Posted by Elena del Valle on November 1, 2006
10 International Latino Film Festival
Photos: International Latino Film Festival
The 10 annual International Latino Film Festival (ILFF) will take place in the San Francisco Bay area including San José, Mill Valley, Oakland, San Bruno, San Rafael, Larkspur, Berkeley and Redwood City November 3-19, 2006. Festival attendees will have an opportunity to see 85 films at seventeen venues during this year’s event.
Movies scheduled in this year’s Festival include “Ni muy, muy… ni tan, tan… simplemente Tin Tán,” “The Virgin of Juarez,” “Lalo Guerrero, the Original Chicano,” “Madeinusa,” “Maquiapolis, City of Factories,” “To the Other Side,” “American Visa,” “My Best Enemy,” “Loving Maradona,” “The Uncertain Guest,” “Till the Last Drink… My Heart” and “Sea of Dreams.” The movies are from Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Spain, and USA.
Samba School
Official Sponsors for the Festival include Dominican University of California, Macy’s, Castellano Family Foundation, Latino Leadership Council/City of Redwood City and Continental Airlines. Major sponsors are Visa, Wells Fargo, Union Bank, Don Julio, Prudential of California, Pru-Latino, JW Marriott and Mexicana Airlines. Supporting Foundations Sponsors are Grants for the Arts, James Irvine Foundation, Marin Community Foundation, Fullerton Family Foundation, County of Marin Board of Supervisors, Alexander M. and June L. Maisin Foundation of the Jewish Community Endowment Fund.
The ILFF began as a grassroots organization ten years ago, presenting 10 films at a single venue. The Festival showcases new international Latino cinema, encourages emerging talent and pays tribute to celebrated Latino actors, directors and producers. ILFF programs include documentaries about the Latino experience in the United States, the Jewish culture in the Hispanic world, Women & Film series and music, art and human rights themes.
The International Latino Film Festival was founded in 1997 by Sylvia Perel to benefit the San Francisco Bay Area by promoting cinematography of significant artistic merit created by, or about Latinos; and to celebrating cultural understanding through the art of film and filmmaking. The International Latino Film Festival began in Marin County with eight films over three days in one venue and has grown to 85 films over 16 days in 17 venues and nine cities across the Greater San Francisco Bay Area.
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 30, 2006
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Brothers Antonio and Noah Otalvaro from Barrio305.com
Photo: Barrio305.com
A podcast interview with Antonio Otalvaro, chief creative officer and producer, and Noah Otalvaro, who leads business development, information technology and marketing strategies of Barrio 305, is available on the Podcast Section of Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations, HispanicMPR.com. During the podcast, they discuss reaching Latino youth online and with multimedia tools and Barrio 305 with Elena del Valle, host of the HispanicMPR.com podcast.
Antonio is a graduate of Pratt Institute in New York. Following his graduation he worked as a freelance editorial illustrator and as a creative assistant at McCann Erickson and DMB&B. His most notable work as an illustrator was a commission to showcase the Advertising Club of New York’s Andy Awards Annual in 1996. In that same period his work as a designer was also recognized when he was selected to participate in the Art Director’s Club first ever exhibition of “New York’s Most Wanted Young Gun’s” exhibit.
Following these accomplishments he was invited to contribute as a conceptual artist at Fabrica, the Benetton Think Tank in Italy. Antonio worked directly under Oliviero Toscani, the individual responsible for Benetton’s controversial campaigns throughout the 80s and 90s. While at Fabrica, Antonio developed communication strategies for entities such as Greenpeace and the United Nations. Next he became creative editor for Benetton’s Colors Magazine. Upon his return to the United States Antonio made the switch from print to digital media when he joined his brother at WallStreet Electronica to lead the design team and develop marketing strategies for the online broker dealer.
Noah is one of the founding members of WallStreet Electronica, a privately held online broker dealer that has been ranked among the top online brokers by Barron’s for the past ten years. He was reponsible for the development and implementation WallStreet Electronica’s IT infrastructure, managing the data center operations, network design and connectivity, and development of the firms proprietary online trading platform. He also led business development and marketing initiatives for WallStreet Electronica. Noah graduated from Boston College in 1991 with a degree in Psychology.
