Anyone that has attended the Palm Springs International Film Festival has surely noticed the rather specific demographic - both in background and age - that makes up the audiences that night after night fill up the screenings. While audiences of color and from a wide age range live in this small town, which has managed to put together an important regional festival for nearly three decades, they don’t seem to have incorporated into the film festival experience. The assumption that the festival is only for those with a higher income, prominent educational backgrounds, or industry connections, might deter local audiences, to whom the festival should aim, from attending.
Conscious of such this phenomenon, the festival and their Latino team in particular, have doubled their efforts to create visibility for the festival in a Latino context in order to attract those patrons that erroneously could think their festival doesn’t welcome them or that it doesn’t offer any stories that could entice them. People like seasoned programmer Hebe Tabachnick, who ensures the best films to come out of Latin America that year screen in Palm Springs; Program Manager Liliana Rodriguez, who also programs the After Dark section of the festival and who is an outspoken supporter of Latin American cinema; or Film Society Assistant Patricia Garza-Elsperger, whose efforts in making the festival a friendly environment for local Latino audiences go above and beyond her official duties.
Events such as the Cine Latino Party, which brings together filmmakers, press, programmers, staff and the general public, or the Latino Filmmakers Dinner, where the artists discussed their works amongst each other and with selected press in attendance in a casual environment that hopes to create a stronger community of people rallying behind Latin American cinema, U.S. Latino projects, and even honorary-Latino films like Paddy Breathnach Cuba-set “Viva.”
Thanks to Tabachnick and her collaborator’s relentless dedication, an immense amount of Latin American films formed part of this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival program and an equally impressive number of filmmakers came to the city to present their work. The film selection included "Alias Maria" (Colombia),"The Second Mother" (Brazil),"From Afar" (Venezuela), "Jeremy" (Mexico), "The Club" (Chile), "Liz in September" (Venezuela), "Magallanes" (Peru), "The Memory of Water" (Chile), "Papa" (Cuba), "Neon Bull" (Brazil), "Paulina" (Argentina), "The Clan" (Argentina). Celso R. García director of the Guillermo Del Toro-produced “The Thin Yellow Line” (La delgada linea amarilla), Flavio Florencio director of Mexican trans documentary “Made in Bangkok,” Jayor Bustamante director of "Ixcanul," and Ciro Guerra director of the Academy Award-nominated "Embrace of the Serpent," were among he talented creators in attendance.
One particularly insightful presentation was the double feature program of Michel Franco’s English-language debut “Chronic” and Gabriel Ripstein’s feature debut “600 Miles,” in which both filmmakers interchanged roles as producer and directors respectively. Both hard-hitting and emotionally devastating films star British actor Tim Roth in two very distinct roles. In “Chronic” as a hospice caretaker struggling with his own turbulent past, and in “600 Miles” as an Atf agent that is kidnapped by a young Mexican boy working very dangerous people. Following the screenings Tabachnick moderated a Q&A with Ripstein and Roth about their mutual experience working on these titles.
As part of the festival’s commitment to engage its homegrown audiences in the festival’s mission and to expose them stories from around the world from, Tabachnik also hosted a screening of the Mexican family film “Jeremy” (El Jeremias) at a local high school. Through initiatives like this, Psiff wishes to evolve into a more inclusive event that can cater to cinephiles, casual attendees, and those looking to be surprised – no matter how young they are. Community outreach via the power of cinema is what could truly transform the festival from its apparent elite quality to an accessible and much more multicultural space to enjoy and discuss the art form.
Latin American cinema is consistently present and awarded at countless festival due to the particular voices and topical issues it depicts, not only with an authentic approach, but always layered with universal appeal. It’s time that audiences represented in such films or those connected to them by their heritage become a stronger force not only at the mainstream box-office but also at festival where they can have an interaction with the storytellers behind the camera. On that note, Palm Springs International Film Festival is on the right path into becoming a festival that retains the quality of the films, but sets its eyes on diversifying the eyes set that come through the theater doors.
