The International Film Festival of Panama offers audiences the chance to vote for their favorite films.
The audience at the Panama Film Festival is very engaged, interested and enthusiastic. The questions during the Q&A are unique. Not once did I hear that old chestnut, ”What was the budget of the film?” They care about the subject, the characters and the filmmakers themselves and often add to-the-point personal comments rather than simply ask questions.
The multiplex Cineopolis is in the largest, most upscale mall I have ever seen. The four screening rooms given over to the festival all week long were frequently sold out. Lines went around the corner at the stand-alone 1,000-seat Teatro Balboa where the red carpet events were held. Built by the Panama Canal Company in 1950 to provide entertainment to the residents of so-called Canal Zone of Panama City (only Americans, no Panamanians), this theater is proof that Panama’s movie culture is not old. In fact, Panama as a nation is not old. With the backing of the United States, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903, allowing the Panama Canal to be built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaty was signed for the total transfer of the Canal from the United States to Panama by the end of the 20th century, which culminated on 31 December 31, 2000.
People here definitely have the movie going bug and they supported the grand total of six Panamanian films in the festival, two of which won the Audience Award, one for Best Central American Film and the other for Best Documentary.
It is not surprising that the winner of the People's Choice Copa Airlines Award for Best Latin American Fiction Film was the debuting Venezuelan feature, “From Afar”/ “Desde Allá” from Venezuelan writer-director Lorenzo Vigas. Set in Caracas’ chaotic lower class communities. Vigas’ turbulent story reveals the complex bond between two men worlds apart.
This Venezuelan-Mexican coproduction premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2015 where it won the Golden Lion for Best Film. It went on to play at Tiff 2015. Celluloid Dreams has sold it extensively to U.S. (Strand), Austria (Filmladen), Brazil (Imovision), Czech Republic (Film Europe), Denmark (Reel Pictures), Germany (Weltkino), Greece (Seven Films), Mexico (Canibal), Spain (Caramel), Switzerland (Filmcoopi) and Taiwan (Cineplex).
More interesting is the fact that the two other Peoples Choice Awards went to Panamanian films.
The People's Choice MasterCard Award for Best Film from Central America and the Caribbean went to the 100% Panamanian fiction feature, ”Salsipuedes”, about a young boy who is sent to the United States to be kept away from the bad influence of his father, a boxer. When he returns ten years later for his beloved grandfather’s funeral, he meets his criminal father and becomes ensnared in his troubled legacy.
This was the feature directorial debut of Ricardo Aguilar Navarro and Manolito Rodríguez and of the producer Sixta Diaz C. whom I interviewed here:
Sl: What were you doing before you made this debut feature?
Sixta: My husband Ricardo and Manolito are not inexperienced in the audiovisual world. Ricardo Aguilar Navarro is a Panamanian filmmaker who used to work as Production Manager for one of the principal TV stations in Panama, Medcom. During that time he also produced major events in Panama and produced the television series “Vivimos un secreto” and the Teleplay ¨Marea Roja”.
Nowadays he runs the Audio Visual Department of the Panama Canal Authority producing videos, documentaries and educational movies for different publics and for the TV channel of the Panama Canal.
On the other side, my production expertise comes from my Industrial Engineering background and from a diversity of projects in which I´ve participated and sometimes led during my career at the Panama Canal. But what helped me the most to understand what I was supposed to do as the “Salsipuedes” Executive Producer was my experience as Electrical Supervisor at one of the Locks of the Panama Canal. It was there where I learned to work well and quickly, under pressure, making good use of the resources and to understand the importance of planning and teamwork. There, I learned to work with passion and to give myself completely to achieve the objectives. Everything I learned through my career in the Panama Canal I put into practice with the film and at the end I am very proud of my contribution.
Manolito (Manuel Rodríguez): I am a Cuban filmmaker. I studied theater at the Instituto Superior de Arte de la Habana (Isa) and film at the International School of Film and Television in San Antonio de los Baños (Eictv).
I have written many screenplays. Many were coproductions with other countries.I wrote “Viva Cuba”, “Calle de la Muerte” in Brazil, “El Ultimo Comandante” and “Panama Canal Stories”. .Director and writer of short fiction “Ah, la Primavera”. Best Film Award of the V Festival of Young Cinema of Havana, 1991. -Prize best unpublished script in the Xvii Festival of New Latin American Cinema, Havana, for “Cerrado por Reformas”, 1994.
Writer of “Madagascar”, Fernando Perez. Fiction. 1994. Best Latin American film at the Sundance Film Festival. Caligari Award Berlin International Film Festival. Grand Prix Film Festival, Fribourg, Switzerland. Grand Prix Film Festival Troia, Portugal. Special Jury Prize at the XVI Festival of New Latin American Cinema, Havana .. Award of the Union of Film Circles. Special Mention of the Fipresci and mention (ex aequo) of the Ocic. Caracol screenwriting award from Uneac.
Co-screenwriter ”Killing Cat”, screenwriting finalist at the Sundance Institute, 1996.
Writer of “Nada”, feature film by Juan Carlos Cremata. 2001. Selected for the Directors' Fortnight, International Cannes Film Festival, France. Nominated for Goya Award of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, Spain. Opera Prima Coral Prize (ex aequo), Film Critics Award and Award of the Cultural Circle of the Cuban Press, in 23 Latin American Film Festival. Caracol screenwriting award from Uneac. Tatu Opera Prima Award Iberoamerican Film Festival, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Awards Vesuvius, Naples, Italy. Award Prison Key Award, Huelva, Spain. Best Film, Festival of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Nights of Constantinople”, feature film by Orlando Rojas. 2001 Audience Award, Latino Film Festival New York, United States.
Read more about “Panama Canal Stories”.
Manolito explained that his connection with Ricardo is extremely open and good. They are more than friends, they are brothers, like the Taviani Brothers. Their ideas are intertwined and each of them respects the other`s decision. They imposed a method of realization wherein Ricardo cared more about the image display and Manolito about the performance with alternate interventions from one and other in complete harmony.
Sl: What was the origin of “Salsipuedes”?
It started as a TV series idea when Ricardo was the Production Manager at the TV station. We spoke with the Panamanian actor Rubén Blades to make a tv series in 30 episodes about "Maestra Vida", the song he is known for singing.
Time went by and then we changed the idea to a story of three generations in the barrio which is like the one Blades also lived in and sings about.
Sl: How did you fund the film?
Sixta: Panama became a member of Ibermedia in 2007-2008 and this movie was submitted and won the project development funds. It was also a winner in the first contest held for funds from the newly established Panama Film Fund.
We are very happy to be among the pioneers of the Panama film industry and have made the movie for Panamanians to identify with as there have never been role models in films for them previously.
Ricardo: Panama has a theater culture. It does not have a culture of cinema. It was not easy to find a lot of trained movie crew members in Panama, like set designers, costumers, DPs, casting directors, etc. But we were fortunate to find them and work with a very good crew that did their best to make "Salsipuedes" a great movie.
Sl: How did you find your cast?
Casting was big for Panama. We looked at more than 400 people.
We used Alina Rodriguez, a Cuban actress, to assist in casting and to coach the actors. She worked with the children and also acted as the neighbor of the grandfather who was played by the internationally known Panamanian actor Lucho Gotti.
Alina liked the father, Jaime Newball.
When looking for the main character Andrés, Elmis Castillo, we hired a young actor that has been working as a tv comedian and is just beginning his acting career. He had the look we were seeking, not black or white, but a real Panamanian mix. This is his first important role.
Sixta and Alina went to some schools in the neighborhood and found three of the boys that performed like experienced actors. Also cast the little girl and the drummer who cried…he even cried in the audition.
Other actors were selected because we had seen them in roles before.
Sl: Was this a big production for Panama?
Casting was big.
And we shot in more than 40 locations, also a lot for Panama.
It was a five week shoot, going from 5 am to 7 or 8 pm every day. We were lucky it did not rain much. In pre-production we had lots of storyboarding and planning of scenes with the Dp, in order to accomplish our plans.
Sl: What about distribution?
We have distribution in Panama. The film will go out in 20 theaters.
Sl: And international sales?
We have been speaking with one sales agent and were approached by another. We’ll be in Cannes screening the film for international sales in May 17th, Gray 3 room at 12:00.
Sl: What other plans do you have for future films?
We plan to make a documentary stemming from our involvement with the Danilo Pérez Foundation and the children this foundation is working with. Danilo Pérez, the Panamanian Grammy Award winning pianist is currently Artistic Director at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and founded the Danilo Pérez Foundation’s to give young musicians opportunities and future, and also to train youth from the impacted and underserved barrios of Panama. His goal is that most of these musicians attend the Berklee School of Music. The students then return to Panama and teach the next generation.
