Saban Films has acquired the rights to Art Camacho’s action thriller “Ruthless” starring Dermot Mulroney and Javier Reyna’s “Palido” starring Kellan Lutz.
Saban will distribute the titles throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux and Australia. Jonathan Saba, Cco of Saban Films, negotiated the deal with Devin Carter, SVP of sales at Premiere Entertainment.
“Ruthless” follows a high school coach (Mulroney) who takes matters into his own hands by going after the men who kidnap his female student for their human trafficking operation, according to a snyopsis.
In addition to Mulroney, “Ruthless” also stars Jeff Fahey. Reyna, James Dean Simington and Camacho penned the film, while Elias Axume, Al Bravo, HemDee Kiwanuka and Camacho produced the film.
“Palido” follows an attorney (Lutz) with a military past, who focuses on finding and killing the gang that murdered his wife and kidnapped his daughter.
Fahey also stars in “Palido,...
Saban will distribute the titles throughout North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Benelux and Australia. Jonathan Saba, Cco of Saban Films, negotiated the deal with Devin Carter, SVP of sales at Premiere Entertainment.
“Ruthless” follows a high school coach (Mulroney) who takes matters into his own hands by going after the men who kidnap his female student for their human trafficking operation, according to a snyopsis.
In addition to Mulroney, “Ruthless” also stars Jeff Fahey. Reyna, James Dean Simington and Camacho penned the film, while Elias Axume, Al Bravo, HemDee Kiwanuka and Camacho produced the film.
“Palido” follows an attorney (Lutz) with a military past, who focuses on finding and killing the gang that murdered his wife and kidnapped his daughter.
Fahey also stars in “Palido,...
- 6/22/2023
- by Charna Flam
- Variety Film + TV
Dermot Mulroney action thriller Ruthless starts production.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary year Los Angeles-based Premiere Entertainment Group (Peg) continues to move aggressively into production and has begun principal photography in Las Vegas on Dermot Mulroney action thriller Ruthless.
The company established by CEO and president Elias Axume has produced 12 high-concept, elevated features since the pandemic as it seeks to broaden its portfolio beyond the core sales business it has built up since launching in 2012.
Besides Ruthless, which follows a high school coach who takes on a human trafficking gang, Peg is in pre-production on Fireflies At El Mozote starring Paz Vega and Mena Suvari.
Celebrating its 10th anniversary year Los Angeles-based Premiere Entertainment Group (Peg) continues to move aggressively into production and has begun principal photography in Las Vegas on Dermot Mulroney action thriller Ruthless.
The company established by CEO and president Elias Axume has produced 12 high-concept, elevated features since the pandemic as it seeks to broaden its portfolio beyond the core sales business it has built up since launching in 2012.
Besides Ruthless, which follows a high school coach who takes on a human trafficking gang, Peg is in pre-production on Fireflies At El Mozote starring Paz Vega and Mena Suvari.
- 11/4/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Production start earmarked for November in El Salvador.
Premiere Entertainment Group (Peg) will kick off worldwide sales at AFM on Salvadoran Civil War drama Fireflies At El Mozote as Mena Suvari (American Beauty) joins Paz Vega on the cast ahead of an anticipated production start this month in El Salvador.
Peg and Yari Film Group are producing the drama and Ernesto Melara will direct the 1980s El Salvador-set story about a ten-year-old boy who survives the massacre of his village and embarks on a quest to find justice for his murdered family. Melara’s screenplay is inspired by actual events.
Premiere Entertainment Group (Peg) will kick off worldwide sales at AFM on Salvadoran Civil War drama Fireflies At El Mozote as Mena Suvari (American Beauty) joins Paz Vega on the cast ahead of an anticipated production start this month in El Salvador.
Peg and Yari Film Group are producing the drama and Ernesto Melara will direct the 1980s El Salvador-set story about a ten-year-old boy who survives the massacre of his village and embarks on a quest to find justice for his murdered family. Melara’s screenplay is inspired by actual events.
- 11/1/2022
- by Jeremy Kay
- ScreenDaily
Exclusive: Jeff Fahey has signed on to star in the Salvadoran civil war drama Fireflies at El Mozote, which starts principal photography on location in El Salvador in November.
Written and directed by Ernesto Melara, the flick is set in 1980s El Salvador and recounts the story of a 10-year-old boy who survives the massacre of his village and his quest to bring justice to his dead family in the middle of a bloody civil war.
Elias Axume is producing for Premiere Entertainment, which handles worldwide sales, with Moctesuma Esparza, and Bob Yari. Premiere’s Carlos Rincon is an executive producer. Arturo Menendez is co-producing.
Fahey is best known for roles in films like Clint Eastwood’s White Hunter Black Heart. He has also been a regular fixture in Robert Rodriguez’s films, including Planet Terror, Machete,...
Written and directed by Ernesto Melara, the flick is set in 1980s El Salvador and recounts the story of a 10-year-old boy who survives the massacre of his village and his quest to bring justice to his dead family in the middle of a bloody civil war.
Elias Axume is producing for Premiere Entertainment, which handles worldwide sales, with Moctesuma Esparza, and Bob Yari. Premiere’s Carlos Rincon is an executive producer. Arturo Menendez is co-producing.
Fahey is best known for roles in films like Clint Eastwood’s White Hunter Black Heart. He has also been a regular fixture in Robert Rodriguez’s films, including Planet Terror, Machete,...
- 10/24/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Paz Vega has signed on to star in the Salvadoran civil war drama Fireflies at El Mozote, which starts principal photography on location in El Salvador in November.
Written and directed by Ernesto Melara, the flick is set in 1980s El Salvador and recounts the story of a 10-year-old boy who survives the massacre of his village and his quest to bring justice to his dead family in the middle of a bloody civil war.
Elias Axume is producing for Premiere Entertainment, which handles worldwide sales, with Moctesuma Esparza. Bob Yari serves as executive producer alongside Premiere’s Carlos Rincon. Arturo Menendez is co-producing.
“We are excited to add Paz to the Fireflies project. She’s an amazing actress and was our top choice for the character that she’ll be portraying,” said Premiere CEO Elias Axume.
Written and directed by Ernesto Melara, the flick is set in 1980s El Salvador and recounts the story of a 10-year-old boy who survives the massacre of his village and his quest to bring justice to his dead family in the middle of a bloody civil war.
Elias Axume is producing for Premiere Entertainment, which handles worldwide sales, with Moctesuma Esparza. Bob Yari serves as executive producer alongside Premiere’s Carlos Rincon. Arturo Menendez is co-producing.
“We are excited to add Paz to the Fireflies project. She’s an amazing actress and was our top choice for the character that she’ll be portraying,” said Premiere CEO Elias Axume.
- 9/2/2022
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Yari, whose credits include “Crash” and “Yellowstone,” will serve as executive producer on “Fireflies at El Mozote,” one of three films set in El Salvador greenlit by Premiere Entertainment, alongside “Toque de Queda” and “The Incredible Journey of Elba.”
Moctesuma Esparza and Premiere CEO Elias Axume are producing all three movies, whose primary language will be English.
