”.
Natalia is part of the sub-cine filmmaking crew who came of age through Nalip like Cristina Ibarra, Alex Rivera and Bernardo Ruiz. In fourteen years the organization has managed to be one of the few consistent Latino forums that has nurtured a family of artists/active organizers. Along with Beni Matias, Maria Agui Carter, who is a filmmaker and the Chair of the Board of Directors, has been actively with Nalip since the beginning. Other members who have continued with the organization since the beginning include Louis Perego Moreno who use to spearhead chapter leadership meetings, Jimmy Mendiola filmmaker and Director of CineFestival in San Antonio, Frank Gonzalez from Disney/ABC, Kim Meyers and Terri Lopez at WGA, Alex Nogales, to name just a few. Nalip has also enjoyed a sustained relationship with Time Warner and HBO who have taken turns at being the presenting partners of the conference since 2000.
Part of the reason I’m so eager to engage with and synthesize this year’s theme is this following text written by Maria Agui Carter to describe the Opening Plenary:
“Forbes magazine has called the Latino Market the “New Media Jackpot.” What is at stake? Why is every network and cable outlet now chasing the Latino market and how are Latino voices participating in this explosion not just as consumers but as creators?
There it is: “But as creators”. Amid all the hoopla over the rising Latino market data that makes corporations and brands salivate at the mouth over how to exploit us as consumers, nobody has thought about reckoning a counter creative force. We should be imagining how to harness, demand and unleash our creative power with that kind of purchasing power. Otherwise, the data simply makes us a target of a branding attack towards the depletion of our capital power and identity.
A programming change for this year and aimed to provide a more significant showcase for upcoming Latino films, Nalip is spotlighting brand new films on their Nalip YouTube channel. They’ve done away with the NALIPsters On View programming where members could openly screen their work during the conference. Those screening rooms tended to be lightly attended since there was little visibility and competition from the panel programming. Instead, this year Nalip will be premiering trailers of upcoming films to build buzz around them. The curated selection of fifteen new documentaries, narrative features and shorts will become available on Thursday, June 6.
Without a doubt, the most anticipated happening of this year’s conference will be the Nalip and Sundance Institute screening of Richard Montoya’s debut feature film, Water & Power at the AMC CityWalk. The impact and influence of this Chicano icon will be evident by the droves of fans, tentacle network of familia and homies, a wide range of community activists, artists, politicians who will be in attendance and who might reflect the young and old blood of the characters he writes. I listed W&P as number one in my top five movies to watch out for in 2013 so I’m thrilled to see it screen this way. Richard Peña will moderate a Q&A with Montoya after the screening. I couldn’t think of a better filmmaker and moderator pairing.
On Saturday at the Awards Gala, Machete Kills star Danny Trejo, the menacing but actually sweet hood actor will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Aurora Guerrero, filmmaker of Mosquita y Mari will be honored with the Estela Award that comes with a $7500 grant from McDonalds. And in what will surely be an emotionally inspiring moment, the first ever La Lupe Award will be bestowed to Gina Rodriguez. Her effervescence completely evokes the spitfire tenacity of the late great Lupe Ontiveros. I couldn’t think of a more perfect homage and passing of the torch.
While I found last year’s panel topics all over the place, this year it feels more targeted and practical. Panels like Beyond The Latino Market: Getting Your Film Out To A Wider Audience with Gabriel Reyes, Writing on Latino Cinema (a panel LatinoBuzz, Latin Heat and yours truly will be participating on!), Whatever It Takes: Diy Technology and the Democratization of Content Creation, and Entertainment Industry Writer Development Programs, all feature legit, intrepid filmmakers and industry sharing resources.
On Sunday the Closing Plenary will be Latinos and Media Stereotypes in which Natalia Almada, Richard Montoya, Aurora Guerrero, Yancey Arias will be participating, moderated by Mandalit del Barco of NPR. These are all highly experienced opinionated individuals with distinct tastes so I expect this one to be one of the livelier talks. Overall, this year’s Nalip conference feels like a live one and just about to go off.
Nalip 2013 Spotlight on the Trillion Dollar Latino Market will take place June 7-9 at the Universal Sheraton Hotel.
For a full list of speakers and panels here available at http://conference2013.nalip.org/conference/keynotes-speakers/
**Update** Maria Agui Carter will replace Aurora Guerrero as participant on the Latino Stereotypes panel.
Among the established and rising American Latino actors and filmmakers on tap are Richard Montoya, Cristina Ibarra, Aurora Guerrero, Gina Rodriguez, Danny Trejo, Jeremy Ray Valdez, and Jesse Garcia. The keynote speech on Friday will be given by none other than Richard Peña, one of the most influential film curators in the world who headed the prestigious Film Society of Lincoln Center for twenty-five years. It will be an insightful and thoughtful conversation moderated by the sensitive, master documentarian and MacArthur Genius Grant fellow, Natalia Almada. As this year’s Nalip Conference Co-Chair, Almada helped inform the direction of the conference and scored Peña’s participation. When talking about how each year’s conference organically takes shape with the feedback of board members, staff and hosting committee, Beni Matias, Acting Executive Director of Nalip, referenced Natalia’s concern of prominently featuring the voice of the independent filmmaker over the commercial as a guiding pursuit.
Natalia’s involvement with Nalip goes back to 2003 when she became the recipient of the Estela Award, given in recognition to an emerging filmmaker who has ‘arrived’. Her revelatory documentaries include El Velador, El General and Al Otro Lado – all which have been critically acclaimed worldwide and have been featured in museums and screened at film festivals including Sundance and Director’s Fortnight at the Cannes Film Festival. I asked her to share a few words about Nalip’s import and she replied over email, “I think that more than anything else the conference is a place where we can really exchange ideas, address shared concerns in our community and collectively fuel to keep going”.
Natalia is part of the sub-cine filmmaking crew who came of age through Nalip like Cristina Ibarra, Alex Rivera and Bernardo Ruiz. In fourteen years the organization has managed to be one of the few consistent Latino forums that has nurtured a family of artists/active organizers. Along with Beni Matias, Maria Agui Carter, who is a filmmaker and the Chair of the Board of Directors, has been actively with Nalip since the beginning. Other members who have continued with the organization since the beginning include Louis Perego Moreno who use to spearhead chapter leadership meetings, Jimmy Mendiola filmmaker and Director of CineFestival in San Antonio, Frank Gonzalez from Disney/ABC, Kim Meyers and Terri Lopez at WGA, Alex Nogales, to name just a few. Nalip has also enjoyed a sustained relationship with Time Warner and HBO who have taken turns at being the presenting partners of the conference since 2000.
