TelevisaUnivision’s streaming platform ViX is firing up six new original shows during the first quarter of the year, including a comedy feature with Spain’s The Mediapro Studio.
“From hilarious comedies to impactful reality shows and docuseries, the new ViX Originals exhibits the diversity of genres and storytelling that can only be found on ViX,” said Rodrigo Mazon, executive VP & chief content officer for ViX at TelevisaUnivision.
In a nod to its creative partners, Mazon added: “At ViX, audiences can find content for everyone, consistently maintaining a high standard of quality made by the best content creators of today.”
According to TelevisaUnivision’s 2023 4th Quarter report, the Spanish-language streaming service ended the year with more than 7 million subscribers and generated more than $700 million in revenue.
However, like most other streaming platforms facing competitive headwinds and higher costs, production budgets per episode are being trimmed at ViX, according to sources.
“From hilarious comedies to impactful reality shows and docuseries, the new ViX Originals exhibits the diversity of genres and storytelling that can only be found on ViX,” said Rodrigo Mazon, executive VP & chief content officer for ViX at TelevisaUnivision.
In a nod to its creative partners, Mazon added: “At ViX, audiences can find content for everyone, consistently maintaining a high standard of quality made by the best content creators of today.”
According to TelevisaUnivision’s 2023 4th Quarter report, the Spanish-language streaming service ended the year with more than 7 million subscribers and generated more than $700 million in revenue.
However, like most other streaming platforms facing competitive headwinds and higher costs, production budgets per episode are being trimmed at ViX, according to sources.
- 3/20/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
All the Places (A Todas Partes) is a mexican movie directed by Pedro Pablo Ibarra starring Ana Serradilla and Mauricio Ochmann.
This tender story of a reunion between two siblings comes from Mexico with lots of sentiment and nostalgia and a big desire to make us have a good time in something between comedy and drama.
This is a story that works almost always and this time too.
A remake of 25 km/h.
This is a movie that treads a beaten path, does so well and this play to make us fall in love “invertedly” works. Not long ago we commented Raymond & Ray, another film that took a gamble on a reunion between siblings at the funeral of their father: same plot, but different result in the screenplay.
Here we go from drama to comedy, the same plots and the axis of a good dramatic comedy, with feelings and...
This tender story of a reunion between two siblings comes from Mexico with lots of sentiment and nostalgia and a big desire to make us have a good time in something between comedy and drama.
This is a story that works almost always and this time too.
A remake of 25 km/h.
This is a movie that treads a beaten path, does so well and this play to make us fall in love “invertedly” works. Not long ago we commented Raymond & Ray, another film that took a gamble on a reunion between siblings at the funeral of their father: same plot, but different result in the screenplay.
Here we go from drama to comedy, the same plots and the axis of a good dramatic comedy, with feelings and...
- 2/14/2023
- by Movies Martin Cid Magazine
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
Exclusive: Luis Gnecco (The Two Popes), Claudia Ramírez (Nice Sunday) and Juan Manuel Bernal (Perfect Obedience) will lead the upcoming thriller Confessions, from Sony Pictures International Productions, Alameda Films and Zamora Films, which has wrapped production in Mexico. Also amongst the cast is Ana Claudia Talancón (The Crime of Padre Amaro), who will make a special appearance.
The film from award-winning writer-director Carlos Carrera (The Crime of Padre Amaro) sees a young child from an affluent Mexico City family go missing. At night, hours after the disappearance, a man arrives at the family home to discuss the child’s return. The terms are not monetary, rather a confession from one family member that has committed a terrible act. One by one, confession by confession, the intruder exposes each family member—unveiling their deepest, shocking secrets.
Alberto Chimal (7:19) wrote the screenplay. Daniel Birman Ripstein produced for Alameda Films, with Gerardo Moran from Zamora Films.
The film from award-winning writer-director Carlos Carrera (The Crime of Padre Amaro) sees a young child from an affluent Mexico City family go missing. At night, hours after the disappearance, a man arrives at the family home to discuss the child’s return. The terms are not monetary, rather a confession from one family member that has committed a terrible act. One by one, confession by confession, the intruder exposes each family member—unveiling their deepest, shocking secrets.
Alberto Chimal (7:19) wrote the screenplay. Daniel Birman Ripstein produced for Alameda Films, with Gerardo Moran from Zamora Films.
- 5/9/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Pantaya has signed a deal with Fremantle and Fabula to develop a slate of eight new series. The agreement folds into Pantaya’s plans of aggressively ramping up production capacity of original content for the service.
The companies recently collaborated on the Spanish language series Señorita 89 slated as marquee properties in early 2022 and El Refugio which recently wrapped production.
“We are delighted to continue working with our friends at Fremantle and Fabula after two successful productions,” said Paul Presburger, CEO of Pantaya, in a statement. “Señorita 89 and El Refugio are unique and exciting premium series that are exceptionally well made. We’re excited for our subscribers to be able to watch the series soon and for new viewers to discover this high-end content on the Pantaya platform. We’re eager to expand this partnership and create even more exceptional projects that audiences will love.”
Added Ángela Poblete, Head of Regional Television at Fabula,...
The companies recently collaborated on the Spanish language series Señorita 89 slated as marquee properties in early 2022 and El Refugio which recently wrapped production.
“We are delighted to continue working with our friends at Fremantle and Fabula after two successful productions,” said Paul Presburger, CEO of Pantaya, in a statement. “Señorita 89 and El Refugio are unique and exciting premium series that are exceptionally well made. We’re excited for our subscribers to be able to watch the series soon and for new viewers to discover this high-end content on the Pantaya platform. We’re eager to expand this partnership and create even more exceptional projects that audiences will love.”
Added Ángela Poblete, Head of Regional Television at Fabula,...
- 10/13/2021
- by Rosy Cordero
- Deadline Film + TV
Global streamer Starzplay and L.A.-based Spanish-language streaming platform Pantaya have re-teamed with U.K. production-distribution giant Fremantle and the Larraín brothers’ Fabula on sci-fi miniseries “The Shelter” (“El Refugio”).
Starring Alberto Guerra (“La Jauria”) and Ana Claudia Talancón (“Como Caído del Cielo”) and directed by Argentina’s Pablo Fendrik (“El Ardor”), “The Shelter” wraps principal photography this week after 10 weeks of filming in rural areas around Santiago de Chile.
In industry terms, “The Shelter” forms part of a burgeoning axis between like-minded and complementary players in the U.S., Latin America and the U.K. who have been involved in some of the most exciting, relevant and artistically ambitious of recent Spanish-language dramas hitting screens or in the pipeline, whether “La Jauría,” “Señorita 89” – where all four companies partner – or “Express.”
The series captures Fendrik on tremendous TV form after making “Amongst Men” and “The Bronze Garden,” both for HBO Latin America.
Starring Alberto Guerra (“La Jauria”) and Ana Claudia Talancón (“Como Caído del Cielo”) and directed by Argentina’s Pablo Fendrik (“El Ardor”), “The Shelter” wraps principal photography this week after 10 weeks of filming in rural areas around Santiago de Chile.
In industry terms, “The Shelter” forms part of a burgeoning axis between like-minded and complementary players in the U.S., Latin America and the U.K. who have been involved in some of the most exciting, relevant and artistically ambitious of recent Spanish-language dramas hitting screens or in the pipeline, whether “La Jauría,” “Señorita 89” – where all four companies partner – or “Express.”
The series captures Fendrik on tremendous TV form after making “Amongst Men” and “The Bronze Garden,” both for HBO Latin America.
- 9/17/2021
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
In a much-anticipated move, giant streaming service Netflix has confirmed the launch of a Mexico City office this year. Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos was in Mexico City at a Netflix forum to also announce that the company had more than 50 projects in different stages of production in Mexico, some original content, others co-productions.
“The richness of talent in front of and behind the camera in Mexico was key in our decision to begin our local production strategy with ‘Club de Cuervos’ four years ago,” Sarandos said. “Since then, we have continued to expand our local investment and continue providing a platform for Mexican talent to be recognized around the world,” he added.
Four local films in the pipeline are destined for Netflix’s slate over the next two years. These include “Como Caído del Cielo,” a musical comedy inspired by the songs of Mexican legend Pedro Infante, starring...
“The richness of talent in front of and behind the camera in Mexico was key in our decision to begin our local production strategy with ‘Club de Cuervos’ four years ago,” Sarandos said. “Since then, we have continued to expand our local investment and continue providing a platform for Mexican talent to be recognized around the world,” he added.
Four local films in the pipeline are destined for Netflix’s slate over the next two years. These include “Como Caído del Cielo,” a musical comedy inspired by the songs of Mexican legend Pedro Infante, starring...
- 2/12/2019
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
Less than a year after it was released in his native Italy, Paolo Genovese’s smash hit “Perfect Strangers” inspired a Greek remake. Within two years, there were nearly a dozen other remakes, including versions made in Spain, South Korea, France, Hungary, China, and India, with still more films planned in Poland, Germany, Qatar, and Sweden. (Wondering where the American version is? The Weinstein Company snapped up English-language rights before the company collapsed.)
Now Mexico is getting in on the act. Manolo Caro’s take on the lively chamber play is a modern comedy of manners that may hinge on the influence of cell phones and the internet, but chronicles emotions and twists that don’t need technological fluffing. The setup of Caro’s “Perfect Strangers” — released as “Perfectos desconocidos” in Mexico late last year, now arriving in the United States care of Lionsgate’s Hispanic arm, Pantelion Films — adheres...
Now Mexico is getting in on the act. Manolo Caro’s take on the lively chamber play is a modern comedy of manners that may hinge on the influence of cell phones and the internet, but chronicles emotions and twists that don’t need technological fluffing. The setup of Caro’s “Perfect Strangers” — released as “Perfectos desconocidos” in Mexico late last year, now arriving in the United States care of Lionsgate’s Hispanic arm, Pantelion Films — adheres...
- 1/10/2019
- by Kate Erbland
- Indiewire
Tapping into our cell phone-obsessed zeitgeist and harnessing marital disputes for incendiary plot twists, Italian director Paolo Genovese (and a team of four other writers) unleashed an international craze in 2016 with their wildly profitable and easily adaptable dramedy “Perfetti sconosciuti.”
