Netflix Mexico has unveiled a rousing new slate in production this year that includes the series debut of Luis Estrada (“¡Que viva México!”), a new pic from Rodrigo Garcia (“Familia”), another series from hit-maker José Ignacio “Chascas” Valenzuela (“Who Killed Sara?”) and “La Reina del Sur”’s Kate del Castillo unusually toplining a comedy.
Also leading the pack is series “Gringo Hunters,” produced by Woo Films and Redrum in co-production with Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment in association with The Washington Post.
Said Francisco Ramos, VP of content for Latin America: “We begin 2024 by reaffirming our commitment to show Mexico, just as it is, on Netflix. This diverse and complex Mexico –immensely rich, sometimes contradictory, and with enormous possibilities– is what inspires, motivates and makes us always keep an eye out for the best stories, so that our offer is even more ambitious and accurate.”
“We will continue to explore...
Also leading the pack is series “Gringo Hunters,” produced by Woo Films and Redrum in co-production with Brian Grazer’s Imagine Entertainment in association with The Washington Post.
Said Francisco Ramos, VP of content for Latin America: “We begin 2024 by reaffirming our commitment to show Mexico, just as it is, on Netflix. This diverse and complex Mexico –immensely rich, sometimes contradictory, and with enormous possibilities– is what inspires, motivates and makes us always keep an eye out for the best stories, so that our offer is even more ambitious and accurate.”
“We will continue to explore...
- 2/9/2024
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
¡Que viva México! is a film directed by Luis Estrada starring Damián Alcázar, Alfonso Herrera, Joaquín Cosío and Ana Martín.
A Mexican comedy about Mexico that takes life, tradition, family, the political system, customs and seriousness itself… as a joke.
A comedy that knows that comedy -or a certain kind of comedy- is based on stereotypes and plays with them in a healthy and even intelligent way.
It will have, for sure, its detractors, but you won’t find us among them.
¡Que viva México! Movie review
A comedy about the rich and the poor, mariachis, drunks, cheap brothels, yellowed walls, and mold everywhere. Between bad taste for some, intelligent provocation for others and, for others (for sure) stupidity.
It is a combination of (Mexican) humor that laughs at all the Mexican clichés and makes this encounter between two parallel universes an enriching experience that leaves no one indifferent.
You may like it or not,...
A Mexican comedy about Mexico that takes life, tradition, family, the political system, customs and seriousness itself… as a joke.
A comedy that knows that comedy -or a certain kind of comedy- is based on stereotypes and plays with them in a healthy and even intelligent way.
It will have, for sure, its detractors, but you won’t find us among them.
¡Que viva México! Movie review
A comedy about the rich and the poor, mariachis, drunks, cheap brothels, yellowed walls, and mold everywhere. Between bad taste for some, intelligent provocation for others and, for others (for sure) stupidity.
It is a combination of (Mexican) humor that laughs at all the Mexican clichés and makes this encounter between two parallel universes an enriching experience that leaves no one indifferent.
You may like it or not,...
- 5/11/2023
- by Martin Cid
- Martin Cid Magazine - Movies
¡Que viva México!, Luis Estrada’s new political satire -- and his first film in almost a decade -- will have a wide theatrical release in Mexico, on Thursday, March 23. It’ll be distributed by Sony Pictures Releasing International. ¡Que viva México! was financed by Netflix but, ultimately, Estrada rejected the original plan to show the three-hour-plus picture only in select theaters. Netflix had made an exception to put Alejandro González Iñárritu’s Bardo, False Chronicle of a Handful of Truths in commercial theaters, so Estrada sought the same for his film. When the company refused to do so, he himself bought the theatrical rights, though ¡Que viva México! will eventually join Netflix’s catalog. ¡Que viva México! promises to be in the same vein as other Estrada...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
[Read the whole post on screenanarchy.com...]...
- 2/6/2023
- Screen Anarchy
Exclusive: Sony Pictures International Productions has picked up worldwide theatrical rights to ¡Que Viva México! — the latest in a series of political satires from filmmaker Luis Estrada — slating it for release on more than 3,000 screens across Mexico, via Sony Pictures Releasing International, on March 23.
The film follows Pancho Reyes (Alfonso Herrera), a prosperous and “aspirational” middle class man who 20 years ago, abandoned his hometown and entirely forgot all about his very large and very poor family. One day, he receives unexpected news, when his father informs him that his grandfather, Don Francisco Reyes (Joaquín Cosío), a rich old miner, just passed away, and that he is part of his will and possible heir.
Motivated by greed, Pancho decides to go back to the remote town of La Prosperidad to meet with his estranged and resented family, taking his wife, kids, and maid with him. But the mere presence of Pancho,...
The film follows Pancho Reyes (Alfonso Herrera), a prosperous and “aspirational” middle class man who 20 years ago, abandoned his hometown and entirely forgot all about his very large and very poor family. One day, he receives unexpected news, when his father informs him that his grandfather, Don Francisco Reyes (Joaquín Cosío), a rich old miner, just passed away, and that he is part of his will and possible heir.
Motivated by greed, Pancho decides to go back to the remote town of La Prosperidad to meet with his estranged and resented family, taking his wife, kids, and maid with him. But the mere presence of Pancho,...
- 2/2/2023
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Following on “Huesera,” a double Tribeca winner, Mexico’s Machete, headed by Edher Campos, is returning to female filmmaker social issue genre with “Cachorra,” a darkly humoured horror thriller set on the Mexico-u.S. desert border.
The feature debut of Madrid-based genre scribe and consultant Elisa Puerto Aubel, who penned Sitges Audience Award winner. “La venganza de Jairo,” “Cachorra” is one of the newest additions to a five movie 2002-23 slate at Machete, producer of Cannes Festival winners “Leap Year” and “La Jaula de Oro.” It forms part of a robust lineup at this week’s Sanfic-Mórbido Lab, which packs many of Sanfic Industria’s most commercial propositions,
All of Machete’s films, three now in post-production, carry social point. A trio – “Huesera,” “Pups” and “The Path of Silence” – show Machete driving into genre and LGBTQ themes, fast emerging as the cutting edge focuses for many of the most exciting of Latin America movies.
The feature debut of Madrid-based genre scribe and consultant Elisa Puerto Aubel, who penned Sitges Audience Award winner. “La venganza de Jairo,” “Cachorra” is one of the newest additions to a five movie 2002-23 slate at Machete, producer of Cannes Festival winners “Leap Year” and “La Jaula de Oro.” It forms part of a robust lineup at this week’s Sanfic-Mórbido Lab, which packs many of Sanfic Industria’s most commercial propositions,
All of Machete’s films, three now in post-production, carry social point. A trio – “Huesera,” “Pups” and “The Path of Silence” – show Machete driving into genre and LGBTQ themes, fast emerging as the cutting edge focuses for many of the most exciting of Latin America movies.
- 8/16/2022
- by John Hopewell
- Variety Film + TV
Netflix has reaffirmed its 300 million commitment to Mexican cinema and series, announcing a slew of new movie projects to celebrate the country’s National Day of Cinema on Aug. 15 and as part of its #QueMéxicoSeVea initiative.