We can show you the Foundation as it is just across the Plaza Herrera from the Festival HQ at the American Trade Hall where we are interviewing now and where many guests were staying.
The soundtrack will be by Billy Herron of Berklee School who wrote the score for “Salsipuedes”.
We hope this doc about children and music will be ready by the next festival.
After that we will do a fiction feature again. Of course we have to find the money.
Until then, we will continue to work with the Panama Canal, writing and directing for Canal TV Channel 126 an educational station.
People's Choice Revista K Award for Best Documentary went to ”Time to Love. A Backstage Tale”.
“Time to Love, A Backstage Tale”/ "Es la hora de enamorarse", a documentary directed by Guido Bilbao, is the true story of a group of young actors with Down Syndrome who courageously mount the classic Panamanian play “La Cucarachita Mandinga”, without any previous experience on stage. Many thought it unlikely that they would manage to memorize lines, learn choreography or capture the attention of the public. The artistic process is unveiled as Bilbao shows the intimate world of these young aspiring actors, along with their fears, hopes, and daily struggles.
The red carpet event was a loving and lively event and the audience applauded and laughed and even cried while watching the film. The pride everyone felt truly filled the room.
The audience at the Panama Film Festival is very engaged, interested and enthusiastic. The questions during the Q&A are unique. Not once did I hear that old chestnut, ”What was the budget of the film?” They care about the subject, the characters and the filmmakers themselves and often add to-the-point personal comments rather than simply ask questions.
The multiplex Cineopolis is in the largest, most upscale mall I have ever seen. The four screening rooms given over to the festival all week long were frequently sold out. Lines went around the corner at the stand-alone 1,000-seat Teatro Balboa where the red carpet events were held. Built by the Panama Canal Company in 1950 to provide entertainment to the residents of so-called Canal Zone of Panama City (only Americans, no Panamanians), this theater is proof that Panama’s movie culture is not old. In fact, Panama as a nation is not old. With the backing of the United States, Panama seceded from Colombia in 1903, allowing the Panama Canal to be built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers between 1904 and 1914. In 1977, the Torrijos-Carter Treaty was signed for the total transfer of the Canal from the United States to Panama by the end of the 20th century, which culminated on 31 December 31, 2000.
People here definitely have the movie going bug and they supported the grand total of six Panamanian films in the festival, two of which won the Audience Award, one for Best Central American Film and the other for Best Documentary.
It is not surprising that the winner of the People's Choice Copa Airlines Award for Best Latin American Fiction Film was the debuting Venezuelan feature, “From Afar”/ “Desde Allá” from Venezuelan writer-director Lorenzo Vigas. Set in Caracas’ chaotic lower class communities. Vigas’ turbulent story reveals the complex bond between two men worlds apart.
This Venezuelan-Mexican coproduction premiered at the Venice Film Festival 2015 where it won the Golden Lion for Best Film. It went on to play at Tiff 2015. Celluloid Dreams has sold it extensively to U.S. (Strand), Austria (Filmladen), Brazil (Imovision), Czech Republic (Film Europe), Denmark (Reel Pictures), Germany (Weltkino), Greece (Seven Films), Mexico (Canibal), Spain (Caramel), Switzerland (Filmcoopi) and Taiwan (Cineplex).
More interesting is the fact that the two other Peoples Choice Awards went to Panamanian films.
The People's Choice MasterCard Award for Best Film from Central America and the Caribbean went to the 100% Panamanian fiction feature, ”Salsipuedes”, about a young boy who is sent to the United States to be kept away from the bad influence of his father, a boxer. When he returns ten years later for his beloved grandfather’s funeral, he meets his criminal father and becomes ensnared in his troubled legacy.
This was the feature directorial debut of Ricardo Aguilar Navarro and Manolito Rodríguez and of the producer Sixta Diaz C. whom I interviewed here:
Sl: What were you doing before you made this debut feature?
Sixta: My husband Ricardo and Manolito are not inexperienced in the audiovisual world. Ricardo Aguilar Navarro is a Panamanian filmmaker who used to work as Production Manager for one of the principal TV stations in Panama, Medcom. During that time he also produced major events in Panama and produced the television series “Vivimos un secreto” and the Teleplay ¨Marea Roja”.
Nowadays he runs the Audio Visual Department of the Panama Canal Authority producing videos, documentaries and educational movies for different publics and for the TV channel of the Panama Canal.
On the other side, my production expertise comes from my Industrial Engineering background and from a diversity of projects in which I´ve participated and sometimes led during my career at the Panama Canal. But what helped me the most to understand what I was supposed to do as the “Salsipuedes” Executive Producer was my experience as Electrical Supervisor at one of the Locks of the Panama Canal. It was there where I learned to work well and quickly, under pressure, making good use of the resources and to understand the importance of planning and teamwork. There, I learned to work with passion and to give myself completely to achieve the objectives. Everything I learned through my career in the Panama Canal I put into practice with the film and at the end I am very proud of my contribution.
Manolito (Manuel Rodríguez): I am a Cuban filmmaker. I studied theater at the Instituto Superior de Arte de la Habana (Isa) and film at the International School of Film and Television in San Antonio de los Baños (Eictv).
I have written many screenplays. Many were coproductions with other countries.I wrote “Viva Cuba”, “Calle de la Muerte” in Brazil, “El Ultimo Comandante” and “Panama Canal Stories”. .Director and writer of short fiction “Ah, la Primavera”. Best Film Award of the V Festival of Young Cinema of Havana, 1991. -Prize best unpublished script in the Xvii Festival of New Latin American Cinema, Havana, for “Cerrado por Reformas”, 1994.
Writer of “Madagascar”, Fernando Perez. Fiction. 1994. Best Latin American film at the Sundance Film Festival. Caligari Award Berlin International Film Festival. Grand Prix Film Festival, Fribourg, Switzerland. Grand Prix Film Festival Troia, Portugal. Special Jury Prize at the XVI Festival of New Latin American Cinema, Havana .. Award of the Union of Film Circles. Special Mention of the Fipresci and mention (ex aequo) of the Ocic. Caracol screenwriting award from Uneac.
Co-screenwriter ”Killing Cat”, screenwriting finalist at the Sundance Institute, 1996.
Writer of “Nada”, feature film by Juan Carlos Cremata. 2001. Selected for the Directors' Fortnight, International Cannes Film Festival, France. Nominated for Goya Award of the Academy of Arts and Sciences, Spain. Opera Prima Coral Prize (ex aequo), Film Critics Award and Award of the Cultural Circle of the Cuban Press, in 23 Latin American Film Festival. Caracol screenwriting award from Uneac. Tatu Opera Prima Award Iberoamerican Film Festival, Santa Cruz, Bolivia. Awards Vesuvius, Naples, Italy. Award Prison Key Award, Huelva, Spain. Best Film, Festival of San Juan, Puerto Rico.
“Nights of Constantinople”, feature film by Orlando Rojas. 2001 Audience Award, Latino Film Festival New York, United States.
Read more about “Panama Canal Stories”.
Manolito explained that his connection with Ricardo is extremely open and good. They are more than friends, they are brothers, like the Taviani Brothers. Their ideas are intertwined and each of them respects the other`s decision. They imposed a method of realization wherein Ricardo cared more about the image display and Manolito about the performance with alternate interventions from one and other in complete harmony.
Sl: What was the origin of “Salsipuedes”?
It started as a TV series idea when Ricardo was the Production Manager at the TV station. We spoke with the Panamanian actor Rubén Blades to make a tv series in 30 episodes about "Maestra Vida", the song he is known for singing.
Time went by and then we changed the idea to a story of three generations in the barrio which is like the one Blades also lived in and sings about.
Sl: How did you fund the film?
Sixta: Panama became a member of Ibermedia in 2007-2008 and this movie was submitted and won the project development funds. It was also a winner in the first contest held for funds from the newly established Panama Film Fund.
We are very happy to be among the pioneers of the Panama film industry and have made the movie for Panamanians to identify with as there have never been role models in films for them previously.
Ricardo: Panama has a theater culture. It does not have a culture of cinema. It was not easy to find a lot of trained movie crew members in Panama, like set designers, costumers, DPs, casting directors, etc. But we were fortunate to find them and work with a very good crew that did their best to make "Salsipuedes" a great movie.
Sl: How did you find your cast?
Casting was big for Panama. We looked at more than 400 people.
We used Alina Rodriguez, a Cuban actress, to assist in casting and to coach the actors. She worked with the children and also acted as the neighbor of the grandfather who was played by the internationally known Panamanian actor Lucho Gotti.
Alina liked the father, Jaime Newball.
When looking for the main character Andrés, Elmis Castillo, we hired a young actor that has been working as a tv comedian and is just beginning his acting career. He had the look we were seeking, not black or white, but a real Panamanian mix. This is his first important role.
