Cine Las Americas, the leading Latin American film festival in the southern United States, expands this year to include more indigenous filmmakers as well as films from Portugal. More than 13 countries are represented in this year's impressive festival line-up that includes everything from documentaries to narrative and feature films in competition.
Tickets and program schedules are available at the Cine Las Americas website.
Cine Las Americas 2010 Opening Night
Argentina's quirky romantic comedy Amorosa Soledad or Lovely Loneliness kicked off the festival on April 21 at Austin's Alamo Draftsouth South in Austin, Texas.
Amorosa Soledad follows the life of a heartbroken hypochondriac, Soledad, who was just dumped by her boyfriend. She vows to stay away from relationships, but life has other plans for her. She must muster up the courage to make some crucial decisions in her love life. Ines Efron stars in this slow, but charming 82-minute film, directed by Martin Carranza and Victoria Galardi.
Cine Las Americas International Film Festival 2010 Salutes Mexico
Attendees this year can look forward to more contemporary independent Mexican cinema. Cine Las Americas 2010 has invited Mexico as this year's guest country of honor.
It's the film festival's nod to the celebrations of the Bicentennial of Mexican Independence and the Centennial of the Mexican Revolution.
As a salute to these celebrations, the 13th Cine Las Americas will feature a collection of short, animated films called "Crafts, Humors and Stories of the Mexican Independence and Revolution." It will also showcase the first five works of one of Mexico's rising directors — Nicolas Pereda.
Cine Las Americas Program Highlights
In addition to the new releases of Latino films and film competitions during the festival, attendees should check out a few of the program highlights including the Hecho en Tejas series and Emergencia Youth Film Competition. These unique parts of the program are one of the reasons Cine Las Americas stands out as a leading Latin American film festival in the U.S.
Hecho en Tejas focuses on films made in Texas by filmmakers with diverse backgrounds tackling a wide range of storytelling through film. The Emergencias Youth Film Competition nurtures the creative talents of curious newcomers — filmmakers ages 19 and under.
Attendees don't have to purchase tickets to enjoy the festival. Some free screenings will be presented at the Mexican American Cultural Center.
Cine Las Americas 2010 Closing Night
Mexico's Chamaco or The Kid will wrap up the festival at the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar on Thursday, April 29 at 7 p.m. Directed by Miguel Necoechea.
Chamaco reveals that despite differences, the bond between a father and son is powerful. In this case, father and son unite to mentor a Mexican teenager who dreams of becoming a boxer.
Cine Las Americas is a non-profit organization that began in 1998, and has gained prestige for offering Latino filmmakers an opportunity to showcase their work.
Nancy Flores - My freelance work, which ranges from writing articles, producing and editing online video and shooting photos, focuses on Mexican travel, ...
