LALIFF Connect 2020 will also present a series of masterclasses including Nightlife Curation in the LatinX World with Cumbiaton’s DJ Sizzle of Cumbiatón and Funky Caramelo; LatinX in Animation: A Masterclasswith Head of Story of Connected at Sony Pictures Animation Guillermo Martinez, Co-Producer at Walt Disney Animation Studios Yvett Merino, and Creative Producer of The Casagrandes at Nickelodeon Animations Studio Miguel Puga; Music Composition: Masterclass with composer Elik Álvarez, composer Tony Morales and composers/producers Carl Thiel and Maria Vertiz; and a Sound Design Masterclass with the Sound Designer of the film The Last Rafter, Paola Magrans.
“We are proud to advocate for Latinx artists and musicians, especially at a time where they have been hit the most and share their beautiful sounds. Be sure to dance in your living rooms and don’t worry about the door fee—LALIFF has you covered,” says Managing Director of LALIFF, Alexis de la Rocha.
The 2019 retrospective, which starts today, will include three features, nine shorts and three episodics as well as musical performances. The features will include Councilwoman directed by Margo Guernseyand I’ll See You Around directed by Daniel Fermin Pfeffer which will be available online during the entire month of the retrospective (April 14th – May 4th). The program will also host a special virtual event of the film Divine Love directed by Gabriel Mascaro followed by a special presentation with music from DJ José Galvan on April 29th.
The shorts section will include “And the Brave Shall Rise”directed by Adam Schlachte, “Chicle” (“Gum”) directed by Lizette Barrera, “Figueroa”directed by Victor Hugo Duran, “Pozole”directed by Jessica Mendez Siqueiros, “Simon Cries”directed by Sergio Guataquira Sarmiento, “Skaya” directed by Gabriel Noguez, “Suicidrag”directed by Andrea Perez Su, “Unlucky’s Luck” directed by Felipe Holguin Caro, and “Water Warrior”directed by Monica Medellín. The episodic section includes South of Sunset, Stoned Breakups and Unimundo 45.
The LALIFF 2019 Retrospective, that brings some of the best acts of last year’s edition including ‘La Mera’ Candelaria, DJ José Galván, DJ Vick Jagger and Linda Nuves of Chulita Vinyl Club who will join us again to perform on the following dates:
- Wednesday, April 22nd | 6:00PM PST / 9:00PM EST – Linda Nuves, Chulita Vinyl Club
- Thursday, April 23rd | 6:00PM PST / 9:00PM EST – “La Mera” Candelaria
- Friday, April 24th | 6:00PM PST / 9:00PM EST – DJ Vick Jagger & Femme C Mel
- Wednesday, April 29th | 6:00PM PST / 9:00PM EST – DJ Jose Galvan
Additionally, the Youth Cinema Project (YCP)—another initiative of the Latino Film Institute—in an effort to help its teachers and students while schools remain closed, has also started a program called YCPLiveReads. YCP will host live script readings of its students by talent from TV series and films including Gentefied, Vida, Devious Maids, Napoleon Dynamite, among others every Wednesday and Friday at 1pm PDT throughout the month of April. This week’s YCPLiveReads will include participation from the cast of Spanish Aquí Presents and Devious Maids. People can join the live reads by visiting YCP website or by searching the hashtag #YCPLiveReads on social media.
LALIFF CONNECT 2020
Features (3)
The Last Rafter – After risking his life crossing the Florida Straits on a raft, a young Cuban searches Miami for his long-absent father. When a political shift makes him America’s first Cuban undocumented immigrant, he must battle the new and bigger fear of deportation, while trying to find where he really belongs. Directed by Carlos Rafael Betancourt and Oscar Ernesto Ortega. (USA)
Paper Children – Paper Children explores America’s invisible refugee crisis through the eyes of one Miami family who navigates a broken system with unwavering resilience. The four siblings and their parents work hard at a new start together, as far away from the frightening gang violence in their native Honduras as possible. As they begin to heal from past trauma, the thorny complexities of the US immigration system lead to crushing setbacks that once again threaten their sense of security. Through it all, the family holds on to their faith and loving spirit—they’ve risked too much to give up hope. Directed by Alexandra Codina. (USA)
This Is Cristina – Cristina and Susana have been best friends since high school. But now, when they are already over 30 years-old, they are receiving a wake-up call. Cristina just divorced and she is not prepared for her new spinsterhood; Susana is returning to live again in her mother’s house. Because of a fight, they take distance from each other and now both, separated, will have to deal with a long list of selfish, self-centered and egotistical men around them. Directed by Gonzalo Maza. (Chile)
Shorts (6)
“1, 2, 3, All Eyes on Me” – When a crisis suddenly engulfs an elementary school campus, Ms. Leena, a determined art teacher tries everything she can to save her frightened class. Directed by Emil Gallardo. (USA)
“Baby” – An unnerving encounter with her estranged father at a night club while on a weekend back home in Lima is enough to remind Lia that there are unhealed wounds. Directed by Thais Drassinower. (PERU)
“Flowers Within” – Two women searching for “perfect beauty” realize that their biggest fight is not against each other. “Flowers Within” is a visual journey on how beauty standards imposed on women have blinded them from the power that lies within. Directed by Catalina Loret. (MEXICO)
“María” – Several weeks after a devastating hurricane, a young woman, María, returns home to care for her suicidal father. Directed by Zoe Salicrup Junco. (USA)
“Rizo” – An Afro-Latina struggles with her identity as she navigates the Hollywood machine. Directed by Jeanette Dilone. (USA)
“Say You Will” – Following his release from the juvenile hall at fourteen, Jeovany “Jeo” Salgado finds out he is subject to a gang injunction – a secretive law enforcement tool that will follow him for the rest of his life. Directed by Mariel Sosa. (USA)