Sixta and Alina went to some schools in the neighborhood and found three of the boys that performed like experienced actors. Also cast the little girl and the drummer who cried…he even cried in the audition.
Other actors were selected because we had seen them in roles before.
Sl: Was this a big production for Panama?
Casting was big.
And we shot in more than 40 locations, also a lot for Panama.
It was a five week shoot, going from 5 am to 7 or 8 pm every day. We were lucky it did not rain much. In pre-production we had lots of storyboarding and planning of scenes with the Dp, in order to accomplish our plans.
Sl: What about distribution?
We have distribution in Panama. The film will go out in 20 theaters.
Sl: And international sales?
We have been speaking with one sales agent and were approached by another. We’ll be in Cannes screening the film for international sales in May 17th, Gray 3 room at 12:00.
Sl: What other plans do you have for future films?
We plan to make a documentary stemming from our involvement with the Danilo Pérez Foundation and the children this foundation is working with. Danilo Pérez, the Panamanian Grammy Award winning pianist is currently Artistic Director at the Berklee Global Jazz Institute and founded the Danilo Pérez Foundation’s to give young musicians opportunities and future, and also to train youth from the impacted and underserved barrios of Panama. His goal is that most of these musicians attend the Berklee School of Music. The students then return to Panama and teach the next generation.
We can show you the Foundation as it is just across the Plaza Herrera from the Festival HQ at the American Trade Hall where we are interviewing now and where many guests were staying.
The soundtrack will be by Billy Herron of Berklee School who wrote the score for “Salsipuedes”.
We hope this doc about children and music will be ready by the next festival.
After that we will do a fiction feature again. Of course we have to find the money.
Until then, we will continue to work with the Panama Canal, writing and directing for Canal TV Channel 126 an educational station.
People's Choice Revista K Award for Best Documentary went to ”Time to Love. A Backstage Tale”.
“Time to Love, A Backstage Tale”/ "Es la hora de enamorarse", a documentary directed by Guido Bilbao, is the true story of a group of young actors with Down Syndrome who courageously mount the classic Panamanian play “La Cucarachita Mandinga”, without any previous experience on stage. Many thought it unlikely that they would manage to memorize lines, learn choreography or capture the attention of the public. The artistic process is unveiled as Bilbao shows the intimate world of these young aspiring actors, along with their fears, hopes, and daily struggles.
The red carpet event was a loving and lively event and the audience applauded and laughed and even cried while watching the film. The pride everyone felt truly filled the room.
- 4/22/2016
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Last year Sydney Levine reported from Panama City where the first edition of the Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema took place to celebrate the eclectic and rising film industries in the region. 25 countries participated with a total of 70 films, which amounted to an incredible debut for the then newly introduced awards.
In order to expand the event's visibility and to provide exposure for the filmmakers and their works, TNT has joined Egeda (Audiovisual Producers' Rights Management Entity) this year for second annual Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema. Last year's hosts, Mexican actress & singer Alessandra Rosaldo (@alexrosaldo) and CNN en Español’s Juan Carlos Arciniegas (@JuanCarlosCNN), return to helm the event. Mexican TV host and journalist Rafa Sarmiento ( @rafalitosarmi) will be in charge of the commentaries during the event.
The Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema identify the best Latin American productions, as well as those from Spain and Portugal, in nine creative categories and four technical awards including Best Latin American Fiction Film, Best Documentary, Best Animated Film, Best Latin American Fiction Opera Prima, Best Direction, Best Performance by an Actor, Best Performance by an Actress, Best Script, Best Original Score, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Sound and Best Cinematography, plus a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mariano Cesar, TNT Vice President and Channel Manager, said, “TNT is one of the leading cable channels in Latin America because it offers its audiences the best live events from the entertainment industry, such as the Oscars®, the Golden Globe® and the Grammys®. The addition of the Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema to our programming will complement this. We are confident that our audiences will enjoy this prestigious award show.”
Miguel Angel Benzal, CEO of Egeda and the Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema declared, “In less than a year these awards, in collaboration with Fipca (Iberoamerican Federation of Film and Audiovisual Producers), have been established as the reference point of quality and success of our cinema. For the ceremony taking place on July 18th at Starlite in Marbella, Spain, we are expecting that audiences, in the over 50 countries that the show will be broadcasted in, will join in support to recognize the amazing talent of actors, producers, directors, screenwriters and all the other talent that take part in the creative process of filmmaking. We feel very privileged to partner with TNT for the broadcasting and promotion of the awards in Latin America, because of its leadership position in the region.”
In addition to the main event, audiences will be able to enjoy an exclusive 30 minute Pre-Show from the Red Carpet, broadcasted on both TNT and CNN en Español. The Pre-Show will be hosted by Argentine filmmaker, journalist and producer Axel Kuschevatzky (@AxelKuschevatzk ) and Dominican host of CNN en Español, Mariela Encarnación ( @MarielaCNN).
The Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema and the Pre-Show will air live for Latin America on Saturday July 18 th at 4.30Pm (Arg / Ch) / 2.30Pm (Mex / Col / Pan) / 3Pm (Ven). The ceremony and Pre-Show will air again the same day at 10:00 pm(Arg / Mex / Col / Ch / Pan / Ecu / Ven). 9pm (Cr / Gua). 8pm (Pe). Midnight (Ch – exclusive DirecTV). 9.30pm (Pe – exclusive DirecTV). Feed TNT HD (tntgo.tv).
In order to expand the event's visibility and to provide exposure for the filmmakers and their works, TNT has joined Egeda (Audiovisual Producers' Rights Management Entity) this year for second annual Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema. Last year's hosts, Mexican actress & singer Alessandra Rosaldo (@alexrosaldo) and CNN en Español’s Juan Carlos Arciniegas (@JuanCarlosCNN), return to helm the event. Mexican TV host and journalist Rafa Sarmiento ( @rafalitosarmi) will be in charge of the commentaries during the event.
The Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema identify the best Latin American productions, as well as those from Spain and Portugal, in nine creative categories and four technical awards including Best Latin American Fiction Film, Best Documentary, Best Animated Film, Best Latin American Fiction Opera Prima, Best Direction, Best Performance by an Actor, Best Performance by an Actress, Best Script, Best Original Score, Best Editing, Best Art Direction, Best Sound and Best Cinematography, plus a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Mariano Cesar, TNT Vice President and Channel Manager, said, “TNT is one of the leading cable channels in Latin America because it offers its audiences the best live events from the entertainment industry, such as the Oscars®, the Golden Globe® and the Grammys®. The addition of the Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema to our programming will complement this. We are confident that our audiences will enjoy this prestigious award show.”
Miguel Angel Benzal, CEO of Egeda and the Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema declared, “In less than a year these awards, in collaboration with Fipca (Iberoamerican Federation of Film and Audiovisual Producers), have been established as the reference point of quality and success of our cinema. For the ceremony taking place on July 18th at Starlite in Marbella, Spain, we are expecting that audiences, in the over 50 countries that the show will be broadcasted in, will join in support to recognize the amazing talent of actors, producers, directors, screenwriters and all the other talent that take part in the creative process of filmmaking. We feel very privileged to partner with TNT for the broadcasting and promotion of the awards in Latin America, because of its leadership position in the region.”
In addition to the main event, audiences will be able to enjoy an exclusive 30 minute Pre-Show from the Red Carpet, broadcasted on both TNT and CNN en Español. The Pre-Show will be hosted by Argentine filmmaker, journalist and producer Axel Kuschevatzky (@AxelKuschevatzk ) and Dominican host of CNN en Español, Mariela Encarnación ( @MarielaCNN).
The Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema and the Pre-Show will air live for Latin America on Saturday July 18 th at 4.30Pm (Arg / Ch) / 2.30Pm (Mex / Col / Pan) / 3Pm (Ven). The ceremony and Pre-Show will air again the same day at 10:00 pm(Arg / Mex / Col / Ch / Pan / Ecu / Ven). 9pm (Cr / Gua). 8pm (Pe). Midnight (Ch – exclusive DirecTV). 9.30pm (Pe – exclusive DirecTV). Feed TNT HD (tntgo.tv).
- 5/26/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
At the Awards Night at Olympia Theater at Gusman Center Miami-born writer, producer, director Phil Lord summed up the atmosphere by quoting the following food for thought found on the Knight Foundation’s website: “We seek to bestir the people into an awareness of their own condition, provide inspiration for their thoughts, and rouse them to pursue their true interests,” as Jack Knight once described as the bedrock purpose of his newspaper.
The elegant Awards Ceremony was followed by the International Premiere of Álvaro Fernández Armero’s contemporary Spanish comedy "Sidetracked" (Las ovejas no pierden el tren), starring Inma Cuesta, Raúl Arévalo , and Candela Peña - Isa: Film Factory Entertainment.