Genovese’s feature — about a group of secretive friends (three couples and a single man) having dinner who test their trust in each other by agreeing to place their devices on the table and answering all text messages, phone calls, and other notifications out loud for everyone to hear — has been adapted in multiple nations around the world, from South Korea to Turkey, with Spanish auteur Alex de la Iglesia’s 2017 version being one of the more notable iterations.
Now, the phenomenon arrives in Latin America, guided by one of the region’s directors who is most up to the task of remaking a tale about upper-class relationships in decay: Manolo Caro.
Genovese’s feature — about a group of secretive friends (three couples and a single man) having dinner who test their trust in each other by agreeing to place their devices on the table and answering all text messages, phone calls, and other notifications out loud for everyone to hear — has been adapted in multiple nations around the world, from South Korea to Turkey, with Spanish auteur Alex de la Iglesia’s 2017 version being one of the more notable iterations.
Now, the phenomenon arrives in Latin America, guided by one of the region’s directors who is most up to the task of remaking a tale about upper-class relationships in decay: Manolo Caro.
- 1/9/2019
- by Carlos Aguilar
- The Wrap
"What secrets do you expect us to have, Eva?" Pantelion Films has unveiled an official Us trailer for the release of Perfectos Desconocidos from Mexico, remade by filmmaker Manolo Caro. The title translates to Perfect Strangers, and they're billing this as a "Spanish speaking comedy with English subtitles" from Mexico. It's actually the second remake of an Italian film which first premiered in 2016 - Perfect Strangers or Perfetti Sconosciuti, which was then remade in Spain last year, and is now being remade by Mexico. This version of the film stars Cecilia Suárez, Manuel García-Rulfo, Mariana Treviño, Miguel Rodarte, Bruno Bichir, Ana Claudia Talancón, and Spanish newcomer Franky Martin. This actually looks like a super fun cinematic party game, with a dash of commentary on how much phones have changed our lives. Here's the first official trailer (+ poster) for Manolo Caro's Perfectos Desconocidos, from YouTube: We all have a secret life.
- 11/13/2018
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
In a bid to keep up with the fast-evolving TV viewing habits of its audience, Telemundo has launched a new Sunday night drama franchise billed as “Series Premium.”
The new weekly program aims to bring a host of high-concept series that run 10 to 15 episodes per season, a big shift from the traditional telenovela focus of Spanish-language TV. The initial roster of shows for the Sunday night showcase include “El Recluso,” bio-series “Nicky Jam: El Ganador,” crime drama “Falco,” and “El Secreto de Selena,” among others.
“Our objective is to carve a space on Sunday nights with shorter, high-value, high-ip stories, featuring world- class talent,” said Luis Silberwasser, president of Telemundo Networks. Telemundo recently tapped former Univision programming exec Ronald Day to serve as exec VP of Programming for Telemundo Networks.
Telemundo’s push into recurring series that mirror the offerings of English-language networks reflect the NBCUniversal network’s push to draw a younger audience.
The new weekly program aims to bring a host of high-concept series that run 10 to 15 episodes per season, a big shift from the traditional telenovela focus of Spanish-language TV. The initial roster of shows for the Sunday night showcase include “El Recluso,” bio-series “Nicky Jam: El Ganador,” crime drama “Falco,” and “El Secreto de Selena,” among others.
“Our objective is to carve a space on Sunday nights with shorter, high-value, high-ip stories, featuring world- class talent,” said Luis Silberwasser, president of Telemundo Networks. Telemundo recently tapped former Univision programming exec Ronald Day to serve as exec VP of Programming for Telemundo Networks.
Telemundo’s push into recurring series that mirror the offerings of English-language networks reflect the NBCUniversal network’s push to draw a younger audience.
- 4/22/2018
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
The eighth annual Hola Mexican Film Festival, presented by DishLATINO, the largest festival of cinema outside of Mexico, today announced a partial lineup of the 2016 festival schedule including opening and closing nights and four special showcase presentations. The festival runs May 13-22 with all screenings taking place at the Regal La Live Stadium 14 Theatre, except for closing night which will be at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes Theatre in downtown Los Angeles.
This year’s festival will open with "Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla) nominated for 14 Premios Ariel Awards (Mexico’s “Oscars”). The film is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself. Directed by Celso R. Garcia, the film stars Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra. Confirmed to attend the premiere are Cosio and Palacios as well as other special guests.
Additional showcase screenings include "We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.) directed by Roberto Girault and starring Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm and "Mr. Pig" with star Danny Glover to attend, on Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 Pm.
Closing the festival on Sunday, May 22 is "Panoramas," a unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. Members of band Zoé will attend and perform a DJ set. This special event screening will take place at La Plaza Cultura y Artes Theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles.
Also this year marks the first time that films from a country outside of Mexico will be shown with special presentations of two films from Chile – "Sin Filtro" and "El Bosque de Karadima"
Opening Night Premiere – Friday, May 13 at 7:00 Pm
Regal La Live Stadium 14
"The Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla)
Dir. Celso R. Garcia
Cast: Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra
Mexico 2015, 95 Min
Five men are hired to paint the yellow line of a road that will link two forgotten towns in Mexico. With less than 2 weeks to cover over 200 kilometers aboard a '76 pick-up truck, they will discover that painting at a speed of 1 km/hour will teach them about the lines between good and evil, laughter and despair, life and death. The challenges they face will change their lives forever. The Thin Yellow Line is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself.
Closing Night Premiere – Sunday, May 22 At 7:00 Pm
La Plaza Cultura y Artes theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles.
"Panoramas"
Dir. Rodrigo Guardiola y Gabriel Cruz Rivas
Cast: Zoé
Mexico 2016, 90 Min
A unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. “Panoramas” is a Cinéma Vérité-style portrait of Zoé that takes you on a contemplative audio/visual journey through some of the band's most decisive moments. A film crew accompanies the band during a two-year period to provide us with an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band’s longest international tour to date, in their first real shot at becoming well-known and "making it big" outside their home country of México. The 15-year artistic career of Zoé completes its growth-cycle and reaches full circle as the musicians arrive at the quintessential question all bands face: What's next?
MÉXico Now
"We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.)
Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Roberto Girault
Cast: Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
"We Fulfill Your Dreams" is a company that makes fantasies come to life. Made up of a group of actors and led by a ‘Director' (Jaime Camil), they create set-ups to re-enact real-life circumstances for the good of people.
For their latest job, they are hired by Mr. Balboa to spend a week in the roles of a long-gone loving grandson and his wife. Portrayed as an angel to his grandmother through fictitious letters created by the elderly Mr. Balboa, the young man has in reality become a villainous character. But things go awry for actors Mauricio and Isabel when the real grandson turns up for a show-down with his grandparents.
"Mr. Pig"
Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Diego Luna
Cast: Danny Glover, Maya Rudolph, Jose Maria Yazpik
Mexico 2016, 100 Min
Ambrose Eubanks (Danny Glover), is an old-school pig farmer from California. After the family farm is foreclosed, he sets off with Howard, his beloved (and very large) pig, on a road trip to Mexico.
Ambrose must figure out how to smuggle "Howie" across the border and find him a new home.
"In Your Eyes" (A los Ojos)
Friday, May 20 at 7:00 Pm and Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 Pm
Dir. Victoria Franco y Michel Franco
Cast: Mónica del Carmen, Omar Moreno, Benjamín Espinoza, Jacobo Najman
Mexico 2015, 96 Min
Monica is a social worker from Mexico City, a single mother whose child is suffering from a degenerative illness of the eyes. Having exhausted all other options, a corneal transplant is the child's only hope. Overwhelmed by the ineffectiveness of the health system and the scarcity of resources, Monica is driven to an extreme solution... Found within the world of the street children.
"The Aparicios" (Las Aparacio)
Sunday, May 15 at 4:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Moisés Ortiz - Urquidi
Cast: Ana De La Reguera, María Del Carmen Farías, Liz Gallardo, Eréndia Ibarra, Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Paulina Gaitán y Tenoch Huerta
México 2016,
The Aparicios are a family made up entirely of women, all cursed to become widows and to never bear male children. At their ranch in Xico, in the state of Veracruz, they discover the body of the first husband of an Aparicio woman. This leads the Aparicios to search their past in an attempt to end the ancient curse, and finally face their present
"Parallel Roads" (Rumbos Paralelos)
Saturday, May 14 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Rafael Montero
Cast: Ludwika Paleta, Iliana Fox, Michel Brown, Arturo Barba
Mexico 2016,
(Film in Spanish, no English subtitles)
Rumbos Paralelos (Parallel Roads) tells the emotional story of two young mothers whose lives change unexpectedly.
Silvia must suddenly confront both her son’s illness and the abrupt discovery that she is not his biological mother. Desperate to find a donor for a life-saving kidney transplant, Silvia will seek out Gaby, the child's true biological mother. The following actions will put the power of maternity to the test and challenge life as a whole. Are family ties made out of love? Or are they carried in our blood?
"Paradise Lost" (Paraiso Perdido)
Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Humberto Hinojosa
Cast: Ana Claudia Talancón, Iván Sanchez, Andrés Almeida
México 2016, 87 Min
Three friends are traveling by sailboat through Caribbean waters, when they come across a deserted paradise island and decide to explore it. What was supposed to be one of the best weekends of their lives will turn into a tireless fight for survival when they discover the island's hidden secret.
"She is Ramona" (Ella es Ramona)
Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 Pm and Monday, May 16 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Hugo Rodriguez
Cast: Andrea Ortega Lee, Daniel Giménez Cacho, María Rojo, Leticia Huijara
México 2015, 83 Min
Ramona is overweight, with too many kilos and not enough luck. She remembers a childhood as the victim of abuse at the hands of her mother, her sister, and even her friends. She was Big Belly Ramona, Big Eater Ramona, Ramona the Pig. Now an adult, things aren't looking much better. Her life seems to be crumbling. She gets fired for being fat; when she seeks liposuction, her doctor rejects as a candidate for the procedure because she is too overweight. Things begin falling into place, however, when she stumbles across a Tarot café which sells the magic beetles that will change her life.
"Elvira, I would Give You my Life, but I’m Using It" (Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando)
Thursday, May 19 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Manolo Caro
Cast: Cecilia Suárez, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Vanessa Bauche
Mexico 2015, 108 Min
Gustavo, husband of Elvira, goes out one night to buy cigarettes, never to return. Elvira, a 40-year-old mother of two, begins a relentless search for the love of her life. Clues lead her to the conclusion that her husband has kept a secret relationship. The unfortunate discovery will not stop Elvira in her mission of finding him.