Part of the reason I’m so eager to engage with and synthesize this year’s theme is this following text written by Maria Agui Carter to describe the Opening Plenary:
“Forbes magazine has called the Latino Market the “New Media Jackpot.” What is at stake? Why is every network and cable outlet now chasing the Latino market and how are Latino voices participating in this explosion not just as consumers but as creators?
There it is: “But as creators”. Amid all the hoopla over the rising Latino market data that makes corporations and brands salivate at the mouth over how to exploit us as consumers, nobody has thought about reckoning a counter creative force. We should be imagining how to harness, demand and unleash our creative power with that kind of purchasing power. Otherwise, the data simply makes us a target of a branding attack towards the depletion of our capital power and identity.
A programming change for this year and aimed to provide a more significant showcase for upcoming Latino films, Nalip is spotlighting brand new films on their Nalip YouTube channel. They’ve done away with the NALIPsters On View programming where members could openly screen their work during the conference. Those screening rooms tended to be lightly attended since there was little visibility and competition from the panel programming. Instead, this year Nalip will be premiering trailers of upcoming films to build buzz around them. The curated selection of fifteen new documentaries, narrative features and shorts will become available on Thursday, June 6.
Without a doubt, the most anticipated happening of this year’s conference will be the Nalip and Sundance Institute screening of Richard Montoya’s debut feature film, Water & Power at the AMC CityWalk. The impact and influence of this Chicano icon will be evident by the droves of fans, tentacle network of familia and homies, a wide range of community activists, artists, politicians who will be in attendance and who might reflect the young and old blood of the characters he writes. I listed W&P as number one in my top five movies to watch out for in 2013 so I’m thrilled to see it screen this way. Richard Peña will moderate a Q&A with Montoya after the screening. I couldn’t think of a better filmmaker and moderator pairing.
On Saturday at the Awards Gala, Machete Kills star Danny Trejo, the menacing but actually sweet hood actor will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Aurora Guerrero, filmmaker of Mosquita y Mari will be honored with the Estela Award that comes with a $7500 grant from McDonalds. And in what will surely be an emotionally inspiring moment, the first ever La Lupe Award will be bestowed to Gina Rodriguez. Her effervescence completely evokes the spitfire tenacity of the late great Lupe Ontiveros. I couldn’t think of a more perfect homage and passing of the torch.
While I found last year’s panel topics all over the place, this year it feels more targeted and practical. Panels like Beyond The Latino Market: Getting Your Film Out To A Wider Audience with Gabriel Reyes, Writing on Latino Cinema (a panel LatinoBuzz, Latin Heat and yours truly will be participating on!), Whatever It Takes: Diy Technology and the Democratization of Content Creation, and Entertainment Industry Writer Development Programs, all feature legit, intrepid filmmakers and industry sharing resources.
On Sunday the Closing Plenary will be Latinos and Media Stereotypes in which Natalia Almada, Richard Montoya, Aurora Guerrero, Yancey Arias will be participating, moderated by Mandalit del Barco of NPR. These are all highly experienced opinionated individuals with distinct tastes so I expect this one to be one of the livelier talks. Overall, this year’s Nalip conference feels like a live one and just about to go off.
Nalip 2013 Spotlight on the Trillion Dollar Latino Market will take place June 7-9 at the Universal Sheraton Hotel.
For a full list of speakers and panels here available at http://conference2013.nalip.org/conference/keynotes-speakers/
**Update** Maria Agui Carter will replace Aurora Guerrero as participant on the Latino Stereotypes panel.
- 6/5/2013
- by Christine Davila
- Sydney's Buzz
Alki David’s action film “Guido,” starring David as well as Gary Busey, Lupe Ontiveros, Billy Zane and Armand Assante, will soon be out on DVD this month! The film will also make its premiere on David’s FilmOn.com. ShockYa was happy to get the chance to speak with Assante about his role in the film, working with the cast and the film’s online presence. ——— Armand Assante: I did this film over three years ago, and what I can remember about it is that it was a very smart, exceptionally clever little script…What impressed me very much was how Alki had kind-of written a wonderful little film noir adventure of this [ Read More ]
The post Exclusive Interview: Armand Assante Talks Guido appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Exclusive Interview: Armand Assante Talks Guido appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 5/7/2013
- by monique
- ShockYa
Fans of FilmOn.com and FilmOn’s creator, billionaire Alki David, should be excited for what’s coming down the pike this summer. David’s action film “Guido” starring Billy Zane, Gary Busey, Armand Assante, Lupe Ontiveros and Alki David is coming to DVD this May and even better, the film will make its Us debut right on FilmOn.com! According to David, the DVD will be available in Walmart and other big-box retailers and is available right now for pre-order on Amazon.com. We’ve also gotten a glimpse the film’s cool DVD artwork, so make sure to check out that out below the post. “Guido” stars David as well as Gary Busey, Billy Zane, Armand [ Read More ]
The post Alki David’s Guido Coming To DVD This Summer appeared first on Shockya.com.
The post Alki David’s Guido Coming To DVD This Summer appeared first on Shockya.com.
- 3/24/2013
- by monique
- ShockYa
Already facing stiff criticism for host Seth MacFarlane's off-color material, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences is drawing heat once again over Sunday's Oscars ceremony, this time for an omission in the "In Memoriam" segment. Lupe Ontiveros, a Mexican-American with a career spanning four decades in movies and TV, died in July at age 69, but no mention was made of the actress in the tribute sequence. The snub drew instant outrage on Twitter, particularly from Latino viewers who felt it was a slight to their community, for whom Ontiveros is a beloved figure. Story: Mexican-American Actress Lupe
read more...
read more...
- 2/26/2013
- by Seth Abramovitch
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Comedian Phyllis Diller, actress Lupe Ontiveros and "The Jeffersons" star Sherman Hemsley were snubbed in the Oscars' time-restricted "In Memoriam" montage on Sunday night. And they didn't make the cut for an online slideshow, either. The 85th Academy Awards paid tribute to stars who died in the last year, but with the telecast limited to three-and-a-half hours, many names were omitted from the program. Since 1993, the segment has honored those contributors to cinema that died in the previous year, a group selected by a small committee of the Academy. While actors Andy Griffith...
- 2/26/2013
- by Alexander C. Kaufman
- The Wrap
The family of "Selena" star Lupe Ontiveros is incredibly upset she was left out of last night's "In Memoriam" presentation at the Oscars ... despite appearing in dozens of major films over the past 30 years. Ontiveros -- who passed away in July 2012 -- had roles in "Real Women Have Curves", "As Good as it Gets", and "The Goonies" ... but is best known for her role as Yolanda Saldivar, the woman who murdered Selena. Ontiveros' son Elias...