Esparza’s credits include “Selena,” starring Jennifer López, “The Ballad of Gregorio Cortéz,” with Edward James Olmos, and “The Milagro Beanfield War,” directed by Robert Redford.
“Fireflies,” set in 1980s El Salvador, follows a rebel group fighting to expose its government’s genocidal policies. The group rescues a 10-year-old boy, and seek to end their government’s reign of terror with the help of an American journalist. The director/writer is U.S.-Salvadoran Ernesto Melara.
“Fireflies,” a co-production between Premiere and the Yari Film Group, is in pre-production. It has a...
Moctesuma Esparza and Premiere CEO Elias Axume are producing all three movies, whose primary language will be English.
Esparza’s credits include “Selena,” starring Jennifer López, “The Ballad of Gregorio Cortéz,” with Edward James Olmos, and “The Milagro Beanfield War,” directed by Robert Redford.
“Fireflies,” set in 1980s El Salvador, follows a rebel group fighting to expose its government’s genocidal policies. The group rescues a 10-year-old boy, and seek to end their government’s reign of terror with the help of an American journalist. The director/writer is U.S.-Salvadoran Ernesto Melara.
“Fireflies,” a co-production between Premiere and the Yari Film Group, is in pre-production. It has a...
- 7/1/2022
- by Leo Barraclough
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Twilight and FBI: Most Wanted actor Kellan Lutz has been set to star in thriller Palido, which LA-based sales firm Premiere Entertainment Group will be selling at the Cannes market.
Lutz will play an attorney with a military past who hunts down the gang that killed his wife and brother and took his daughter. Javier Reyna (Regionrat) is directing from his original screenplay.
The crime thriller is due to start principal photography on July 11 in the state of Washington. Additional casting is underway.
Elias Axume is producing for Premiere Entertainment, which handles worldwide sales, with Moctesuma Esparza (Selena), and Al Bravo for Al Bravo Films. Premiere’s Carlos Rincon serves as executive producer.
“We are excited to have Kellan on board the film,” said Premiere CEO Elias Axume. “He’s a dynamic actor with wide range that elevates any film to the next level.”
Lutz is also known for movies The Legend Of Hercules,...
Lutz will play an attorney with a military past who hunts down the gang that killed his wife and brother and took his daughter. Javier Reyna (Regionrat) is directing from his original screenplay.
The crime thriller is due to start principal photography on July 11 in the state of Washington. Additional casting is underway.
Elias Axume is producing for Premiere Entertainment, which handles worldwide sales, with Moctesuma Esparza (Selena), and Al Bravo for Al Bravo Films. Premiere’s Carlos Rincon serves as executive producer.
“We are excited to have Kellan on board the film,” said Premiere CEO Elias Axume. “He’s a dynamic actor with wide range that elevates any film to the next level.”
Lutz is also known for movies The Legend Of Hercules,...
- 5/13/2022
- by Andreas Wiseman
- Deadline Film + TV
Selena producer Moctesuma Esparza has established a prima facie case that the father and sister of the late Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla violated a contract by licensing the singer’s life rights to Netflix. That’s according to a ruling out on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court.
In 1997, two years after Selena died of a gunshot at the age of 23, Warner Bros. released Selena in theaters. In the nearly quarter-century since, she has remained popular. In fact, she’s one of the best-selling artists in Latin music history. In 2020, Netflix released Selena: The Series, which looked at the singer’s ...
In 1997, two years after Selena died of a gunshot at the age of 23, Warner Bros. released Selena in theaters. In the nearly quarter-century since, she has remained popular. In fact, she’s one of the best-selling artists in Latin music history. In 2020, Netflix released Selena: The Series, which looked at the singer’s ...
- 8/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Selena producer Moctesuma Esparza has established a prima facie case that the father and sister of the late Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla violated a contract by licensing the singer’s life rights to Netflix. That’s according to a ruling out on Thursday in Los Angeles Superior Court.
In 1997, two years after Selena died of a gunshot at the age of 23, Warner Bros. released Selena in theaters. In the nearly quarter-century since, she has remained popular. In fact, she’s one of the best-selling artists in Latin music history. In 2020, Netflix released Selena: The Series, which looked at the singer’s ...
In 1997, two years after Selena died of a gunshot at the age of 23, Warner Bros. released Selena in theaters. In the nearly quarter-century since, she has remained popular. In fact, she’s one of the best-selling artists in Latin music history. In 2020, Netflix released Selena: The Series, which looked at the singer’s ...
- 8/19/2021
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Selena Quintanilla‘s family and Netflix are being sued over new television series about the late singer’s life. The iconic superstar was murdered in a motel in 1995 by Yolanda Saldívar, president of her fan club, in her hometown of Corpus Christi, Texas. Moctesuma Esparza, who produced the 1997 Selena movie that starred Jennifer Lopez, claims to own […]
The post Netflix & Selena Quintanilla’s Family Sued Over Selena TV Series appeared first on uInterview.
The post Netflix & Selena Quintanilla’s Family Sued Over Selena TV Series appeared first on uInterview.
- 12/21/2020
- by Kerry Del Guercio
- Uinterview
This sounds like a definite ‘oopsie’ move that might have been made on the part of Selena’s father and sister, who apparently signed a deal with producer Moctesuma Esparza, who was responsible for the movie based on the famous singer back in 1997 starring Jennifer Lopez, that stated that he would get the first crack at making any other movies or shows with her as the main subject. One would think that Netflix, who is bringing the Selena story to life, would have checked thoroughly to see if there were any prior deals in place that might have been able
Why Selena Producer Sued Netflix and Selena’s Family...
Why Selena Producer Sued Netflix and Selena’s Family...
- 11/15/2020
- by Tom
- TVovermind.com
Selena Quintanilla's father and sister are facing a $1 million lawsuit after producing a Netflix series based on his daughter's life. According to documents obtained by E! News, Selena producer Moctesuma Esparza filed a lawsuit against Abraham and Suzette Quintanilla and Netflix on Nov. 6. In the suit, he claims that Abraham signed a contract agreeing to give him the rights to the life stories of the Tejano singer in 1995. Moctesuma goes on to claim in the suit that he, Suzette and Abraham discussed the creation of a series based on Selena's early life in 1998. It was a follow-up to the biopic starring Jennifer Lopez. However, their plans...
- 11/12/2020
- E! Online
In the era of “Black Panther” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” it’s clear that Hollywood has finally begun to prioritize making entertaining, big-budget films that acknowledge the cultural diversity of U.S. moviegoers. A 2017 CAA study found that across every budget level, films with diverse casts outperformed films with less diversity, and nonwhite moviegoers now account for half of all tickets sold in the U.S.
How can exhibitors build on these developments to continue cultivating diverse audiences? A panel at April’s CinemaCon, the annual exhibition industry trade show, will tackle the question directly.
For Patrick Corcoran, vice president and chief communications officer of the National Assn. of Theatre Owners (Nato), theaters can continue this progress by working to diversify their staff, especially on the management level.
“Having a workforce that looks like the customers we serve is important. We need to make sure there’s a clear path...