The year-old initiative, which can be roughly translated to “Let Mexico Be Seen” has the mission “to make visible the work of Mexican creators, screenwriters, writers, directors, actors and people who make national cinema possible,” as well as its wealth of original stories.
Leading the pack is the widely anticipated directorial debut of Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto who is helming an adaptation of Juan Rulfo’s seminal novel, “Pedro Paramo.” Produced by Redrum, the film’s crew includes Oscar-nominated production designer Eugenio Caballero and costume designer Anna Terrazas, whose notable credits include “Roma,” “Spectre” and “Bardo.”
“Our commitment to Mexican culture also includes adapting great Mexican works to the cinema, and ‘Pedro Páramo’ will...
The year-old initiative, which can be roughly translated to “Let Mexico Be Seen” has the mission “to make visible the work of Mexican creators, screenwriters, writers, directors, actors and people who make national cinema possible,” as well as its wealth of original stories.
Leading the pack is the widely anticipated directorial debut of Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto who is helming an adaptation of Juan Rulfo’s seminal novel, “Pedro Paramo.” Produced by Redrum, the film’s crew includes Oscar-nominated production designer Eugenio Caballero and costume designer Anna Terrazas, whose notable credits include “Roma,” “Spectre” and “Bardo.”
“Our commitment to Mexican culture also includes adapting great Mexican works to the cinema, and ‘Pedro Páramo’ will...
- 8/11/2022
- by Anna Marie de la Fuente
- Variety Film + TV
On Wednesday, May 27th, Premios Platino's hosts Alessandra Rosaldo and Juan Carlos Arciniegas alongside actor Eugenio Derbez, as well as Elvi Cano (Director Egeda Us) and Gonzalo Elvira (Fipca Mexico) will announce the nominees for the Awards in Los Angeles, CA.
During the press conference Mexican actress Kate Del Castillo will announce the recipient of the Premio de Honor (Lifetime Achievement Award). In addition Rick Nicita, Chairman of the American Cinematheque, will accept a special Platino Award to The American Cinematheque for its contribution to Iberoamerican Cinema.
Produced by Egeda, in collaboration with Fipca, the Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema was born with the vocation to establish itself as a major international ceremony, promoting Latin American cinema as a whole and transcending borders. It is one of the most important tools to promote and support our film industry and all the professionals who, day after day, put forth all their effort and commitment so that audiences can enjoy the best films.
The candidates for the 2nd Platino Awards (Premios Platino) were announced during the 18th Málaga Film Festival in Spain. 73 feature films and 18 Ibero- American countries compete for the final nominations in the 14 categories for this prestigious award. The competing films had to be commercially released or premiered in an A-List Film Festival during 2014. The final nominations will be announced tomorrow at the Andaz Hotel West Hollywood. The Premios Platino Award Ceremony will take place on July 18, 2015 at Starlite Marbella in Spain.
As part of the same event The Premios Platino has distinguished the Málaga Film Festival with a special award for its contribution to the circulation and promotion of Spanish and Ibero- American cinema.
Here is the list of preselected candidates in each category ahead of tomorrow's final nominations
Premio Platino for the Best Ibero-American Fictional Film
· "Cantinflas"
(Kenio Films) (Mexico).
· "Conducta" (Behavior)
(Instituto Cubano Del Arte E Industria Cinematográfica, Rtv Comercial) (Cuba).
· "El Mudo" (The Mute)
(Maretazo Cine, Urban Factory) (Peru, Mexico).
· "El Niño"
(Vaca Films Studio, S.L., Telecinco Cinema, S.A., Ikiru Films, S.L., La Ferme! Productions, El Niño la película, A.I.E.) (Spain).
· "La Danza de la Realidad" (The Dance of Reality)
(Camera One, Pathe Y Le Soleil Films) (Chile).
· "La Dictadura Perfecta" (The Perfect Dictatorship)
(Imcine - Instituto Mexicano De Cinematografía, Estudios Churubusco Azteca, S.A., Bandidos Films, Fidecine, Eficine 226) (Mexico).
· "La Isla Mínima" (Marshland)
(Antena 3 Films, S.L., Atípica Films, S.L. y Sacromonte Films S.L.) (Spain).
· "Libertador" (The Liberator)
(Producciones Insurgentes, San Mateo Films) (Venezuela, Spain).
· "Matar a un Hombre" (To Kill a Man)
(Arizona Production, El Remanso Cine Ltda) (Chile).
· "Mr. Kaplan"
(Baobab 66 Films, S.L., Salado Media, Expresso Films) (Uruguay, Spain).
· "O Lobo Atrás da Porta" (A Wolf at the Door)
(Tc Filmes, Gullane Filmes) (Brazil).
· "Os gatos não têm vertigens" (Cats Don't Have Vertigo)
(Mgn Filmes) (Portugal).
· "Pelo Malo" (Bad Hair)
(Sudaca Films, Hanfgarn & Ufer Filmproduktion, Artefactos S.F., Imagen Latina, La Sociedad Post) (Venezuela Peru, Argentina).
· "Refugiado"
(Gale Cine, Burning Blue, El Campo Cine, Staron Films, Bellota Films, Río Rojo Contenidos) (Argentina, Colombia).
. "Relatos Salvajes" (Wild Tales)
(Kramer & Sigman Films, El Deseo P.C - S.A.) (Argentina, Spain).
Premio Platino for Best Directing
Alberto Rodríguez (Spain), for "La Isla Mínima." Alejandro Jodorowsky (Chile), for "La danza de la Realidad." Álvaro Brechner (Uruguay), for "Mr Kaplan." António-Pedro Vasconcelos (Portugal), for "Os gatos não têm vertigens." Claudia Pinto (Venezuela), for "La Distancia más Larga." Damián Szifron (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Daniel Monzón (Spain), for "El Niño." Daniel Vega (Peru) and Diego Vega (Peru), for "El Mudo." Ernesto Daranas (Cuba), for "Conducta." Fernando Coimbra (Brazil), for "O lobo atrás da porta." Fernando Pérez (Cuba), "La Pared de las Palabras." Luis Estrada (Mexico), for "La Dictadura Perfecta." Mariana Rondón (Venezuela), for "Pelo Malo." Miguel Cohan (Argentina), for "Betibú." Sebastián del Amo (Mexico), for "Cantinflas. "
Premio Platino for Best Actor
Benicio Del Toro (Puerto Rico), for Escobar. "Paraíso Perdido." Damián Alcázar (Mexico), for "La Dictadura Perfecta. Dani Rovira (Spain), for "Ocho Apellidos Vascos." Daniel Candia (Chile), for "Matar a un Hombre." Daniel Fanego (Argentina), for "Betibú." Edgar Ramírez (Venezuela), for "Libertador." Fernando Bacilio (Peru), "El Mudo." Ghilherme Lobo (Brazil), "The Way He Looks." Javier Gutiérrez (Spain), for "La Isla Mínima." Jorge Perugorría (Cuba), for "La Pared de las Palabras." Leonardo Sbaraglia (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Oscar Jaenada (Spain), by "Cantinflas." Salvador del Solar (Peru), for "El Elefante Desaparecido." Viggo Mortensen (USA), for "Jauja." Wagner Moura (Brazil), for "Futuro Beach" .