To listen to the interview, scroll down until you see “Podcast” on the right hand side, then select “HMPR Antonio and Noah Otalvaro,” hit the play button or download it to your iPod or MP3 player to listen on the go, in your car or at home. You can also subscribe to the podcast by right clicking over the podcast box and selecting “copy shortcut” then inserting the URL address in the podcast section of your iTunes program listed under the “advanced” column. The podcast will remain listed in the October 2006 section of the podcast.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on October 27, 2006
“El Platanal” by Elizabeth Erazo Baez
Art: Elizabeth Erazo Baez
Six artists, from almost as many Latin countries, will display 29 works at a show called “Colors of Hispanic Heritage” from October through December 8, 2006. The exhibit can be seen at the Broward Community College administrative art space on the panoramic 12 floor of the Willis Holcombe Downtown Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Elizabeth Erazo Baez, a painter whose works will also be on display, will curate the show for the second year in a row. She has organized a mix of media, including photography and glass sculpture. The other exhibiting artists are Mirta Lopez, Lourdes Crosby, Mima Marin and Luis Matos, who hail from Puerto Rico, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
The event is presented by the Broward Community College Board of Trustees, Viva Broward! and BCC President Dr. Larry Calderon. The artists are contributing several pieces for a silent auction that will be held for the benefit of ASPIRA, a nonprofit organization devoted to helping Latino youth.
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 23, 2006
Pitbull
Photo: TVT Records
Cuban American rapper Armando Perez “Pitbull” takes on a political approach for his second studio album, “El Mariel,” scheduled for an October 31 release. According to promotional materials, in the new album he describes the image of Cuba and focuses on President George W. Bush’s war efforts. The album is a far cry from his previous work as the bilingual hip-hop artist tries to prove that his songs are more than just about getting dirty.
“They have this misconception,” said Pitbull, 25. “They’ll say, ‘He’s just this Latin rapper, he’s a reggaeton act, he’s crunk.’ They don’t know what to say about me. [After El Mariel] a lot of folks are gonna start saying, ‘You gotta watch out for that boy Pit.’”
“El Mariel” is named after the Cuban boatlift that relocated almost 125,000 Cubans to Miami, Florida. The album contains rap ballads and club bangers. Pitbull’s aim for the album is to educate his listeners regarding this event. The artist’s life parallels that of some of those who came in the 1980 boatlift.
“Some [Marielitos] yes were criminals, some came from a negative background, but you have those who became politicians, lawyers, judges, and doctors, you name it,” said Pit. “Now that I got my foot in the door it’s time to take opportunities like the Marielitos did.”
Pitbull was born to Cuban immigrants and was raised by a single mother in Miami who worked three jobs. His childhood consisted of frequent relocations and he wasn’t reacquainted with his father until he was 18. The two were on friendly terms until his father’s passing last year.
In 2005, Pitbull surpassed gold status for the sale of more than 500,000 copies of his debut album, “M.I.A.M.I.: Money Is A Major Issue,” released in the United States in 2004. Aside from the “El Mariel” album, the artist will debut his first full-length Spanish only album, “Armando,” in 2007. He is also scheduled perform at the Latin Grammy Street Party in New York, and will do the voice of one of the characters in the upcoming video game, “Scarface: The World Is Yours,” based on the 1983 film. — Sergio Carmona
To listen to “Ay Chico” from “El Mariel” click on the play button below.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on October 20, 2006
“The Latin Legends of Comedy” DVD cover
Photo: Fox Home Entertainment
Century City, California — Described in promotional materials as “wild, irreverent and totally uproarious,” three Latino comedians, Joey Vega, J.J. Ramirez and Angel Salazar appear in the soon to be released “The Latin Legends of Comedy” DVD on Key Video, a label of Fox Home Entertainment. “The Latin Legends of Comedy” will be available for $19.98 ($25.98 Canada).
“The Latin Legends of Comedy” was presented at the New York International Latino Film Festival, Chicago Latino Film Festival, Boston International Film Festival, Phoenix Film Festival and Palm Beach International Film Festival.
The DVD features uncensored performances by Vega, who has toured with Chris Rock and Marc Anthony; Salazar, seen on “In Living Color” and “Showtime At The Apollo;” and Ramirez, a regular on Comedy Central and Showtime.
Part stand-up comedy concert and part documentary, the recording showcases the struggles and successes of the first Latino comedians who, over twenty years, broke into and became pioneers of New York’s stand-up comedy scene. The comics have been friends from the beginning of their careers. The DVD is presented in widescreen and features English stereo sound and English and Spanish subtitles.