How can exhibitors build on these developments to continue cultivating diverse audiences? A panel at April’s CinemaCon, the annual exhibition industry trade show, will tackle the question directly.
For Patrick Corcoran, vice president and chief communications officer of the National Assn. of Theatre Owners (Nato), theaters can continue this progress by working to diversify their staff, especially on the management level.
“Having a workforce that looks like the customers we serve is important. We need to make sure there’s a clear path...
- 4/1/2019
- by Akiva Gottlieb
- Variety Film + TV
This is a big deal in convos about cinema + access. Don’t get me started on the fact that many communities of color don’t have a movie theater at all. Can’t see Selma in Selma. No theater there. Can’t see Straight Out Of Compton in Compton. No theater there. #CinemaSegregation https://t.co/vpoZoatY6x
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 1, 2018
African-American and Latino audiences are more interested in moviegoing than many other populations, and yet in a country with nearly 40,000 screens, some of these communities face a cinema desert. That seems counterintuitive at best, racist at worst, and difficult to improve: We are in a period with fewer new theaters under development than virtually any time since the multi-screen era began five decades ago. Here’s why some areas may never see a movie house.
“Selma”
There’s a number of major population centers with African-American communities with successful theaters.
— Ava DuVernay (@ava) July 1, 2018
African-American and Latino audiences are more interested in moviegoing than many other populations, and yet in a country with nearly 40,000 screens, some of these communities face a cinema desert. That seems counterintuitive at best, racist at worst, and difficult to improve: We are in a period with fewer new theaters under development than virtually any time since the multi-screen era began five decades ago. Here’s why some areas may never see a movie house.
“Selma”
There’s a number of major population centers with African-American communities with successful theaters.
- 7/6/2018
- by Tom Brueggemann
- Indiewire
It’s been 20 years since Edward James Olmos garnered critical acclaim for playing the role of Tejano superstar Selena Quintanilla’s father, Abraham, in the singer's posthumous biopic, Selena.
Et spoke with the actor on Thursday at the Eva Longoria Foundation’s Annual Dinner in Beverly Hills, where he reflected on his experience making the beloved classic film.
“It was the saddest movie I've ever filmed, to be honest with you. I've never had a more difficult film to film,” Olmos lamented. “It was too close to the time when she was actually killed, it was only 13 months after when we were filming. Nobody wanted to film it, the parents didn't, we didn't, nobody wanted to. We'd rather she be alive. But we had to."
Exclusive: 'Selena' Turns 20! Her Family Reflects on the Movie and Her Legacy: 'In My Mind, She's Still Alive'
Olmos explained that, at the time, there were several...
Et spoke with the actor on Thursday at the Eva Longoria Foundation’s Annual Dinner in Beverly Hills, where he reflected on his experience making the beloved classic film.
“It was the saddest movie I've ever filmed, to be honest with you. I've never had a more difficult film to film,” Olmos lamented. “It was too close to the time when she was actually killed, it was only 13 months after when we were filming. Nobody wanted to film it, the parents didn't, we didn't, nobody wanted to. We'd rather she be alive. But we had to."
Exclusive: 'Selena' Turns 20! Her Family Reflects on the Movie and Her Legacy: 'In My Mind, She's Still Alive'
Olmos explained that, at the time, there were several...
- 10/18/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Latin American filmmakers have done well in the Oscar race over the last three years: Awards have gone to two Mexican directors, while films from Colombia and Chile have landed nominations. Meanwhile, revered auteurs from these region have maintained their positions on the world stage, and American-based Latino filmmakers and actors have become outspoken advocates for the need of inclusion and opportunity. But many others receive far less attention even as they toil away on the sidelines to make sure these artists receive the attention they deserve.
The unsung heroes of Latin American cinema’s success work in film journalism, distribution companies, film-oriented nonprofits, festivals, and even major studios. Behind the scenes, Latinos are paving the way for filmmakers and others who are fighting to be heard, seen, and understood. This crowd of influencers includes U.S Latinos, Latin Americans and Hispanics, all of whom are represented in the following overview.
The unsung heroes of Latin American cinema’s success work in film journalism, distribution companies, film-oriented nonprofits, festivals, and even major studios. Behind the scenes, Latinos are paving the way for filmmakers and others who are fighting to be heard, seen, and understood. This crowd of influencers includes U.S Latinos, Latin Americans and Hispanics, all of whom are represented in the following overview.
- 12/26/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Indiewire
Early Entry Deadline: September 13, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($15), Feature Film ($25)
Normal Entry Deadline: October 11, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($25), Feature Film ($35)
Late Entry Deadline: November 8, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($40), Feature Film ($60)
For entry form, click here.
or
Withoutabox logos are trademarks of Withoutabox, a Dba of IMDb.com Inc. or its affiliates.
Media Arts Center San Diego is now seeking films and videos for 20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (March 13-23, 2014)! Come celebrate our landmark 20th year with an even broader program of exhilarating new activities, special events, and initiatives.
The 21st Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (Sdlff) is now accepting entries for the 2014 festival. Sdlff will take place March 13-23, 2014 at the Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center located in beautiful San Diego, California.Submit early for discounted entry fees!
Last year's festival was attended by an audience of 20,500 actively-engaged film lovers, filmmakers, actors, programmers, distributors, industry representatives and journalists from around the world. The San Diego Latino Film Festival has used the unique geographical and cultural position of the San Diego Border Region to make the festival a premiere venue for the exhibition of international and U.S. Latino features, shorts and documentaries.
Never participated in Sdlff before? Become apart of San Diego's proud celebration of the best in Latino film.
The 2014 San Diego Latino Film Festival will include expanded opportunities for participating filmmakers and their films/videos to take the spotlight. The following is just a taste of what filmmakers and attendees can experience by participating at the upcoming San Diego Latino Film Festival:
* 155 feature and short films to be screened
* over 100 guest filmmakers and actors
* Sdlff Awards Competition
* "Country of Focus" showcase
* Workshops/Seminars with industry representatives and filmmakers (i.e. "Financing", "Distribution")
* Special 20th Anniversary Spotlight
* Celebrity Guest Curator
* "Tributes" to acclaimed filmmakers/actors
* Concerts @ the Fest
* Pre-Fest Launch Parties
* Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night Gala Celebrations
* Sdlff Awards Ceremony
* Free Student Outreach Screenings
* "Meet the Filmmaker" Dialogues
* Sdlff's Annual "Border Visions" Sidebar
For entry form, click here.
Stars!
Twenty-one years ago, the San Diego Latino Film Festival was originally established as a student film festival focusing on works by Latinos and/or about the Latino Experience. Since that time, the San Diego Latino Film Festival has developed into one of the biggest and most well respected Latino film festivals in the country.