Miami Dade College's Miami International Film Festival Winners
Knight Competition
Knight Grand Jury Prize: "The Obscure Spring" (Las oscuras primaveras) (Mexico), produced by Luis Albores, Erika Avila, Carlos Mesa and Armon O’Farrill - Production Company: Agencia Sha. The prize includes $30,000 Usd that will be split between the lead production company and the U.S. distributor of the film. If no U.S. distributor is secured before 30 days after the close of the Festival, then the full award will be made to the lead production company. Clock is ticking for a U.S. distributor to buy "The Obscure Spring" and receive $15K from the Festival.
Grand Jury Award Best Performance: Cecilia Suarez, Jose Maria Yazpik and the entire cast of "The Obscure Spring" (Las oscuras primaveras) (Mexico)
Grand Jury Award Best Director: Abner Benaim for "Invasion" (Invasión) (Panama / Argentina) - Panama's First Official Submission for the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Category -Isa: Cinephil.
Knight Documentary Achievement Award: (selected by the Festival audience)
"Tea Time" (La once) (Chile / USA), directed by Maite Alberdi - Isa: Cat & Docs
Lexus Ibero-American Opera Prima Competition
"In the Grayscale" (En las gamas de gris) (Chile), directed by Claudio Marcone - Isa: Outplay
Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award
"Theeb" (Jordan / Qatar / United Arab Emirates / United Kingdom), written by Naji Abu Nowar and Bassel Ghandour - Isa: Fortissimo Films - UK: New Wave Films - Switzerland: Trigon-Film
Park Grove Shorts Competition
Best Short Film: “Young Lions of Gypsy” (“A Ciambra”) (Italy/France), directed by Jonas Carpignano
Honorable Mentions: “A Tree In The Sea” (United Arab Emirates), directed by Shahir Zag; and Alba Baptista for her performance in Simão Cayatte's “Miami” (Portugal)
Miami Encuentros presented by Knight Foundation
"The Apostate" (El apóstata) (Spain / France / Uruguay), produced by Guadalupe Balaguer Trelles, Fernando Franco, and Federico Veiroj; directed by Federico Veir - Isa: FIGa Films
Lexus Audience Award
Favorite Feature Film: "Kamikaze" (Spain), directed by Álex Pina - Production Company: Cangrejo Films
Favorite Short Film: “Young Lions of Gypsy” (“A ciambra”) (Italy), directed by Jonas Carpignano
The announcements were made by the Festival's executive director Jaie Laplante and Lexus' vehicle operations manager, Marcus Williams, at the Patrón Xo Café Igloo Awards Night Party, presented at the Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building, courtesy of Tilia Companies.
The elegant Awards Ceremony was followed by the International Premiere of Álvaro Fernández Armero’s contemporary Spanish comedy "Sidetracked" (Las ovejas no pierden el tren), starring Inma Cuesta, Raúl Arévalo , and Candela Peña - Isa: Film Factory Entertainment.
Miami Dade College's Miami International Film Festival Winners
Knight Competition
Knight Grand Jury Prize: "The Obscure Spring" (Las oscuras primaveras) (Mexico), produced by Luis Albores, Erika Avila, Carlos Mesa and Armon O’Farrill - Production Company: Agencia Sha. The prize includes $30,000 Usd that will be split between the lead production company and the U.S. distributor of the film. If no U.S. distributor is secured before 30 days after the close of the Festival, then the full award will be made to the lead production company. Clock is ticking for a U.S. distributor to buy "The Obscure Spring" and receive $15K from the Festival.
Grand Jury Award Best Performance: Cecilia Suarez, Jose Maria Yazpik and the entire cast of "The Obscure Spring" (Las oscuras primaveras) (Mexico)
Grand Jury Award Best Director: Abner Benaim for "Invasion" (Invasión) (Panama / Argentina) - Panama's First Official Submission for the Academy Awards in the Best Foreign Language Category -Isa: Cinephil.
Knight Documentary Achievement Award: (selected by the Festival audience)
"Tea Time" (La once) (Chile / USA), directed by Maite Alberdi - Isa: Cat & Docs
Lexus Ibero-American Opera Prima Competition
"In the Grayscale" (En las gamas de gris) (Chile), directed by Claudio Marcone - Isa: Outplay
Jordan Alexander Ressler Screenwriting Award
"Theeb" (Jordan / Qatar / United Arab Emirates / United Kingdom), written by Naji Abu Nowar and Bassel Ghandour - Isa: Fortissimo Films - UK: New Wave Films - Switzerland: Trigon-Film
Park Grove Shorts Competition
Best Short Film: “Young Lions of Gypsy” (“A Ciambra”) (Italy/France), directed by Jonas Carpignano
Honorable Mentions: “A Tree In The Sea” (United Arab Emirates), directed by Shahir Zag; and Alba Baptista for her performance in Simão Cayatte's “Miami” (Portugal)
Miami Encuentros presented by Knight Foundation
"The Apostate" (El apóstata) (Spain / France / Uruguay), produced by Guadalupe Balaguer Trelles, Fernando Franco, and Federico Veiroj; directed by Federico Veir - Isa: FIGa Films
Lexus Audience Award
Favorite Feature Film: "Kamikaze" (Spain), directed by Álex Pina - Production Company: Cangrejo Films
Favorite Short Film: “Young Lions of Gypsy” (“A ciambra”) (Italy), directed by Jonas Carpignano
The announcements were made by the Festival's executive director Jaie Laplante and Lexus' vehicle operations manager, Marcus Williams, at the Patrón Xo Café Igloo Awards Night Party, presented at the Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building, courtesy of Tilia Companies.
- 3/19/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The results are in and the two heavy favorites, Lav Diaz and Pedro Costa, have both received major awards.
Concorso internazionale
Golden Leopard
From What is Before (Lav Diaz, Philippines)
Special Jury Prize
Listen Up Philip (Alex Ross Perry, USA)
Best Director
Pedro Costa for Horse Money (Portugal)
Best Actor
Artem Bystrov for The Fool (Yury Bykov, Russia)
Special Mention
Ventos de Agosto (Gabriel Mascaro, Brazil)
Concorso Cineasti del presente
Pardo d’oro Cineasti del presente – Premio Nescens
Navajazo (Ricardo Silva, Mexico)
Premio speciale della giuria Ciné+ Cineasti del presente
Los Hongos (Oscar Ruiz Navia, Colombia/France/Argentina/Germany)
Premio per il miglior regista emergente
The Creation of Meaning (Simone Rapisarda Casanova, Canada/Italy)
Special Mention
Un jeune poete (Damien Manivel, France)
Opera Prima
Pardo per la migliore opera prima
Songs From the North (Soon-mi Yoo, USA/South Korea/Portugal)
Special Mention
Parole De Kamizake (Sawada Masa, France)
Pardi di...
Concorso internazionale
Golden Leopard
From What is Before (Lav Diaz, Philippines)
Special Jury Prize
Listen Up Philip (Alex Ross Perry, USA)
Best Director
Pedro Costa for Horse Money (Portugal)
Best Actor
Artem Bystrov for The Fool (Yury Bykov, Russia)
Special Mention
Ventos de Agosto (Gabriel Mascaro, Brazil)
Concorso Cineasti del presente
Pardo d’oro Cineasti del presente – Premio Nescens
Navajazo (Ricardo Silva, Mexico)
Premio speciale della giuria Ciné+ Cineasti del presente
Los Hongos (Oscar Ruiz Navia, Colombia/France/Argentina/Germany)
Premio per il miglior regista emergente
The Creation of Meaning (Simone Rapisarda Casanova, Canada/Italy)
Special Mention
Un jeune poete (Damien Manivel, France)
Opera Prima
Pardo per la migliore opera prima
Songs From the North (Soon-mi Yoo, USA/South Korea/Portugal)
Special Mention
Parole De Kamizake (Sawada Masa, France)
Pardi di...
- 8/17/2014
- by Notebook
- MUBI
Locarno’s Golden Leopard has been awarded to Filipino director Lav Diaz’s five-and-a-half-hour epic From What Is Before.Scroll down for full list of winners
The film, which has the Filipino title Mula sa kung ano ang noon, also picked up the Fipresci International Critics Prize, the Environment is Quality of Life Prize, and the International Federation of Film Societies’ (Iffs) Don Quixote Prize.
On learning that he had won Locarno’s top honour, Diaz said that he wanted to dedicate the award to his father.
“He brought me cinema, he’s a cinema addict, and he started this passion in me,” said Diaz.
“For the Filipino people, it’s for them, for their struggle, and then I would like to dedicate it to all serious filmmakers in the world, to Pedro Costa, he’s my brother and I love his work, to Matias Pineiro, and to the makers of all the other films in the...
The film, which has the Filipino title Mula sa kung ano ang noon, also picked up the Fipresci International Critics Prize, the Environment is Quality of Life Prize, and the International Federation of Film Societies’ (Iffs) Don Quixote Prize.
