Interesting article giving an overview of some of the Latino writer-directors in Hollywood.
Latinos in Entertainment by Noel Murray
Two years after Alfonso Cuaron, Guillermo del Toro and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu took the year-end awards circuits by storm with "Pan's Labyrinth" and "Babel," and a year after they inked a $100 million deal with Universal to produce five films under their Cha Cha Cha banner, opportunities for other Latino filmmakers -- both veterans and those relatively new to the scene -- have been on the rise.
For complete article click here.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Friday, August 22, 2008
On the Road in America, Baghdad High and Quid Pro Quo
I have been watching the reality show, “On the Road in America” on the Sundance Channel. It follows four young Arabs traveling the United States and documenting their reactions as well as their interactions with the people across the country. It allows the viewer to see what Arabs are like and helps to break our perceptions formed from watching mainstream media. The show does not try to make them out to be perfect models of Arab youth but shows them as humans with positive and negative aspects to their personality. You do see them struggling with their preconceptions about Americans and at times trying to hold on to these preconceptions but ultimately becoming more open. The series ends with the original pilot with a slightly different cast. Next week, the series is being re-aired. It is worth checking out.
Today, I watched two films, one a documentary called “Baghdad High” and a drama, “Quid Pro Quo”. The first film, much like “On the Road in America” gives us an insight into a different culture. This time, four high school boys in Baghdad are given video cameras to document their last year of high school. The four boys are friends in spite of being from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The boys are Christian, Kurdish, Shia and Sunni. We get a glimpse into their every day struggles trying to get an education while dealing with a war raging around them, with bombs exploding and bullets flying. This is a documentary that should be shown to students here in the United States to give them a view of how fortunate they are.
The second film I watched was first time director Carlos Brooks’ “Quid Pro Quo.” The plot revolves around a radio host who is a paraplegic. He gets a tip about someone bribing a doctor to amputate his leg and while investigating comes upon a subculture of people who are wannabe amputees or paraplegics. The film is a very sensitive portrayal of people with disabilities and their struggles. At the same time, the film is not judgmental of people with psychological issues. The performances by Nick Stahl (In the Bedroom, Carnivale) and Vera Farmiga (The Departed) are excellent, taking you with them into their world.
Today, I watched two films, one a documentary called “Baghdad High” and a drama, “Quid Pro Quo”. The first film, much like “On the Road in America” gives us an insight into a different culture. This time, four high school boys in Baghdad are given video cameras to document their last year of high school. The four boys are friends in spite of being from different ethnic and religious backgrounds. The boys are Christian, Kurdish, Shia and Sunni. We get a glimpse into their every day struggles trying to get an education while dealing with a war raging around them, with bombs exploding and bullets flying. This is a documentary that should be shown to students here in the United States to give them a view of how fortunate they are.
The second film I watched was first time director Carlos Brooks’ “Quid Pro Quo.” The plot revolves around a radio host who is a paraplegic. He gets a tip about someone bribing a doctor to amputate his leg and while investigating comes upon a subculture of people who are wannabe amputees or paraplegics. The film is a very sensitive portrayal of people with disabilities and their struggles. At the same time, the film is not judgmental of people with psychological issues. The performances by Nick Stahl (In the Bedroom, Carnivale) and Vera Farmiga (The Departed) are excellent, taking you with them into their world.
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Angel Movie Trailer - A Jacobo Morales Film
This is the trailer for the latest film by Jacobo Morales. The movie stars Braulio Castillo Jr. and Jacobo Morales.It is one of the films to be screened at the Film Society of Lincoln Center Latin Beat 2008.
Tribute to Jacobo Morales
The Film Society of Lincoln Center is presenting Latin Beat 2008, their annual survey of Latin American Cinema. In this series, they are presenting a tribute to Puerto Rican auteur, Jacobo Morales, three of his films will be shown with an introduction by the director.
The three films to be screened are “Angel” (his most recent film), “What Happened to Santiago” (1990 nominee for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film) and “Linda Sara” (starring popular Puerto Rican singer Chayanne and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres).
Jacobo Morales was born in Lajas, Puerto Rico in 1934. He began his career as an actor in theater and radio when he was fourteen years old. In 1954 he began working in television as an actor, writer and director. He worked in Hollywood, as an actor in the 1970’s then became a film director in 1979. He has written and directed six films.
If anyone is in the New York City area the Latin Beat 2008 is running from September 5-September 25. In addition to the tribute to Jacobo Morales, there will other panels and film series. For more information click here.
The three films to be screened are “Angel” (his most recent film), “What Happened to Santiago” (1990 nominee for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Film) and “Linda Sara” (starring popular Puerto Rican singer Chayanne and former Miss Universe Dayanara Torres).
Jacobo Morales was born in Lajas, Puerto Rico in 1934. He began his career as an actor in theater and radio when he was fourteen years old. In 1954 he began working in television as an actor, writer and director. He worked in Hollywood, as an actor in the 1970’s then became a film director in 1979. He has written and directed six films.