Over 240,000 people have attended during the past seventeen years, and2,100 films/videos from across Latin America and the United States have been screened. Past festival guests have included such renowned individuals asLou Diamond Phillips, Gina Rodriguez, Jorge Salinas, Dulce Maria, Rafael Amaya, Ana Serradilla, Eduardo Verastegui, Barbara Mori, Alfonso Arau, Robert Young, Miguel Littin,Angelica Maria, Dayanara Torres, Demian Bichir, Kate del Castillo, America Ferrera, John Leguizamo, Bruno Baretto, Barbara Mori, Roselyn Sanchez, Alfonso Cuaron, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Carlos Carrera, Rodrigo Prieto, Alex Lora, Lupe Ontiveros, Bruno Bichir, Carmen Salinas, Luis Mandoki, Danny Trejo, Adal Ramones, Tony Plana, Elpidia Carrillo, Humberto Solas, Dennis Leoni, Arturo Ripstein, Paul Rodriguez, Patssi Valdez, Luis Valdez, Gregory Nava, Edward James Olmos, Lourdes Portillo, Moctesuma Esparza, Ray Bradbury, Jacob Vargas, Patricia Velasquez, Fernando Sarinana, Lucia Murat, Nancy de los Santos, Vanessa Bauche, and hundreds of other emerging and established Latino filmmakers.
Selection Process (Important Information)
Sdlff 2014 is seeking innovative works that are 'by', 'about' or 'for' the Latino community, that have been completed between 2013-2014. Work previously exhibited in the San Diego / Tijuana Border Region - whether theatrically at another local festival or broadcast on television, - is not eligible to apply. A panel of distinguished curators from the San Diego and Tijuana community will select the films and videos to be screened during the "Official Selection" of the festival. All entries will be pre-screened for eligibility by curators, however, not all entries will be programmed.
Films must be submitted with English subtitles if the dialogue is in a language other than English. Films must have been completed after January 2013. Because we use entry fees to make grants to filmmakers, fee waivers will not be granted. Exceptions will only be made for non-profit organizations and international governmental organizations.
*DVD screeners and press kits will not be returned.
Upon acceptance to the festival, a press kit is required, to include the following:
Features: 100 word synopsis in English, 2 hi-res film stills (300dpi, Cmyk color), digital trailer
Shorts: 50 word synopsis in English, 1 hi-res film still (300dpi, Cmyk color)
Optional: digital trailer
For exhibition the following formats will be accepted:
Features: 35mm, HDCam, Blu-ray, Dcp. Features must be received by March 1, 2014
Shorts: must be received by February 1, 2014 in Digital format via Usb or email using a file sharing service like DropBox or HighTail (Previously YouSendIt). USBs will not be returned.
*Submitters will be notified by January 4, 2014. Judges’ decisions are final. Due to the large number of films we receive, feedback on individual films will not be provided. Films entered after the November 8 deadline will not be reviewed or returned.
An additional panel of distinguished filmmakers, film critics, and actors will sit on this year's Awards Jury. Awards are given for excellence in form and content. Films to be considered for competition will be determined by the Festival Curator.
For entry form, click here.
Entry Categories:
Narrative Feature (40 or more minutes)
Documentary Feature (40 or more minutes)
Short (under 40 mins)
Local Film
Youth Short (no entry fee)
Awards Categories:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Audience Award Narrative Feature
Audience Award Documentary Feature
Best Short Film
Best Local Film
Best Youth Film...
Entry Fees: Short Film ($15), Feature Film ($25)
Normal Entry Deadline: October 11, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($25), Feature Film ($35)
Late Entry Deadline: November 8, 2013
Entry Fees: Short Film ($40), Feature Film ($60)
For entry form, click here.
or
Withoutabox logos are trademarks of Withoutabox, a Dba of IMDb.com Inc. or its affiliates.
Media Arts Center San Diego is now seeking films and videos for 20th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (March 13-23, 2014)! Come celebrate our landmark 20th year with an even broader program of exhilarating new activities, special events, and initiatives.
The 21st Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (Sdlff) is now accepting entries for the 2014 festival. Sdlff will take place March 13-23, 2014 at the Ultrastar Cinemas Mission Valley at Hazard Center located in beautiful San Diego, California.Submit early for discounted entry fees!
Last year's festival was attended by an audience of 20,500 actively-engaged film lovers, filmmakers, actors, programmers, distributors, industry representatives and journalists from around the world. The San Diego Latino Film Festival has used the unique geographical and cultural position of the San Diego Border Region to make the festival a premiere venue for the exhibition of international and U.S. Latino features, shorts and documentaries.
Never participated in Sdlff before? Become apart of San Diego's proud celebration of the best in Latino film.
The 2014 San Diego Latino Film Festival will include expanded opportunities for participating filmmakers and their films/videos to take the spotlight. The following is just a taste of what filmmakers and attendees can experience by participating at the upcoming San Diego Latino Film Festival:
* 155 feature and short films to be screened
* over 100 guest filmmakers and actors
* Sdlff Awards Competition
* "Country of Focus" showcase
* Workshops/Seminars with industry representatives and filmmakers (i.e. "Financing", "Distribution")
* Special 20th Anniversary Spotlight
* Celebrity Guest Curator
* "Tributes" to acclaimed filmmakers/actors
* Concerts @ the Fest
* Pre-Fest Launch Parties
* Opening, Centerpiece, and Closing Night Gala Celebrations
* Sdlff Awards Ceremony
* Free Student Outreach Screenings
* "Meet the Filmmaker" Dialogues
* Sdlff's Annual "Border Visions" Sidebar
For entry form, click here.
Stars!
Twenty-one years ago, the San Diego Latino Film Festival was originally established as a student film festival focusing on works by Latinos and/or about the Latino Experience. Since that time, the San Diego Latino Film Festival has developed into one of the biggest and most well respected Latino film festivals in the country.
Over 240,000 people have attended during the past seventeen years, and2,100 films/videos from across Latin America and the United States have been screened. Past festival guests have included such renowned individuals asLou Diamond Phillips, Gina Rodriguez, Jorge Salinas, Dulce Maria, Rafael Amaya, Ana Serradilla, Eduardo Verastegui, Barbara Mori, Alfonso Arau, Robert Young, Miguel Littin,Angelica Maria, Dayanara Torres, Demian Bichir, Kate del Castillo, America Ferrera, John Leguizamo, Bruno Baretto, Barbara Mori, Roselyn Sanchez, Alfonso Cuaron, Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Carlos Carrera, Rodrigo Prieto, Alex Lora, Lupe Ontiveros, Bruno Bichir, Carmen Salinas, Luis Mandoki, Danny Trejo, Adal Ramones, Tony Plana, Elpidia Carrillo, Humberto Solas, Dennis Leoni, Arturo Ripstein, Paul Rodriguez, Patssi Valdez, Luis Valdez, Gregory Nava, Edward James Olmos, Lourdes Portillo, Moctesuma Esparza, Ray Bradbury, Jacob Vargas, Patricia Velasquez, Fernando Sarinana, Lucia Murat, Nancy de los Santos, Vanessa Bauche, and hundreds of other emerging and established Latino filmmakers.
Selection Process (Important Information)
Sdlff 2014 is seeking innovative works that are 'by', 'about' or 'for' the Latino community, that have been completed between 2013-2014. Work previously exhibited in the San Diego / Tijuana Border Region - whether theatrically at another local festival or broadcast on television, - is not eligible to apply. A panel of distinguished curators from the San Diego and Tijuana community will select the films and videos to be screened during the "Official Selection" of the festival. All entries will be pre-screened for eligibility by curators, however, not all entries will be programmed.