On learning that he had won Locarno’s top honour, Diaz said that he wanted to dedicate the award to his father.
“He brought me cinema, he’s a cinema addict, and he started this passion in me,” said Diaz.
“For the Filipino people, it’s for them, for their struggle, and then I would like to dedicate it to all serious filmmakers in the world, to Pedro Costa, he’s my brother and I love his work, to Matias Pineiro, and to the makers of all the other films in the...
- 8/16/2014
- by screen.berlin@googlemail.com (Martin Blaney)
- ScreenDaily
A Wolf At The Door, licensed internationally by Mundial, has taken the Knight Grand Jury Prize at the 31st Miami International Film Festival (16).
In the documentary competition there was a tie for the Knight Grand Jury Prize between Finding Vivian Maier and The Overnighters.
Fading Gigolo and The Mountain prevailed in the Lexus Audience Awards for feature narrative and dovumentary.
“We are humbled by the community’s overwhelming response to this year’s film festival,” said Mdc president Dr Eduardo J. Padrón. “It serves to strengthen the college’s commitment to providing quality cultural arts programming for all to enjoy.”
“We hoped that this year’s Festival would provide memories to treasure and it has absolutely delivered,” said Miff executive director Jaie Laplante. “From the magic of Hollywood glamor on opening night to the many superb films and engaging filmmakers that we enjoyed in the nine days that followed, Miff 2014 has inspired and enraptured.”
The festival...
In the documentary competition there was a tie for the Knight Grand Jury Prize between Finding Vivian Maier and The Overnighters.
Fading Gigolo and The Mountain prevailed in the Lexus Audience Awards for feature narrative and dovumentary.
“We are humbled by the community’s overwhelming response to this year’s film festival,” said Mdc president Dr Eduardo J. Padrón. “It serves to strengthen the college’s commitment to providing quality cultural arts programming for all to enjoy.”
“We hoped that this year’s Festival would provide memories to treasure and it has absolutely delivered,” said Miff executive director Jaie Laplante. “From the magic of Hollywood glamor on opening night to the many superb films and engaging filmmakers that we enjoyed in the nine days that followed, Miff 2014 has inspired and enraptured.”
The festival...
- 3/16/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Well, I said in my review that the high-tension Brazilian kidnap thriller "A Wolf at the Door" was highly impressive stuff, and it seems the jury at the Miami Film Festival agreed. Not only did Fernando Coimbras' debut feature take the top prize at last night's festival awards ceremony, beating nine other films in the Knight Competition for Spanish and Latin American narrative cinema, but Coimbras was further rewarded with the Best Director award. That the jury -- led by Spanish producer Enrique Lopez Lavigne, whose credits include "The Impossible" -- chose to doubly honor Coimbras in this fashion marks a serious show of faith in a filmmaker whose snappy arthouse-genre chops have serious crossover potential. ("A Wolf at the Door" also won the Latin Horizons section last year at the San Sebastian fest, where it premiered; Brazil has a formidable candidate for Oscar submission here.) It's not as if...
- 3/16/2014
- by Guy Lodge
- Hitfix
Top brass at the 31st Miami International Film Festival (Miff) announced the full slate on January 28, which comprises 93 features and 28 shorts. The festival is set to run from March 7-16.
John Turturro will receive the career achievement award and the world premiere of Rob The Mob will screen as the Awards Night Gala, while the North American premiere of Michael Radford’s Elsa & Fred remake opens the festival.
Knight Competition entries include the world premieres of Marcelo Tobar’s Asteroid (Asteroide, Mexico) and Jorge Duran’s Memories Of The Desert (Romance Policial, Brazil).
Among the Knight Documentary Competition selection is Joe Berlinger’s Whitey: United States Of America v James J Bulger (pictured) and the North American premiere of Marianne Lamour’s The Art Rush (France).
Four entries compete for a total of $10,000 in the Lexus Ibero-American Opera Prima Competition for first-time feature filmmakers emerging from Spain, Portugal and Latin America.
The films are:...
John Turturro will receive the career achievement award and the world premiere of Rob The Mob will screen as the Awards Night Gala, while the North American premiere of Michael Radford’s Elsa & Fred remake opens the festival.
Knight Competition entries include the world premieres of Marcelo Tobar’s Asteroid (Asteroide, Mexico) and Jorge Duran’s Memories Of The Desert (Romance Policial, Brazil).
Among the Knight Documentary Competition selection is Joe Berlinger’s Whitey: United States Of America v James J Bulger (pictured) and the North American premiere of Marianne Lamour’s The Art Rush (France).
Four entries compete for a total of $10,000 in the Lexus Ibero-American Opera Prima Competition for first-time feature filmmakers emerging from Spain, Portugal and Latin America.
The films are:...
- 1/28/2014
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
During the last Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (Laliff) director, producer and Nalip member Kimberly Bautista (2012 HBO/Nalip Documentary Filmmaker Award Winner, Lpa 2010) won Best Documentary with Justice For My Sister. The feature documentary deals with domestic violence, murder, and one Guatemalan woman's determination to hold her sister's killer accountable.
The film was presented to a packed house, it received a standing ovation, and was followed by a lively Q&A, where Kimberly was joined on stage by her editor Michael X. Flores and the film's advocacy team, the Justice for my Sister Collective. Attendees included funders Latino Public Broadcasting (Lpb), sponsors National Association of Latino Independent Producers (Nalip), community partners Peace Over Violence, and East Los Angeles Women's Center promotoras (health promoters) - who were sponsored by Supervisor Gloria Molina's Office to attend. Special guests included representatives from the Mexican Consulate, Un Women, and Chime for Change.
Justice for my Sister was unanimously chosen as the winner by the jury, as it shows the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and touched each of the jury members personally.
Affected herself by the issue of gender-based violence and inspired by the fearlessness of her main character Rebeca, Kimberly decided to launch a nationwide violence prevention campaign in Guatemala with the support of an advocacy team. The campaign consists of community screenings, violence prevention and healthy relationships workshops, and a text messaging campaign - launched with Freedom Connect - to connect audiences to services. These initiatives and more are being replicated in Los Angeles, and soon throughout Latin America and target cities in the U.S., with the support of Embassies, Movies That Matter Foundation, Un Women, and others.
This is the third jury prize that Justice For My Sister has won at a festival, the others being: - Movies That Matter Festival, Holland, “Camera Justitia” Jury Prize, March 2013 - Festival Internacional de Cine de los Derechos Humanos de Sucre, Bolivia- "Pukañawi 2013/Ojo Latinoamericano”Jury Prize, July 2013
Other awards for the film: - Inaugural Young Alumni Achievement Award for Commitment to Promoting International Domestic Violence Prevention Through Use of Media, Pitzer College, 2013 - Winner of the 2012 HBO/Nalip Documentary Filmmaker Award - 2012 Cornelian Award “Alumna of the Year” from Mayfield Senior School - First Place Winner, Cuban Hat Transmedia Pitch, Sunny Side of the Doc, France, 2012
Currently Justice For My Sister is being considered for the prestigious Japan Prize with Japan\'s Public television network, Nhk.
For more information about the film visit Here
Sydney Levine of SydneysBuzz also interviewed Kimberly Bautista Here.
Here is the complete list winners of the 16th Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival:
Best Feature Film (Rita Award): Esther en Alguna Parte, Director: Gerardo Chijona, Country: Cuba
Best Documentary: Justice For My Sister, Director: Kimberly Bautista, Country: U.S./ Guatemala
Best Opera Prima: Princesas Rojas, Director: Laura Astorga, Country: Costa Rica / Venezuela / Nicaragua
Honorable Mention: Water & Power, Director: Richard Montoya, Country: U.S.
Best Short Film: El Cocodrilo, Director: Steve Acevedo, Country: U.S.
Audience Choice Award: Ponchao, Director: Josh Crook, Country: Dominican Republic
Best Director: Miriam Kruishoop for Greencard Warriors, Country: U.S.
Best Script: Esther en Alguna Parte, Director: Gerardo Chijona, Country: Cuba
Honorable Mention: Amor Cronico, Director: Jorge Perugorria, Country: Cuba
Visit www.latinofilm.org for more information.
About Laliff: The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (Laliff) was founded in 1997 by producer, director, actor and activist Edward James Olmos and independent producer Marlene Dermer. Laliff is a non-profit 501c (3) organization with the mission to support the development and exhibition of diverse visions by Latino filmmakers. To serve as a springboard and catalyst for the promotion of Latin films and filmmakers in the industry locally, nationally & internationally. To develop audiences for such films and in the process bring awareness of the richness and diversity of Latin cultures, artistry and countries through film, the most powerful medium in the world. A competitive festival with prizes, Laliff serves as a venue where Latino filmmakers come together with industry buyers and distributors. Laliff also offers industry workshops, panels, labs, networking receptions, educational programs, and hosts some of the best Galas in tinsel town.