If anyone is in the New York City area the Latin Beat 2008 is running from September 5-September 25. In addition to the tribute to Jacobo Morales, there will other panels and film series. For more information click here.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Made in Japan - NYILFF Short Film
This is a short film shown at the New York International Latino Film Festival about a Spanish man who finds out that his father is Japanese.
Off Jackson Avenue
This is the trailer for one of the films I reviewed previously from the New York International Latino Film Festival. I don't think the trailer does the movie justice, the movie is so much better that what the trailer sets up.
Harrison Montgomery Trailer
This is the trailer for a film at the New York International Latino Film Festival. My review is in a previous post.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
NYILFF - Shine On
Shine On – Director: Agustin – A formula movie that breaks the mold in so many ways. First, the lead character, Jay, is a musician who goes to Manhattan to play his music in the park. When he is not playing music, he is working overnight at a gas station or hanging out with his friends in the Bronx. The refreshing bit about him is that he does not sing salsa but folk-rock music. The movie shows that not all Latinos from the Bronx sing salsa, hip-hop or reggaeton. Another break in the stereotypes often portrayed in Bronx movies is that no one is using or dealing drugs. They party, they drink and they often get in trouble but they are just living. Even their living conditions are not dirt poor; the father works his ass off as a doorman to provide for his family. Which brings me to another point; there is a father in the picture.
Played by Nestor Serrano, the father is a proud man who may be too tough at times but you can tell he cares about his family and their well being while at the same time being aware that his sons need to learn responsibility. The underused Julie Carmen portrays the mother. The family dynamic rings true in the film.
The lead actor, Andrew Cisneros, brings great depth to a character that exists in two different worlds and navigates both being comfortable with himself. In the supporting cast, I must point out, Flaco Navaja as one of Jay’s best friends. He has so much presence on screen, that he deserves to get more roles in movies.
It would be a shame if this movie did not get proper distribution. It’s a movie that should be seen.
You can see a trailer here.
Played by Nestor Serrano, the father is a proud man who may be too tough at times but you can tell he cares about his family and their well being while at the same time being aware that his sons need to learn responsibility. The underused Julie Carmen portrays the mother. The family dynamic rings true in the film.
The lead actor, Andrew Cisneros, brings great depth to a character that exists in two different worlds and navigates both being comfortable with himself. In the supporting cast, I must point out, Flaco Navaja as one of Jay’s best friends. He has so much presence on screen, that he deserves to get more roles in movies.
It would be a shame if this movie did not get proper distribution. It’s a movie that should be seen.
You can see a trailer here.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
NYILFF - Shorts Program: Talk 2 Her
Yesterday I saw another short film program and my review is below. Overall, I have to say that all the shorts I have seen have been enjoyable and very creative. When I say that I like some better than others, it does not mean that the other films are not worth seeing. I believe that the New York International Latino Film Festival has done an excellent job at choosing the films for presentation.
Made In Japan – Director: Ciro Altabas – A very humorous film where a man explains his lateness for a date by telling a story of his search for his Japanese father.
Madre – Director: Juan Laplace – A woman relates her story of searching for someone to father her child, while she waits for the results of a home pregnancy test.
La Chambre de Motel (The Motel Room) – Director: Saro Varjabedian – Two student filmmakers have an encounter in a motel room after a shoot.
Casper & Kitty – Director: Franco Parente – An erotic tale of a man dealing with a failed relationship.
The Gift Wrapper – Director: Daniela de Carlo – A sweet tale about a deaf-mute woman who works as a gift wrapper around the Christmas holidays and longs for one of her customers.
Para Bailar Se Necesitan Dos (Two to Salsa) – Director: Juan Pablo Osman – Two immigrants who dance in the streets for a living deal with changes in their relationships. Feels like it should be a feature length movie, would love to see their relationship develop.
Bloom – Director: Lance Larson – One of my favorite shorts in the set, very well directed, acted and photographed. A nice twist in the end that I should have seen coming but didn’t.
The Stain on the Sidewalk – Director: Adam Schlachter – A teenage boy tries to work up the courage to confess his love for a girl who is going out with someone else.
Vamonos (Let’s Go) – Director: Maurice Compte – Two people have an altercation at a rest stop restaurant leading to sinister results. Very good acting on the part of all actors. Feels like a portion of a feature length film.
House of Cards – Director: David Priego – An interesting short dealing with two people dealing with a divorce but trying not to fight in front of their son. Their struggle may lead to tragic consequences. This was another one of my favorite shorts.
Rosas de Color Rosa (Pink Roses) – Director: Otto Scheuren – In what is basically a monologue a woman speaking to the camera talks about herself to a man that she is interested in.
Made In Japan – Director: Ciro Altabas – A very humorous film where a man explains his lateness for a date by telling a story of his search for his Japanese father.
Madre – Director: Juan Laplace – A woman relates her story of searching for someone to father her child, while she waits for the results of a home pregnancy test.