"The Chosen Ones" (Las Elegidas)
Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. David Pablos
Cast: Nancy Talamantes, Óscar Torres
Mexico 2015, 105 Min
Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her...
New Voices
"Leaf Blower" (Sopladora de Hojas)
Saturday, May 14 at 2:00 Pm, Monday, May 16 at 9:30 Pm and Friday, May 20 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Alejandro Iglesias
Cast: Francisco Rueda, Alejandro Guerrero, Fabrizio Santini
Mexico 2015, 96 Min
Lucas, Emilio and Rubén are three friends united in a special quest: to find a set of lost keys in a pile of dead leaves. What appears to be a simple task will turn into a profound journey that forces the teenagers to confront their fears: of letting go of the past, of facing embarrassing truths, of taking risks... Of growing up. This afternoon, as trivial as it may sound, could change the course of their lives. Or maybe not.
"Amir"
Saturday, May 14 at 4:00 Pm and Thursday, May 19 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. José Paredes
Cast: Jorge Guevara, Tania Niebla y Lirio Karina
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
Amir, an aspiring musician, finds himself drawn to Jeanette, a beautiful singer he meets during a night out on the town with his friends. The attraction complicates his relationship with his current girlfriend, Elizabeth, who is expecting his child. Amir will attempt to work out his feelings towards his newfound love interest, music and maturity, as adulthood forces him to make some challenging choices along the way.
"The Arrival of Conrado Sierra" (El Arribo de Conrado Sierra)
Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. René Pereyra
Cast: Maite Perroni, Joaquín Cosío, Susana Dosamantes, Ana González, Rocío García, Jessica Mas
Mexico 2015, 120 Min
In 1940's "Torres Mochas" (the city of Torreón, Mexico), the widow Doña Josefina and her five spinster daughters await the arrival of a man aiming to marry the youngest of the sisters. The local townspeople, excited at the prospect of one of “Virgin Josefitas” finally marrying, prepare massive celebrations. When the mysterious suitor finally appears, circumstances take an unforeseen course.
For The Children
"The Adventures of Itzel and Sonia" (Las Aventuras de Itzel y Sonia)
Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 Pm
Dir. Fernanda Rivero
Cast: Arcelía Ramírez, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Joaquín Cosío, Bruno Bichir
Mexico 2016, 70 Min
This film was made as part of the “Cuéntamelo filmando” ("Tell it to me with the cameras rolling") workshop and was done with the support of 500 people from 10 rural communities in Mexico.
Itzel, an 8-year-old girl, and her best friend ‘Sonia the Frog’ will embark on a mission to find the guardians of the water, before the city's supply runs out. With the help of her grandmother, they will search in the most remote areas of Mexico, while a faceless being stalks them.
"By My Mustache" (Por Mis Bigotes)
Sunday, May 15 at 12:00 Pm
Dir. Manuel Carames
Cast: Jesus Ochoa, Santiago Torres, Fernando Becerril
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
Though it sounds unbelievable, little Ulises, at only nine years old, has grown an enormous mustache from one day to the next. So begins a series of extraordinary events for him, his mother and his best friends. From this moment forward, all of them, along with a cast of very curious characters, will find themselves caught up in a very hairy adventure.
Documentary
"Made in Bangkok"
Monday, May 16 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Flavio Florencio
Cast: Morgana Love
Mexico 2015, 75 Min
Morgana is a Mexican transgender opera singer with a relentless determination to assert her identity, despite having to fight against social stigma and family prejudice. Her dream is to have gender-reassignment surgery. Her only chance to make happen is by winning a beauty pageant in Bangkok, and use the $10,000 cash prize to pay for the surgery. The documentary embarks on Morgana’s journey with her, while providing us with an intimate portrait of what it is to construct a long-dreamt-of identity.
"Mexican Fighting" (Lucha Mexico)
Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Alexandria Hammond & Ian Markiewicz
Cast: 1000% Guapo, Blue Demon, Hijo Del Perro Aguayo, Tony Salazar, Arkangel
México / USA 103 Min
The ultimate look behind the mask, Lucha Mexico documents the joyous spectacle of Lucha Libre wrestling, which has thrilled Mexican fans for generations. The story follows "El 1000% Guapo" (1000% Handsome) Shocker, one of the most successful Luchadores of the modern era. His life is consumed by the need of being in the ring. A supporting cast of fan-favorites further reveal the world of Lucha Libre from the inside, with Blue Demon Jr. discussing life from behind a legendary mask; the violent history of El Hijo del Perro Aguayo (the Son of "The Dog" Aguayo); as well as veterans like Tony Salazar and Archangel, as they pass on the secrets of the ring to a new generation of fighters. These stars and others will shed light on the intense physical and emotional challenges they must constantly face in order to stand inside the ropes and thrill every last fan. With its unprecedented access to the top Lucha performers and promoters, as well as other players of this grand spectacle, Lucha Mexico steps into the ring to show us the great power behind the mask, and leads us straight to the beating heart of Mexico.
Hola Chile
"The Church Of Karadima" (El Bosque de Karadima)
Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Matías Lira
Cast: Benjamin Vicuña, Luis Gnecco, Ingrid Isensee
Chile 2015, 98 Min
Fernando Karadima, the pastor and leader of the most powerful Church of the Chilean upper class from the 1980's to 2000's, is considered a living saint. Thomas, a teenager in search of his vocation, finds himself drawn to Karadima and accepts him as a spiritual guide. For 20 years, Tommy will gradually be subjected to physical and psychological abuse by the priest, until he decides to speak out and confront both the charismatic priest and the power networks that protect him, finally uncovering the real Karadima hiding behind the investiture of God's representative on Earth.
"No Filter" (Sin Filtro)
Wednesday, May 18 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Nicolás López
Cast: Paz Bascuñán, Ignacia Allamand, Paulo Brunei
Chile 2016, 100 Min
Pía is on the verge of a nervous breakdown: Her boss humiliates her, her husband ignores her, her stepson is disrespectful, and her best friend no longer listens to what she says.
Pía begins having strong chest pains and, after trying many different healing methods, decides to undergo an acupuncture treatment. The Chinese doctor discovers that Pía's pain is caused by repressed feelings, and, with an ancient technique, he "removes the filter". From now on, an uninhibited Pía will realize that the only way to heal herself is to speak everything that comes to mind - which won't always bring her the best results.
Nocturnal/Genre
"Barrancas"
Saturday, May 14 at 12 Midnight and Wednesday, May 18 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Juan De La Peña
Cast: Diego Sánchez, Esteban De la Isla, Ana Lucía Camacho, Julia Dávalos, Eduardo Romo, Gustavo Gascón, Inés Vachez
Mexico 2016, 88 Min
The owner of a huge house in the woods, in the town of Barrancas, has a reputation for not paying his employees. When the latest housekeeper goes missing, everyone simply assumes that yet another employee has quit. Meanwhile, back in the city, the owner's nephew Mario is tasked with going to Barrancas to hand over the keys to the new caretaker. Young Mario thinks it’s a good idea to secretly invite his friends from college, as well as the girl he likes, out to the country house for a fun weekend. What Mario doesn’t know is that this may turn out to be a very dangerous idea indeed.
"The Similars" (Los Parecidos)
Sunday, May 15 at 9:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Isaac Ezban
Cast: Gustavo Sánchez Parra, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Humberto Busto, Carmen Beato
Mexico 2015, 89 Min
In the rainy darkness of the early morning hours of October 2, 1968, eight people are waiting in a remote bus station in the middle of nowhere for the bus heading to Mexico City. They’ll soon find themselves experiencing a strange phenomenon.
For more information and ticket sales visit - http://holamexicoff.com...
This year’s festival will open with "Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla) nominated for 14 Premios Ariel Awards (Mexico’s “Oscars”). The film is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself. Directed by Celso R. Garcia, the film stars Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra. Confirmed to attend the premiere are Cosio and Palacios as well as other special guests.
Additional showcase screenings include "We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.) directed by Roberto Girault and starring Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal on Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm and "Mr. Pig" with star Danny Glover to attend, on Thursday, May 19, at 7:00 Pm.
Closing the festival on Sunday, May 22 is "Panoramas," a unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. Members of band Zoé will attend and perform a DJ set. This special event screening will take place at La Plaza Cultura y Artes Theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles.
Also this year marks the first time that films from a country outside of Mexico will be shown with special presentations of two films from Chile – "Sin Filtro" and "El Bosque de Karadima"
Opening Night Premiere – Friday, May 13 at 7:00 Pm
Regal La Live Stadium 14
"The Thin Yellow Line" (La Delgada Linea Amarilla)
Dir. Celso R. Garcia
Cast: Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Silverio Palacios, Gustavo Sánchez Parra
Mexico 2015, 95 Min
Five men are hired to paint the yellow line of a road that will link two forgotten towns in Mexico. With less than 2 weeks to cover over 200 kilometers aboard a '76 pick-up truck, they will discover that painting at a speed of 1 km/hour will teach them about the lines between good and evil, laughter and despair, life and death. The challenges they face will change their lives forever. The Thin Yellow Line is a story of smooth roads and bumpy rides, with unexpected twists and turns... like life itself.
Closing Night Premiere – Sunday, May 22 At 7:00 Pm
La Plaza Cultura y Artes theatre located at 501 N. Main Street, downtown Los Angeles.
"Panoramas"
Dir. Rodrigo Guardiola y Gabriel Cruz Rivas
Cast: Zoé
Mexico 2016, 90 Min
A unique and introspective look inside one of Latin America's top alternative-rock music acts, Zoé. “Panoramas” is a Cinéma Vérité-style portrait of Zoé that takes you on a contemplative audio/visual journey through some of the band's most decisive moments. A film crew accompanies the band during a two-year period to provide us with an intimate behind-the-scenes look at the band’s longest international tour to date, in their first real shot at becoming well-known and "making it big" outside their home country of México. The 15-year artistic career of Zoé completes its growth-cycle and reaches full circle as the musicians arrive at the quintessential question all bands face: What's next?
MÉXico Now
"We Fulfill Your Dreams" (Ilusiones S.A.)