The film was presented to a packed house, it received a standing ovation, and was followed by a lively Q&A, where Kimberly was joined on stage by her editor Michael X. Flores and the film's advocacy team, the Justice for my Sister Collective. Attendees included funders Latino Public Broadcasting (Lpb), sponsors National Association of Latino Independent Producers (Nalip), community partners Peace Over Violence, and East Los Angeles Women's Center promotoras (health promoters) - who were sponsored by Supervisor Gloria Molina's Office to attend. Special guests included representatives from the Mexican Consulate, Un Women, and Chime for Change.
Justice for my Sister was unanimously chosen as the winner by the jury, as it shows the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and touched each of the jury members personally.
Affected herself by the issue of gender-based violence and inspired by the fearlessness of her main character Rebeca, Kimberly decided to launch a nationwide violence prevention campaign in Guatemala with the support of an advocacy team. The campaign consists of community screenings, violence prevention and healthy relationships workshops, and a text messaging campaign - launched with Freedom Connect - to connect audiences to services. These initiatives and more are being replicated in Los Angeles, and soon throughout Latin America and target cities in the U.S., with the support of Embassies, Movies That Matter Foundation, Un Women, and others.
This is the third jury prize that Justice For My Sister has won at a festival, the others being: - Movies That Matter Festival, Holland, “Camera Justitia” Jury Prize, March 2013 - Festival Internacional de Cine de los Derechos Humanos de Sucre, Bolivia- "Pukañawi 2013/Ojo Latinoamericano”Jury Prize, July 2013
Other awards for the film: - Inaugural Young Alumni Achievement Award for Commitment to Promoting International Domestic Violence Prevention Through Use of Media, Pitzer College, 2013 - Winner of the 2012 HBO/Nalip Documentary Filmmaker Award - 2012 Cornelian Award “Alumna of the Year” from Mayfield Senior School - First Place Winner, Cuban Hat Transmedia Pitch, Sunny Side of the Doc, France, 2012
Currently Justice For My Sister is being considered for the prestigious Japan Prize with Japan\'s Public television network, Nhk.
For more information about the film visit Here
Sydney Levine of SydneysBuzz also interviewed Kimberly Bautista Here.
Here is the complete list winners of the 16th Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival:
Best Feature Film (Rita Award): Esther en Alguna Parte, Director: Gerardo Chijona, Country: Cuba
Best Documentary: Justice For My Sister, Director: Kimberly Bautista, Country: U.S./ Guatemala
Best Opera Prima: Princesas Rojas, Director: Laura Astorga, Country: Costa Rica / Venezuela / Nicaragua
Honorable Mention: Water & Power, Director: Richard Montoya, Country: U.S.
Best Short Film: El Cocodrilo, Director: Steve Acevedo, Country: U.S.
Audience Choice Award: Ponchao, Director: Josh Crook, Country: Dominican Republic
Best Director: Miriam Kruishoop for Greencard Warriors, Country: U.S.
Best Script: Esther en Alguna Parte, Director: Gerardo Chijona, Country: Cuba
Honorable Mention: Amor Cronico, Director: Jorge Perugorria, Country: Cuba
Visit www.latinofilm.org for more information.
About Laliff: The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (Laliff) was founded in 1997 by producer, director, actor and activist Edward James Olmos and independent producer Marlene Dermer. Laliff is a non-profit 501c (3) organization with the mission to support the development and exhibition of diverse visions by Latino filmmakers. To serve as a springboard and catalyst for the promotion of Latin films and filmmakers in the industry locally, nationally & internationally. To develop audiences for such films and in the process bring awareness of the richness and diversity of Latin cultures, artistry and countries through film, the most powerful medium in the world. A competitive festival with prizes, Laliff serves as a venue where Latino filmmakers come together with industry buyers and distributors. Laliff also offers industry workshops, panels, labs, networking receptions, educational programs, and hosts some of the best Galas in tinsel town.
- 11/20/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
International Competition
Golden Leopard - Story of My Death, directed by Albert Serra
Special Jury Prize - What Now? Remind Me, directed by Joaquim Pinto
Best Director - Hong Sang-soo, Our Sunhi
Best Actor - Fernando Bacilio, El Mudo
Best Actress - Brie Larson, Short Term 12
Special Jury Mentions - Short Term 12, directed by Destin Cretton; Tableau Noir, directed by Yves Yersin
Check out our Notebook coverage of What Now? Remind Me (x2) and Short Term 12.
Filmmakers of the Present
Golden Leopard for Filmmakers of the Present - Manakamana, directed by Pacho Velez & Stephanie Spray
Best Emerging Filmmaker - Costa da Morte, directed by Lois Patiño
Special Jury Prize - Mouton, directed by Gilles Deroo & Marianne Pistone
Check out our Notebook coverage of Manakamana.
Opera Prima
Best First Film - Mouton, directed by Gilles Deroo & Marianne Pistone
Special Mention - Manakamana, directed by Pacho Velez & Stephanie Spray...
Golden Leopard - Story of My Death, directed by Albert Serra
Special Jury Prize - What Now? Remind Me, directed by Joaquim Pinto
Best Director - Hong Sang-soo, Our Sunhi
Best Actor - Fernando Bacilio, El Mudo
Best Actress - Brie Larson, Short Term 12
Special Jury Mentions - Short Term 12, directed by Destin Cretton; Tableau Noir, directed by Yves Yersin
Check out our Notebook coverage of What Now? Remind Me (x2) and Short Term 12.
Filmmakers of the Present
Golden Leopard for Filmmakers of the Present - Manakamana, directed by Pacho Velez & Stephanie Spray
Best Emerging Filmmaker - Costa da Morte, directed by Lois Patiño
Special Jury Prize - Mouton, directed by Gilles Deroo & Marianne Pistone
Check out our Notebook coverage of Manakamana.
Opera Prima
Best First Film - Mouton, directed by Gilles Deroo & Marianne Pistone
Special Mention - Manakamana, directed by Pacho Velez & Stephanie Spray...
- 8/19/2013
- by Notebook
- MUBI
This week's announcement that Olivier Père, former programmer of Cannes's Directors' Fortnight, will be stepping down from his post at the helm of the Festival del Film Locarno marks the end of brief but important era for this film festival, one of the longest-running in the world. In just three years, Père has helped to put the annual event back on the festival map, drawing an annual influx of celebrities and industry-types for red-carpet world premieres, jury prizes, and lifetime achievement awards. Perhaps more than ever in its sixty-six-year history, Locarno is an important station on the fall festival circuit, forecasting the slates of Toronto and New York and providing useful international gateway for cinema from all over the world.
This year's festival featured a characteristically dizzying mix of international festival ephemera, an Otto Preminger retrospective, and much-heralded appearances by the likes of Kylie Minogue, Alain Delon, and Harry Belafonte on the festival's main stage,...
This year's festival featured a characteristically dizzying mix of international festival ephemera, an Otto Preminger retrospective, and much-heralded appearances by the likes of Kylie Minogue, Alain Delon, and Harry Belafonte on the festival's main stage,...
- 8/29/2012
- MUBI
Guadalajara Wraps and a New Fest Begins
Ficg (pronounced FeeSeeg and standing for the Festival International de Cine in Guadalajara), displayed a new vibrancy. Besides some great films, great attendance and great organization, several Latin American countries are entering the international film business for the first time (Peru and Ecuador) with subsidies from their government pointing to an optimism for film production as an economic factor in their country's growth. I blogged about the Dominican Republic but not about the new Law 226 in Mexico which encourages businesses to invest up to 20 million pesos (U.S.$2 million) or 10% of the taxes they owed the previous year (whichever is higher) into Mexican film production, or Brazilian access to subsidies.
In addition, Guadalajara is becoming known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico as its economy is based especially on information technology with a large number of international firms having facilities there. It is also considered to be the home of Mariachi music. The city is named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara with the name originating from the Arabic word meaning "Valley of Stones". It is the highest ranking major Mexican city and has the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city. Only Chicago scores more highly for sheer economic potential (Per a 2007 report in fDi magazine, an English-language news and foreign direct investment publication owned by The Financial Times Ltd and edited in London). The same research calls Guadalajara the "city of the future" due to its youthful population, low unemployment and large number of recent foreign investment deals. It was also ranked the third most business friendly city in North America.
A new digital film studio is going up. The University is an important center of culture and learning.