Premio Platino for Best Actress
Angie Cepeda (Colombia), for "El Elefante Desaparecido." Bárbara Lennie (Spain), by "Magical Girl." Carme Elías (Spain), for "La Distancia Más Larga." Elena Anaya (Spain), for "Todos Están Muertos." Érica Rivas (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Geraldine Chaplin (USA), for "Dólares de Arena." Isabel Santos (Cuba), for "La Pared de las Palabras." Julieta Díaz (Argentina), for "Refugiado." Laura de la Uz (Cuba), for "Vestido de Novia." Leandra Leal (Brazil), for "O Lobo Atrás da Porta." Maria do Céu Guerra (Portugal), for "Os gatos não têm vertigens." Martha Higareda (Mexico), for "Cásese Quien Pueda." Paulina García (Chile), for "Las Analfabetas." Samantha Castillo (Venezuela), for "Pelo Malo." Silvia Navarro (Mexico), for "La Dictadura Perfecta. "
Premio Platino for Best Original Score
Adán Jodorowsky (Chile), for "La Danza de la Realidad." Antonio Pinto (Brazil), for "Trash. A esperança vem do lixo." Edilio Paredes (Dominican Republic), Ramón Cordero (Dominican Republic), Benjamín de Menil (Dominican Republic), for "Dólares de Arena." Federico Jusid (Argentina), for "Betibú" Gustavo Dudamel (Venezuela), for "Libertador." Gustavo Santaolalla (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Juan A. Leyva (Cuba), Magda R. Galbán (Cuba), for "Conducta." Julio de la Rosa (Spain), for "La iIsla Mínima." Mikel Salas (Spain), for "Mr Kaplan." Pedro Subercaseaux (Chile), for "Crystal Fairy y el Cactus Mágico." Ricardo Cutz (Brazil), "O lobo atrás da porta." Roque Baños (Spain), for "El Niño." Ruy Folguera (Argentina), for" Olvidados." Selma Mutal (Peru), for "El Elefante Desaparecido." Vicent Barrière (France), for "La Distancia más Larga."
Premio Platino for Best Animated Film
"Até que a Sbórnia nos Separe" (Otto Desenhos Animados) (Brazil). "Dixie y la Rebelión Zombi" (Abra Prod. S.L.) (Spain) "El Ultimo Mago o Bilembambudín" (Fabula Producciones, Aleph Media S.A., Filmar Uno) (Argentina, Chile). "Historia de Cronopios y de Famas" (Prodarte) (Argentina). "La Leyenda de las Momias de Guanajuato" (Ánima Estudios, S.A. De C.V.) (Mexico). "La Tropa de Trapo en la Selva del Arcoíris" (Continental Producciones, S.L, Anera Films, S.L., Abano Producions, S.L. La Tropa De Trapo, S.L.) (Spain, Brazil). "Meñique" (Ficción Producciones, S.L., Estudios De Animación Icaic) (Cuba, Spain). "Mortadelo y Filemón Contra Jimmy el Cachondo" (Zeta Audiovisual y Películas Pendelton) (Spain). "The Boy and the World" (Filme de Papel) (Brazil). "Pichinguitos. Tgus, la Película" (Non Plus Ultra) (Mexico, Honduras). "Ritos de Passagem" (Liberato Produçoes Culturais) (Brazil).
Premio Platino for Best Documentary Film
• "¿Quién es Dayani Cristal?" (Canana Films, Pulse Films Limited) (Mexico).
"2014, Nacido en Gaza" (La Claqueta Pc, S.L.Contramedia Films) (Spain). "Avant" (Trivial Media Srl, Tarkio Film) (Uruguay, Argentina). "Buscando a Gastón" (Chiwake Films) (Peru). "E agora? Lémbra-me" (C.R.I.M. Produçoes, Presente Edições De Autor) (Portugal). "El Color que Cayó del Cielo" (K & S Films) (Argentina). "El Ojo del Tiburón" (Astronauta Films, Gema Films) (Argentina, Spain). "El Río que Nos Atraviesa" (Ochi Producciones, Maraisa Films Producciones) (Venezuela). "El Sueño de Todos" (S3d Films, Tridi Films) (Chile). "El Vals de los Inútiles" (La Pata De Juana, Cusicanqui Films) (Chile, Argentina). "Invasión" (Apertura Films, Ajimolido Films) (Panama, Argentina). "Maracaná" (Coral Cine, S.R.L., Tenfield S.A.) (Uruguay, Brazil). "The Salt of the Earth" (Decia Films) (Brazil) "Paco de Lucía. La búsqueda" (Ziggurat Films, S.L.) (Spain) "Pichuco" (Puente Films) (Argentina).
Premio Platino for Best Screenplay
Alberto Rodríguez (Spain), Rafael Cobos (Spain), for" La Isla Mínima." Alejandro Jodorowsky (Chile), for "La Danza de la Realidad." Álvaro Brechner (Uruguay), for "Mr. Kaplan." Anahí Berneri (Argentina), Javier Van Couter (Argentina), for "Aire Libre." Carlos Vermut (Spain), for "Magical Girl." Claudia Pinto (Venezuela), for "La Distancia Más Larga." Damián Szifron (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Daniel Ribeiro (Brazil), for "The Way He Looks." Daniel Vega (Peru), Diego Vega (Peru), for "El Mudo." Ernesto Daranas (Cuba), for "Conducta." Fernando Coimbra (Brazil), for "O lobo atrás da porta." Luis Arambilet (Dominican Republic), for "Código Paz." Luis Estrada (Mexico), Jaime Sampietro (Mexico), for "La Dictadura Perfecta." Mariana Rondón (Venezuela), for "Pelo Malo." Tiago Santos (Portugal) for "Os gatos não têm vertigens. "
Premio Platino for Best Ibero-American Fiction Debut
"10.000 Km," by Carlos Marqués- Marcet (Lastor Media, S.L., La Panda) (Spain). "23 segundos," by Dimitry Rudakov (Clever Producciones) (Uruguay). "Branco sai, preto fica," by Adirley Queirós (Cinco Da Norte Serviços Audiovisuais) (Brazil). "Ciencias Naturales," by Matías Lucchesi (Tarea Fina, Metaluna Productions) (Argentina). "Código Paz," by Pedro Urrutia (One Alliance Srl) (Dominican Republic). "Feriado" by Diego Araujo (Cepa Audiovisual S.R.L., Abacafilms, S.A., Lunafilms Audiovisual) (Ecuador, Argentina). Historias del Canal (Hypatia Films, Manglar Films, Tvn Films and Wp Films) (Panama). "La Distancia Más Larga," by Claudia Pinto (Castro Producciones Cinematograficas, S.L.U., Sin Rodeos Films C.A., Claudia Lepage) (Venezuela). "Las Vacas con Gafas," by Alex Santiago Pérez (Cozy Light Pictures) (Puerto Rico). "Luna de Cigarras," by Jorge Bedoya (Oima Films, Koreko Gua, S.R.L., Sabate Films) (Paraguay). "Mateo," by Maria Gamboa (Hangar Filmsdiafragma, Fabrica De Peliculas, Cine Sud Promotion) (Colombia). "Perro Guardian," by Bacha Caravedo, Chinón Higashionna (Señor Z)(Peru). "Vestido de Novia," by Marilyn Solaya (Icaic) (Cuba). "Visitantes," by Acan Coen (Sobrevivientes Films, Akira Producciones, Nodancingtoday) (Mexico). "Volantín Cortao," by Diego Ayala and Aníbal Jofré (Gallinazo Films) (Chile)...
