CINEFESTIVAL 2016 kicks off their 38th Annual Film Festival with a long-time favorite and, to many, a very important Mexican-American film MI FAMILIA. Directed by Gregory Nava, this film about multi-generational Mexican-American family stars Edward James Olmos, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Smitts and Esai Morales. After the screening, actor Jesse Borrego will moderate a Q & A with actors Esai Morales, Jacob Vargas & Elpidia Carrillo.
CINEFESTIVAL runs Friday, February 19 through Saturday, February 27th at the Guadalupe Theater (1301 Guadalupe Street). It is the nation’s longest running Latino film festival and San Antonio’s original indie film festival. There are free workshops, documentary film debuts, family day, panel discussions and receptions. In addition to opening night, here are a few of the events that I am looking forward to:
“Las Tesoros de San Antonio, A Westside Story” documentary film debut presented by Esperanza Peace and Justice Center on Sunday Feb. 21 at 5 p.m.
Tribute to Veteran Actor Pepe Serna on Wednesday, February 24. Two film screenings are scheduled for that night.
At 6:30pm, Aguruphobia – a comedy starring Pepe Serna.
At 8:30pm, the World Premier of Gino’s Wife which is a locally produced feature narrative by Aaron Lee Lopez starring Jesse Borrego and Pepe Serna.
Closing Night with BORDERTOWN
If you’ve been following me on Twitter, you know that on Sunday nights I’ve been tuning in to BORDERTOWN on Fox. Closing CINEFESTIVAL with this screening and a Q & A with Lalo Alcaraz (writer/producer) and Nicolas Gonzalez (actor) in attendance is the right way to seal another CINEFESTIVAL.
Queridos, these are just a few events that stick out to me. The entire lineup is strong and I think there is something for everyone. Sunday is dubbed as Family Day, Tuesday is Youth Day, Thursday is Throwback Thursday and on Friday for Senior Day, one of my favorite films CANTIFLAS will screen at 9 a.m.
CINEFESTIVAL – LATINO FILM FESTIVAL
For the full schedule and to buy tickets, visit CINEFESTIVAL online. Festival passes are $50.00, individual screenings start at $8.00. Senior, Youth and panels are free.
I hope to see you there supporting Latinos in film!