Films must be submitted with English subtitles if the dialogue is in a language other than English. Films must have been completed after January 2013. Because we use entry fees to make grants to filmmakers, fee waivers will not be granted. Exceptions will only be made for non-profit organizations and international governmental organizations.
*DVD screeners and press kits will not be returned.
Upon acceptance to the festival, a press kit is required, to include the following:
Features: 100 word synopsis in English, 2 hi-res film stills (300dpi, Cmyk color), digital trailer
Shorts: 50 word synopsis in English, 1 hi-res film still (300dpi, Cmyk color)
Optional: digital trailer
For exhibition the following formats will be accepted:
Features: 35mm, HDCam, Blu-ray, Dcp. Features must be received by March 1, 2014
Shorts: must be received by February 1, 2014 in Digital format via Usb or email using a file sharing service like DropBox or HighTail (Previously YouSendIt). USBs will not be returned.
*Submitters will be notified by January 4, 2014. Judges’ decisions are final. Due to the large number of films we receive, feedback on individual films will not be provided. Films entered after the November 8 deadline will not be reviewed or returned.
An additional panel of distinguished filmmakers, film critics, and actors will sit on this year's Awards Jury. Awards are given for excellence in form and content. Films to be considered for competition will be determined by the Festival Curator.
For entry form, click here.
Entry Categories:
Narrative Feature (40 or more minutes)
Documentary Feature (40 or more minutes)
Short (under 40 mins)
Local Film
Youth Short (no entry fee)
Awards Categories:
Best Narrative Feature
Best Documentary Feature
Audience Award Narrative Feature
Audience Award Documentary Feature
Best Short Film
Best Local Film
Best Youth Film...
- 7/31/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Taco Shop from Maya Entertainment has cast Tyler Posey of Teen Wolf. The indie comedy directed by Rick Najera is being produced by Rick Najera as well as Robert A. Parada of Streetwise Entertainment and Maya's Moctesuma Esparza and Sandra Avila. According to Variety, Taco Shop starts production this month from a script by Najera and Oskar Toruno. The story tells of a young man who quits his job working at a taco shop to open his own shop, however, he finds himself in an all-out war when a gourmet taco truck parks right across the street.
- 8/8/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Taco Shop from Maya Entertainment has cast Tyler Posey of Teen Wolf. The indie comedy directed by Rick Najera is being produced by Rick Najera as well as Robert A. Parada of Streetwise Entertainment and Maya's Moctesuma Esparza and Sandra Avila. According to Variety, Taco Shop starts production this month from a script by Najera and Oskar Toruno. The story tells of a young man who quits his job working at a taco shop to open his own shop, however, he finds himself in an all-out war when a gourmet taco truck parks right across the street.
- 8/8/2011
- Upcoming-Movies.com
Exclusive "TheTwilight Saga's" Mia Maestro will star in Maya Entertainment's psychological thriller "The Darkness of the Road." Maestro, who played Carmen in Summit Entertainment's franchise, will play a young mother whose daughter disappears after picking up a mysterious hitchhiker. Eduardo Rodriguez ("Fear Itself," "Curandero") wrote the screenplay and will direct. Luis Guerrero and Chris Lemos of Vital Pictures will produce with Sandra Avila and Moctesuma Esparza of Maya Entertainment. Maya will distribute the movie domestically. The Los Angeles-based company makes movies that appeal to what it calls "the new mainstream" of American Latino and multicultural audiences. Maestro is...
- 5/19/2011
- by Joshua L. Weinstein
- The Wrap
HollywoodNews.com: Maya Entertainment and Open Window Films have just announced that they have acquired “The Jesuit,” an action-packed drama written and scheduled to be directed by Golden Globe nominee Paul Schrader (Director of “American Gigolo, Afliction”; writer of “Taxi Driver” and “Raging Bull”).
Production is set to begin in early March 2011. Michelle Rodriguez, Willem Dafoe, Paz Vega and Manolo Cardona are slated to star. Elias Axume represents the film for foreign pre-sales at the upcoming American Film Market on behalf of Maya Entertainment.
In “The Jesuit,” a man comes out of prison in south Texas: “Neto” wants only a new life, far removed from his violent past. Just when it seems he might regain his wife and ten-year old son, she is brutally murdered and the boy kidnapped. Neto must abandon his dream of happiness in an explosive return to methods that made him the most feared man in Texas,...
Production is set to begin in early March 2011. Michelle Rodriguez, Willem Dafoe, Paz Vega and Manolo Cardona are slated to star. Elias Axume represents the film for foreign pre-sales at the upcoming American Film Market on behalf of Maya Entertainment.
In “The Jesuit,” a man comes out of prison in south Texas: “Neto” wants only a new life, far removed from his violent past. Just when it seems he might regain his wife and ten-year old son, she is brutally murdered and the boy kidnapped. Neto must abandon his dream of happiness in an explosive return to methods that made him the most feared man in Texas,...
- 11/8/2010
- by Linny Lum
- Hollywoodnews.com
Roadside Attractions is releasing both Good Hair and From Mexico with Love today. We all know about Good Hair, the Toronto premiering doc by Chris Rock inspired by his daughter’s hair styling concerns. Check out Roadside Attraction’s Facebook Page and you’ll see more on this hands-down, well-loved film.
It’s From Mexico with Love which offers the challenge and possible new insights into distribution to the niche Mexican audience. Starring Kuno Becker a big star in Mexico and known here for the Goal Films and costarring Danay Garcia, a well loved Mexican telenovela star who also has a regular role in Fox's upcoming series Prison Break, it will be released on 281 screens in California, New Mexico and Arizona. (Good Hair will go out on 185 screens.)
The film is a Rocky-esque inspirational story in which a washed-up trainer takes a self-destructive young boxer under his wing. It is...
It’s From Mexico with Love which offers the challenge and possible new insights into distribution to the niche Mexican audience. Starring Kuno Becker a big star in Mexico and known here for the Goal Films and costarring Danay Garcia, a well loved Mexican telenovela star who also has a regular role in Fox's upcoming series Prison Break, it will be released on 281 screens in California, New Mexico and Arizona. (Good Hair will go out on 185 screens.)
The film is a Rocky-esque inspirational story in which a washed-up trainer takes a self-destructive young boxer under his wing. It is...
- 11/29/2009
- by Sydney
- Sydney's Buzz
Los Angeles-based Maya Entertainment is joining forces with Blockbuster to present a Latin Cinema series: From July 17 to Sept. 18, Maya and Blockbuster will release a slate of eight, Latin-themed films theatrically in eight U.S. cities, and the films will become available for rental at Blockbuster in September as part of Hispanic Heritage Month.
"This alliance is the perfect extension of Maya's mission. With Blockbuster as a partner in this venture, we will extend the reach of this program tenfold and provide the national film going audience with consistent high quality cinema from Latino filmmakers and talent," Maya Entertainment founder Moctesuma Esparza said.