During the press conference Mexican actress Kate Del Castillo will announce the recipient of the Premio de Honor (Lifetime Achievement Award). In addition Rick Nicita, Chairman of the American Cinematheque, will accept a special Platino Award to The American Cinematheque for its contribution to Iberoamerican Cinema.
Produced by Egeda, in collaboration with Fipca, the Premios Platino of Iberoamerican Cinema was born with the vocation to establish itself as a major international ceremony, promoting Latin American cinema as a whole and transcending borders. It is one of the most important tools to promote and support our film industry and all the professionals who, day after day, put forth all their effort and commitment so that audiences can enjoy the best films.
The candidates for the 2nd Platino Awards (Premios Platino) were announced during the 18th Málaga Film Festival in Spain. 73 feature films and 18 Ibero- American countries compete for the final nominations in the 14 categories for this prestigious award. The competing films had to be commercially released or premiered in an A-List Film Festival during 2014. The final nominations will be announced tomorrow at the Andaz Hotel West Hollywood. The Premios Platino Award Ceremony will take place on July 18, 2015 at Starlite Marbella in Spain.
As part of the same event The Premios Platino has distinguished the Málaga Film Festival with a special award for its contribution to the circulation and promotion of Spanish and Ibero- American cinema.
Here is the list of preselected candidates in each category ahead of tomorrow's final nominations
Premio Platino for the Best Ibero-American Fictional Film
· "Cantinflas"
(Kenio Films) (Mexico).
· "Conducta" (Behavior)
(Instituto Cubano Del Arte E Industria Cinematográfica, Rtv Comercial) (Cuba).
· "El Mudo" (The Mute)
(Maretazo Cine, Urban Factory) (Peru, Mexico).
· "El Niño"
(Vaca Films Studio, S.L., Telecinco Cinema, S.A., Ikiru Films, S.L., La Ferme! Productions, El Niño la película, A.I.E.) (Spain).
· "La Danza de la Realidad" (The Dance of Reality)
(Camera One, Pathe Y Le Soleil Films) (Chile).
· "La Dictadura Perfecta" (The Perfect Dictatorship)
(Imcine - Instituto Mexicano De Cinematografía, Estudios Churubusco Azteca, S.A., Bandidos Films, Fidecine, Eficine 226) (Mexico).
· "La Isla Mínima" (Marshland)
(Antena 3 Films, S.L., Atípica Films, S.L. y Sacromonte Films S.L.) (Spain).
· "Libertador" (The Liberator)
(Producciones Insurgentes, San Mateo Films) (Venezuela, Spain).
· "Matar a un Hombre" (To Kill a Man)
(Arizona Production, El Remanso Cine Ltda) (Chile).
· "Mr. Kaplan"
(Baobab 66 Films, S.L., Salado Media, Expresso Films) (Uruguay, Spain).
· "O Lobo Atrás da Porta" (A Wolf at the Door)
(Tc Filmes, Gullane Filmes) (Brazil).
· "Os gatos não têm vertigens" (Cats Don't Have Vertigo)
(Mgn Filmes) (Portugal).
· "Pelo Malo" (Bad Hair)
(Sudaca Films, Hanfgarn & Ufer Filmproduktion, Artefactos S.F., Imagen Latina, La Sociedad Post) (Venezuela Peru, Argentina).
· "Refugiado"
(Gale Cine, Burning Blue, El Campo Cine, Staron Films, Bellota Films, Río Rojo Contenidos) (Argentina, Colombia).
. "Relatos Salvajes" (Wild Tales)
(Kramer & Sigman Films, El Deseo P.C - S.A.) (Argentina, Spain).
Premio Platino for Best Directing
Alberto Rodríguez (Spain), for "La Isla Mínima." Alejandro Jodorowsky (Chile), for "La danza de la Realidad." Álvaro Brechner (Uruguay), for "Mr Kaplan." António-Pedro Vasconcelos (Portugal), for "Os gatos não têm vertigens." Claudia Pinto (Venezuela), for "La Distancia más Larga." Damián Szifron (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Daniel Monzón (Spain), for "El Niño." Daniel Vega (Peru) and Diego Vega (Peru), for "El Mudo." Ernesto Daranas (Cuba), for "Conducta." Fernando Coimbra (Brazil), for "O lobo atrás da porta." Fernando Pérez (Cuba), "La Pared de las Palabras." Luis Estrada (Mexico), for "La Dictadura Perfecta." Mariana Rondón (Venezuela), for "Pelo Malo." Miguel Cohan (Argentina), for "Betibú." Sebastián del Amo (Mexico), for "Cantinflas. "
Premio Platino for Best Actor
Benicio Del Toro (Puerto Rico), for Escobar. "Paraíso Perdido." Damián Alcázar (Mexico), for "La Dictadura Perfecta. Dani Rovira (Spain), for "Ocho Apellidos Vascos." Daniel Candia (Chile), for "Matar a un Hombre." Daniel Fanego (Argentina), for "Betibú." Edgar Ramírez (Venezuela), for "Libertador." Fernando Bacilio (Peru), "El Mudo." Ghilherme Lobo (Brazil), "The Way He Looks." Javier Gutiérrez (Spain), for "La Isla Mínima." Jorge Perugorría (Cuba), for "La Pared de las Palabras." Leonardo Sbaraglia (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Oscar Jaenada (Spain), by "Cantinflas." Salvador del Solar (Peru), for "El Elefante Desaparecido." Viggo Mortensen (USA), for "Jauja." Wagner Moura (Brazil), for "Futuro Beach" .
Premio Platino for Best Actress
Angie Cepeda (Colombia), for "El Elefante Desaparecido." Bárbara Lennie (Spain), by "Magical Girl." Carme Elías (Spain), for "La Distancia Más Larga." Elena Anaya (Spain), for "Todos Están Muertos." Érica Rivas (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Geraldine Chaplin (USA), for "Dólares de Arena." Isabel Santos (Cuba), for "La Pared de las Palabras." Julieta Díaz (Argentina), for "Refugiado." Laura de la Uz (Cuba), for "Vestido de Novia." Leandra Leal (Brazil), for "O Lobo Atrás da Porta." Maria do Céu Guerra (Portugal), for "Os gatos não têm vertigens." Martha Higareda (Mexico), for "Cásese Quien Pueda." Paulina García (Chile), for "Las Analfabetas." Samantha Castillo (Venezuela), for "Pelo Malo." Silvia Navarro (Mexico), for "La Dictadura Perfecta. "
Premio Platino for Best Original Score
Adán Jodorowsky (Chile), for "La Danza de la Realidad." Antonio Pinto (Brazil), for "Trash. A esperança vem do lixo." Edilio Paredes (Dominican Republic), Ramón Cordero (Dominican Republic), Benjamín de Menil (Dominican Republic), for "Dólares de Arena." Federico Jusid (Argentina), for "Betibú" Gustavo Dudamel (Venezuela), for "Libertador." Gustavo Santaolalla (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Juan A. Leyva (Cuba), Magda R. Galbán (Cuba), for "Conducta." Julio de la Rosa (Spain), for "La iIsla Mínima." Mikel Salas (Spain), for "Mr Kaplan." Pedro Subercaseaux (Chile), for "Crystal Fairy y el Cactus Mágico." Ricardo Cutz (Brazil), "O lobo atrás da porta." Roque Baños (Spain), for "El Niño." Ruy Folguera (Argentina), for" Olvidados." Selma Mutal (Peru), for "El Elefante Desaparecido." Vicent Barrière (France), for "La Distancia más Larga."