- 2/26/2013
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Where were Andy Griffith, Larry Hagman and other well-known celebrities in this year's Oscars In Memoriam montage? They were online at Oscar.com.
Every year it's one of the more reliably ridiculous award show controversies: Who didn't make the cut for In Memoriam?
When it comes to the Oscars, these "snubs" are particularly sensitive given the prestige and viewership of the show, and the fact that the montage inevitably leaves out names and faces of recognizable stars -- usually those known far more for their work in television than their work in film, which is the medium that the Academy Awards actually celebrate.
However, the Academy is hip to the annual controversy and this year produced a supplemental slideshow on their website featuring 114 names and photos of entertainers and film craftspeople who passed away in the past year.
Among the late greats included in the slideshow but not on the...
Every year it's one of the more reliably ridiculous award show controversies: Who didn't make the cut for In Memoriam?
When it comes to the Oscars, these "snubs" are particularly sensitive given the prestige and viewership of the show, and the fact that the montage inevitably leaves out names and faces of recognizable stars -- usually those known far more for their work in television than their work in film, which is the medium that the Academy Awards actually celebrate.
However, the Academy is hip to the annual controversy and this year produced a supplemental slideshow on their website featuring 114 names and photos of entertainers and film craftspeople who passed away in the past year.
Among the late greats included in the slideshow but not on the...
- 2/25/2013
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Latino entertainers will convene this Friday for the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s 16th Annual Impact Awards Gala, an event that celebrates the positive portrayal of Latinos in the media.
Nhmc’s President and CEO Alex Nogales said in a statement that this year’s gala—set to take place in Beverly Hills, California—will honor Latino actors, actresses and television hosts who are “beloved by millions of American fans, with particular appeal to the American Latino community.”
“You know something exciting is happening when Latinos get to play a broad array of roles ranging from evil queens to lawyers, and when Latinos are hosting major shows like Extra and X Factor,” Nogales added.
List of Impact Awards Gala honorees
Actor Michael Pena will be awarded the Outstanding Performance in a Motion Picture award for his role as Officer Zavala in the film End of Watch. Extra and X-Factor host...
Nhmc’s President and CEO Alex Nogales said in a statement that this year’s gala—set to take place in Beverly Hills, California—will honor Latino actors, actresses and television hosts who are “beloved by millions of American fans, with particular appeal to the American Latino community.”
“You know something exciting is happening when Latinos get to play a broad array of roles ranging from evil queens to lawyers, and when Latinos are hosting major shows like Extra and X Factor,” Nogales added.
List of Impact Awards Gala honorees
Actor Michael Pena will be awarded the Outstanding Performance in a Motion Picture award for his role as Officer Zavala in the film End of Watch. Extra and X-Factor host...
- 2/19/2013
- by VOXXI
- Huffington Post
All are first features by wildly original voices who are remixing potent multi-cultural heritage and inventing their own unique brand of genre. So much talent! Makes this Chicanita so proud!
Let’s start with numero uno:
1. Water & Power – from Chicano wordsmith warrior and Culture Clash iconoclast, Richard J. Montoya and produced by Mark Roberts. This is the screen adaptation of Montoya's 2006 play originally performed at the Mark Taper Forum in La. Rife with The City of Angels' legends, haunts and lore, the Chicano noir tale (how cool is that?) takes place over the course of one fateful night. An intense story centered on twin brothers nicknamed “Water” played by Enrique Murciano and “Power” played by Nicolas Gonzalez who were born and raised on the East Side streets playground - one grows up to be a senator and the other a high ranking cop. The young gifted musical artist and composer Gingger Shankar (Circumstance, Charlie Wilson's War) has contributed music to the film. The project participated in the 2007 Sundance Institute screenwriters & directors lab. A madly prolific playwright (a regular Berkeley and Yale Repertory Theatre collaborator), I got a chance to see Montoya's uproarious American history redux play, American Night: The Ballad of Juan Jose last fall (read the La Weekly feature review here). An uncompromising artist with a thundering voice all over the culture pop pulse, Montoya's first feature film tops my list of films to watch out for in 2013. Can. Not. Wait.
Like the Facebook page to stay on top of future premiere announcements and here's a pic on Mark Roberts website
Film contact: <mark@robertsdavid.com>
2. Pardon – written and directed by R.F. Rodriguez and produced by his production company BadMansSon. A story that deals with a cholo ex-con who returns to his barrio in Highland Park and sets to go on the straight and narrow but soon finds himself pulled by his old gang familia may sound familiar, but never has it been as emotionally excavated and depicted with such sensitivity and complexity. Hector Atreyu Ruizis Saul Sanchez whose driving motivation is the chance to reunite with his estranged daughter. Guided by a sympathetic parole officer, played by Tracey Heggins (from the 2008 indie African-American gem (Medicine for Melancholy), Saul tackles catch-22 circumstances towards his mission and confronts growing uneasiness from his vatos who continue to test if he's still down. At its core the film is an exploration about fatherhood and home, in particular highlighting the social phenomenon of absentee fathers because they are behind bars, an issue predominantly afflicting Latino families and communities.
Rodriguez, a USC film school grad, made the feature before graduating, having fleshed the story further out of the short film he made of the same name. His project mentor, Patricia Cardoso (Real Women Have Curves) encouraged him to do more with it and this is the amazing result. With earnest and raw performances, the moving and powerfully directed film marks this a sign of a true filmmaker talent discovery.
Website, Twitter
Film contact <contact@badmansson.com>
3. Recommended By Enrique written and directed by Daniel Garcia and Rania Attieh and produced by their NY based company En Passant Films. Shot in border town Del Rio, Texas (the U.S. side of the Rio Grande) with an offbeat hipster cast of young non-professionals plucked locally, the quirky, mystical tale is about an aspiring actress and an old cowboy who each arrive into town with respective plans and expectations, only to end up waiting for something to happen. Forced to wait out their time, they've nothing to do but explore the bewitching town and its people. Lino Varela plays the Cowboy and Sarah Swinwood, a Canadian newcomer actress nails the airhead wannabe star.
This is the second feature film from Texas native Daniel Garcia and Lebanese born Rania. Their first film, Ok, Enough, Goodbye screened at San Francisco International Film Festival among other world wide festivals, and the duo were included in 2011's Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film. Undertones of a Twilight Zone type of dimension and the spellbinding pull of the dusty town are perfect captured - as anyone who's been in these strange little Texas towns can attest. An unexpected, unpredictable and ultimately lyrical film, this definitely gets my recommendation.