The films, programmed by Maya acquisitions executives Jose Martinez, Jr. and Tonantzin Esparza are: "The Line," "Vicious Circle," "Bajo La Sal," "Sultanes del Sure," "Once Upon a Time in Rio," "Cronicas Chilangas" (Chilangas Chronicles), "Bad Guys" and "Mancora."...
"This alliance is the perfect extension of Maya's mission. With Blockbuster as a partner in this venture, we will extend the reach of this program tenfold and provide the national film going audience with consistent high quality cinema from Latino filmmakers and talent," Maya Entertainment founder Moctesuma Esparza said.
The films, programmed by Maya acquisitions executives Jose Martinez, Jr. and Tonantzin Esparza are: "The Line," "Vicious Circle," "Bajo La Sal," "Sultanes del Sure," "Once Upon a Time in Rio," "Cronicas Chilangas" (Chilangas Chronicles), "Bad Guys" and "Mancora."...
The National Association of Latino Independent Producers will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a weekend conference about trends in Latino media from April 17-19 at the Island Hotel in Newport Beach, Calif., presented by HBO and the National Latino Media Council.
"Nalip 10: A Decade of Influence" will kick off with a keynote lunch where Michael Lombardo, president of HBO's programming group and West Coast operations, will accept an award on the network's behalf for HBO's dedication to diversity and the Latino media community.
Director-playwright Luis Valdez will deliver the keynote address, "Where Were We, Where Are We Now?"
Other speakers will include Lombardo and HBO senior vp Nancy Geller, Participant's Bonnie Abaunza, CNN's Rose Arce, the New York Daily News' Juan Gonzalez, Maya Pictures chair Moctesuma Esparza and exec vp Jose Martinez, Fox senior vp programming Pancho Mansfield, director-producer-writer David Zucker, Showtime senior vp Pearlena Igbokwe, Comedy Central vp Scott Landsman,...
"Nalip 10: A Decade of Influence" will kick off with a keynote lunch where Michael Lombardo, president of HBO's programming group and West Coast operations, will accept an award on the network's behalf for HBO's dedication to diversity and the Latino media community.
Director-playwright Luis Valdez will deliver the keynote address, "Where Were We, Where Are We Now?"
Other speakers will include Lombardo and HBO senior vp Nancy Geller, Participant's Bonnie Abaunza, CNN's Rose Arce, the New York Daily News' Juan Gonzalez, Maya Pictures chair Moctesuma Esparza and exec vp Jose Martinez, Fox senior vp programming Pancho Mansfield, director-producer-writer David Zucker, Showtime senior vp Pearlena Igbokwe, Comedy Central vp Scott Landsman,...
The Hispanic market, a undefinable entity made of many divergent cultures with the common denominator being they all speak some form of Spanish, has been the holy grail for U.S. distributors. Now Moctezuma Esparsa's Maya Entertainment and Blockbuster are setting up a film festival and screenwriting competition to bring customers to Blockbuster's 3,900 U.S. stores (70% of its revenues come from there). At least 400 of the stores are in Latino neighborhoods. Maya Independent Sponsored by Blockbuster will screen Latino themed pictures in 10 cities including L.A., N.Y., Miami, Chicago and Washington, D.C. from June to September (Hispanic Heritage Month). Some will show in Maya Cinemas which will have 50 screens in California by September. Maya will spend up to $1m on P&A. Titles include Sundance's Mancora, Toronto's Once Upon a Time in Rio and other mainstream, genre and arthouse titles. All will be available for rental exclusively at Blockbuster.
- 3/26/2009
- Sydney's Buzz
The Dark Horse Comics title “El Zombo Fantasma” is going to get the big-screen adaptation, courtesy of Death Ray Films and Maya Entertainment. Death Ray and Maya Entertainment are planning to also adapt the title in a new animated series following the live-action movie. Kevin Munroe, one of the creators of the original comic, will be writing and directing “El Zombo Fantasma”, with Chris Patton and Robert Sanchez producing. Dave Wilkins, the other creator of the title, and Munroe, will co-produce. Mike Richardson will executive produce for Dark Horse Entertainment. Jose Martinez, Kellvin Chavez, and Moctesuma Esparza will executive produce for Maya Entertainment. Published by Dark Horse in 2005, “El Zombo Fantasma” [...]...
- 1/28/2009
- by Costa Koutsoutis
- ShockYa
Kevin Munroe is stepping into the ring with Death Ray Films and Maya Entertainment at his back to take on El Zombo Fantasma . The trio have announced they're bringing the four-part comic book mini-series - published in 2004 by Dark Horse Comics - to the big screen. Munroe is writing and directing the film for production outfit Death Ray, a company he co-operates with producers Chris Patton and Robert Sanchez. Dark Horse's Mike Richardson will executive produce. Jose Martinez, Kellvin Chavez and Moctesuma Esparza, representing Maya, are also serving as producers. El Zombie Fantasma is deeply rooted in Munroe's past. He co-created the character, a Mexican wrestler, with David Wilkins. The two hatched the idea for the series while they were working at the Midway Games. It...
- 1/27/2009
- shocktillyoudrop.com
Death Ray Films, a production company formed recently by Kevin Munroe, Chris Patton and Robert Sanchez, is teaming with Maya Entertainment to bring Dark Horse comic "El Zombo Fantasma" to the big screen.
Munroe will write and direct the feature, with Patton and Sanchez producing. Dark Horse's Mike Richardson will executive produce.
The comic, published in 2005, tells the story of a murdered, temperamental Mexican wrestler who returns from his fiery damnation to play guardian angel to a troubled Los Angeles teenager. Zombo learns the teen is not what she seems and that their fates are intertwined. The character was created by David Wilkins and Munroe when they worked at a video game company. They will act as co-producers.
Death Ray and Maya hope to launch a franchise with the hero and plan on following up the feature with an animated series. "Zombo" has been described as a "Latino Hellboy," though...
Munroe will write and direct the feature, with Patton and Sanchez producing. Dark Horse's Mike Richardson will executive produce.
The comic, published in 2005, tells the story of a murdered, temperamental Mexican wrestler who returns from his fiery damnation to play guardian angel to a troubled Los Angeles teenager. Zombo learns the teen is not what she seems and that their fates are intertwined. The character was created by David Wilkins and Munroe when they worked at a video game company. They will act as co-producers.
Death Ray and Maya hope to launch a franchise with the hero and plan on following up the feature with an animated series. "Zombo" has been described as a "Latino Hellboy," though...
- 1/27/2009
- by By Borys Kit
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ugly betty star America Ferrera will topline and executive produce the drama American Tragic, with Ryan Piers Williams helming from his own screenplay.
Latino mini studio Maya Entertainment will produce and distribute the picture, with Heather Rae. Sergio Aguero will executive produce the film along with America Ferrrera.
The film will mark the second collaboration of Maya, which also distributed Ferrera starrer How the Garcia Girls Spent their Summer.
“We hope that this is validation of the job we did on ‘Garcia Girls,’ ” said Jeff Valdez, who co-chairs Maya Entertainment along with founder Moctesuma Esparza.