Premio Platino for Best Animated Film
"Até que a Sbórnia nos Separe" (Otto Desenhos Animados) (Brazil). "Dixie y la Rebelión Zombi" (Abra Prod. S.L.) (Spain) "El Ultimo Mago o Bilembambudín" (Fabula Producciones, Aleph Media S.A., Filmar Uno) (Argentina, Chile). "Historia de Cronopios y de Famas" (Prodarte) (Argentina). "La Leyenda de las Momias de Guanajuato" (Ánima Estudios, S.A. De C.V.) (Mexico). "La Tropa de Trapo en la Selva del Arcoíris" (Continental Producciones, S.L, Anera Films, S.L., Abano Producions, S.L. La Tropa De Trapo, S.L.) (Spain, Brazil). "Meñique" (Ficción Producciones, S.L., Estudios De Animación Icaic) (Cuba, Spain). "Mortadelo y Filemón Contra Jimmy el Cachondo" (Zeta Audiovisual y Películas Pendelton) (Spain). "The Boy and the World" (Filme de Papel) (Brazil). "Pichinguitos. Tgus, la Película" (Non Plus Ultra) (Mexico, Honduras). "Ritos de Passagem" (Liberato Produçoes Culturais) (Brazil).
Premio Platino for Best Documentary Film
• "¿Quién es Dayani Cristal?" (Canana Films, Pulse Films Limited) (Mexico).
"2014, Nacido en Gaza" (La Claqueta Pc, S.L.Contramedia Films) (Spain). "Avant" (Trivial Media Srl, Tarkio Film) (Uruguay, Argentina). "Buscando a Gastón" (Chiwake Films) (Peru). "E agora? Lémbra-me" (C.R.I.M. Produçoes, Presente Edições De Autor) (Portugal). "El Color que Cayó del Cielo" (K & S Films) (Argentina). "El Ojo del Tiburón" (Astronauta Films, Gema Films) (Argentina, Spain). "El Río que Nos Atraviesa" (Ochi Producciones, Maraisa Films Producciones) (Venezuela). "El Sueño de Todos" (S3d Films, Tridi Films) (Chile). "El Vals de los Inútiles" (La Pata De Juana, Cusicanqui Films) (Chile, Argentina). "Invasión" (Apertura Films, Ajimolido Films) (Panama, Argentina). "Maracaná" (Coral Cine, S.R.L., Tenfield S.A.) (Uruguay, Brazil). "The Salt of the Earth" (Decia Films) (Brazil) "Paco de Lucía. La búsqueda" (Ziggurat Films, S.L.) (Spain) "Pichuco" (Puente Films) (Argentina).
Premio Platino for Best Screenplay
Alberto Rodríguez (Spain), Rafael Cobos (Spain), for" La Isla Mínima." Alejandro Jodorowsky (Chile), for "La Danza de la Realidad." Álvaro Brechner (Uruguay), for "Mr. Kaplan." Anahí Berneri (Argentina), Javier Van Couter (Argentina), for "Aire Libre." Carlos Vermut (Spain), for "Magical Girl." Claudia Pinto (Venezuela), for "La Distancia Más Larga." Damián Szifron (Argentina), for "Relatos Salvajes." Daniel Ribeiro (Brazil), for "The Way He Looks." Daniel Vega (Peru), Diego Vega (Peru), for "El Mudo." Ernesto Daranas (Cuba), for "Conducta." Fernando Coimbra (Brazil), for "O lobo atrás da porta." Luis Arambilet (Dominican Republic), for "Código Paz." Luis Estrada (Mexico), Jaime Sampietro (Mexico), for "La Dictadura Perfecta." Mariana Rondón (Venezuela), for "Pelo Malo." Tiago Santos (Portugal) for "Os gatos não têm vertigens. "
Premio Platino for Best Ibero-American Fiction Debut
"10.000 Km," by Carlos Marqués- Marcet (Lastor Media, S.L., La Panda) (Spain). "23 segundos," by Dimitry Rudakov (Clever Producciones) (Uruguay). "Branco sai, preto fica," by Adirley Queirós (Cinco Da Norte Serviços Audiovisuais) (Brazil). "Ciencias Naturales," by Matías Lucchesi (Tarea Fina, Metaluna Productions) (Argentina). "Código Paz," by Pedro Urrutia (One Alliance Srl) (Dominican Republic). "Feriado" by Diego Araujo (Cepa Audiovisual S.R.L., Abacafilms, S.A., Lunafilms Audiovisual) (Ecuador, Argentina). Historias del Canal (Hypatia Films, Manglar Films, Tvn Films and Wp Films) (Panama). "La Distancia Más Larga," by Claudia Pinto (Castro Producciones Cinematograficas, S.L.U., Sin Rodeos Films C.A., Claudia Lepage) (Venezuela). "Las Vacas con Gafas," by Alex Santiago Pérez (Cozy Light Pictures) (Puerto Rico). "Luna de Cigarras," by Jorge Bedoya (Oima Films, Koreko Gua, S.R.L., Sabate Films) (Paraguay). "Mateo," by Maria Gamboa (Hangar Filmsdiafragma, Fabrica De Peliculas, Cine Sud Promotion) (Colombia). "Perro Guardian," by Bacha Caravedo, Chinón Higashionna (Señor Z)(Peru). "Vestido de Novia," by Marilyn Solaya (Icaic) (Cuba). "Visitantes," by Acan Coen (Sobrevivientes Films, Akira Producciones, Nodancingtoday) (Mexico). "Volantín Cortao," by Diego Ayala and Aníbal Jofré (Gallinazo Films) (Chile)...
- 5/26/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
At the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff) happening now, there are 27 films eligible for the Cine Latino Award, which will be presented to the best Ibero-American film screening at the Festival. Several of these films represented their respective countries at in the Best Foreign Language category for the upcoming Academy Awards. Sponsored by the Guadalajara International Film Festival (Ficg) and the University of Guadalajara Foundation/USA, the winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize.
Read More: "Wild Tales" Business and Pleasure
“What does it mean to be Latino or Ibero-American? We often engage in the most intensely absurd discussions trying to find a definition that satisfies us all. I believe, however, that the best answer can be found in the movies: where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and unique stories become universal fables. The increasing power of visual language and an innovative spirit –this is what our film industries have in common! And once again, 2014 has proven to be one of the most exemplary years for Ibero-American cinema. The Palm Springs International Film Festival recognizes the talent and creativity of its makers both in front of and behind the camera with the Cine Latino Award. This year we celebrate the vitality of the region with a record 27 films. We are truly grateful to the vision and commitment of two of the leading cultural, social and educational organizations in Mexico and the United States -- the Guadalajara International Film Festival and the University of Guadalajara Foundation in USA -- for sponsoring this award and helping to strengthen the cultural and artistic bridges so fundamental to all of us,” said Hebe Tabachnik, Ibero-American Programmer for Psiff.