The 27th Palm Springs International Film Festival took place January 1-11, 2016.
Conscious of such this phenomenon, the festival and their Latino team in particular, have doubled their efforts to create visibility for the festival in a Latino context in order to attract those patrons that erroneously could think their festival doesn’t welcome them or that it doesn’t offer any stories that could entice them. People like seasoned programmer Hebe Tabachnick, who ensures the best films to come out of Latin America that year screen in Palm Springs; Program Manager Liliana Rodriguez, who also programs the After Dark section of the festival and who is an outspoken supporter of Latin American cinema; or Film Society Assistant Patricia Garza-Elsperger, whose efforts in making the festival a friendly environment for local Latino audiences go above and beyond her official duties.
Events such as the Cine Latino Party, which brings together filmmakers, press, programmers, staff and the general public, or the Latino Filmmakers Dinner, where the artists discussed their works amongst each other and with selected press in attendance in a casual environment that hopes to create a stronger community of people rallying behind Latin American cinema, U.S. Latino projects, and even honorary-Latino films like Paddy Breathnach Cuba-set “Viva.”
Thanks to Tabachnick and her collaborator’s relentless dedication, an immense amount of Latin American films formed part of this year’s Palm Springs International Film Festival program and an equally impressive number of filmmakers came to the city to present their work. The film selection included "Alias Maria" (Colombia),"The Second Mother" (Brazil),"From Afar" (Venezuela), "Jeremy" (Mexico), "The Club" (Chile), "Liz in September" (Venezuela), "Magallanes" (Peru), "The Memory of Water" (Chile), "Papa" (Cuba), "Neon Bull" (Brazil), "Paulina" (Argentina), "The Clan" (Argentina). Celso R. García director of the Guillermo Del Toro-produced “The Thin Yellow Line” (La delgada linea amarilla), Flavio Florencio director of Mexican trans documentary “Made in Bangkok,” Jayor Bustamante director of "Ixcanul," and Ciro Guerra director of the Academy Award-nominated "Embrace of the Serpent," were among he talented creators in attendance.
One particularly insightful presentation was the double feature program of Michel Franco’s English-language debut “Chronic” and Gabriel Ripstein’s feature debut “600 Miles,” in which both filmmakers interchanged roles as producer and directors respectively. Both hard-hitting and emotionally devastating films star British actor Tim Roth in two very distinct roles. In “Chronic” as a hospice caretaker struggling with his own turbulent past, and in “600 Miles” as an Atf agent that is kidnapped by a young Mexican boy working very dangerous people. Following the screenings Tabachnick moderated a Q&A with Ripstein and Roth about their mutual experience working on these titles.
As part of the festival’s commitment to engage its homegrown audiences in the festival’s mission and to expose them stories from around the world from, Tabachnik also hosted a screening of the Mexican family film “Jeremy” (El Jeremias) at a local high school. Through initiatives like this, Psiff wishes to evolve into a more inclusive event that can cater to cinephiles, casual attendees, and those looking to be surprised – no matter how young they are. Community outreach via the power of cinema is what could truly transform the festival from its apparent elite quality to an accessible and much more multicultural space to enjoy and discuss the art form.
Latin American cinema is consistently present and awarded at countless festival due to the particular voices and topical issues it depicts, not only with an authentic approach, but always layered with universal appeal. It’s time that audiences represented in such films or those connected to them by their heritage become a stronger force not only at the mainstream box-office but also at festival where they can have an interaction with the storytellers behind the camera. On that note, Palm Springs International Film Festival is on the right path into becoming a festival that retains the quality of the films, but sets its eyes on diversifying the eyes set that come through the theater doors.
The 27th Palm Springs International Film Festival took place January 1-11, 2016.
- 1/23/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
Every year in November in Los Cabos, one of the most beautiful places in Mexico, 14,000 attendees, 450 industry professionals, and national and international media join together to celebrate film.
This year the Hurricane Odile took out Los Cabos and we feared for the festival. However, it has survived and its third edition, renamed from “Baja International Film Festival, Los Cabos” to “ Los Cabos International Film Festival ” has added three new sections.