Wednesday, May 18 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Roberto Girault
Cast: Jaime Camil, Adriana Louvier, Silvia Mariscal
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
"We Fulfill Your Dreams" is a company that makes fantasies come to life. Made up of a group of actors and led by a ‘Director' (Jaime Camil), they create set-ups to re-enact real-life circumstances for the good of people.
For their latest job, they are hired by Mr. Balboa to spend a week in the roles of a long-gone loving grandson and his wife. Portrayed as an angel to his grandmother through fictitious letters created by the elderly Mr. Balboa, the young man has in reality become a villainous character. But things go awry for actors Mauricio and Isabel when the real grandson turns up for a show-down with his grandparents.
"Mr. Pig"
Thursday, May 19 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Diego Luna
Cast: Danny Glover, Maya Rudolph, Jose Maria Yazpik
Mexico 2016, 100 Min
Ambrose Eubanks (Danny Glover), is an old-school pig farmer from California. After the family farm is foreclosed, he sets off with Howard, his beloved (and very large) pig, on a road trip to Mexico.
Ambrose must figure out how to smuggle "Howie" across the border and find him a new home.
"In Your Eyes" (A los Ojos)
Friday, May 20 at 7:00 Pm and Saturday, May 21 at 1:00 Pm
Dir. Victoria Franco y Michel Franco
Cast: Mónica del Carmen, Omar Moreno, Benjamín Espinoza, Jacobo Najman
Mexico 2015, 96 Min
Monica is a social worker from Mexico City, a single mother whose child is suffering from a degenerative illness of the eyes. Having exhausted all other options, a corneal transplant is the child's only hope. Overwhelmed by the ineffectiveness of the health system and the scarcity of resources, Monica is driven to an extreme solution... Found within the world of the street children.
"The Aparicios" (Las Aparacio)
Sunday, May 15 at 4:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Moisés Ortiz - Urquidi
Cast: Ana De La Reguera, María Del Carmen Farías, Liz Gallardo, Eréndia Ibarra, Damián Alcazar, Joaquín Cosio, Paulina Gaitán y Tenoch Huerta
México 2016,
The Aparicios are a family made up entirely of women, all cursed to become widows and to never bear male children. At their ranch in Xico, in the state of Veracruz, they discover the body of the first husband of an Aparicio woman. This leads the Aparicios to search their past in an attempt to end the ancient curse, and finally face their present
"Parallel Roads" (Rumbos Paralelos)
Saturday, May 14 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Rafael Montero
Cast: Ludwika Paleta, Iliana Fox, Michel Brown, Arturo Barba
Mexico 2016,
(Film in Spanish, no English subtitles)
Rumbos Paralelos (Parallel Roads) tells the emotional story of two young mothers whose lives change unexpectedly.
Silvia must suddenly confront both her son’s illness and the abrupt discovery that she is not his biological mother. Desperate to find a donor for a life-saving kidney transplant, Silvia will seek out Gaby, the child's true biological mother. The following actions will put the power of maternity to the test and challenge life as a whole. Are family ties made out of love? Or are they carried in our blood?
"Paradise Lost" (Paraiso Perdido)
Saturday, May 21 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Humberto Hinojosa
Cast: Ana Claudia Talancón, Iván Sanchez, Andrés Almeida
México 2016, 87 Min
Three friends are traveling by sailboat through Caribbean waters, when they come across a deserted paradise island and decide to explore it. What was supposed to be one of the best weekends of their lives will turn into a tireless fight for survival when they discover the island's hidden secret.
"She is Ramona" (Ella es Ramona)
Saturday, May 14 at 9:00 Pm and Monday, May 16 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Hugo Rodriguez
Cast: Andrea Ortega Lee, Daniel Giménez Cacho, María Rojo, Leticia Huijara
México 2015, 83 Min
Ramona is overweight, with too many kilos and not enough luck. She remembers a childhood as the victim of abuse at the hands of her mother, her sister, and even her friends. She was Big Belly Ramona, Big Eater Ramona, Ramona the Pig. Now an adult, things aren't looking much better. Her life seems to be crumbling. She gets fired for being fat; when she seeks liposuction, her doctor rejects as a candidate for the procedure because she is too overweight. Things begin falling into place, however, when she stumbles across a Tarot café which sells the magic beetles that will change her life.
"Elvira, I would Give You my Life, but I’m Using It" (Elvira, Te Daria Mi Vida Pero La Estoy Usando)
Thursday, May 19 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Manolo Caro
Cast: Cecilia Suárez, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Vanessa Bauche
Mexico 2015, 108 Min
Gustavo, husband of Elvira, goes out one night to buy cigarettes, never to return. Elvira, a 40-year-old mother of two, begins a relentless search for the love of her life. Clues lead her to the conclusion that her husband has kept a secret relationship. The unfortunate discovery will not stop Elvira in her mission of finding him.
"The Chosen Ones" (Las Elegidas)
Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. David Pablos
Cast: Nancy Talamantes, Óscar Torres
Mexico 2015, 105 Min
Sofia, 14 years old, is in love with Ulises. Because of him, in spite of him, she is forced into a prostitution ring in Mexico. To set her free, Ulises will have to find another girl to replace her...
New Voices
"Leaf Blower" (Sopladora de Hojas)
Saturday, May 14 at 2:00 Pm, Monday, May 16 at 9:30 Pm and Friday, May 20 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Alejandro Iglesias
Cast: Francisco Rueda, Alejandro Guerrero, Fabrizio Santini
Mexico 2015, 96 Min
Lucas, Emilio and Rubén are three friends united in a special quest: to find a set of lost keys in a pile of dead leaves. What appears to be a simple task will turn into a profound journey that forces the teenagers to confront their fears: of letting go of the past, of facing embarrassing truths, of taking risks... Of growing up. This afternoon, as trivial as it may sound, could change the course of their lives. Or maybe not.
"Amir"
Saturday, May 14 at 4:00 Pm and Thursday, May 19 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. José Paredes
Cast: Jorge Guevara, Tania Niebla y Lirio Karina
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
Amir, an aspiring musician, finds himself drawn to Jeanette, a beautiful singer he meets during a night out on the town with his friends. The attraction complicates his relationship with his current girlfriend, Elizabeth, who is expecting his child. Amir will attempt to work out his feelings towards his newfound love interest, music and maturity, as adulthood forces him to make some challenging choices along the way.
"The Arrival of Conrado Sierra" (El Arribo de Conrado Sierra)
Friday, May 20 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. René Pereyra
Cast: Maite Perroni, Joaquín Cosío, Susana Dosamantes, Ana González, Rocío García, Jessica Mas
Mexico 2015, 120 Min
In 1940's "Torres Mochas" (the city of Torreón, Mexico), the widow Doña Josefina and her five spinster daughters await the arrival of a man aiming to marry the youngest of the sisters. The local townspeople, excited at the prospect of one of “Virgin Josefitas” finally marrying, prepare massive celebrations. When the mysterious suitor finally appears, circumstances take an unforeseen course.
For The Children
"The Adventures of Itzel and Sonia" (Las Aventuras de Itzel y Sonia)
Saturday, May 14 at 12:00 Pm
Dir. Fernanda Rivero
Cast: Arcelía Ramírez, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Joaquín Cosío, Bruno Bichir
Mexico 2016, 70 Min
This film was made as part of the “Cuéntamelo filmando” ("Tell it to me with the cameras rolling") workshop and was done with the support of 500 people from 10 rural communities in Mexico.
Itzel, an 8-year-old girl, and her best friend ‘Sonia the Frog’ will embark on a mission to find the guardians of the water, before the city's supply runs out. With the help of her grandmother, they will search in the most remote areas of Mexico, while a faceless being stalks them.
"By My Mustache" (Por Mis Bigotes)
Sunday, May 15 at 12:00 Pm
Dir. Manuel Carames
Cast: Jesus Ochoa, Santiago Torres, Fernando Becerril
Mexico 2015, 90 Min
Though it sounds unbelievable, little Ulises, at only nine years old, has grown an enormous mustache from one day to the next. So begins a series of extraordinary events for him, his mother and his best friends. From this moment forward, all of them, along with a cast of very curious characters, will find themselves caught up in a very hairy adventure.
Documentary
"Made in Bangkok"
Monday, May 16 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Flavio Florencio
Cast: Morgana Love
Mexico 2015, 75 Min
Morgana is a Mexican transgender opera singer with a relentless determination to assert her identity, despite having to fight against social stigma and family prejudice. Her dream is to have gender-reassignment surgery. Her only chance to make happen is by winning a beauty pageant in Bangkok, and use the $10,000 cash prize to pay for the surgery. The documentary embarks on Morgana’s journey with her, while providing us with an intimate portrait of what it is to construct a long-dreamt-of identity.
"Mexican Fighting" (Lucha Mexico)
Sunday, May 15 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Alexandria Hammond & Ian Markiewicz
Cast: 1000% Guapo, Blue Demon, Hijo Del Perro Aguayo, Tony Salazar, Arkangel
México / USA 103 Min
The ultimate look behind the mask, Lucha Mexico documents the joyous spectacle of Lucha Libre wrestling, which has thrilled Mexican fans for generations. The story follows "El 1000% Guapo" (1000% Handsome) Shocker, one of the most successful Luchadores of the modern era. His life is consumed by the need of being in the ring. A supporting cast of fan-favorites further reveal the world of Lucha Libre from the inside, with Blue Demon Jr. discussing life from behind a legendary mask; the violent history of El Hijo del Perro Aguayo (the Son of "The Dog" Aguayo); as well as veterans like Tony Salazar and Archangel, as they pass on the secrets of the ring to a new generation of fighters. These stars and others will shed light on the intense physical and emotional challenges they must constantly face in order to stand inside the ropes and thrill every last fan. With its unprecedented access to the top Lucha performers and promoters, as well as other players of this grand spectacle, Lucha Mexico steps into the ring to show us the great power behind the mask, and leads us straight to the beating heart of Mexico.