And sadly, violence over drugs is not far away. This past Friday, Narco gangs appropriated 25 vehicles in 16 separate incidents – 11 of them in the Guadalajara metropolitan zone where they set fire to them in retaliation for action taken against them in a military action to capture two Mexican drug cartel members. At the Centro Magno festival venue, festival transport staff stopped filmgoers leaving a screening of Andres Wood's Violeta Went to Heaven as they sought to return to the festival's central Expo Center venue, acknowledging concerns for safety. A truck was set on fire not far (but not too close either: at Calzada Lázaro Cárdenas and Mezquite, at la Colonia de El Fresno) from the Expo where the festival was still being held, but there was no disruption of the festival.
Our friend, Hebe Tabachnik, Iberoamerican programmer for the Palm Springs Film Festival is on the jury and writes from there:
Dear friends, in spite of the disruptive and unfortunately deadly incidents in Guadalajara today, all the attendees to the Ficg Guadalajara are Ok. We are sorry this beautiful city and specially its amazing people have to experience this kind of criminal acts. The festival is going ahead with its schedule events, as it should be. Celebrating the arts and show no fear is the best way to manifest against the non sense violence. Viva Guadalajara. Viva Mexico!!!!
The activities of the industry, with meetings about Iberoamerican coproductions with its well presented professional projects, the film market itself with films available to watch up to 2 weeks after the closing, the Cannes Marche Producers Network, Works in Progress, Berlinale's Talent Campus and Doculab, and of course, the festival itself with galas every night, a Focus on U.K. and Mike Leigh, Homages, Mexican and Iberoamerican Competition, Sounds of Cinema, Children's Cinema, Lgbt prizes, Open Air Screenings - all defy easy decision making on how best to spend one's time there.
The prize winners:
PalmarÉS FICG27
Premio Maguey
Mención Especial
“Todo el mundo tiene alguien menos yo” (México) Dir. Raúl Fuentes
Premio Maguey
“Mía“ (Argentina) Dir. Javier van de Couter
Premio del Público Milenio
“Espacio Interior“ (México) Dir. Kai Parlange
Premio Mezcal
“Un mundo secreto“ (México) Dir. Gabriel Mariño
Premio Cinecolor
“Un mundo secreto“ (México) Dir. Gabriel Mariño
Mejor Cortometraje de Animación - Premio Rigo Mora
“Un ojo” (México) Dir. Lorenza Manrique
Mejor Cortometraje Iberoamericano
“Minuto 200” (Colombia) Dir. Frank Benítez
Mejor Cortometraje Mexicano
“Lucy vs. los límites de la voz” (México) Dir. Mónica Herrera
Largometraje Iberoamericano Documental
Mención Especial
“El salvavidas“ (Chile) Dir. Maite Alberdi
Mejor Documental Iberoamericano
“ ¡Vivan las antípodas! “(Argentina - Chile - Alemania - Holanda) Dir. Víctor Kossakovsky
Largometraje Mexicano Documental
Mención Especial
“Carrière, 250 metros” Dir. Juan Carlos Rulfo y Natalia Gil
Mención Especial
“El paciente interno” Dir. Alejandro Solar
Mejor Documental Mexicano
“Cuates de Australia” Everardo González
Largometraje de Ficción Iberoamericana
Mejor Guion
Jaime Osorio por “El páramo” (Colombia)
Mejor Fotografía
Mauro Pinheiro Jr. por “Sudoeste” (Brasil)
Mejor Actriz
Francisca Gavilán por “Violeta se fue a los cielos” (Chile)
Mejor Actor
Andrés Crespo por “Pescador” (Ecuador)
Premio Especial del Jurado
“Los pasos dobles” (España - Suiza) Dir. Isaki Lacuesta
Mejor Opera Prima
“Transeunte” (Brasil) Dir. Eryk Rocha
Mejor Director
Sebastián Cordero por “Pescador” (Ecuador)
Mejor Película Iberoamericana
"Abrir puertas y ventanas" (Argentina) "Dir. Milagros Mumenthaler
Largometraje de Ficción Mexicana
Mención Especial
Música Original de "Días de gracia"
Mejor Guion
Miguel Bonilla por “Diente por diente”
Mejor Fotografía
Jerónimo Rodríguez por “Todo el mundo tiene a alguien menos yo”
Mejor Actriz
Martha Higareda por “Mariachi Gringo”
Mejor Actor
Kuno Becker por “Espacio Interior”
Mejor Opera Prima
"El fantástico mundo de Juan Orol" Dir. Sebastián del Amo
Mejor Director
Everardo Gout por “Días de gracia”.
Mejor Película
“Mariachi Gringo” Dir. Tom Gustafson
alt=premios-paralelos>
Premio de los Niños
“El secreto del medallón de jade” (México) Dir. Rodolfo Guzmán y Leopoldo Aguilar
Premio Feisal
Mención Especial
“No hay lugar lejano” (México) Dir. Michelle Ibaven
Mención Especial
“Oro Colombiano: 400 años de música del alma” (Colombia) Dir. Sanjay Agarwal e Iván Higa
Premio Feisal
“75 habitantes, 20 casas, 300 vacas” (Argentina) Dir. Fernando Domínguez
Premio Fipresci
“Violeta se fue a los cielos” (Chile) Dir. Andrés Wood
Guerrero de la Prensa
Mejor largometraje de ficción “Días de gracia” (México) Dir. Everardo Gout Mejor largometraje documental “El paciente interno” (México) Dir. Alejandro Solar
Academia Jalisciense de Cinematografía
Mejor cortometraje jalisciense “La noria” Dir. Karla Castañeda Mejor largometraje jalisciense “Fecha de caducidad” Dir. Kenya Márquez
No sooner does this festival and market wrap when a new Mexican festival, the Riviera Maya Film Festival, begins March 20 - 25 which will play in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and Holbox. The industry component Rivieralab, a coproduction event will take place in Quintana Roo March 22-25 and will host 158 projects from Latin America and Europe. 10 projects will be showcased to financiers, fund representatives, producers and sales agents, 3 will receive 200,000 pesos or approximately Us$15,500. 8 international works in progress at post-production stage from a pool of 40 will be selected to receive support.
Ficg (pronounced FeeSeeg and standing for the Festival International de Cine in Guadalajara), displayed a new vibrancy. Besides some great films, great attendance and great organization, several Latin American countries are entering the international film business for the first time (Peru and Ecuador) with subsidies from their government pointing to an optimism for film production as an economic factor in their country's growth. I blogged about the Dominican Republic but not about the new Law 226 in Mexico which encourages businesses to invest up to 20 million pesos (U.S.$2 million) or 10% of the taxes they owed the previous year (whichever is higher) into Mexican film production, or Brazilian access to subsidies.
In addition, Guadalajara is becoming known as the Silicon Valley of Mexico as its economy is based especially on information technology with a large number of international firms having facilities there. It is also considered to be the home of Mariachi music. The city is named after the Spanish city of Guadalajara with the name originating from the Arabic word meaning "Valley of Stones". It is the highest ranking major Mexican city and has the second strongest economic potential of any major North American city. Only Chicago scores more highly for sheer economic potential (Per a 2007 report in fDi magazine, an English-language news and foreign direct investment publication owned by The Financial Times Ltd and edited in London). The same research calls Guadalajara the "city of the future" due to its youthful population, low unemployment and large number of recent foreign investment deals. It was also ranked the third most business friendly city in North America.
A new digital film studio is going up. The University is an important center of culture and learning.
And sadly, violence over drugs is not far away. This past Friday, Narco gangs appropriated 25 vehicles in 16 separate incidents – 11 of them in the Guadalajara metropolitan zone where they set fire to them in retaliation for action taken against them in a military action to capture two Mexican drug cartel members. At the Centro Magno festival venue, festival transport staff stopped filmgoers leaving a screening of Andres Wood's Violeta Went to Heaven as they sought to return to the festival's central Expo Center venue, acknowledging concerns for safety. A truck was set on fire not far (but not too close either: at Calzada Lázaro Cárdenas and Mezquite, at la Colonia de El Fresno) from the Expo where the festival was still being held, but there was no disruption of the festival.
Our friend, Hebe Tabachnik, Iberoamerican programmer for the Palm Springs Film Festival is on the jury and writes from there:
Dear friends, in spite of the disruptive and unfortunately deadly incidents in Guadalajara today, all the attendees to the Ficg Guadalajara are Ok. We are sorry this beautiful city and specially its amazing people have to experience this kind of criminal acts. The festival is going ahead with its schedule events, as it should be. Celebrating the arts and show no fear is the best way to manifest against the non sense violence. Viva Guadalajara. Viva Mexico!!!!
The activities of the industry, with meetings about Iberoamerican coproductions with its well presented professional projects, the film market itself with films available to watch up to 2 weeks after the closing, the Cannes Marche Producers Network, Works in Progress, Berlinale's Talent Campus and Doculab, and of course, the festival itself with galas every night, a Focus on U.K. and Mike Leigh, Homages, Mexican and Iberoamerican Competition, Sounds of Cinema, Children's Cinema, Lgbt prizes, Open Air Screenings - all defy easy decision making on how best to spend one's time there.