Website, Facebook
Film contact < info@recommendedbyenrique.com>
4. Vincent & Luzy (Fka On the Run) written and directed by Alberto Barboza and produced by Cinético Productions. A charming, hip and modern fairy tale love story between a soulful graffiti artist,Vincent, played by Miguel Angel Caballero, and sexy tattoo artist, Luz, or Luzy played by Iliana Carter Ramirez. The film captures and romanticizes the happening, multi-culti rockabilly/emo scene and counter culture of Boyle Heights and Echo Parque, and features lots of home grown talent and spots like Self Help Graphics, the community visual arts mission center. The posters created by Vincent in the film are designed by La native, rising street artist, El Mac (Miles MacGregor). You'll recognize some of his murals around La like this one on Hollywood and Wilton, one of my favorites. He just did the album cover for No Doubt.
An eclectic soundtrack featuring local Vallenato band, Very Be Careful, Hermanos Herrera, Irene Diaz, Doghouse Lords and more. The cast also includes ol' G', Sal Lopez (American Me) and Lupe Ontiveros in what may be her last film role before she passed away last year (she also has a small role in Water & Power).
Fresh, exuberant and inhabiting a distinct, heightened magical street reality, Vincent & Luzy might be the first film to truly reflect this young, vibrant artist subculture, making this one a hot to track.
Film contact: info@CineticoProductions.com
Website
5. Blaze You Out – written and directed by Mateo Frazier and Diego Joaquin Lopez and produced by Alicia J. Keyes. Set in the rarely seen mystic world of New Mexico, this young female driven thriller is uniquely atmospheric. Starring the rising young talent, Veronica Diaz Carranza (Mamitas) along with Elizabeth Pena, Q'orianka Kilcher and Raoul Trujillo, all who ignite the screen. Diaz stars as Lupe, a DJ who is forced to venture into her town's heroin trade underworld in order to save her younger sister Alicia's life. To do so she must confront mysterious occult figures and harness the power within her to connect with the divine that surrounds her.
I was thrilled to hear that Lionsgate picked up the film at Afm a couple months ago. Lionsgate/Grindstone will release the film July 2013. 6 Sales is handling rights to rest of world. Intense and wicked and unlike anything else this is a film to look forward to. In the meantime, check out the press kit, pics and more on their site.
Website, Facebook
Must Mention
Chavez – written and directed by Diego Luna and produced by Canana Films, Mr. Mudd and backed by Participant Media. The biography of an iconic Chicano figure, labor rights activist Cesar Chavez, and Luna, who is an international name talent, has obviously been given major press coverage ever since it was first announced so it doesn't really fit my 'Discovery' profile. That said, it is a highly anticipated and eagerly awaited film. I truly hope the film opens wide and mainstream - although Participant will likely need a partner to make this happen in the U.S. Michael Peña, the Puerto Rican actor catapulting towards leading man roles and more regularly Hollywood roles (he's also in Gangster Squad opening this weekend), embodies a young Chavez. It wasn’t quite ready for Sundance so it’s possible the film will bow at a high profile festival like Cannes or Toronto. Although I'm hoping Stephanie Allain, director of Film Independent's La Film Festival will go hard after the film to wrangle what would be a fitting La gala premiere. Diego Luna proved his salt as the filmmaker of Abel, an eloquent and heart-stirring portrait of a little delusional boy who pretends to be the man of the house since his father left. Peña recently shared his approach was to be truthful to Cesar the Man not necessarily the legend or myth generated by his colossal perseverance and labor rights feats. All eyes will be on the representation of such a querido and influential figure. My bet? All in. I trust the filmmakers and cast will deliver a resonant and accomplished cinematic film worthy of the inspiring civil rights story, and more importantly re-introduce Chavez to mobilize our millennial generation.
Do you have a hot independent American Latino film recommendation I should track? Holler at your girl. Email me at chicanafromchicago@gmail.com
Next up, Non-Fiction American Latino films to track in 2013...
Let’s start with numero uno:
1. Water & Power – from Chicano wordsmith warrior and Culture Clash iconoclast, Richard J. Montoya and produced by Mark Roberts. This is the screen adaptation of Montoya's 2006 play originally performed at the Mark Taper Forum in La. Rife with The City of Angels' legends, haunts and lore, the Chicano noir tale (how cool is that?) takes place over the course of one fateful night. An intense story centered on twin brothers nicknamed “Water” played by Enrique Murciano and “Power” played by Nicolas Gonzalez who were born and raised on the East Side streets playground - one grows up to be a senator and the other a high ranking cop. The young gifted musical artist and composer Gingger Shankar (Circumstance, Charlie Wilson's War) has contributed music to the film. The project participated in the 2007 Sundance Institute screenwriters & directors lab. A madly prolific playwright (a regular Berkeley and Yale Repertory Theatre collaborator), I got a chance to see Montoya's uproarious American history redux play, American Night: The Ballad of Juan Jose last fall (read the La Weekly feature review here). An uncompromising artist with a thundering voice all over the culture pop pulse, Montoya's first feature film tops my list of films to watch out for in 2013. Can. Not. Wait.
Like the Facebook page to stay on top of future premiere announcements and here's a pic on Mark Roberts website
Film contact: <mark@robertsdavid.com>
2. Pardon – written and directed by R.F. Rodriguez and produced by his production company BadMansSon. A story that deals with a cholo ex-con who returns to his barrio in Highland Park and sets to go on the straight and narrow but soon finds himself pulled by his old gang familia may sound familiar, but never has it been as emotionally excavated and depicted with such sensitivity and complexity. Hector Atreyu Ruizis Saul Sanchez whose driving motivation is the chance to reunite with his estranged daughter. Guided by a sympathetic parole officer, played by Tracey Heggins (from the 2008 indie African-American gem (Medicine for Melancholy), Saul tackles catch-22 circumstances towards his mission and confronts growing uneasiness from his vatos who continue to test if he's still down. At its core the film is an exploration about fatherhood and home, in particular highlighting the social phenomenon of absentee fathers because they are behind bars, an issue predominantly afflicting Latino families and communities.
Rodriguez, a USC film school grad, made the feature before graduating, having fleshed the story further out of the short film he made of the same name. His project mentor, Patricia Cardoso (Real Women Have Curves) encouraged him to do more with it and this is the amazing result. With earnest and raw performances, the moving and powerfully directed film marks this a sign of a true filmmaker talent discovery.
Website, Twitter
Film contact <contact@badmansson.com>
3. Recommended By Enrique written and directed by Daniel Garcia and Rania Attieh and produced by their NY based company En Passant Films. Shot in border town Del Rio, Texas (the U.S. side of the Rio Grande) with an offbeat hipster cast of young non-professionals plucked locally, the quirky, mystical tale is about an aspiring actress and an old cowboy who each arrive into town with respective plans and expectations, only to end up waiting for something to happen. Forced to wait out their time, they've nothing to do but explore the bewitching town and its people. Lino Varela plays the Cowboy and Sarah Swinwood, a Canadian newcomer actress nails the airhead wannabe star.