Hola Chile
"The Church Of Karadima" (El Bosque de Karadima)
Sunday, May 15 at 2:00 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 7:00 Pm
Dir. Matías Lira
Cast: Benjamin Vicuña, Luis Gnecco, Ingrid Isensee
Chile 2015, 98 Min
Fernando Karadima, the pastor and leader of the most powerful Church of the Chilean upper class from the 1980's to 2000's, is considered a living saint. Thomas, a teenager in search of his vocation, finds himself drawn to Karadima and accepts him as a spiritual guide. For 20 years, Tommy will gradually be subjected to physical and psychological abuse by the priest, until he decides to speak out and confront both the charismatic priest and the power networks that protect him, finally uncovering the real Karadima hiding behind the investiture of God's representative on Earth.
"No Filter" (Sin Filtro)
Wednesday, May 18 at 9:00 Pm
Dir. Nicolás López
Cast: Paz Bascuñán, Ignacia Allamand, Paulo Brunei
Chile 2016, 100 Min
Pía is on the verge of a nervous breakdown: Her boss humiliates her, her husband ignores her, her stepson is disrespectful, and her best friend no longer listens to what she says.
Pía begins having strong chest pains and, after trying many different healing methods, decides to undergo an acupuncture treatment. The Chinese doctor discovers that Pía's pain is caused by repressed feelings, and, with an ancient technique, he "removes the filter". From now on, an uninhibited Pía will realize that the only way to heal herself is to speak everything that comes to mind - which won't always bring her the best results.
Nocturnal/Genre
"Barrancas"
Saturday, May 14 at 12 Midnight and Wednesday, May 18 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Juan De La Peña
Cast: Diego Sánchez, Esteban De la Isla, Ana Lucía Camacho, Julia Dávalos, Eduardo Romo, Gustavo Gascón, Inés Vachez
Mexico 2016, 88 Min
The owner of a huge house in the woods, in the town of Barrancas, has a reputation for not paying his employees. When the latest housekeeper goes missing, everyone simply assumes that yet another employee has quit. Meanwhile, back in the city, the owner's nephew Mario is tasked with going to Barrancas to hand over the keys to the new caretaker. Young Mario thinks it’s a good idea to secretly invite his friends from college, as well as the girl he likes, out to the country house for a fun weekend. What Mario doesn’t know is that this may turn out to be a very dangerous idea indeed.
"The Similars" (Los Parecidos)
Sunday, May 15 at 9:30 Pm and Tuesday, May 17 at 5:00 Pm
Dir. Isaac Ezban
Cast: Gustavo Sánchez Parra, Cassandra Ciangherotti, Humberto Busto, Carmen Beato
Mexico 2015, 89 Min
In the rainy darkness of the early morning hours of October 2, 1968, eight people are waiting in a remote bus station in the middle of nowhere for the bus heading to Mexico City. They’ll soon find themselves experiencing a strange phenomenon.
For more information and ticket sales visit - http://holamexicoff.com...
- 5/5/2016
- by Carlos Aguilar
- Sydney's Buzz
The first Fenix Iberoamerican Film Awards, highlighting and celebrating cinema made in Latin America, Spain, and Portugal as well as applauding the professionals involved was inaugurated by Cinema23 this October 30 and held its closing night party in México City's Jumex Museum, named after the Lopez family’s fruit juice empire, and commissioned by Eugenio Lopez, the dynastic scion whose intention is to leave an edifice to Mexico City that dignifies his family name. This 21st-century prince is the sole patron of the new Museo Jumex, Latin America’s largest contemporary art museum, designed by the British architect David Chipperfield and just across the street from hourglass-shaped Museo Soumaya, opened in 2011 by the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim Helú to display his own collection. Worth a trip to Mexico alone just to view the private Jumex collection of Mexican art, to attend the spectacular closing night party topping off the new annual, independent award ceremony which took place at the iconic 1918 Teatro de la Ciudad was an experience of a lifetime.
After an exclusive dinner for the nominees around 11 Pm, the great celebration began. Inspired by Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, one of the most important holidays in Mexico, the party was decorated with elements inspired by this tradition such as "papel picado," and walls decorated with skulls. The vibrant orange color of hundreds of cempasúchil flowers (Marigolds) adorned the hall where more than a thousand guests, among them many film professional, singers and other important figures from across Iberoamerica, attended the celebration organized by Grupo Modelo the brewery in Mexico now owned by the Belgian-Brazilian company Anheuser-Busch InBev, which holds 63% of the Mexican beer market and exports beer to most countries of the world, whose export brands include my own favorite beers, Corona and Pacífico. I was proud to be invited to attend and to be part of the advisory council of Cinema23, founder of this annual Fenix Awards celebration of the art of cinema along with the comcomitant commercial success of Iberoamerican cinema.
Attending the awards and the post-award party were actors such as Alice Braga, Ana de la Reguera, Ana Claudia Talancón, Alfonso Herrera, Bárbara Mori, Brandon López, Camila Selser, Cecilia Suárez, Elena Anaya, Ernesto Alterio, Erick Elías, Ilse Salas, Irene Azuela, Johanna Murillo, José María Yazpik, José María and Pedro de Tavira, Juan Manuel Bernal, Karen Martínez, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Maribel Verdú, Martha Higareda, Maya Zapata and Ximena Ayala; filmmakers Fernando Eimbcke, Gary Alazraki, Jonás Cuarón, Lorenzo Hagerman, Manolo Caro, Natalia Beristáin and Rigoberto Perezcano; musicians Leo Heiblum, Kevin Johansen, León Larregui and Sergio Acosta from rock band Zoé and Leonor Watling, Jesús Navarro, vocalist of pop band Reik; socialites as Rafael Micha, Jorge Gorozpe, Memo Martínez and Max Villegas; fashion designer Oscar Madrazo and jewelry designer Mariana Villarea. They and the other attendees enjoyed a night in which cinema was the most important guest.
In the venue's lower level, Sonido Apokalitzin's beats enhanced the experience with cumbias, salsas and iconic songs from several Iberoamerican countries. Monterrey DJ Toy Selectah also entertained the guests with his musical selection. Upstairs, Sergio and Andres from famous rock band Zoé delighted everyone with their music just before they enjoyed Julian Placencia's DJ set.
With this event the first edition of the Fenix Iberoamerican Film Awards came to an end. The event brought together hundreds of figures from the Iberoamerican film community who celebrated the well-deserved recognition to their work and dedication. At the same time the event served to strengthen relationships among the diverse industries and will continuously help forge the region's identity.
After an exclusive dinner for the nominees around 11 Pm, the great celebration began. Inspired by Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, one of the most important holidays in Mexico, the party was decorated with elements inspired by this tradition such as "papel picado," and walls decorated with skulls. The vibrant orange color of hundreds of cempasúchil flowers (Marigolds) adorned the hall where more than a thousand guests, among them many film professional, singers and other important figures from across Iberoamerica, attended the celebration organized by Grupo Modelo the brewery in Mexico now owned by the Belgian-Brazilian company Anheuser-Busch InBev, which holds 63% of the Mexican beer market and exports beer to most countries of the world, whose export brands include my own favorite beers, Corona and Pacífico. I was proud to be invited to attend and to be part of the advisory council of Cinema23, founder of this annual Fenix Awards celebration of the art of cinema along with the comcomitant commercial success of Iberoamerican cinema.
Attending the awards and the post-award party were actors such as Alice Braga, Ana de la Reguera, Ana Claudia Talancón, Alfonso Herrera, Bárbara Mori, Brandon López, Camila Selser, Cecilia Suárez, Elena Anaya, Ernesto Alterio, Erick Elías, Ilse Salas, Irene Azuela, Johanna Murillo, José María Yazpik, José María and Pedro de Tavira, Juan Manuel Bernal, Karen Martínez, Luis Gerardo Méndez, Maribel Verdú, Martha Higareda, Maya Zapata and Ximena Ayala; filmmakers Fernando Eimbcke, Gary Alazraki, Jonás Cuarón, Lorenzo Hagerman, Manolo Caro, Natalia Beristáin and Rigoberto Perezcano; musicians Leo Heiblum, Kevin Johansen, León Larregui and Sergio Acosta from rock band Zoé and Leonor Watling, Jesús Navarro, vocalist of pop band Reik; socialites as Rafael Micha, Jorge Gorozpe, Memo Martínez and Max Villegas; fashion designer Oscar Madrazo and jewelry designer Mariana Villarea. They and the other attendees enjoyed a night in which cinema was the most important guest.
In the venue's lower level, Sonido Apokalitzin's beats enhanced the experience with cumbias, salsas and iconic songs from several Iberoamerican countries. Monterrey DJ Toy Selectah also entertained the guests with his musical selection. Upstairs, Sergio and Andres from famous rock band Zoé delighted everyone with their music just before they enjoyed Julian Placencia's DJ set.
With this event the first edition of the Fenix Iberoamerican Film Awards came to an end. The event brought together hundreds of figures from the Iberoamerican film community who celebrated the well-deserved recognition to their work and dedication. At the same time the event served to strengthen relationships among the diverse industries and will continuously help forge the region's identity.
- 11/17/2014
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Deadline revealed back in April that A Better Life star Demian Bichir was moving toward his feature directing debut on the indie Refugio. He’s set his cast—Eva Longoria, Jose Angel Bichir, and Jorge Perugorria (Strawberries And Chocolate)—and production is just getting underway in Mexico City. The film follows the title character, a young dreamer who’s born in the circus and embarks on a search to find his long lost true love. That character will be played at various points in his life by a series of actors including Demian Bichir himself. The majority of screen time goes to Jose Angel Bichir, who is the director’s nephew. Longoria plays a horse acrobat who joins the circus in Mexico trying to heal a broken heart. Stefanie Sherk, Ana Claudia Talancon, Arcelia Ramirez and Ludwika Paleta also star, and Julian Fidalgo will play the young Refugio in flashback scenes.
- 9/30/2013
- by MIKE FLEMING JR
- Deadline
Eva Longoria, Jose Angel Bichir, and Jorge Perugorria have joined the cast of the indie drama "Refugio" at Ag Studios and Bn Films.
Demian Bichir ("The Bridge," "Machete Kills") is making his feature directing debut on the film about a young dreamer who is born in the circus and embarks on a search to find his long lost true love.
Jose Angel Bichir plays the main version of the dreamer, while his father Demian will play one of the older versions. Julian Fidalgo stars as a younger version.
Longoria plays a horse acrobat with a broken heart who joins the circus. Stefanie Sherk, Ana Claudia Talancon, Arcelia Ramirez and Ludwika Paleta also star.
