Latin Business Today at the Opening Night of the Latino Film Festival

Latin Business Today at the Latino Film Festival

Latino Film makers continue to raise the bar.

 

This week I was thrilled to be in attendance for the opening night reception of the New York Latino Film Festival. Already in its 15thyear of existence, the festival’s mission is to showcase the work of Latino filmmakers bringing their inspiring vision to the big screen. The evening’s events started with a red carpet spotlight on all of the talented filmmakers, writers, producers, and actors giving them the opportunity to shine and make a statement to press and bloggers on hand for the major event.

 

Latin Business Today at the HBO Latino Film Festival

So excited to be a part of opening night for the New York Latino Film Festival

  A lovely reception hosted at the AMC Empire 25 Theaters on 42ndstreet provided a beautiful venue overlooking Times Square to mix, mingle and speak with all of these talented Latinos and talk about their movies. It was great to be among such talented and dynamic people who have worked so hard to get their stories onto the big screen. The festival will continue to run until Saturday, August 26thsupporting over 75 feature films, documentaries, and short stories.

HBO Latino Film Festival

HBO presents the 15thannual New York Latino Film Festival

On hand to discuss her feature film, “La Palabra de Pablo”, was actress, Paolo Baldoin. Written and directed by Arturo Menendez, it’s a sexy and tragic film that is a dark twisted take on Shakespeare’s Othello. Filled with murder, corruption, jealousy and deceipt, it’s sure to keep us on the edge of our seats. I’m excited for its NYC debut Friday night!

Paola Baldoin

Actress Paola Baldoin, shining bright at the New York Latino Film Festival

Another fun chat of the evening was with actor, filmmaker and writer, Dominique Nieves and actor, Amilcar Javier who star in the short movie, “A Nice Guy”.  It’s a story about a woman struggling to be in a relationship after she’s been assaulted by an ex-boyfriend.

A Nice Guy

Spending some time with this gracious duo who star in “A Nice Guy”

Ruben Blades Is Not My Name

Opening Night Premiere of Feature Film, “Ruben Blades is Not my Name”, directed by Abner Benaim.

The final culmination of the evening was the NYC premiere of documentary, “Ruben Blades is Not my Name”, directed by Abner Benaim. It’s a story about the journey of Panamanian musician, Ruben Blades who was the catalyst of the New York Salsa revolution in the 70’s. The winner of 17 Grammys, an actor, a recipient of a Harvard law degree, and a previous candidate for Panamanian president, he was and still is a legend and icon with plenty of musical and political ambitions in his future.

 

Ruben Blades

Ruben Blades chatting with the press about the documentary on his life entitled, “Ruben Blades is Not My Name”

I’m so honored to have been included in this community of creative artists and companies who strive to show emerging Latino talent in filmmaking. It’s important to see and hear stories from the Latino perspective so that we can better understand the world we live in and how it affects us. It’s important for their voices to be heard and their stories to be shared. I hope you will take a look at the roster of films being shown at www.nylatinofilmfestival.com and choose a few to watch. You’ll be inspired by the talent and imagination of these passionate filmmakers striving to advance Latinos forward in the movie industry.

A huge thanks to my good friend, Betsie Batista for bringing me into this amazing circle of people to learn more about the New York Latino Film Festival!

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