This is the second feature film from Texas native Daniel Garcia and Lebanese born Rania. Their first film, Ok, Enough, Goodbye screened at San Francisco International Film Festival among other world wide festivals, and the duo were included in 2011's Filmmaker Magazine’s 25 New Faces of Independent Film. Undertones of a Twilight Zone type of dimension and the spellbinding pull of the dusty town are perfect captured - as anyone who's been in these strange little Texas towns can attest. An unexpected, unpredictable and ultimately lyrical film, this definitely gets my recommendation.
Website, Facebook
Film contact < info@recommendedbyenrique.com>
4. Vincent & Luzy (Fka On the Run) written and directed by Alberto Barboza and produced by Cinético Productions. A charming, hip and modern fairy tale love story between a soulful graffiti artist,Vincent, played by Miguel Angel Caballero, and sexy tattoo artist, Luz, or Luzy played by Iliana Carter Ramirez. The film captures and romanticizes the happening, multi-culti rockabilly/emo scene and counter culture of Boyle Heights and Echo Parque, and features lots of home grown talent and spots like Self Help Graphics, the community visual arts mission center. The posters created by Vincent in the film are designed by La native, rising street artist, El Mac (Miles MacGregor). You'll recognize some of his murals around La like this one on Hollywood and Wilton, one of my favorites. He just did the album cover for No Doubt.
An eclectic soundtrack featuring local Vallenato band, Very Be Careful, Hermanos Herrera, Irene Diaz, Doghouse Lords and more. The cast also includes ol' G', Sal Lopez (American Me) and Lupe Ontiveros in what may be her last film role before she passed away last year (she also has a small role in Water & Power).
Fresh, exuberant and inhabiting a distinct, heightened magical street reality, Vincent & Luzy might be the first film to truly reflect this young, vibrant artist subculture, making this one a hot to track.
Film contact: info@CineticoProductions.com
Website
5. Blaze You Out – written and directed by Mateo Frazier and Diego Joaquin Lopez and produced by Alicia J. Keyes. Set in the rarely seen mystic world of New Mexico, this young female driven thriller is uniquely atmospheric. Starring the rising young talent, Veronica Diaz Carranza (Mamitas) along with Elizabeth Pena, Q'orianka Kilcher and Raoul Trujillo, all who ignite the screen. Diaz stars as Lupe, a DJ who is forced to venture into her town's heroin trade underworld in order to save her younger sister Alicia's life. To do so she must confront mysterious occult figures and harness the power within her to connect with the divine that surrounds her.
I was thrilled to hear that Lionsgate picked up the film at Afm a couple months ago. Lionsgate/Grindstone will release the film July 2013. 6 Sales is handling rights to rest of world. Intense and wicked and unlike anything else this is a film to look forward to. In the meantime, check out the press kit, pics and more on their site.
Website, Facebook
Must Mention
Chavez – written and directed by Diego Luna and produced by Canana Films, Mr. Mudd and backed by Participant Media. The biography of an iconic Chicano figure, labor rights activist Cesar Chavez, and Luna, who is an international name talent, has obviously been given major press coverage ever since it was first announced so it doesn't really fit my 'Discovery' profile. That said, it is a highly anticipated and eagerly awaited film. I truly hope the film opens wide and mainstream - although Participant will likely need a partner to make this happen in the U.S. Michael Peña, the Puerto Rican actor catapulting towards leading man roles and more regularly Hollywood roles (he's also in Gangster Squad opening this weekend), embodies a young Chavez. It wasn’t quite ready for Sundance so it’s possible the film will bow at a high profile festival like Cannes or Toronto. Although I'm hoping Stephanie Allain, director of Film Independent's La Film Festival will go hard after the film to wrangle what would be a fitting La gala premiere. Diego Luna proved his salt as the filmmaker of Abel, an eloquent and heart-stirring portrait of a little delusional boy who pretends to be the man of the house since his father left. Peña recently shared his approach was to be truthful to Cesar the Man not necessarily the legend or myth generated by his colossal perseverance and labor rights feats. All eyes will be on the representation of such a querido and influential figure. My bet? All in. I trust the filmmakers and cast will deliver a resonant and accomplished cinematic film worthy of the inspiring civil rights story, and more importantly re-introduce Chavez to mobilize our millennial generation.
Do you have a hot independent American Latino film recommendation I should track? Holler at your girl. Email me at chicanafromchicago@gmail.com
Next up, Non-Fiction American Latino films to track in 2013...
- 1/10/2013
- by Christine Davila
- Sydney's Buzz
As a new year dawns, a tribute to those we've lost in the year now ending is merited ... and in 2012, those sad milestones have encompassed some of the most popular personalities in television history.
Andy Griffith: The actor-producer who put Mayberry on the map forever will be remembered as one of television's most genial personalities, also extending to his run as wily lawyer Matlock.
Dick Clark: The number of music stars who owe at least part of their success to the "American Bandstand" maestro is incalculable. Thanks to him, people also enjoy "New Year's Rockin' Eve," receive American Music Awards and have a greater appreciation of bloopers. Here's a "so long" salute to you, Dick.
Larry Hagman: The truly unfortunate irony of the veteran actor's recent death is that he was just starting his second round of "Dallas" success as master schemer J.R. Ewing. He'll also...
Andy Griffith: The actor-producer who put Mayberry on the map forever will be remembered as one of television's most genial personalities, also extending to his run as wily lawyer Matlock.
Dick Clark: The number of music stars who owe at least part of their success to the "American Bandstand" maestro is incalculable. Thanks to him, people also enjoy "New Year's Rockin' Eve," receive American Music Awards and have a greater appreciation of bloopers. Here's a "so long" salute to you, Dick.
Larry Hagman: The truly unfortunate irony of the veteran actor's recent death is that he was just starting his second round of "Dallas" success as master schemer J.R. Ewing. He'll also...