The prize winners:
PalmarÉS FICG27
Premio Maguey
Mención Especial
“Todo el mundo tiene alguien menos yo” (México) Dir. Raúl Fuentes
Premio Maguey
“Mía“ (Argentina) Dir. Javier van de Couter
Premio del Público Milenio
“Espacio Interior“ (México) Dir. Kai Parlange
Premio Mezcal
“Un mundo secreto“ (México) Dir. Gabriel Mariño
Premio Cinecolor
“Un mundo secreto“ (México) Dir. Gabriel Mariño
Mejor Cortometraje de Animación - Premio Rigo Mora
“Un ojo” (México) Dir. Lorenza Manrique
Mejor Cortometraje Iberoamericano
“Minuto 200” (Colombia) Dir. Frank Benítez
Mejor Cortometraje Mexicano
“Lucy vs. los límites de la voz” (México) Dir. Mónica Herrera
Largometraje Iberoamericano Documental
Mención Especial
“El salvavidas“ (Chile) Dir. Maite Alberdi
Mejor Documental Iberoamericano
“ ¡Vivan las antípodas! “(Argentina - Chile - Alemania - Holanda) Dir. Víctor Kossakovsky
Largometraje Mexicano Documental
Mención Especial
“Carrière, 250 metros” Dir. Juan Carlos Rulfo y Natalia Gil
Mención Especial
“El paciente interno” Dir. Alejandro Solar
Mejor Documental Mexicano
“Cuates de Australia” Everardo González
Largometraje de Ficción Iberoamericana
Mejor Guion
Jaime Osorio por “El páramo” (Colombia)
Mejor Fotografía
Mauro Pinheiro Jr. por “Sudoeste” (Brasil)
Mejor Actriz
Francisca Gavilán por “Violeta se fue a los cielos” (Chile)
Mejor Actor
Andrés Crespo por “Pescador” (Ecuador)
Premio Especial del Jurado
“Los pasos dobles” (España - Suiza) Dir. Isaki Lacuesta
Mejor Opera Prima
“Transeunte” (Brasil) Dir. Eryk Rocha
Mejor Director
Sebastián Cordero por “Pescador” (Ecuador)
Mejor Película Iberoamericana
"Abrir puertas y ventanas" (Argentina) "Dir. Milagros Mumenthaler
Largometraje de Ficción Mexicana
Mención Especial
Música Original de "Días de gracia"
Mejor Guion
Miguel Bonilla por “Diente por diente”
Mejor Fotografía
Jerónimo Rodríguez por “Todo el mundo tiene a alguien menos yo”
Mejor Actriz
Martha Higareda por “Mariachi Gringo”
Mejor Actor
Kuno Becker por “Espacio Interior”
Mejor Opera Prima
"El fantástico mundo de Juan Orol" Dir. Sebastián del Amo
Mejor Director
Everardo Gout por “Días de gracia”.
Mejor Película
“Mariachi Gringo” Dir. Tom Gustafson
alt=premios-paralelos>
Premio de los Niños
“El secreto del medallón de jade” (México) Dir. Rodolfo Guzmán y Leopoldo Aguilar
Premio Feisal
Mención Especial
“No hay lugar lejano” (México) Dir. Michelle Ibaven
Mención Especial
“Oro Colombiano: 400 años de música del alma” (Colombia) Dir. Sanjay Agarwal e Iván Higa
Premio Feisal
“75 habitantes, 20 casas, 300 vacas” (Argentina) Dir. Fernando Domínguez
Premio Fipresci
“Violeta se fue a los cielos” (Chile) Dir. Andrés Wood
Guerrero de la Prensa
Mejor largometraje de ficción “Días de gracia” (México) Dir. Everardo Gout Mejor largometraje documental “El paciente interno” (México) Dir. Alejandro Solar
Academia Jalisciense de Cinematografía
Mejor cortometraje jalisciense “La noria” Dir. Karla Castañeda Mejor largometraje jalisciense “Fecha de caducidad” Dir. Kenya Márquez
No sooner does this festival and market wrap when a new Mexican festival, the Riviera Maya Film Festival, begins March 20 - 25 which will play in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel and Holbox. The industry component Rivieralab, a coproduction event will take place in Quintana Roo March 22-25 and will host 158 projects from Latin America and Europe. 10 projects will be showcased to financiers, fund representatives, producers and sales agents, 3 will receive 200,000 pesos or approximately Us$15,500. 8 international works in progress at post-production stage from a pool of 40 will be selected to receive support.
- 3/12/2012
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
The 29th Miami International Film Festival will run March 2-11 and will include a new competitive category, the Lexus Ibero-American Opera Prima Competition, featuring six Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American films by first-time feature filmmakers. The films included are (descriptions courtesy of the festival): Las Acacias (Argentina/Spain, directed by Pablo Giorgelli): Already a winner of major prizes at this year’s Cannes Film Festival (Camera d’Or for Best First Film) and the Latin Horizons prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival, Giorgelli’s road movie unfolds along the highway linking Asunción...
- 12/20/2011
- Indiewire
Above: Milagros Mumenthaler's award-winner, Abrir Puertas y Ventanas.
Locarno is wrapping up its 64th edition tonight with an awards ceremony that spreads the wealth across nine features in the International Competition and the Cinema of the Present. In a year that was notable for several strong debut films, six of the nine awarded films are "opera primas." (Full disclosure: I served on this year's Opera Prima jury, with the Bangkok Post film critic Kong Rithdee and Le Film Francais correspondent Anthony Bobeau.) The Golden Leopard went to Milagros Mumenthaler's exceptionally confident Chekhovian debut, Abrir Puertas y Ventanas, which has been officially titled in English under the very poor Back to Stay, but which is subtitled on the print with the far better Open Doors, Open Windows, which also scored a prize for Maria Canale as best actress—an odd pick in my view, since the film is...
Locarno is wrapping up its 64th edition tonight with an awards ceremony that spreads the wealth across nine features in the International Competition and the Cinema of the Present. In a year that was notable for several strong debut films, six of the nine awarded films are "opera primas." (Full disclosure: I served on this year's Opera Prima jury, with the Bangkok Post film critic Kong Rithdee and Le Film Francais correspondent Anthony Bobeau.) The Golden Leopard went to Milagros Mumenthaler's exceptionally confident Chekhovian debut, Abrir Puertas y Ventanas, which has been officially titled in English under the very poor Back to Stay, but which is subtitled on the print with the far better Open Doors, Open Windows, which also scored a prize for Maria Canale as best actress—an odd pick in my view, since the film is...
- 8/13/2011
- MUBI
Venezuela’s submission for Academy Award nomination for Best Foreign Film Oscar, Hermano, (official site: http://www.hermano.com.ve) just showed at the Havana Film Festival in Cuba, where it won the Special Jury Prize for Opera Prima (First Film), and played in 800 and 1,200 seat theaters filled with enthusiastic Cubans who loved this international film. Director Marcel was happy to be in Cuba. He also explored its music and made discovery of 96 year old Juana Bacallao who sings cabaret in many of Cuba’s night spots. Hermano premiered in June at the Moscow International Film Festival where it won the Critics Award…...
- 12/17/2010
- Sydney's Buzz
Fina Torres’ “Habana Eva” took home the Rita Award as Best Film at the 14th Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.
Other winners at Wednesday's awards ceremony included Jose Sanchez-Montes Gonzalez’s “Tiempo de Leyenda” and Eduardo de la Serna, Lucas Marcheggiano and Adriana Yorcovich’s “El Ambulante” sharing the award for Best Documentary; Alvaro Bechner’s “Mal Dia para Pescar” cited for Best Opera Prima; and Cristina Escoda’s “Alijuna” named Best Short Film.
Cinelatino’s Audience Choice Awards went to Marcel Rasquin’s “Hermano” for Best Feature and Gilbert Gonzalez’s and Vivian Price’s “Harvest of Loneliness” for Best Documentary. Cinelatino sponsored prizes of $1,000 to each of the winners.
Other winners at Wednesday's awards ceremony included Jose Sanchez-Montes Gonzalez’s “Tiempo de Leyenda” and Eduardo de la Serna, Lucas Marcheggiano and Adriana Yorcovich’s “El Ambulante” sharing the award for Best Documentary; Alvaro Bechner’s “Mal Dia para Pescar” cited for Best Opera Prima; and Cristina Escoda’s “Alijuna” named Best Short Film.
Cinelatino’s Audience Choice Awards went to Marcel Rasquin’s “Hermano” for Best Feature and Gilbert Gonzalez’s and Vivian Price’s “Harvest of Loneliness” for Best Documentary. Cinelatino sponsored prizes of $1,000 to each of the winners.
- 8/26/2010
- Moving Pictures Magazine
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