Filming just got underway in Mexico City.
Source: Deadline...
Demian Bichir ("The Bridge," "Machete Kills") is making his feature directing debut on the film about a young dreamer who is born in the circus and embarks on a search to find his long lost true love.
Jose Angel Bichir plays the main version of the dreamer, while his father Demian will play one of the older versions. Julian Fidalgo stars as a younger version.
Longoria plays a horse acrobat with a broken heart who joins the circus. Stefanie Sherk, Ana Claudia Talancon, Arcelia Ramirez and Ludwika Paleta also star.
Filming just got underway in Mexico City.
Source: Deadline...
- 9/30/2013
- by Garth Franklin
- Dark Horizons
Participant was founded in 2004 by Jeff Skoll to focus on feature films, television, publishing and digital content that inspire social change. Participant's more than 40 films include Good Night, And Good Luck, Syriana, An Inconvenient Truth, Food, Inc., Waiting For Superman, The Help, Contagion and Lincoln. Participant’s social action campaigns and digital network TakePart.com continue the conversation and connect audiences to a wealth of content and actions. Its new millennial television network Pivot, this summer in 40 million-plus homes, is TV for The New Greatest Generation.
Launching earlier this year, Participant PanAmerica is an initiative to develop and finance 10-12 films over five years for and from Latin America with Mexico’s Canana (Sin Nombre, Miss Bala), Chile’s Fabula (Young and Wild, Gloria) and Colombia’s Dynamo (Undertow, The Hidden Face). Its first film, El Ardor starring Gael García Bernal and Alice Braga to shoot in Argentina.
Participant Media is reteaming with No star Gael García Bernal for the first film under their recently-launched Participant PanAmerica initiative, the Western-inspired action adventure El Ardor. Co-starring Alice Braga (Elysium, I Am Legend), El Ardor has begun filming in Argentina under the direction of Pablo Fendrik (Blood Appears, The Mugger), who wrote the screenplay.
García Bernal portrays a mysterious man who emerges from the Argentinean rainforest to rescue the kidnapped daughter (Braga) of a poor farmer after mercenaries murder her father and take over his property.
Juan Pablo Gugliotta and Nathalia Videla Peña and García Bernal serve as the film’s producers, with Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King, Canana’s Pablo Cruz and Telefe`s Axel Kuschevatzky as executive producers.
An Argentinean/Brazilian/French co-production being financed through Participant PanAmerica, the film’s co-producers are Magma Cine (Argentina), Bananeira Filmes (Brazil) and Manny Films (France). Magma’s Argentinian partners are Aleph Media and Telefe International. Bac Films is handling international sales outside North American and Latin American territories.
Participant CEO Jim Berk said, “After our terrific experience on No, we’re excited to be reuniting with Gael and Canana for our first Participant PanAmerica film and to be expanding our footprint into this important segment of the global marketplace.”
Jonathan King, Participant Evp of Production said, “Pablo Fendrik and his partners at Magma Cine are exactly the kinds of ambitious young filmmakers we are hoping to work with through PanAmerica. And it's always great to be in business with our friends at Canana."
Added Magma Cine Partner Juan Pablo Gugliotta, “We are truly glad to be shooting this project which represents the emergence of our main talent, Pablo Fendrik, as well as his comeback to the big screen and we are also really grateful for the support of all our associates at local, regional and international level. Magma Cine is proud to be part of the first film by Participant PanAmerica. We are absolutely positive that El Ardor will be on par with the expectations of all those who have granted us their trust.”
Pablo Cruz, Partner at Canana said, "Pablo Fendrik is perhaps one of the most interesting directors out of his generation, we met him years ago when his film El Asaltante was playing at the Critics Week in Cannes, we immediately wanted to work with him. It’s been a fantastic process and I know Gael has had the necessary time to develop with him an unforgettable character. We can't wait to see this film on the screen."
About Magma Cine
Magma Cine was set up by Juan Pablo Gugliotta, Pablo Fendrik and Nathalia Videla Peña in 2006.
Magma Cine is a production company that has produced 9 films over the past 7 years including many of the award winning films of what can be labeled as the “New Argentine Cinema,” films that, thanks to their continuing participation in the international scene, keep growing in number and garnering recognition.
Recently they’ve released Mala, Israel Adrián Caetano’s latest feature film distributed commercially in Latin America by Buena Vista-The Walt Disney Company.
It has also produced several documentary miniseries for Argentine TV and the multi-awarded horror film The Second Death, which has been showcased in the top genre film festivals in the world.
About Canana
Canana, founded in 2005 by Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Pablo Cruz, and most recently joined by partner and CEO Julián Levin, is a pioneer of bringing Latin American talent to a global stage. Over the past 7 years, Canana has produced over twenty films including Abel, Luna's first feature length film, Sin Nombre, Miss Bala, directed by Gerardo Naranjo, and most recently, the English language film, Chavez, directed by Luna and based on the life of Mexican-American labor union organizer César E. Chávez. In 2012, Canana expanded its operations in the U.S. with Canana L.A., bridging the talent pool between Latin America and the U.S. with such projects as A Man Must Die, a political thriller produced in collaboration with Focus Features, with Naranjo set to direct. Canana’s television arm produced Soy Tu Fan, starring Ana Claudia Talancón, Niño Santo, which is production of its second season. The partners’ passion for film has also reflected through Documental Ambulante, a traveling documentary festival that has taken over 200 documentaries to communities across México, is in its 9th installment. Most recently, Canana has joined forces with Im Global to create a sales company focusing on the sales of Latin American films.
Launching earlier this year, Participant PanAmerica is an initiative to develop and finance 10-12 films over five years for and from Latin America with Mexico’s Canana (Sin Nombre, Miss Bala), Chile’s Fabula (Young and Wild, Gloria) and Colombia’s Dynamo (Undertow, The Hidden Face). Its first film, El Ardor starring Gael García Bernal and Alice Braga to shoot in Argentina.
Participant Media is reteaming with No star Gael García Bernal for the first film under their recently-launched Participant PanAmerica initiative, the Western-inspired action adventure El Ardor. Co-starring Alice Braga (Elysium, I Am Legend), El Ardor has begun filming in Argentina under the direction of Pablo Fendrik (Blood Appears, The Mugger), who wrote the screenplay.
García Bernal portrays a mysterious man who emerges from the Argentinean rainforest to rescue the kidnapped daughter (Braga) of a poor farmer after mercenaries murder her father and take over his property.
Juan Pablo Gugliotta and Nathalia Videla Peña and García Bernal serve as the film’s producers, with Participant’s Jeff Skoll and Jonathan King, Canana’s Pablo Cruz and Telefe`s Axel Kuschevatzky as executive producers.
An Argentinean/Brazilian/French co-production being financed through Participant PanAmerica, the film’s co-producers are Magma Cine (Argentina), Bananeira Filmes (Brazil) and Manny Films (France). Magma’s Argentinian partners are Aleph Media and Telefe International. Bac Films is handling international sales outside North American and Latin American territories.
Participant CEO Jim Berk said, “After our terrific experience on No, we’re excited to be reuniting with Gael and Canana for our first Participant PanAmerica film and to be expanding our footprint into this important segment of the global marketplace.”
Jonathan King, Participant Evp of Production said, “Pablo Fendrik and his partners at Magma Cine are exactly the kinds of ambitious young filmmakers we are hoping to work with through PanAmerica. And it's always great to be in business with our friends at Canana."
Added Magma Cine Partner Juan Pablo Gugliotta, “We are truly glad to be shooting this project which represents the emergence of our main talent, Pablo Fendrik, as well as his comeback to the big screen and we are also really grateful for the support of all our associates at local, regional and international level. Magma Cine is proud to be part of the first film by Participant PanAmerica. We are absolutely positive that El Ardor will be on par with the expectations of all those who have granted us their trust.”
Pablo Cruz, Partner at Canana said, "Pablo Fendrik is perhaps one of the most interesting directors out of his generation, we met him years ago when his film El Asaltante was playing at the Critics Week in Cannes, we immediately wanted to work with him. It’s been a fantastic process and I know Gael has had the necessary time to develop with him an unforgettable character. We can't wait to see this film on the screen."
About Magma Cine
Magma Cine was set up by Juan Pablo Gugliotta, Pablo Fendrik and Nathalia Videla Peña in 2006.
Magma Cine is a production company that has produced 9 films over the past 7 years including many of the award winning films of what can be labeled as the “New Argentine Cinema,” films that, thanks to their continuing participation in the international scene, keep growing in number and garnering recognition.
Recently they’ve released Mala, Israel Adrián Caetano’s latest feature film distributed commercially in Latin America by Buena Vista-The Walt Disney Company.
It has also produced several documentary miniseries for Argentine TV and the multi-awarded horror film The Second Death, which has been showcased in the top genre film festivals in the world.
About Canana
Canana, founded in 2005 by Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Pablo Cruz, and most recently joined by partner and CEO Julián Levin, is a pioneer of bringing Latin American talent to a global stage. Over the past 7 years, Canana has produced over twenty films including Abel, Luna's first feature length film, Sin Nombre, Miss Bala, directed by Gerardo Naranjo, and most recently, the English language film, Chavez, directed by Luna and based on the life of Mexican-American labor union organizer César E. Chávez. In 2012, Canana expanded its operations in the U.S. with Canana L.A., bridging the talent pool between Latin America and the U.S. with such projects as A Man Must Die, a political thriller produced in collaboration with Focus Features, with Naranjo set to direct. Canana’s television arm produced Soy Tu Fan, starring Ana Claudia Talancón, Niño Santo, which is production of its second season. The partners’ passion for film has also reflected through Documental Ambulante, a traveling documentary festival that has taken over 200 documentaries to communities across México, is in its 9th installment. Most recently, Canana has joined forces with Im Global to create a sales company focusing on the sales of Latin American films.
- 5/22/2013
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
Mexico City, Feb 1 (Ians/Efe) Mexican actress Ana Claudia Talancon said she was a huge fan of children and soccer, the two subjects of her film, "El sueno de Ivan".
"I've always loved kids. I've felt that way since I was a little girl, with my dolls," the actress said.
"I have always really enjoyed being with kids," the 32-year-old actress said.