La Chambre de Motel (The Motel Room) – Director: Saro Varjabedian – Two student filmmakers have an encounter in a motel room after a shoot.
Casper & Kitty – Director: Franco Parente – An erotic tale of a man dealing with a failed relationship.
The Gift Wrapper – Director: Daniela de Carlo – A sweet tale about a deaf-mute woman who works as a gift wrapper around the Christmas holidays and longs for one of her customers.
Para Bailar Se Necesitan Dos (Two to Salsa) – Director: Juan Pablo Osman – Two immigrants who dance in the streets for a living deal with changes in their relationships. Feels like it should be a feature length movie, would love to see their relationship develop.
Bloom – Director: Lance Larson – One of my favorite shorts in the set, very well directed, acted and photographed. A nice twist in the end that I should have seen coming but didn’t.
The Stain on the Sidewalk – Director: Adam Schlachter – A teenage boy tries to work up the courage to confess his love for a girl who is going out with someone else.
Vamonos (Let’s Go) – Director: Maurice Compte – Two people have an altercation at a rest stop restaurant leading to sinister results. Very good acting on the part of all actors. Feels like a portion of a feature length film.
House of Cards – Director: David Priego – An interesting short dealing with two people dealing with a divorce but trying not to fight in front of their son. Their struggle may lead to tragic consequences. This was another one of my favorite shorts.
Rosas de Color Rosa (Pink Roses) – Director: Otto Scheuren – In what is basically a monologue a woman speaking to the camera talks about herself to a man that she is interested in.
Friday, July 25, 2008
NYILFF - Shorts Program - Made You Smile
I saw two shorts programs today but only have time to write about one. The other - Talk 2 Her will be reviewed later on.
Short Films: Made You Smile
La Leyenda Del Hombre Lento (The Legend of the Slow Man) – Director: Armando Del Rio – An odd man out type of story done with great humor and creativity. A very enjoyable start to the program, had the audience laughing out loud throughout the film.
Exposed Negative – Director: Stuart Altman – A humorous take on the whole celebrity and paparazzi phenomenon. A Britney, Lindsay type actress has been away from the spotlight and makes a deal with two paparazzi to make a comeback.
La Gordiranfla – Director: Anwar Safa – A very funny film about a notorious gambler who loses the truck that he and his wife use to sell gorditas.
Crossing Numbers – Director: Abel Gonzalez – An odd choice of subject for a humorous film but it totally works. The story focuses on border patrols from Mexico and the U.S. who don’t want to claim the body found in the desert.
Browntown – Director: Deepti Paul – I hope this short is a work in progress of a much longer film. I would love to see the characters develop and see where the story goes. This was the only film that I have seen so far that incorporated many ethnicities, a real “browntown” cast.
Hombre Rana (Frogman) – Directors: Roxana Ruzzante & Martin Escriche – Another odd man themed movie where a man has a successful life but yearns to leave it and go away.
Llora – Director: Pepe Caudillo – This 11 minute film, done in one take, pokes fun at filmmakers, where they will go to any lengths to get their take. Very well acted and directed piece of film.
The Tree – Director: Paul Starkman – Very funny film about a man who plants a tree in Brooklyn to get some shade from the hot summer days but the tree becomes the center of activity in the neighborhood. Great performance from the underrated Jose Zuniga.
Short Films: Made You Smile
La Leyenda Del Hombre Lento (The Legend of the Slow Man) – Director: Armando Del Rio – An odd man out type of story done with great humor and creativity. A very enjoyable start to the program, had the audience laughing out loud throughout the film.
Exposed Negative – Director: Stuart Altman – A humorous take on the whole celebrity and paparazzi phenomenon. A Britney, Lindsay type actress has been away from the spotlight and makes a deal with two paparazzi to make a comeback.
La Gordiranfla – Director: Anwar Safa – A very funny film about a notorious gambler who loses the truck that he and his wife use to sell gorditas.
Crossing Numbers – Director: Abel Gonzalez – An odd choice of subject for a humorous film but it totally works. The story focuses on border patrols from Mexico and the U.S. who don’t want to claim the body found in the desert.
Browntown – Director: Deepti Paul – I hope this short is a work in progress of a much longer film. I would love to see the characters develop and see where the story goes. This was the only film that I have seen so far that incorporated many ethnicities, a real “browntown” cast.
Hombre Rana (Frogman) – Directors: Roxana Ruzzante & Martin Escriche – Another odd man themed movie where a man has a successful life but yearns to leave it and go away.
Llora – Director: Pepe Caudillo – This 11 minute film, done in one take, pokes fun at filmmakers, where they will go to any lengths to get their take. Very well acted and directed piece of film.
The Tree – Director: Paul Starkman – Very funny film about a man who plants a tree in Brooklyn to get some shade from the hot summer days but the tree becomes the center of activity in the neighborhood. Great performance from the underrated Jose Zuniga.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Stumble It!
Posts