The film revolves around a young war veteran, played by newcomer Ryan O’Nan, who sets off across the country...
(more...)...
Latino mini studio Maya Entertainment will produce and distribute the picture, with Heather Rae. Sergio Aguero will executive produce the film along with America Ferrrera.
The film will mark the second collaboration of Maya, which also distributed Ferrera starrer How the Garcia Girls Spent their Summer.
“We hope that this is validation of the job we did on ‘Garcia Girls,’ ” said Jeff Valdez, who co-chairs Maya Entertainment along with founder Moctesuma Esparza.
The film revolves around a young war veteran, played by newcomer Ryan O’Nan, who sets off across the country...
(more...)...
- 11/11/2008
- by John
- ReelSuave.com
Jeff Valdez is joining Maya Entertainment as co-chairman, a title he will share with company founder Moctesuma Esparza. Valdez is the former CEO and chairman of Si TV, the first national English-language network targeting Latinos, which launched in 2004. Maya serves the Latino community through such ventures as Maya Cinemas, Maya Releasing and Maya Pictures. Under the leadership of Maya Releasing's newly named chief operating officer Michael Harpster and president Kevin Benson, it is embarking on its first theatrical release, the documentary Screamers. Maya Pictures has two films in postproduction, while Maya Cinemas has recently broken ground on three theater complexes and has three additional sites in the planning stages.
- 10/11/2006
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran Latino producer Moctesuma Esparza is launching an exhibition company and a production/distribution company appealing directly to the 41 million Latinos living in the U.S. Called Maya Cinemas, the producer of Selena and Introducing Dorothy Dandridge will open the first of eight multiplexes July 29 in Salinas, Calif. The $24 million project will serve what Esparza calls an underscreened community within Monterey, Calif. The executive's business plan centers on building theaters in Latino-centric, family-oriented communities offering mainstream, first-run Hollywood movies, along with one screen reserved for specialized, community-interest films. According to Esparza, U.S. Latinos are the largest moviegoing audience in the country. With an average age of 18, Latinos go to the movies 15 times a year; other Americans average five times a year.
- 7/21/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Veteran Latino producer Moctesuma Esparza is launching an exhibition company and a production/distribution company appealing directly to the 41 million Latinos living in the U.S. Called Maya Cinemas, the producer of Selena and Introducing Dorothy Dandridge will open the first of eight multiplexes July 29 in Salinas, Calif. The $24 million project will serve what Esparza calls an underscreened community within Monterey, Calif. The executive's business plan centers on building theaters in Latino-centric, family-oriented communities offering mainstream, first-run Hollywood movies, along with one screen reserved for specialized, community-interest films. According to Esparza, U.S. Latinos are the largest moviegoing audience in the country. With an average age of 18, Latinos go to the movies 15 times a year; other Americans average five times a year.
- 7/20/2005
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The battle over the launch of Nielsen Media Research's local People Meter service came to Los Angeles on Monday as activists held a news conference on the steps of City Hall to criticize Nielsen for what its detractors view as a systemic problem of undercounting minority television viewership. "If Nielsen gets its way, minority viewership could be dramatically undercounted, and the civil rights of Latinos and African Americans will be shortchanged with less programming, less economic opportunities and less influence in the media marketplace," said Alex Nogales, president of the National Hispanic Media Coalition. "This is an issue of civil rights for the entire entertainment industry." Joining Nogales at the morning news conference organized by the Don't Count Us Out coalition of advocacy groups and lawmakers were Rep. Hilda Solis, D-Los Angeles, Los Angeles City Council members Bernard Parks and Jan Perry and producers Moctesuma Esparza (Selena), Josefina Lopez (Real Women Have Curves) and Dennis Leoni (Showtime's Resurrection Blvd.).
- 5/11/2004
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Following the success of Real Women Have Curves, HBO Films will continue to showcase the experience of American Latinos today with six low-budget features it has agreed to acquire from Maya Pictures, a newly launched division of Moctesuma Esparza and Robert Katz's Esparza/Katz Prods. The deal is similar to the pact HBO Films inked with Mosaic Media Group this summer for six urban-themed films (HR 6/22). All Latino-themed projects, which will vary in genre, will be directed by emerging Latino filmmakers. "There are so many smart, energetic Latino writers and directors in the U.S.," Maya Films president Esparza said. "This will be an opportunity to showcase their talent. Script selection for the six movies is currently under way for an early 2004 production start. Esparza, whose producing credits include Selena, HBO's Introducing Dorothy Dandridge, The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca and Gettysburg, will executive produce the films, which will be overseen at Maya Pictures by the company's head of development, Kimberly Myers. Esparza and Maya Pictures are repped by ICM.
- 10/27/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Marcos Zurinaga's thriller about the assassination of the great Spanish poet-playwright Federico Garcia Lorca is ambitious in its conception and execution, boasts a impressive international cast, and deals with a heretofore unexamined and fascinating topic.
But "The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca" fumbles badly, suffering from awkward structure, unsatisfying script and direction and unsuccessful performances. As it lapses into 1940s-style melodrama by the time it finally reaches its conclusion, one half-expects Humphrey Bogart or Jimmy Cagney to appear and save the day; alas, they never do.
Andy Garcia plays the title role of Federico Garcia Lorca, but the story mainly revolves around young Ricardo Fernandez (Esai Morales), whom we first see as a young boy who has a life-changing encounter with Lorca in 1936 after a performance of the celebrated writer's "Yerma". The scene then shifts to 1954: Ricardo is now a journalist living and working in San Juan, Puerto Rico, obsessed with finding out exactly how his idol was murdered. Against his father's objections, he returns to Spain to investigate.
There he encounters a wide gallery of friends and foes, although those classifications are ever-changeable. Among the former are a friendly cab driver (Giancarlo Giannini) who miraculously appears everywhere Ricardo goes, and the beautiful Maria (Marcela Walerstein), the beautiful daughter of family friend Col. Aguirre (Jeroen Krabbe). The latter include mysterious figures who may or may not have figured in Lorca's death, including a security officer for Franco's forces (Miguel Ferrer) and a mysterious former politician Edward James Olmos) now living in Madrid.
The story shifts, in jarring fashion, back and forth between Ricardo's increasingly dangerous inquiries and the events of 1936 when Lorca is harassed by dictator Francisco Franco's fascist forces.
Despite a moving and impressive portrayal of the poet by Garcia, we never fully get to know the character, and historical context is at a minimum. The segments involving Ricardo are even less satisfying; the filmmakers have attempted to create a harrowing political thriller, but the wildly unconvincing script and performances simply don't come off, with sometimes laughable results.
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF GARCIA LORCA
Triumph Releasing
Director-producer Marcos Zurinaga
Exec producers Moctesuma Esparza, Robert Katz
Producer Enrique Cerezo
Screenplay Marcos Zurinaga,
Juan Antonio Ramos, Neil Cohen
Director of photography Juan Ruiz Anchia
Editor Carole Kravetz
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ricardo Esai Morales
Lozano Edward James Olmos
Federico Garcia Lorca Andy Garcia
Col. Aguirre Jeroen Krabbe
Taxi driver Giancarlo Giannini
Centeno Miguel Ferrer
Maria Eugenia Marcela Walerstein
Running time -- 114 minutes
No MPAA rating...