Talancon, who press reports say is separated from husband and fellow actor Jose Maria de Tavira, told reporters that appearing in "El sueno de Ivan" was a positive experience because it allowed her to perform with children.
"The protagonists are the children, who make.
"I've always loved kids. I've felt that way since I was a little girl, with my dolls," the actress said.
"I have always really enjoyed being with kids," the 32-year-old actress said.
Talancon, who press reports say is separated from husband and fellow actor Jose Maria de Tavira, told reporters that appearing in "El sueno de Ivan" was a positive experience because it allowed her to perform with children.
"The protagonists are the children, who make.
- 2/1/2013
- by Shiva Prakash
- RealBollywood.com
Back when I manned the horror section of the video store I worked at, anytime I’d find a customer skimming through all the “S” titles with mild frustration, 99 percent of the time, I knew exactly what it was they were looking for. And when I would finally ask, my suspicions were confirmed. “Do you have ‘The Silence Of The Lamb’”? To which I’d always reply, “Ah, the Hannibal Lector movies are all in the ‘mystery/thriller’ section.” And usually this would spur a conversation with that customer that would begin with, “Really? I always thought the Hannibal Lector movies were horror!” And it got me thinking about a handful of other titles that horror fans might not even think to hunt for in the “mystery/thriller” section. There are the obvious choices like Se7en or Misery. Then, there’s also stuff like The Sixth Sense, which yes,...
- 1/26/2013
- by Rob Galluzzo
- FEARnet
Lie to Me alum Brendan Hines will guest star on the upcoming third season of USA Network’s Covert Affairs, TVLine has learned exclusively.
Exclusive: Necessary Roughness Recruits Friday Night Lights‘ Gaius Charles For Major Arc
Hines — who currently recurs on ABC’s Scandal — will appear in Episode 3 as Wade, a Peace Corps volunteer with an appetite for living and a good heart, who works with Auggie’s gal pal Parker (guest star Devin Kelly).
Additionally, Mexican soap star Ana Claudia Talancon has been tapped to play a talented but paranoid Spanish hacker in Episode 2. Her character, Pilar, catches the...
Exclusive: Necessary Roughness Recruits Friday Night Lights‘ Gaius Charles For Major Arc
Hines — who currently recurs on ABC’s Scandal — will appear in Episode 3 as Wade, a Peace Corps volunteer with an appetite for living and a good heart, who works with Auggie’s gal pal Parker (guest star Devin Kelly).
Additionally, Mexican soap star Ana Claudia Talancon has been tapped to play a talented but paranoid Spanish hacker in Episode 2. Her character, Pilar, catches the...
- 4/23/2012
- by Vlada Gelman
- TVLine.com
Accusations of ageism fly around Hollywood all the time, but they seemed to be fairly definitively refuted in recent weeks when a 78-year-old became the hottest screenwriter in town after his film sold, attracted Ridley Scott and Michael Fassbender, and was fast-tracked into production this May. Of course, it helps if that 78-year-old is Cormac McCarthy, the Pulitzer prize-winning author of "Blood Meridian," "All The Pretty Horses," "The Road" and the source material for Best Picture winner "No Country For Old Men." But it's still a rare achievement, to get a film from the page to a greenlight, with A-list talent attached, in only a matter of days.
As so often happens with hot spec scripts, McCarthy's screenplay "The Counselor," leaked almost immediately, and like many others, we managed to get our grubby hands on a copy. And as one of the most talked-about scripts in a while, we thought...
As so often happens with hot spec scripts, McCarthy's screenplay "The Counselor," leaked almost immediately, and like many others, we managed to get our grubby hands on a copy. And as one of the most talked-about scripts in a while, we thought...
- 2/28/2012
- by Oliver Lyttelton
- The Playlist
A new episode of Dollhouse will be airing on December 11th and Fox has released five sneak peeks for your viewing pleasure. You can also view promo photos that I previously posted.
The House Fears Alpha Has Returned On An All-new “Dollhouse”
Friday, December 11, On Fox
Alan Tudyk (“Firefly”) and Patton Oswalt (“Ratatouille”) Guest-Star
In the aftermath of her entanglements at the D.C. Dollhouse, Echo finds herself out in the world struggling to keep her multiple personalities under control. Adelle finds her grip on the house challenged by Harding, and Boyd receives a mysterious phone call. Meanwhile, when Echo’s past romantic engagements are murdered, suspicion falls on Alpha, whose return leaves one member of the house permanently mind-wiped in the all-new “Meet Jane Doe (Part 1 of 2) / A Love Supreme (Part 2 of 2)” episode of Dollhouse airing Friday, Dec. 11(8:00-10:00 Pm Et/Pt) on Fox. (Dol-207/208) (TV-14 D,...
The House Fears Alpha Has Returned On An All-new “Dollhouse”
Friday, December 11, On Fox
Alan Tudyk (“Firefly”) and Patton Oswalt (“Ratatouille”) Guest-Star
In the aftermath of her entanglements at the D.C. Dollhouse, Echo finds herself out in the world struggling to keep her multiple personalities under control. Adelle finds her grip on the house challenged by Harding, and Boyd receives a mysterious phone call. Meanwhile, when Echo’s past romantic engagements are murdered, suspicion falls on Alpha, whose return leaves one member of the house permanently mind-wiped in the all-new “Meet Jane Doe (Part 1 of 2) / A Love Supreme (Part 2 of 2)” episode of Dollhouse airing Friday, Dec. 11(8:00-10:00 Pm Et/Pt) on Fox. (Dol-207/208) (TV-14 D,...
- 12/11/2009
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
A lot of people are saying that Dollhouse is getting awesome now that it's been canceled, which is sad. But isn't that Whedon's way? Sometimes you gotta give the man some time to get into a grove, but once he does, it's glorious.
Fox has released promo photos for the two-hour episode that will be airing on December 11th, along with a short synopsis. You can view both of them below.
The House Fears Alpha Has Returned On An All-new “Dollhouse”
Friday, December 11, On Fox
Alan Tudyk (“Firefly”) and Patton Oswalt (“Ratatouille”) Guest-Star
In the aftermath of her entanglements at the D.C. Dollhouse, Echo finds herself out in the world struggling to keep her multiple personalities under control. Adelle finds her grip on the house challenged by Harding, and Boyd receives a mysterious phone call. Meanwhile, when Echo’s past romantic engagements are murdered, suspicion falls on Alpha, whose...
Fox has released promo photos for the two-hour episode that will be airing on December 11th, along with a short synopsis. You can view both of them below.
The House Fears Alpha Has Returned On An All-new “Dollhouse”
Friday, December 11, On Fox
Alan Tudyk (“Firefly”) and Patton Oswalt (“Ratatouille”) Guest-Star
In the aftermath of her entanglements at the D.C. Dollhouse, Echo finds herself out in the world struggling to keep her multiple personalities under control. Adelle finds her grip on the house challenged by Harding, and Boyd receives a mysterious phone call. Meanwhile, when Echo’s past romantic engagements are murdered, suspicion falls on Alpha, whose...
- 12/9/2009
- by Clarissa
- TVovermind.com
- Banking on the large-reach demographic of Spanish speaking moviegoers that Maya Entertainment is keen on servicing, Lionsgate (known for franchise horror films, Tyler Perry comedies) have grabbed last year's foreign-language short list nominated film from Mexico for an eventual theatrical run in theaters - perhaps sometime this year or next. Roberto Sneider's "Arrancame la vida" (Tear This Heart Out) was a major box office draw for Latin America's 20th Century Fox, and Lionsgate who've made strides in the past with in this market with La mujer de mi hermano will benefit from the buzz at the south of the border. Judging by the trailer, the picture, based on a best-selling novel by Angeles Mastretta, benefitted from the type of financing who's craft services were probably more expensive than what is cost to make Fernando Eimbcke's Lake Tahoe (also a Mexican production). Set in 30s and 40s Mexico,
- 8/3/2009
- IONCINEMA.com
Alone With Her opens with a title card that offers statistics on how common stalking has become in this electronic age, but part of what makes the movie work is how specific and personal its plotline is. Writer/director Eric Nicholas‘ second feature is a form-follows-function modern-video movie in the Blair Witch mode, with everything seen through cameras that are integral to the story—only here, the point of view is that of the threatening antagonist instead of the imperiled victim. Colin Hanks gets top billing and makes a creepy impression as Doug, a bookish and awkward young man who breaks into the house of a woman he’s become fixated on, installing tiny hidden video cameras to watch her every move. But the movie belongs to Mexican actress Ana Claudia Talancón, who plays Amy, the object of Doug’s twisted affections who is literally center screen throughout. The movie...
- 4/21/2009
- Fangoria
Mexico's 'Tear This Heart Out' ('Arrancame la vida'), submitted for Academy Award Nomination for Best Foreign Language film has been a huge box office winner in Mexico and is said to be on a level of 'Like Water For Chocolate' which was the biggest U.S. grossing foreign language film released in 1993 by Miramax is also a strong contender for the Oscar. The director Roberto Sneider has a great cast with Ana Claudia Talancón, Daniel Giménez Cacho and José María de Tavira.
Another favorite is 'Entre les Murs'.
Another strong contender for the Academy Award for Best Documentary is 'Man on Wire'.
Another favorite is 'Entre les Murs'.
Another strong contender for the Academy Award for Best Documentary is 'Man on Wire'.
- 12/11/2008
- Sydney's Buzz
Mexico City -- The Mexican film academy has selected the period piece "Arrancame la Vida" as its foreign-language Oscar submission for the 81st annual Academy Awards.
The Altavista and La Banda Films production has performed exceptionally well at the boxoffice here, grabbing the No. 1 spot in recent weeks over such Hollywood fare as "Mamma Mia!" and "Tropic Thunder." Roberto Sneider directed and co-wrote "Arrancame," which stars Ana Claudia Talancon and Daniel Jimenez Cacho. 20th Century Fox is distributing the picture in Mexico.
The academy also announced that it has chosen Fernando Eimbcke's sophomore drama "Lake Tahoe" to contend for Spain's Goya award in the foreign picture category. Winner of the Fipresci Prize at this year's edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, Paris-based sales agent Funny Balloons is handling international sales on the Cine Pantera-produced film.