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 13, 2006
“Mona Lisa” and “Girl with Pearl Earring” by Juliana Martinez
Photos: Juliana Martinez
A Northeast Los Angeles art gallery, jFerrari, will feature works from several Latino artists in its upcoming exhibit, “Baile de las calaveras.” From October 21 to November 1, 2006 gallery visitors will be able to see paintings by Eduardo Bonilla, Juliana Martinez, Ernesto de la Loza, and Ricardo Duffy.
“A baile is a dance, and if you see a group of people dancing, they are dancing to the same music, but each has their own approach. That is very much what this show is like,” said gallery owner Jazmin Ferrari.
Eduardo Bonilla’s talent was discovered early in his childhood. He has already had 35 exhibits and ten solo shows. Bonilla portrays the journey of his life in his paintings. Juliana Martinez was also an artist since childhood. The Puerto Rican born artist has made California her home. Her focus is on enjoying the present. Unlike so many others in her field she does not focus on social commentary.
Ernesto de la Loza uses a canvas of a different scale. He is a muralist in the Los Angeles community. Since 1974 he’s poured his life into murals through out California. Ricardo Duffy’s approach is at the other end of the spectrum. With a mixture of dry humor and social commentary Duffy displays his version of present day life. — Melissa Gonzalez
Posted by Elena del Valle on October 9, 2006
Aterciopelados
Photo: Nacional Records
Aterciopelados, the platinum-selling, Grammy-nominated pop/alternative Colombian band is back. They will be releasing “Oye,” their first new studio album in five years on October 24. It is the follow up album to “Gozo Poderoso” and will include the single “Complemento” (Nacional Records)
With the critical and commercial success of their previous Grammy-nominated album “Gozo Poderoso,” Aterciopelados landed on the Top 10 of the Billboard Top Latin Albums chart and made an appearance on the “Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Aterciopelados means velvet ones in Spanish.
Aterciopelados co-founders Andrea Echeverri (vocals, guitars) and Hector Buitrago (bass, arrangements, producer) each released solo albums in the past year (Echeverri’s received two Grammy nominations), building anticipation for the band’s new studio set. The new album was produced by Buitrago and mixed by Thom Russo (Johnny Cash, Juanes, Kinky).
“Oye” is described in promotional materials as an organic rock sound reminiscent of the band’s early work on albums like “La Pipa de La Paz” (Peace Pipe). “Complemento,” the album’s first single, is designed to be an upbeat declaration of love from someone who has found her soulmate. The album also features Aterciopelados’ trademark social and political commentary on songs like “Oye Mujer” which asks of women “are you a human being, or the erotic fantasy of some guy?” Another song, “Pace,” is a call to action for peace. In support of the new album, Aterciopelados will kick off a major market U.S. tour in late October and will return to the States for additional tour dates in 2007.
Aterciopelados formed in Bogota, Colombia in the early 90s debuting with the 1994 album “Con El Corazon en La Mano” rising to fame in Colombia and internationally. They have performed at the Hollywood Bowl and Mexico City’s Auditorio Nacional.
To listen to the single “Complemento” from the new album “Oye” click on the play button below.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on October 2, 2006
Mabel Valdiviezo, film producer, director
Photo:Suzanne Cancilla-Fox
A podcast interview with Mabel Valdiviezo, producer and director, “Soledad is Gone Forever” is available in the Podcast Section of Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations, HispanicMPR.com. During the podcast, she discusses making films for Hispanic audiences with Elena del Valle, host of the HispanicMPR.com podcast.
Mabel is a principal of Haiku Films. She is the writer, director and producer of the short films “The Water’s Muse” and “Strange Machines: Music Boxes” that screened at the International Latino Film Festival and the de Young Museum in San Francisco. In 2005, Mabel was series producer and editor behind Peralta Community College Television’s (PCTV) new program “Talk Back,” a fast-paced show that brings the current issues faced by San Francisco’s East Bay communities into sharp uncompromising focus.
“I am a filmmaker born in Peru, a country whose human rights violations duplicate those committed in Chile under the infamous Pinochet era,” said Mabel. “The memories of those atrocities affected a whole generation of exiles, who, like myself, have started the healing process by freeing our voices and telling our stories.”
Mabel is currently developing the feature length version of “Soledad Is Gone Forever.” She is also developing “Silhouettes,” a series of short documentaries exploring emigration/immigration through the eyes of Carlos Cartagena, a Salvadorian born artist and his interaction with immigrants in cities across the nation. Mabel has edited the feature length narratives “Counting The Days” and “My Camera” as well as several other films. She serves as co-chair of the National Association of Latino Producers (NALIP) San Francisco Chapter.