But "The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca" fumbles badly, suffering from awkward structure, unsatisfying script and direction and unsuccessful performances. As it lapses into 1940s-style melodrama by the time it finally reaches its conclusion, one half-expects Humphrey Bogart or Jimmy Cagney to appear and save the day; alas, they never do.
Andy Garcia plays the title role of Federico Garcia Lorca, but the story mainly revolves around young Ricardo Fernandez (Esai Morales), whom we first see as a young boy who has a life-changing encounter with Lorca in 1936 after a performance of the celebrated writer's "Yerma". The scene then shifts to 1954: Ricardo is now a journalist living and working in San Juan, Puerto Rico, obsessed with finding out exactly how his idol was murdered. Against his father's objections, he returns to Spain to investigate.
There he encounters a wide gallery of friends and foes, although those classifications are ever-changeable. Among the former are a friendly cab driver (Giancarlo Giannini) who miraculously appears everywhere Ricardo goes, and the beautiful Maria (Marcela Walerstein), the beautiful daughter of family friend Col. Aguirre (Jeroen Krabbe). The latter include mysterious figures who may or may not have figured in Lorca's death, including a security officer for Franco's forces (Miguel Ferrer) and a mysterious former politician Edward James Olmos) now living in Madrid.
The story shifts, in jarring fashion, back and forth between Ricardo's increasingly dangerous inquiries and the events of 1936 when Lorca is harassed by dictator Francisco Franco's fascist forces.
Despite a moving and impressive portrayal of the poet by Garcia, we never fully get to know the character, and historical context is at a minimum. The segments involving Ricardo are even less satisfying; the filmmakers have attempted to create a harrowing political thriller, but the wildly unconvincing script and performances simply don't come off, with sometimes laughable results.
THE DISAPPEARANCE OF GARCIA LORCA
Triumph Releasing
Director-producer Marcos Zurinaga
Exec producers Moctesuma Esparza, Robert Katz
Producer Enrique Cerezo
Screenplay Marcos Zurinaga,
Juan Antonio Ramos, Neil Cohen
Director of photography Juan Ruiz Anchia
Editor Carole Kravetz
Color/stereo
Cast:
Ricardo Esai Morales
Lozano Edward James Olmos
Federico Garcia Lorca Andy Garcia
Col. Aguirre Jeroen Krabbe
Taxi driver Giancarlo Giannini
Centeno Miguel Ferrer
Maria Eugenia Marcela Walerstein
Running time -- 114 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Selena was on the verge of crossing over to a mid-American audience just as her life ended. With this film, she will possibly make the leap posthumously, a jump she was not able to realize during her lifetime. Certain to win a following among her Mexican-American fans, "Selena" will also touch the hearts of those who appreciate a film about making it in America. Warner Bros.' challenge with this finely made film will be to reach an audience that, at her death, had never heard of Selena.
Writer-director Gregory Nava has distilled Selena's short lifetime into a somewhat standard movie framework, but that is not to diminish her short, meteoric life or the decency of this work. This is a film about dreams, and we are taken inside Selena Quintanilla Perez's short lifetime and her desire to make it as a major American singer and entertainer. Her dream was fueled vicariously by her father Edward James Olmos), whose own dreams were quashed when he was caught between Mexican-Americans who resented his infatuation with rock 'n' roll and whites who resented Mexican-Americans.
In this intelligent, reverential film, writer-director Nava has portrayed Selena's essence: We see her rise from a little girl with a flair for performance to a mature singer-performer who seized stardom and was not intimidated by it. Best, we see her overcoming cultural prejudices.
What makes this movie work is Jennifer Lopez's electric performance as Selena, capturing the charismatic aspects of Selena's stage persona and the essence of her maturity as a growing woman. Olmos is particularly powerful as her ambitious father; he conveys both the strength of determination as well as the underside to ambition.
SELENA
Warner Bros.
A Productions-Esparza/Katz production
A Gregory Nava film
Producers Moctesuma Esparza, Robert Katz
Screenwriter-director Gregory Nava
Executive producer Abraham Quintanilla
Co-executive producer David Wisnievitz
Co-producer Peter Lopez
Director of photography Edward Lachman
Production designer Cary White
Editor Nancy Richardson
Costume designer Elisabetta Beraldo
Music Dave Grusin
Associate producers Carolyn Caldera,
Nancy De Los Santos
Casting Roger Mussenden
Color/stereo
Cast:
Selena Jennifer Lopez
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. Edward James Olmos
Chris Perez Jon Seda
Marcela Quintanilla Constance Marie
Abie Quintanilla Jacob Vargas
Yolanda Saldivar Lupe Ontiveros
Suzette Quintanilla Jackie Guerra
Young Selena Rebecca Lee Meza
Joe Ojeda Ruben Gonzales
Pete Astudillo Pete Astudillo
Running time -- 125 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
Writer-director Gregory Nava has distilled Selena's short lifetime into a somewhat standard movie framework, but that is not to diminish her short, meteoric life or the decency of this work. This is a film about dreams, and we are taken inside Selena Quintanilla Perez's short lifetime and her desire to make it as a major American singer and entertainer. Her dream was fueled vicariously by her father Edward James Olmos), whose own dreams were quashed when he was caught between Mexican-Americans who resented his infatuation with rock 'n' roll and whites who resented Mexican-Americans.
In this intelligent, reverential film, writer-director Nava has portrayed Selena's essence: We see her rise from a little girl with a flair for performance to a mature singer-performer who seized stardom and was not intimidated by it. Best, we see her overcoming cultural prejudices.
What makes this movie work is Jennifer Lopez's electric performance as Selena, capturing the charismatic aspects of Selena's stage persona and the essence of her maturity as a growing woman. Olmos is particularly powerful as her ambitious father; he conveys both the strength of determination as well as the underside to ambition.
SELENA
Warner Bros.
A Productions-Esparza/Katz production
A Gregory Nava film
Producers Moctesuma Esparza, Robert Katz
Screenwriter-director Gregory Nava
Executive producer Abraham Quintanilla
Co-executive producer David Wisnievitz
Co-producer Peter Lopez
Director of photography Edward Lachman
Production designer Cary White
Editor Nancy Richardson
Costume designer Elisabetta Beraldo
Music Dave Grusin
Associate producers Carolyn Caldera,
Nancy De Los Santos
Casting Roger Mussenden
Color/stereo
Cast:
Selena Jennifer Lopez
Abraham Quintanilla Jr. Edward James Olmos
Chris Perez Jon Seda
Marcela Quintanilla Constance Marie
Abie Quintanilla Jacob Vargas
Yolanda Saldivar Lupe Ontiveros
Suzette Quintanilla Jackie Guerra
Young Selena Rebecca Lee Meza
Joe Ojeda Ruben Gonzales
Pete Astudillo Pete Astudillo
Running time -- 125 minutes
MPAA rating: PG...
- 3/21/1997
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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