- 12/31/2012
- by editorial@zap2it.com
- Zap2It - From Inside the Box
Los Angeles gets better and better! The weekend began with a screening that the local arthouse-state-of-the-art-theater Downtown Independent held of Rock The Boat: The L.A. River Expedition, an enlightening look at what L.A. could be if it took back the river as a public place for kayaking, sunbathing, drinking coffee at its cafes and its possible contribution to water conservation efforts in California. Saturday began with a swim at the gym up the block and then a visit to the art galleries on Washington and So. La Cienega where former filmmaker Seth Carmichael announced his gallery's move to the just emerging art scene at La Brea and Washington and Andrea Bowers gave a great show at Susanne Vielmetter Los Angeles Projects linking today's Occupy movement with that of the Wobblies (International Workers Party) in the 1890s and ended with Cuban salsa at Los Globos in Echo Park where we danced the night away with local Latinos. On Sunday 100,000 bicycle riders rode the streets of L.A. during the 5th CiLAvia, an event which originated in Chile. In the city's biggest block party, we had the chance to eat the best tacos in town at King Taco at Soto and Cesar Chavez Blvd. in Ela, a hard choice between it and Chinatown or the local Thai and Korean places along the way and food trucks of all ethnicities at the various hubs. A Great Event!
Next weekend Free Screenings of Latino films and workshops will be offered by the Muestra de Cine GuadaLajara (The Guadalajara International Film Festival and The University of Guadalajara Foundation, USA) at AMC Universal City Walk. RSVP Now to get a seat because tickets are going fast!. The Red Carpet Opening Ceremony at the Globe Theater, 100 Universal City Plaza kicks off the event this Friday October 12 and is honoring Alfonso Arau and Jorge Camara, one of Hollywood's most respected international journalists and VP of Hollywood Foreign Press Association with a special tribute to Lupe Ontiveros, award-winning actress, producer, activist and visionary.
With the absence this year of Laliff which is spreading its wings in the L.A. Unified School District, teaching filmmaking to kids and is spreading out screenings throughout the year, the appearance of Ficg here in L.A. is filling a gap. I am spotting a new trend with festivals organizing with universities. In Havana it is with Eictv. The new organization, Film Festival Academy, which just debuted with the New York Film Festival, has festivals and academic studies combining forces. Ficg has always has the University component as has Miami Iff and San Diego Latino Film Festival. As recognition of the next generation of future filmmakers becomes more wide spread, this element will strenghten the festivals stature in their communities.
Guadalajara Ff (Ficg) and the University are also offering Latino TV as a link to the Hispanic community of Los Angeles on Channel 31.2 (Udg TV/ L.A. California and TV Abierta, Universidad de Guadalajara (Udgtv.com) Monday to Sunday it offers more than 19 hours of continuous programming of original programming for children, youth, family in news, sports and opinioun. and as Ivan Trujillo, the director of Ficg announced, there will also be a Festival of Books in Spanish called LeaLA May 17-19, 2013 at L.A. Convention Center.
The University of Guadalajara Foundation in the United States of America (Udg Foundation-usa) is made up of academic and social leaders and is privately supported by individuals, foundations and corporations to bloster high quality academic and cultural activities of the Udg, Los Angeles to help Mexican and other Latinos living in this region improve their quality of life and enhance their cultural identity.
Ficg itself will hold its 28th edition March 1 - 9, 2013 in Guadalajara. As Mexico's most important film festival, it hosts the Berlinale Talent Campus, a Doculab and Writing with Light workshops, Cannes Market's Producers Network and last year represented 45 countries in 504 screenings on 32 screens where it screened 281 films of which 97 were Mexican for the public of more than 142,000 and for 3,504 registered industry participants, 875 journalists, 1,106 companies registered at the industry offices. Competition of Iberamerican and Mexican features, docs and shorts, Lgbt competition for the Premio Maguey, Works in Progress: Guadalajara Construye 7 and so many other events, and yet is an intimate gathering where everyone can talk to everyone. See you there!!
Next weekend Free Screenings of Latino films and workshops will be offered by the Muestra de Cine GuadaLajara (The Guadalajara International Film Festival and The University of Guadalajara Foundation, USA) at AMC Universal City Walk. RSVP Now to get a seat because tickets are going fast!. The Red Carpet Opening Ceremony at the Globe Theater, 100 Universal City Plaza kicks off the event this Friday October 12 and is honoring Alfonso Arau and Jorge Camara, one of Hollywood's most respected international journalists and VP of Hollywood Foreign Press Association with a special tribute to Lupe Ontiveros, award-winning actress, producer, activist and visionary.
With the absence this year of Laliff which is spreading its wings in the L.A. Unified School District, teaching filmmaking to kids and is spreading out screenings throughout the year, the appearance of Ficg here in L.A. is filling a gap. I am spotting a new trend with festivals organizing with universities. In Havana it is with Eictv. The new organization, Film Festival Academy, which just debuted with the New York Film Festival, has festivals and academic studies combining forces. Ficg has always has the University component as has Miami Iff and San Diego Latino Film Festival. As recognition of the next generation of future filmmakers becomes more wide spread, this element will strenghten the festivals stature in their communities.
Guadalajara Ff (Ficg) and the University are also offering Latino TV as a link to the Hispanic community of Los Angeles on Channel 31.2 (Udg TV/ L.A. California and TV Abierta, Universidad de Guadalajara (Udgtv.com) Monday to Sunday it offers more than 19 hours of continuous programming of original programming for children, youth, family in news, sports and opinioun. and as Ivan Trujillo, the director of Ficg announced, there will also be a Festival of Books in Spanish called LeaLA May 17-19, 2013 at L.A. Convention Center.
The University of Guadalajara Foundation in the United States of America (Udg Foundation-usa) is made up of academic and social leaders and is privately supported by individuals, foundations and corporations to bloster high quality academic and cultural activities of the Udg, Los Angeles to help Mexican and other Latinos living in this region improve their quality of life and enhance their cultural identity.
Ficg itself will hold its 28th edition March 1 - 9, 2013 in Guadalajara. As Mexico's most important film festival, it hosts the Berlinale Talent Campus, a Doculab and Writing with Light workshops, Cannes Market's Producers Network and last year represented 45 countries in 504 screenings on 32 screens where it screened 281 films of which 97 were Mexican for the public of more than 142,000 and for 3,504 registered industry participants, 875 journalists, 1,106 companies registered at the industry offices. Competition of Iberamerican and Mexican features, docs and shorts, Lgbt competition for the Premio Maguey, Works in Progress: Guadalajara Construye 7 and so many other events, and yet is an intimate gathering where everyone can talk to everyone. See you there!!
- 10/11/2012
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Attending the 13th Annual Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors Hola Awards presented by Delta Air Lines tonight, October 8, 2012 will be SAG-aftra elected leadership reps that include national SAG-aftra Co- President, Roberta Reardon and national SAG-aftra Co-Treasurer and Co-Secretary, Amy Aquino. Also joining the celebration will be Tony Plana, Tony Shalhoub, Brooke Adams and CNN's Jane Vlez-Mitchell. A special tribute to the late Lupe Ontiveros will be given by Latin Heat Editor and co-host of Hola L.A. Bel Hernndez. Odalys Molina and Jorge Ramos will serve as the Masters of Ceremonies of this years Hola Awards.