You will find me there for this third edition November 12 – 16, where the Mexican film industry, its cultural and commercial partners in North America meet with invited guests to watch and discuss the best in cinema today.
Read more about its 2014 Official Selection program here. Nine films are in Competition from Mexico, U.S. and Canada, competing for Usd $15,000 cash, six Mexican productions – the first or second film by directors will compete for Usd $15,000 in the Mexico First Section.
The Festival’s three new sections to be presented in its Third Edition are Green Perspective, B-Side and Sunset.
Green Perspective is a section that present stories that generate awareness and force us to reflect on our responsibilities with the environment and the urgent need to create a harmonious coexistence among all the links part of this planet. The films in this new section are:
• “Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story” by Grant Baldwin. (Canada– Latin American Premiere).
• “México Pelágico” (“Deep-Sea Mexico”) by Jerónimo Prieto (Mexico, 2014).
• “ThuleTuvalu” by Matthias von Gunten (Switzerland- Latin American Premiere).
The theater chain, Cinemex will present this as part of the Festival’s Free Outdoor Screenings Program to be held at Plaza Mijares in San José del Cabo.
The Festival also launches, B Side, showcasing the best films portraying music, providing both sonorous and visual enjoyment. The three films presented this year are:
• “20,000 Days on Earth” by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard (U.K. – Mexican Premiere). After its Sundance 2014 premiere, Hanway picked it up for international sales and has sold it to Drafthouse Films for U.S. as well as to Benelux (Remain In Light Belgium), Brazil (Zeta Filmes), Denmark (Camera Film A/S), Norway (Tour De Force As), Poland (Gutek Film Ltd), Spain (Avalon Distribucion Audiovisual), Sweden (Nonstop Entertainment Ab), U.K. ( Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd/ Picturehouse Entertainment).
• “For Those About To Rock: The Story of Rodrigo y Gabriela” by Alejandro Franco Fernández (Mexico– Latin American Premiere).
• “God Help the Girl” by Stuart Murdoch (U.K.– Mexican Premiere).
This film also premiered at Sundance and is also repped by Hanway and has sold to Amplify (Los Angeles) for the U.S. and to So. Korea (Challan), Spain (Avalon Distribucion Audiovisual), Taiwan ( Atom Cinema).
The third new section, Sunset, intends to provoke with genres of horror, science fiction and black comedy.
“Over Your Dead Body” by Takashi Miike (Japan – Latin American Premiere) premiered at Pusan Film Festival and is being sold internationally by Celluloid Dreams and Mongrel Media. “Spring” by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (U.S.A. – Mexican Premiere) presented in collaboration with Morbido Fest. Xyz both produced and is the international sales agent for this film which will debut at this year’s American Filkm Market. “What We Do in the Shadows” by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement (New Zealand, U.S. – Latin American Premiere) also premiered in Sundance and played in Midnight Madness at Tiff. Elle Driver picked it up at its Sundance premiere and has licensed the film to Unison Films for U.S., Australia (Madman Entertainment), Germany (Weltkino Filmverleih Gmbh), Japan (Shochiku Co., Ltd), Russia (Volgafilm), Sweden (Njutafilms), U.K. ( Metrodome Distribution). Within the framework of the second Gabriel Figueroa Film Fund, that supports Mexican filmmakers’ projects in development and in post, the Festival is honoring Gabriel Figueroa, one of the greatest filmmakers of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. In collaboration with photographer Gabriel Figueroa Flores, keeper and film restorer of his father's legacy, the photo exhibition "Homage to Gabriel Figueroa" will be presented, highlighting the work of the cinematographer in several foreign productions filmed in Mexico, including "The Pearl" (1945), "The Fugitive" (1947) and "The Night of the Iguana" (1962).