“For the third consecutive year, top caliber Latino films will compete in the Ibero American competition at the Palm Springs Film Festival from January 2 to the 12, 2015,” said Iván Trujillo, Festival Director for the Guadalajara International Film Festival. “Their stories, genres and production values have garnered these films both critical and audience recognition at the most important festivals all over the globe. This will be indeed a very competitive year for an award that is acquiring more and more prestige worldwide.”
Read More: Dir. Alberto Arvelo on Venezuelan Epic "The Liberator"
“We have reached an important milestone. When the Foundation of the University of Guadalajara in USA made an agreement to sponsor an award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, we made a commitment to increase the cash prize within three years up to $10,000 to recognize the ‘Best Ibero American Film’ in the festival. Our Foundation is extremely proud to have fulfilled this arrangement with the Festival. Achieving this goal is only part of a whole project for the future,” said Raúl Padilla, President for the University of Guadalajara Foundation in USA.
Jury members include Josep Parera (Entertainment Editor – La Opinión) Nacho Carballo (Festival Director, Gijón International Film Festival, Spain) and Tom Davia (Founder & Managing Partner of Cinemaven Media).
Read More: Actor Alfono Herrera on "The Perfect Dictatorship"
They will review 27 films to select the Cine Latino Award winner. This year’s eligible films are:
"10,000 Km" (Spain), Director: Carlos Marques-Marcet "August Winds" (Brazil), Director: Gabriel Mascaro "Behavior" (Cuba), Director: Ernesto Daranas Serrano "Ciudad Delirio" (Colombia, Spain), Director: Chus Gutiérrez "Flowers" (Spain), Directors: Jon Garaño, José Mari Goenaga "Futuro Beach" (Brazil), Director: Karim Ainouz "Gente de Bien" (Colombia, France), Director: Franco Lolli "Güeros" (Mexico), Director: Alonso Ruiz Palacios "Hawaii" (Argentina), Director: Marco Berger "The Hours With You" (Mexico), Director: Catalina Aguilar Mastretta "La Tirisia" (Mexico), Director: Jorge Pérez Solano "Lake Los Angeles" (USA), Director: Mike Ott "The Liberator" (Venezuela, Spain), Director: Alberto Arvelo "Magical Girl" (Spain), Director: Carlos Vermut "Mateo" (Colombia, France), Director: María Gamboa "A Moonless Night" (Uruguay, Argentina), Director: Germán Tejeira "Mother of the Lamb" (Chile), Directors: Rosario Espinosa Godoy, Enrique Farías "Mr. Kaplan" (Uruguay), Director: Álvaro Brechner "Natural Sciences" (Argentina), Director: Matías Lucchesi "Nn" (Peru, Colombia, France, Germany), Director: Héctor Galvez "Not All Is Vigil" (Spain, Colombia), Director: Hermes Paralluelo "One for the Road" (Mexico), Director: Jack Zagha Kababie "The Perfect Dictatorship" (Mexico), Director: Luis Estrada "Sand Dollars" (Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina), Directors: Israel Cárdenas, Laura Amelia Guzmán "To Kill a Man" (Chile), Director: Alejandro Fernández Almendras "The Way He Looks" (Brazil), Director: Daniel Ribeiro "Wild Tales" (Argentina, Spain), Director: Damián Szifrón About The Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff) is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming 135,000 attendees last year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries. The Festival is also known for its annual Black Tie Awards Gala, honoring the best achievements of the filmic year by a celebrated list of talents who, in recent years, have included Ben Affleck, Javier Bardem, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, David O. Russell, Meryl Streep, and Kate Winslet.
The Awards Gala of the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is presented by Cartier and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and Entertainment Tonight. The City of Palm Springs is the Title Sponsor of the Film Festival. Presenting Sponsors are Wells Fargo, The Desert Sun and Spencer’s. Major sponsors are Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Wessman Development, Bank of America, Wintec, Regal Entertainment Group, Ignition Creative, Desert Regional Medical Center, Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, Windermere Real Estate, Eisenhower Medical Center, Guthy-Renker, Integrated Wealth Management, VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com, Ocean Properties, Chihuly and Telefilm Canada.
For more information visit www.psfilmfest.org.
About The Guadalajara International Film Festival
Ficg was founded with support from the University of Guadalajara in 1985 by the Mexican filmmaker Jaime Humberto Hermosillo, with the tremendous help from young film students like Guillermo del Toro. It will celebrate its 30th edition next March 6-15, 2015. Ficg is the lead film festival in Latin America. It is a forum for the training, education, and creative exchange among industry professionals, film critics, and film students from all over Ibero-America.
About the Foundation of the University of Guadalajara in the U.S.
The University of Guadalajara Foundation in the United States of America is an extension of Fundación Universidad de Guadalajara, A.C., and is made up of a number of prominent academic and social leaders. The Foundation works to attain private support from individuals, foundations and corporations in order to fulfill the mission and vision of the University of Guadalajara in Los Angeles.
It seeks to improve the quality of life and social integration of migrants and hispanic nationals by increasing their access to education and enhancing their sense of belonging and identification with their environment by developing their skills and capabilities through educational services and relevant social research.
Read More: "Wild Tales" Business and Pleasure
“What does it mean to be Latino or Ibero-American? We often engage in the most intensely absurd discussions trying to find a definition that satisfies us all. I believe, however, that the best answer can be found in the movies: where the ordinary becomes extraordinary and unique stories become universal fables. The increasing power of visual language and an innovative spirit –this is what our film industries have in common! And once again, 2014 has proven to be one of the most exemplary years for Ibero-American cinema. The Palm Springs International Film Festival recognizes the talent and creativity of its makers both in front of and behind the camera with the Cine Latino Award. This year we celebrate the vitality of the region with a record 27 films. We are truly grateful to the vision and commitment of two of the leading cultural, social and educational organizations in Mexico and the United States -- the Guadalajara International Film Festival and the University of Guadalajara Foundation in USA -- for sponsoring this award and helping to strengthen the cultural and artistic bridges so fundamental to all of us,” said Hebe Tabachnik, Ibero-American Programmer for Psiff.
“For the third consecutive year, top caliber Latino films will compete in the Ibero American competition at the Palm Springs Film Festival from January 2 to the 12, 2015,” said Iván Trujillo, Festival Director for the Guadalajara International Film Festival. “Their stories, genres and production values have garnered these films both critical and audience recognition at the most important festivals all over the globe. This will be indeed a very competitive year for an award that is acquiring more and more prestige worldwide.”
Read More: Dir. Alberto Arvelo on Venezuelan Epic "The Liberator"
“We have reached an important milestone. When the Foundation of the University of Guadalajara in USA made an agreement to sponsor an award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, we made a commitment to increase the cash prize within three years up to $10,000 to recognize the ‘Best Ibero American Film’ in the festival. Our Foundation is extremely proud to have fulfilled this arrangement with the Festival. Achieving this goal is only part of a whole project for the future,” said Raúl Padilla, President for the University of Guadalajara Foundation in USA.