To listen to the interview, scroll down until you see “Podcast” on the right hand side, then select “HMPR Mabel Valdiviezo,” click on the play button or download it to your iPod or MP3 player to listen on the go, in your car or at home. You can also subscribe to the podcast by right clicking over the podcast box and selecting “copy shortcut” then inserting the URL address in the podcast section of your iTunes program listed under the “advanced” column. The podcast will remain listed in the October 2006 section of the podcast.
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Posted by Elena del Valle on September 20, 2006
Esteban Arce new co-host of “Mexico Lindo y Futbol”
Photos: Baral Group Studios
One of GolTV’s shows, “Mexico Lindo y Futbol,” will have a new co-host who prides himself on his sense of humor and familiarity with soccer. Television veteran Esteban Arce will join Javier Vargas and Gerrardo Ruiz Massieu on a show about Mexican soccer and Mexican culture. More than 50 percent of the audience for the show, produced by South Florida based Baral Group Studios, is Mexican.
“Esteban, Javier, Gerardo and the entire team of correspondents present a very entertaining, fun, illustrative, and exciting show about Mexican soccer and Mexican life,” said Alina Baraldi, the show’s executive producer. “This is a different way to show Mexico, the culture, their passion, the way of living, their people. This is a program every Mexican living in the United States wants to watch and our audience participates very much with many interactive themes.”
Alina Baraldi, executive producer, “Mexico Lindo y Futbol”
According to the promotional materials, Arce is known for his humor and has often joked about Mexican superstars including Maria Felix, Luis Miguel, and Irma Serrano. His television experience includes creating and presenting the Televisa production, “El Calabozo,” experience on a radio program, “The Crazy World of Esteban Arce,” and hosting “Cotorreando,” on Telemundo-NBC in the United States. Arce also brings to the table a professional soccer career as a player in Mexico in the 1980s.
“Mexico Lindo y Futbol” made its debut on May 5, 2005. It airs daily Monday to Friday at 11 p.m. ET in English and Spanish and presents highlights, scores, statistics, and aspects of Mexican life and the world of soccer. More information can be found at GolTV.tv — Sergio Carmona
Posted by Elena del Valle on September 18, 2006
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Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland
Photo: Sony Pictures Classics
A podcast interview with Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, directors and writers, “Quinceañera” is available in the Podcast Section of Hispanic Marketing & Public Relations, HispanicMPR.com. During the podcast, they discuss the movie and their efforts to capture the Latino audience with Elena del Valle, host of the HispanicMPR.com podcast.
Over the past few years, Richard has strived to establish himself as an indie filmmaker while simultaneously producing some of televisions’s reality hits. His first feature film “Grief” (1994) broke new ground by treating the AIDS crisis with depth and unexpected humor. “Grief” played in competition at Sundance and won top prizes at the San Francisco Frameline Festival and the Torino Festival.
Richard originally intended to become an academic. He received a Ph.D. in American Literature from the University of Virginia and edited a book of essays about Frank Capra. His television career includes MTV’s “Osbournes”, “Road Rules,” and “Tough Enough.” Richard, Tyra Banks and Ken Mok created the reality program “America’s Next Top Model,” now in its sixth season. He is a Life Master tournament bridge player.
Wash has made several documentaries, features and TV shows. In 2004, he went undercover, leaving his political affiliations at the door, to write and direct a film about the tormented “Gay Republicans” that won the Audience Award for Best Documentary at the AFI Festival and is now available on DVD.
Hailing from Leeds, England, Wash earned his college degree in Politics at the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, immediately prior to moving to America. In 1994 he was living in New Orleans, Louisiana, when he caught the film bug and made a short film “Squishy Does Porno!” which according to promotional materials gained cult status. Shortly afterwards he moved to Los Angeles and landed a job in the adult industry. In 2000 he made his debut feature film based on his observations of that industry, “The Fluffer”, co-directed with Richard. The film premiered in North America at the Toronto Film Festival and internationally in Berlin, Germany. Premiere magazine selected it as one of the “Top Ten Buried Treasures” of the year.
Quinceañera is a 2006 Sony Pictures Classics movie winner of the Audience Award and Grand Jury Prize for Best Dramatic Feature at the Sundance Film Festival 2006
To listen to the interview, scroll down until you see the “Podcast” on the right hand side, then select “HMPR Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland” hit the play button or download it to your iPod or MP3 player to listen on the go, in your car or at home. To download it, click on the arrow of the recording you wish to copy and save to disk. The podcast will remain listed in the September 2006 section of the podcast.
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