Los Cabos Film Festival is proud to have as guests, prominent Mexican celebrities who will get together at the red carpets and the Festival events, including Guillermo Arriaga, Ilse Salas, Tenoch Huerta, Sofía Espinosa, Sophie Alexander Katz, Marimar Vega, Luis Ernesto Franco, Erick Elias, Eiza González, Dolores Heredia, Maya Zapata, Chema Yazpik, Patricia Garza, Irene Azuela, Natalia Lafourcade, Tessa Ia, among others.
Among international celebrities confirmed to date are Atom Egoyan (Canada), Denys Arcand (Quebec), Xavier Dolan (Quebec), Frank Grillo (USA), DJ Cotrona (USA), Leonor Varela (Chile), Natalia Tena (UK), Eric Bruneau (Quebec), Sarai Givaty (Israel) and Rich
The Festival will give away 7,000 tickets for Cinemex screenings and 500 tickets for the Opening Gala, 500 tickets for Xavier Dolan’s “Mommy”’s Gala and 500 tickets for “Words with God”’s Gala, and 800 tickets for the Closing Gala.
As part of its commitment to Los Cabos, the Festival will donate to the Municipal Dif (National System for Integral Family Development) 8% of total sales. To promote social support and the provision of services that contribute to the protection, care and improvement of vulnerable groups.
American actress Rosario Dawson will present the Latin American Premier of Atom Egoyan’s “ The Captive” (2014), and will have the honor to grant the Tribute Award to Mr. Egoyan. Dawson plays a detective in the film by the Canadian Director, investigating Cassandra’s case that was abruptly kidnapped; this begins a horrifying race against time where the detective herself must play her part in unraveling the mystery of her disappearance and freeing her from captivity.
Its press conference in Mexico City on October 31st, more details will be announced.
Come And See What The Neighbors Are Doing Mexico, USA and Canada showcase their best films to the world.
This year the Hurricane Odile took out Los Cabos and we feared for the festival. However, it has survived and its third edition, renamed from “Baja International Film Festival, Los Cabos” to “ Los Cabos International Film Festival ” has added three new sections.
You will find me there for this third edition November 12 – 16, where the Mexican film industry, its cultural and commercial partners in North America meet with invited guests to watch and discuss the best in cinema today.
Read more about its 2014 Official Selection program here. Nine films are in Competition from Mexico, U.S. and Canada, competing for Usd $15,000 cash, six Mexican productions – the first or second film by directors will compete for Usd $15,000 in the Mexico First Section.
The Festival’s three new sections to be presented in its Third Edition are Green Perspective, B-Side and Sunset.
Green Perspective is a section that present stories that generate awareness and force us to reflect on our responsibilities with the environment and the urgent need to create a harmonious coexistence among all the links part of this planet. The films in this new section are:
• “Just Eat It: A Food Waste Story” by Grant Baldwin. (Canada– Latin American Premiere).
• “México Pelágico” (“Deep-Sea Mexico”) by Jerónimo Prieto (Mexico, 2014).
• “ThuleTuvalu” by Matthias von Gunten (Switzerland- Latin American Premiere).
The theater chain, Cinemex will present this as part of the Festival’s Free Outdoor Screenings Program to be held at Plaza Mijares in San José del Cabo.
The Festival also launches, B Side, showcasing the best films portraying music, providing both sonorous and visual enjoyment. The three films presented this year are:
• “20,000 Days on Earth” by Iain Forsyth and Jane Pollard (U.K. – Mexican Premiere). After its Sundance 2014 premiere, Hanway picked it up for international sales and has sold it to Drafthouse Films for U.S. as well as to Benelux (Remain In Light Belgium), Brazil (Zeta Filmes), Denmark (Camera Film A/S), Norway (Tour De Force As), Poland (Gutek Film Ltd), Spain (Avalon Distribucion Audiovisual), Sweden (Nonstop Entertainment Ab), U.K. ( Picturehouse Cinemas Ltd/ Picturehouse Entertainment).
• “For Those About To Rock: The Story of Rodrigo y Gabriela” by Alejandro Franco Fernández (Mexico– Latin American Premiere).
• “God Help the Girl” by Stuart Murdoch (U.K.– Mexican Premiere).