Jury members include Josep Parera (Entertainment Editor – La Opinión) Nacho Carballo (Festival Director, Gijón International Film Festival, Spain) and Tom Davia (Founder & Managing Partner of Cinemaven Media).
Read More: Actor Alfono Herrera on "The Perfect Dictatorship"
They will review 27 films to select the Cine Latino Award winner. This year’s eligible films are:
"10,000 Km" (Spain), Director: Carlos Marques-Marcet "August Winds" (Brazil), Director: Gabriel Mascaro "Behavior" (Cuba), Director: Ernesto Daranas Serrano "Ciudad Delirio" (Colombia, Spain), Director: Chus Gutiérrez "Flowers" (Spain), Directors: Jon Garaño, José Mari Goenaga "Futuro Beach" (Brazil), Director: Karim Ainouz "Gente de Bien" (Colombia, France), Director: Franco Lolli "Güeros" (Mexico), Director: Alonso Ruiz Palacios "Hawaii" (Argentina), Director: Marco Berger "The Hours With You" (Mexico), Director: Catalina Aguilar Mastretta "La Tirisia" (Mexico), Director: Jorge Pérez Solano "Lake Los Angeles" (USA), Director: Mike Ott "The Liberator" (Venezuela, Spain), Director: Alberto Arvelo "Magical Girl" (Spain), Director: Carlos Vermut "Mateo" (Colombia, France), Director: María Gamboa "A Moonless Night" (Uruguay, Argentina), Director: Germán Tejeira "Mother of the Lamb" (Chile), Directors: Rosario Espinosa Godoy, Enrique Farías "Mr. Kaplan" (Uruguay), Director: Álvaro Brechner "Natural Sciences" (Argentina), Director: Matías Lucchesi "Nn" (Peru, Colombia, France, Germany), Director: Héctor Galvez "Not All Is Vigil" (Spain, Colombia), Director: Hermes Paralluelo "One for the Road" (Mexico), Director: Jack Zagha Kababie "The Perfect Dictatorship" (Mexico), Director: Luis Estrada "Sand Dollars" (Dominican Republic, Mexico, Argentina), Directors: Israel Cárdenas, Laura Amelia Guzmán "To Kill a Man" (Chile), Director: Alejandro Fernández Almendras "The Way He Looks" (Brazil), Director: Daniel Ribeiro "Wild Tales" (Argentina, Spain), Director: Damián Szifrón About The Palm Springs International Film Festival
The Palm Springs International Film Festival (Psiff) is one of the largest film festivals in North America, welcoming 135,000 attendees last year for its lineup of new and celebrated international features and documentaries. The Festival is also known for its annual Black Tie Awards Gala, honoring the best achievements of the filmic year by a celebrated list of talents who, in recent years, have included Ben Affleck, Javier Bardem, Cate Blanchett, Sandra Bullock, Bradley Cooper, George Clooney, Daniel Day-Lewis, Leonardo DiCaprio, Clint Eastwood, Tom Hanks, Matthew McConaughey, Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts, David O. Russell, Meryl Streep, and Kate Winslet.
The Awards Gala of the 26th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival is presented by Cartier and sponsored by Mercedes-Benz and Entertainment Tonight. The City of Palm Springs is the Title Sponsor of the Film Festival. Presenting Sponsors are Wells Fargo, The Desert Sun and Spencer’s. Major sponsors are Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, Wessman Development, Bank of America, Wintec, Regal Entertainment Group, Ignition Creative, Desert Regional Medical Center, Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, Windermere Real Estate, Eisenhower Medical Center, Guthy-Renker, Integrated Wealth Management, VisitGreaterPalmSprings.com, Ocean Properties, Chihuly and Telefilm Canada.
For more information visit www.psfilmfest.org.
About The Guadalajara International Film Festival
Ficg was founded with support from the University of Guadalajara in 1985 by the Mexican filmmaker Jaime Humberto Hermosillo, with the tremendous help from young film students like Guillermo del Toro. It will celebrate its 30th edition next March 6-15, 2015. Ficg is the lead film festival in Latin America. It is a forum for the training, education, and creative exchange among industry professionals, film critics, and film students from all over Ibero-America.
About the Foundation of the University of Guadalajara in the U.S.
The University of Guadalajara Foundation in the United States of America is an extension of Fundación Universidad de Guadalajara, A.C., and is made up of a number of prominent academic and social leaders. The Foundation works to attain private support from individuals, foundations and corporations in order to fulfill the mission and vision of the University of Guadalajara in Los Angeles.
It seeks to improve the quality of life and social integration of migrants and hispanic nationals by increasing their access to education and enhancing their sense of belonging and identification with their environment by developing their skills and capabilities through educational services and relevant social research.
- 1/9/2015
- by Sydney Levine
- Sydney's Buzz
In a destabilized nation, when reality overcomes fiction, where the eyes of the world are focused on a neighboring country waiting for justice for the forced disappearance of forty-three students from the Ayotzinapa Normal School — we still have a powerful tool that gives us hope to lift up our voice and to sow consciousness and that is the power of Cinema.
If there is a filmmaker who has been characterized for being the spokesman of what afflicts Mexico, it is the film director Luis Estrada ("La Ley de Herodes," "El Infierno") His new controversial film "La Dictadura Perfecta" (The Perfect Dictatorship) is a satire that criticizes the current political system of Mexico and its relationship with the media and their astuteness to manipulate the reality through TV corporations. "La Dictadura Perfecta" recently was placed on the list one of the 10 most seen Mexican movies of all the time and will compete for the 2015 Goya Awards where it will represent Mexico in the category of Best Ibero-American Film.
We had the opportunity to sit down with actor Alfonso Herrera about his role in the film opposite Damián Alcázar’s Gobernador Carmelo Vargas as Carlos Rojo, an ambitious television producer plotting to get the corrupt governor elected as President. "La Dictadura Perfecta" was the second best opening in the history of Mexican Cinema, and has maintained a steady audience in subsequent weeks.
LatinoBuzz: Your acting roots are in television, and ironically life has put you in a film that strongly attacks Mexican television. As an actor did you ever have any doubts or concerning about accepingt the role?
Alfonso: When I read the script for the first time I knew that the topic was a little complicated and it was a topic that probably was going to hurt sensibilities. Nevertheless, it's something that is happening in our country and once I made the decision there was no going back. I simply continued going forward with this project.
LatinoBuzz: Did you ever think about the backlash, retaliation, or about the possibility of being vetoed from television because of this role?
Alfonso: No, It did not cross my mind. It simply seemed to me that it was an interesting project, and that it was a movie with an interesting director. Obviously, reiterating my initial point, it's a very complex topic. It's a very difficult topic, but I believe that beyond the political angle, I was also thinking about a very high quality film with a director of very high standards and with a spectacular script.
LatinoBuzz: What makes this character special to you? What new challenges did it bring to you as an actor?
Alfonso: It is a very interesting character that fortunately I could build him with Luis Estrada. Obviously, Luis is a tremendously precise film director, he is very surgical but it was a pleasure to work on this character with him.
LatinoBuzz: Very often the reality overcomes fiction that nobody would imagine, Not even in an horror movie, But the case of Ayotzinapa: What opinion do you have of what’s happening? Do you believe that films can help to change the reality?
