For a great way to spice up your weekend -- and get out of the heat and humidity -- check out the New York International Latino Film Festival. The festival started Monday and runs through Aug. 1.
Both homegrown films about U.S. Latino issues and international features are being played daily from noon until 10:30 p.m.
A couple of foreign highlights this weekend include a documentary about Juan Escobar, the son of one of the world’s most famous drug lords, Colombian kingpin Pablo Escobar, and a film about a Cuban young seamstress who finds herself having to choose between an adorable but lazy boyfriend and a capitalistic ex-patriot as she is trying to forge her dream of becoming a fashion designer.
A little closer to home, "American Dreams Deferred" explores the social, health and cultural obstacles Latino immigrants face in the United States through the eyes of one Coney Island family.
But if you're up for something with a quicker pace, "25 Kilates" just might hit the spot. The Spanish thriller takes you into the underworld of criminal activity in Barcelona.
“NYILFF is proud to provide the best platform for filmmakers, sponsors and audiences alike," said Elizabeth Gardner, executive director of the New York International Latino Film Festival. "After ten years, they know that our festival offers top-notch venues, staff, promotions, industry events, parties and media impressions surrounding their films and events. NYILFF is still the best investment in the Hispanic/Urban space.”
HBO has been presenting the festival since 1999. NBCNewYork is also a media sponsor. For a full schedule of films check out http://nylatino.bside.com/2010/.