This film also premiered at Sundance and is also repped by Hanway and has sold to Amplify (Los Angeles) for the U.S. and to So. Korea (Challan), Spain (Avalon Distribucion Audiovisual), Taiwan ( Atom Cinema).
The third new section, Sunset, intends to provoke with genres of horror, science fiction and black comedy.
“Over Your Dead Body” by Takashi Miike (Japan – Latin American Premiere) premiered at Pusan Film Festival and is being sold internationally by Celluloid Dreams and Mongrel Media. “Spring” by Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead (U.S.A. – Mexican Premiere) presented in collaboration with Morbido Fest. Xyz both produced and is the international sales agent for this film which will debut at this year’s American Filkm Market. “What We Do in the Shadows” by Taika Waititi and Jemaine Clement (New Zealand, U.S. – Latin American Premiere) also premiered in Sundance and played in Midnight Madness at Tiff. Elle Driver picked it up at its Sundance premiere and has licensed the film to Unison Films for U.S., Australia (Madman Entertainment), Germany (Weltkino Filmverleih Gmbh), Japan (Shochiku Co., Ltd), Russia (Volgafilm), Sweden (Njutafilms), U.K. ( Metrodome Distribution). Within the framework of the second Gabriel Figueroa Film Fund, that supports Mexican filmmakers’ projects in development and in post, the Festival is honoring Gabriel Figueroa, one of the greatest filmmakers of the Golden Age of Mexican cinema. In collaboration with photographer Gabriel Figueroa Flores, keeper and film restorer of his father's legacy, the photo exhibition "Homage to Gabriel Figueroa" will be presented, highlighting the work of the cinematographer in several foreign productions filmed in Mexico, including "The Pearl" (1945), "The Fugitive" (1947) and "The Night of the Iguana" (1962).
Los Cabos Film Festival is proud to have as guests, prominent Mexican celebrities who will get together at the red carpets and the Festival events, including Guillermo Arriaga, Ilse Salas, Tenoch Huerta, Sofía Espinosa, Sophie Alexander Katz, Marimar Vega, Luis Ernesto Franco, Erick Elias, Eiza González, Dolores Heredia, Maya Zapata, Chema Yazpik, Patricia Garza, Irene Azuela, Natalia Lafourcade, Tessa Ia, among others.
Among international celebrities confirmed to date are Atom Egoyan (Canada), Denys Arcand (Quebec), Xavier Dolan (Quebec), Frank Grillo (USA), DJ Cotrona (USA), Leonor Varela (Chile), Natalia Tena (UK), Eric Bruneau (Quebec), Sarai Givaty (Israel) and Rich
The Festival will give away 7,000 tickets for Cinemex screenings and 500 tickets for the Opening Gala, 500 tickets for Xavier Dolan’s “Mommy”’s Gala and 500 tickets for “Words with God”’s Gala, and 800 tickets for the Closing Gala.
As part of its commitment to Los Cabos, the Festival will donate to the Municipal Dif (National System for Integral Family Development) 8% of total sales. To promote social support and the provision of services that contribute to the protection, care and improvement of vulnerable groups.
American actress Rosario Dawson will present the Latin American Premier of Atom Egoyan’s “ The Captive” (2014), and will have the honor to grant the Tribute Award to Mr. Egoyan. Dawson plays a detective in the film by the Canadian Director, investigating Cassandra’s case that was abruptly kidnapped; this begins a horrifying race against time where the detective herself must play her part in unraveling the mystery of her disappearance and freeing her from captivity.
Its press conference in Mexico City on October 31st, more details will be announced.
Come And See What The Neighbors Are Doing Mexico, USA and Canada showcase their best films to the world.
- 10/31/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
IMDb.com, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or accuracy of the above news articles, Tweets, or blog posts. This content is published for the entertainment of our users only. The news articles, Tweets, and blog posts do not represent IMDb's opinions nor can we guarantee that the reporting therein is completely factual. Please visit the source responsible for the item in question to report any concerns you may have regarding content or accuracy.