- 10/7/2012
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Huff/Post50 editor at large Rita Wilson penned a moving tribute to her friend Nora Ephron in 'Variety' this week, one of several tributes by women to iconic leaders the industry has lost this year. In the story, Eva Longoria remembers Lupe Ontiveros; Bonnie Hunt posts a tribute to Phyllis Diller; Darnell Martin offers thoughts on Etta James; and Sherry Lansing honors Sue Mengers, among others.
"[Nora Ephron's] contribution, to me, is about possibility and empowerment," writes Wilson. "She made you feel as if you could do anything. Her protagonists were strong, competent, sometimes extraordinary women that made you feel as if that was you up there on the screen, that finally someone was writing about your thoughts and feelings but saying them far more intelligently or wittily than you ever would." Check out 'Variety' for more.
"[Nora Ephron's] contribution, to me, is about possibility and empowerment," writes Wilson. "She made you feel as if you could do anything. Her protagonists were strong, competent, sometimes extraordinary women that made you feel as if that was you up there on the screen, that finally someone was writing about your thoughts and feelings but saying them far more intelligently or wittily than you ever would." Check out 'Variety' for more.
- 10/5/2012
- by Laura Rowley
- Huffington Post
Los Angeles -- Ryan Lochte is among the Latino U.S. Olympians to be honored at this year's Alma Awards.
Eva Longoria and George Lopez are returning for the third time as co-hosts of this month's awards, which celebrate Latino achievements in music, television and film.
A salute to Olympic medalists from the London Games will honor swimmer Lochte, whose mother is Cuban-born, along with water polo champions Brenda Villa and Jessica Steffens, gymnast Danell Leyva, boxer Marlen Esparza and runner Leonel Manzano, it was announced Tuesday.
Pop star Christina Aguilera will receive a special achievement award for her career and philanthropy, and the life and work of the late actress Lupe Ontiveros will be remembered.
Rosario Dawson, Zoe Saldana and Natalie Morales were announced as presenters for the ceremony, to be taped Sept. 16 and air Sept. 21 on NBC. Others presenters include America Ferrera, Michael Pena, Nicole Richie and Wilmer Valderrama.
Eva Longoria and George Lopez are returning for the third time as co-hosts of this month's awards, which celebrate Latino achievements in music, television and film.
A salute to Olympic medalists from the London Games will honor swimmer Lochte, whose mother is Cuban-born, along with water polo champions Brenda Villa and Jessica Steffens, gymnast Danell Leyva, boxer Marlen Esparza and runner Leonel Manzano, it was announced Tuesday.
Pop star Christina Aguilera will receive a special achievement award for her career and philanthropy, and the life and work of the late actress Lupe Ontiveros will be remembered.
Rosario Dawson, Zoe Saldana and Natalie Morales were announced as presenters for the ceremony, to be taped Sept. 16 and air Sept. 21 on NBC. Others presenters include America Ferrera, Michael Pena, Nicole Richie and Wilmer Valderrama.
- 9/12/2012
- by AP
- Huffington Post
Dark Mirror
Stars: Lisa Vidal, David Chisum, Joshua Pelegrin, Lupe Ontiveros, Christine Lakin | Written by Matthew Reynolds, Pablo Proenza | Directed by Pablo Proenza
Originality in horror can be hard to come by; a lot has been done before so it’s hard to come up with new things. Sometimes though there are ways to manipulate reality in ways and add extra dimensions that create a whole new world where anything can happen. This is something that Dark Mirror tries to do.
Deborah Martin is a photographer who moves into a house with her family. The house used to be the home of an enigmatic artist who disappeared with his wife; local legend says before he disappeared he may have in fact killed his wife. When taking pictures around the house Deborah takes a photograph of a mirror in the bedroom and from that point things start getting strange, like doors...
Stars: Lisa Vidal, David Chisum, Joshua Pelegrin, Lupe Ontiveros, Christine Lakin | Written by Matthew Reynolds, Pablo Proenza | Directed by Pablo Proenza
Originality in horror can be hard to come by; a lot has been done before so it’s hard to come up with new things. Sometimes though there are ways to manipulate reality in ways and add extra dimensions that create a whole new world where anything can happen. This is something that Dark Mirror tries to do.
Deborah Martin is a photographer who moves into a house with her family. The house used to be the home of an enigmatic artist who disappeared with his wife; local legend says before he disappeared he may have in fact killed his wife. When taking pictures around the house Deborah takes a photograph of a mirror in the bedroom and from that point things start getting strange, like doors...
- 8/28/2012
- by Pzomb
- Nerdly
"Selena" actress Lupe Ontiveros was laid to rest at a funeral in Southern California today ... surrounded by family, politicians and some of her famous friends. Lupe's "Desperate Housewives" co-star Eva Longoria was among the famous faces ... along with Wilmer Valderrama and Edward James Olmos ... who appeared with Lupe in a Broadway play. As we previously reported, Lupe -- who famously portrayed Selena's killer in the 1990 biopic -- passed away on July 26 ... after a battle with liver cancer.
- 8/3/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
My New Plaid Pants pic of the day, first image from the set of Steven Soderbergh's Liberace bio Behind the Candelabra with Michael Douglas and Matt Damon as lovers
Movie City News 29 Weeks To Go until Oscar! Wooo
Cinema Blend apparently they're going to reboot The Brady Bunch.
i09 pretends that 10 upcoming remakes / reboots aren't going to suck. Hey, someone has to stay positive.
Hollywood Elsewhere Dark Right(Wing) Rises... People can't stop talking about the politics of Chris Nolan's Batman trilogy.
Hollywood.com interviewed me and other pundits on The Dark Knight Rises Oscar hopes
Awards Daily breaks down the Tony nominees who made it to Oscar nominations
Pajiba would like you to think about all the brunettes in Chris Nolan films. It's always brunettes.
/Film manages to dig up a tiny bit of info about the Coen Bros Inside Llewyn Davis
Awards Daily breaks down the...
Movie City News 29 Weeks To Go until Oscar! Wooo
Cinema Blend apparently they're going to reboot The Brady Bunch.
i09 pretends that 10 upcoming remakes / reboots aren't going to suck. Hey, someone has to stay positive.
Hollywood Elsewhere Dark Right(Wing) Rises... People can't stop talking about the politics of Chris Nolan's Batman trilogy.
Hollywood.com interviewed me and other pundits on The Dark Knight Rises Oscar hopes
Awards Daily breaks down the Tony nominees who made it to Oscar nominations
Pajiba would like you to think about all the brunettes in Chris Nolan films. It's always brunettes.