The Altavista and La Banda Films production has performed exceptionally well at the boxoffice here, grabbing the No. 1 spot in recent weeks over such Hollywood fare as "Mamma Mia!" and "Tropic Thunder." Roberto Sneider directed and co-wrote "Arrancame," which stars Ana Claudia Talancon and Daniel Jimenez Cacho. 20th Century Fox is distributing the picture in Mexico.
The academy also announced that it has chosen Fernando Eimbcke's sophomore drama "Lake Tahoe" to contend for Spain's Goya award in the foreign picture category. Winner of the Fipresci Prize at this year's edition of the Berlin International Film Festival, Paris-based sales agent Funny Balloons is handling international sales on the Cine Pantera-produced film.
- 9/25/2008
- by By John Hecht
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
NEW YORK -- Wilmer Valderrama, Laurence Fishburne, Amber Valletta, Lupe Ontiveros, Jesse Garcia and rapper Kurupt will star in Celia Fox's urban gang thriller Days of Wrath.
The film, which began principal photography Wednesday in Los Angeles, revolves around a wide group of interconnected Los Angelenos who struggle to survive as a war between a Latino and black gang ravages the city. Valderrama plays Daniel, a thug who sets off the gang war after stealing a rapper's car and accidentally killing the mother of his own Latino gang's kingpin (Garcia).
Fishburne plays a teacher, mentor and voice of reason to the warring gang members. Ontiveros plays the kingpin's grandmother.
Rounding out the ensemble cast of the indie feature are Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Ana Claudia Talancon and rap artists David Banner, Rick Ross and Stavye Slim Thug Thomas.
Morgan plays a ruthless TV producer romantically involved with his anchorwoman (Valletta) who sends his correspondent (Talancon) and her cameraman (Kurupt) into the crossfire.
The film, which began principal photography Wednesday in Los Angeles, revolves around a wide group of interconnected Los Angelenos who struggle to survive as a war between a Latino and black gang ravages the city. Valderrama plays Daniel, a thug who sets off the gang war after stealing a rapper's car and accidentally killing the mother of his own Latino gang's kingpin (Garcia).
Fishburne plays a teacher, mentor and voice of reason to the warring gang members. Ontiveros plays the kingpin's grandmother.
Rounding out the ensemble cast of the indie feature are Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Ana Claudia Talancon and rap artists David Banner, Rick Ross and Stavye Slim Thug Thomas.
Morgan plays a ruthless TV producer romantically involved with his anchorwoman (Valletta) who sends his correspondent (Talancon) and her cameraman (Kurupt) into the crossfire.
- 4/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Ana Claudia Talancon has been cast in the title role of HBO's comedy pilot Whitney, lifting the contingency on the project.
The single-camera project centers on Whitney (Talancon) and her clique of young women in Miami who play and win at the game of sexual politics. Whitney is a beautiful and self-confident woman who easily manipulates men, making each believe that he's the only one in her life.
Whitney was penned by Lisa Schrager, who will executive produce with Alex Gansa and HBO's former senior vp comedy series Sarah Condon.
With the cast contingency lifted, Whitney has been greenlighted for production and will be shot in Miami.
Mexican-born Talancon stars in the indie Alone With Her, which is playing in limited release. Recently in the film Fast Food Nation, she will next appear in Love in the Time of Cholera and One Missed Call.
Talancon is repped by ICM and manager Jorge Mondragon.
The single-camera project centers on Whitney (Talancon) and her clique of young women in Miami who play and win at the game of sexual politics. Whitney is a beautiful and self-confident woman who easily manipulates men, making each believe that he's the only one in her life.
Whitney was penned by Lisa Schrager, who will executive produce with Alex Gansa and HBO's former senior vp comedy series Sarah Condon.
With the cast contingency lifted, Whitney has been greenlighted for production and will be shot in Miami.
Mexican-born Talancon stars in the indie Alone With Her, which is playing in limited release. Recently in the film Fast Food Nation, she will next appear in Love in the Time of Cholera and One Missed Call.
Talancon is repped by ICM and manager Jorge Mondragon.
- 2/12/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
IFC First Take/The Weinstein Co.
NEW YORK -- More interesting conceptually than dramatically, Eric Nicholas' thriller "Alone With Her" boasts a highly clever technological conceit, albeit one that was exploited many years ago to a lesser degree in "The Anderson Tapes". This tale of a stalker and his victim is told entirely through the point of view of the cameras he has surreptitiously placed around her apartment, resulting in an effectively chilling tale of technology-aided obsession. The film is playing exclusively at New York City's IFC Center.
The opening moments of the film clue us in as to what we're about to experience when it shows various bikini-clad nubile beauties at a beach as secretly filmed by the nebbishy Doug (Colin Hanks). It isn't long before he sets his sights on one woman in particular, the beautiful Amy (Ana Claudia Talancon), and after he breaks into her apartment and sets up his surveillance system, he is able to watch her every clothed and unclothed move.
He begins to insinuate himself into her life, using the knowledge he has gained from his voyeurism to procure her trust. It isn't long before he becomes even more interventionist, sabotaging her life in various ways so he can come to the rescue. When Amy's girlfriend (Jordana Spiro) begins to get suspicious, he takes care of the matter in a way that also is captured on tape.
For all its technological ingenuity, however, the film is ultimately a fairly routine stalker thriller that soon becomes repetitive in its contrivances. And the footage, necessarily shot on digital video, is not particularly easy to watch over the course of the film's feature-length (albeit only 79 minutes) running time.
Still, there's no denying the creepiness of its effect, and the pasty-faced Hanks, who hasn't lost all of his baby fat, is highly convincing as the high-tech stalker.
NEW YORK -- More interesting conceptually than dramatically, Eric Nicholas' thriller "Alone With Her" boasts a highly clever technological conceit, albeit one that was exploited many years ago to a lesser degree in "The Anderson Tapes". This tale of a stalker and his victim is told entirely through the point of view of the cameras he has surreptitiously placed around her apartment, resulting in an effectively chilling tale of technology-aided obsession. The film is playing exclusively at New York City's IFC Center.
The opening moments of the film clue us in as to what we're about to experience when it shows various bikini-clad nubile beauties at a beach as secretly filmed by the nebbishy Doug (Colin Hanks). It isn't long before he sets his sights on one woman in particular, the beautiful Amy (Ana Claudia Talancon), and after he breaks into her apartment and sets up his surveillance system, he is able to watch her every clothed and unclothed move.
He begins to insinuate himself into her life, using the knowledge he has gained from his voyeurism to procure her trust. It isn't long before he becomes even more interventionist, sabotaging her life in various ways so he can come to the rescue. When Amy's girlfriend (Jordana Spiro) begins to get suspicious, he takes care of the matter in a way that also is captured on tape.
For all its technological ingenuity, however, the film is ultimately a fairly routine stalker thriller that soon becomes repetitive in its contrivances. And the footage, necessarily shot on digital video, is not particularly easy to watch over the course of the film's feature-length (albeit only 79 minutes) running time.
Still, there's no denying the creepiness of its effect, and the pasty-faced Hanks, who hasn't lost all of his baby fat, is highly convincing as the high-tech stalker.
- 1/19/2007
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Televisa Cine USA, the U.S. distribution arm of Mexico's Televisa Cine, will release Alejandro Lozano's Matando Cabos (Killing Cabos) domestically in June, Eckehardt Von Damm, president of the two distribution companies, said Wednesday. Lightning Entertainment co-president Richard Guardian said his company has picked up international rights to the dark comedy. Televisa Cine opened Cabos in July in Mexico where it went on to gross $7 million. Televisa's previous stateside distribution effort, A Day Without a Mexican, earned more than $4 million at the U.S. boxoffice. Cabos, which stars Ana Claudia Talancon (The Crime of Father Amaro), Pedro Armendariz (Once Upon a Time in Mexico) and Tony Dalton (Clase 406), was produced by Lemon Films, the production shingle of brothers Billy Rovzar-Diez-Barroso and Fernando Rovzar-Diez-Barroso.
Minnie Driver and Ana Claudia Talancon are teaming to topline the psychological drama The Virgin of Juarez for helmer Kevin James Dobson. Shooting is under way in Los Angeles from a script by Michael Fallon. The duo star alongside Angus MacFadyen, Esai Morales, Jacob Vargas, Jorge Cervera Jr., Guillermo Diaz, David Starzyk, Noel Guglielmi and Joanna Cassidy. Driver plays a journalist investigating the real-life murders of young women in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico, that have made international headlines, while Talancon plays the title role of Mariela, the virgin of Juarez. Driver's character meets Mariela, a survivor of a vicious attack whose mysterious weeping wounds are the catalyst for the drama that unfolds and the hunt for the killer.
El Camino Pictures, the film production entity launched in May by William Morris Independent and financier Bob Yari, has packaged its next project -- Sueno, an indie dramedy to star John Leguizamo, Ana Claudia Talancon and Elizabeth Pena, with Renee Chabria at the helm. Marc Forster, Eric Kopeloff and Robert Ortiz are producing. Lensing starts this week in Los Angeles with Leguizamo starring as a Mexican immigrant who is struggling to survive in L.A. and, in doing so, enters a local Latino singing competition. Meanwhile, he finds himself in a romantic triangle with two women -- a neighbor in her 40s (Pena) and a young veterinary student (Talancon). Tiffany Limos has also joined the cast, playing a hairdresser. " 'Sueno' is a story about the beauty and the frailty of the American dream and the importance of remembering the passion that lies at the heart of our desires," said Chabria.
- 10/10/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
El Camino Pictures, the film production entity launched in May by William Morris Independent and financier Bob Yari, has packaged its next project -- Sueno, an indie dramedy to star John Leguizamo, Ana Claudia Talancon and Elizabeth Pena, with Renee Chabria at the helm. Marc Forster, Eric Kopeloff and Robert Ortiz are producing. Lensing starts this week in Los Angeles with Leguizamo starring as a Mexican immigrant who is struggling to survive in L.A. and, in doing so, enters a local Latino singing competition. Meanwhile, he finds himself in a romantic triangle with two women -- a neighbor in her 40s (Pena) and a young veterinary student (Talancon). Tiffany Limos has also joined the cast, playing a hairdresser. " 'Sueno' is a story about the beauty and the frailty of the American dream and the importance of remembering the passion that lies at the heart of our desires," said Chabria.
- 10/10/2003
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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