/Film manages to dig up a tiny bit of info about the Coen Bros Inside Llewyn Davis
Awards Daily breaks down the...
- 8/1/2012
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Los Angeles (AP) — Veteran actress Lupe Ontiveros, who appeared in scores of TV shows and movies including "Desperate Housewives," ''Selena" and "As Good As It Gets," has died. She was 69. Ontiveros died Thursday at a hospital in Whittier, Calif., a suburb southeast of Los Angeles, after a brief battle with liver cancer, according to longtime friend and family spokesman Jerry Velasco. She was perhaps best known for her role in "Selena," the 1997 biopic based on the life story of the Tejano pop star. Ontiveros played Yolanda Saldivar, who in real-life was convicted of killing Selena Quintanilla. The film...
- 7/28/2012
- by E.J. Tarama (AP Staff)
- Hitfix
Yolanda Saldivar -- the woman who shot and killed Latino pop legend Selena -- doesn't plan on releasing a comment about the death of the women who portrayed her on the big screen ... because Yolanda has never seen the movie. Yolanda -- the former President of Selena's fan club -- is currently locked up in a Texas prison .. serving out a life sentence for killing the 23-year-old singer in 1995. She was portrayed in the 1997 biopic "Selena" by Lupe Ontiveros.
- 7/28/2012
- by TMZ Staff
- TMZ
Miami, July 28 (Ians/Efe) Veteran film and television actress Lupe Ontiveros has died, actor Jacob Vargas who appeared with her in the film "Selena" said Friday. She was 69.
""My friend Lupe Ontiveros just passed away. May you rest in peace. Thank you for your great contribution to film and TV. You will be missed," the actor said on Twitter.
The celebrity Web site TMZ said the Mexican-American actress was suffering from liver cancer.
Ontiveros.
""My friend Lupe Ontiveros just passed away. May you rest in peace. Thank you for your great contribution to film and TV. You will be missed," the actor said on Twitter.
The celebrity Web site TMZ said the Mexican-American actress was suffering from liver cancer.
Ontiveros.
- 7/28/2012
- by Lohit Reddy
- RealBollywood.com
Lupe Ontiveros, a veteran Mexican-American actress who played the real-life murderer of Tejano pop star Selena in the 1997 movie, died Thursday in Los Angeles after suffering from liver cancer. She was 69. During a career that spanned nearly four decades, Ontiveros also appeared as America Ferrera's mother in "Real Women Have Curves" (2002), as Greg Kinnear's emotional maid in "As Good as It Gets" (1997) and as a suspicious mother-in-law on ABC's "Desperate Housewives," a role for which she was nominated for an Emmy for guest actress in a comedy series. Ontiveros earned an Independent Spirit Award nomination for playing a tough theater director in "Chuck and Buck" (2000) and voiced the grandmother in the animated PBS series "Maya and Miguel." The native of El Paso, Texas, most recently served as a regular on the CBS comedy "Rob," starring Rob Schneider as a man who marries into a big Mexican-American family. Ontiveros...
- 7/28/2012
- WorstPreviews.com
Lupe Ontiveros has died, aged 69. The famed Mexican-American actress died of liver cancer on Thursday evening (July 26). She was surrounded by her family and friends when she passed away, including her Selena co-star Jacob Vargas. Ontiveros is known as one the most recognisable Latina actresses in Hollywood. Although Ontiveros once joked to NPR in 2009 that she played a maid more than 150 times in her career, she appeared in a variety of roles. She portrayed the convicted murderer of Selena in the 1997 film of the same name, a theatre director in 2000's Chuck & Buck - for which she was nominated for 'Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture' at the Independent Spirit Awards - and the overbearing mother of America Ferrera's character (more)...
- 7/27/2012
- by By Kristina Bustos
- Digital Spy
Lupe Ontiveros—a founding member of the Latino Theater Company and character actress with numerous film roles—died Thursday at the age of 69. Ontiveros began working in Los Angeles theatre in the late ’70s, landing a role in Luis Valdez’s 1978 play Zoot Suit and recreating that performance in both its Broadway production and 1982 movie version. And in her movie and TV career, she found it difficult to break out of the all-too-familiar ghetto of roles available to Latina performers, such as domestic help, hookers, and the occasional grandmother. (Ontiveros once told an interviewer that she'd ...
- 7/27/2012
- avclub.com
'Selena' star Lupe Ontiveros lost her battle with cancer on July 26. So sad! Lupe Ontiveros, 69, best known for playing Yolanda Saldivar in Selena, has died after a battle with cancer, according to the Associated Press. Close friend Rick Najera says Lupe was surrounded by family and friends, including actors Esai Morales and Edward James Olmos, when she passed away on the evening of Thursday 26 in a hospital in Whittier, Calif., a suburb outside of Los Angeles. Lupe, whose credits also include The Goonies and Desperate Housewives, in a role that garnered her an Emmy nomination, estimated that she had played a maid more than 300 times. We keep Lupe's friends and family in our thoughts during this tough time. -- Billy Nilles...
- 7/27/2012
- by Billy Nilles
- HollywoodLife
No caption last week. This week's caption pic is at the bottom of the page.
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Dustin Milligan (above) is 27, Julian McMahon is 44, Maya Rudolph is 40, Alexis Arquette is 43, Elizabeth Berkley is 40, Geddy Lee is 59, Tim Gunn is 59, Bryan Datillo is 41, and Wil Wheaton is 40. We start with the news that Lupe Ontiveros, one of my favorite character actresses, has passed away at the age of 69. Our thoughts are with her family.AMC has canceled The Killing after two seasons. The price you pay for dicking people around.Why won't Kirk Cameron think of the children?John Cameron Mitchell is currently writing a sequel to Hedwig and The Angry Inch, (with music again by Stephen Trask) which I've been patiently waiting for ever since wearing out "Origin Of Love...
Weekend Birthdays! (Note: Birthday shoutouts are for out entertainers, allies, or for any celeb that seems to have a following on Ae). Dustin Milligan (above) is 27, Julian McMahon is 44, Maya Rudolph is 40, Alexis Arquette is 43, Elizabeth Berkley is 40, Geddy Lee is 59, Tim Gunn is 59, Bryan Datillo is 41, and Wil Wheaton is 40. We start with the news that Lupe Ontiveros, one of my favorite character actresses, has passed away at the age of 69. Our thoughts are with her family.AMC has canceled The Killing after two seasons. The price you pay for dicking people around.Why won't Kirk Cameron think of the children?John Cameron Mitchell is currently writing a sequel to Hedwig and The Angry Inch, (with music again by Stephen Trask) which I've been patiently waiting for ever since wearing out "Origin Of Love...
- 7/27/2012
- by snicks
- The Backlot
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