Alfonso: I believe that you described it in a perfect way, that reality overcomes the fiction, undoubtedly. And it seems to me that the current conjuncture is impeccable for everything that is happening. Especially when the moment in which the movie came out, the conjuncture was brutal. What helps this movie is that people go and see it, that they question themselves, to later be able to question others, I believe that this is what we have to do. I believe that we have to lift the voice without fear and simply go forward, because in a lot of other occasions, we got tired, we have lowered the arms and simply let everything happen. I believe that in this situation it can't be like that and I believe it will not be like that anymore.
LatinoBuzz: One of the positive things, was the success of it in Mexican movie theaters. What do you think of this? Do you think it gave value to other national films?
Alfonso: The positive thing is that today we can realize that a Mexican film it is positioned in the top 5 of the box office during more than one month and that Mexicans are taking into consideration that Mexican films can be enjoyed with the family, instead of going to see Transformers and that our films looks like something that are necessary to support.
LatinoBuzz: Tell me about your next projects...
Alfonso: I have just finished working on a series for Netfllix. It's called Sense8 directed by the Wachowski Brothers. Also, now I am filming a series for Sony, which will be released next year.
LatinoBuzz: What movies have inspired you in your career?
Alfonso: There are many movies that I like, but I'm not sure if they have inspired me. I like "Training Day" very much. Denzel Washington's performance was spectacular. I also like "The Godfather"and "Kill Bill." I love Tarantino's mind and I believe that "Kill Bill" describes very well his mind and thoughts.
LatinoBuzz: Who is one director you would like to work in a future?
Alfonso: I am open to keep on discovering new interesting projects, and little by little I have been coming across very beautiful projects with very affectionate directors. I did not imagine myself working with Campanella or with Luis Estrada or with the Wachowski Brothers and these are things that have happened to me and I am very satisfied. I hope to keep on finding interesting projects and interesting stories.
LatinoBuzz: How would you like your fans to remember you?
Alfonso: The only thing that I am trying to do is to find stories that I like, stories that are meaningful and that can connect and question, since I am not 18 years old anymore. I am 31 and the way in which I am choosing my projects is very different that from when i was 18 years old. I believe that from this position, each of us can do something to be able to change a bit what it is happening in Mexico. .
LatinoBuzz: What has ''La Dictadura Perfecta'' given you as a professional and as a Mexican?
Alfonso: I can tell you, not only as a Mexican but I can say it to you also as a professional, that the project gave me the opportunity of working with a group of splendid actors and a wonderful director. I hope that this movie serves to encourage many Mexicans to question, just question, we are not trying to instruct. I simply for people to question a little of what's happening around them.
Renee Ylizaliturri is an independent film and television producer from Mexico and is member of the Asociacion Mexicana de Cineastas Independientes. Part of her work is producing political campaigns as a media strategist and consultant. @Renylizaliturri
LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow[At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook...
If there is a filmmaker who has been characterized for being the spokesman of what afflicts Mexico, it is the film director Luis Estrada ("La Ley de Herodes," "El Infierno") His new controversial film "La Dictadura Perfecta" (The Perfect Dictatorship) is a satire that criticizes the current political system of Mexico and its relationship with the media and their astuteness to manipulate the reality through TV corporations. "La Dictadura Perfecta" recently was placed on the list one of the 10 most seen Mexican movies of all the time and will compete for the 2015 Goya Awards where it will represent Mexico in the category of Best Ibero-American Film.
We had the opportunity to sit down with actor Alfonso Herrera about his role in the film opposite Damián Alcázar’s Gobernador Carmelo Vargas as Carlos Rojo, an ambitious television producer plotting to get the corrupt governor elected as President. "La Dictadura Perfecta" was the second best opening in the history of Mexican Cinema, and has maintained a steady audience in subsequent weeks.
LatinoBuzz: Your acting roots are in television, and ironically life has put you in a film that strongly attacks Mexican television. As an actor did you ever have any doubts or concerning about accepingt the role?
Alfonso: When I read the script for the first time I knew that the topic was a little complicated and it was a topic that probably was going to hurt sensibilities. Nevertheless, it's something that is happening in our country and once I made the decision there was no going back. I simply continued going forward with this project.
LatinoBuzz: Did you ever think about the backlash, retaliation, or about the possibility of being vetoed from television because of this role?
Alfonso: No, It did not cross my mind. It simply seemed to me that it was an interesting project, and that it was a movie with an interesting director. Obviously, reiterating my initial point, it's a very complex topic. It's a very difficult topic, but I believe that beyond the political angle, I was also thinking about a very high quality film with a director of very high standards and with a spectacular script.
LatinoBuzz: What makes this character special to you? What new challenges did it bring to you as an actor?
Alfonso: It is a very interesting character that fortunately I could build him with Luis Estrada. Obviously, Luis is a tremendously precise film director, he is very surgical but it was a pleasure to work on this character with him.
LatinoBuzz: Very often the reality overcomes fiction that nobody would imagine, Not even in an horror movie, But the case of Ayotzinapa: What opinion do you have of what’s happening? Do you believe that films can help to change the reality?
Alfonso: I believe that you described it in a perfect way, that reality overcomes the fiction, undoubtedly. And it seems to me that the current conjuncture is impeccable for everything that is happening. Especially when the moment in which the movie came out, the conjuncture was brutal. What helps this movie is that people go and see it, that they question themselves, to later be able to question others, I believe that this is what we have to do. I believe that we have to lift the voice without fear and simply go forward, because in a lot of other occasions, we got tired, we have lowered the arms and simply let everything happen. I believe that in this situation it can't be like that and I believe it will not be like that anymore.
LatinoBuzz: One of the positive things, was the success of it in Mexican movie theaters. What do you think of this? Do you think it gave value to other national films?
Alfonso: The positive thing is that today we can realize that a Mexican film it is positioned in the top 5 of the box office during more than one month and that Mexicans are taking into consideration that Mexican films can be enjoyed with the family, instead of going to see Transformers and that our films looks like something that are necessary to support.
LatinoBuzz: Tell me about your next projects...
Alfonso: I have just finished working on a series for Netfllix. It's called Sense8 directed by the Wachowski Brothers. Also, now I am filming a series for Sony, which will be released next year.
LatinoBuzz: What movies have inspired you in your career?
Alfonso: There are many movies that I like, but I'm not sure if they have inspired me. I like "Training Day" very much. Denzel Washington's performance was spectacular. I also like "The Godfather"and "Kill Bill." I love Tarantino's mind and I believe that "Kill Bill" describes very well his mind and thoughts.
LatinoBuzz: Who is one director you would like to work in a future?
Alfonso: I am open to keep on discovering new interesting projects, and little by little I have been coming across very beautiful projects with very affectionate directors. I did not imagine myself working with Campanella or with Luis Estrada or with the Wachowski Brothers and these are things that have happened to me and I am very satisfied. I hope to keep on finding interesting projects and interesting stories.
LatinoBuzz: How would you like your fans to remember you?
Alfonso: The only thing that I am trying to do is to find stories that I like, stories that are meaningful and that can connect and question, since I am not 18 years old anymore. I am 31 and the way in which I am choosing my projects is very different that from when i was 18 years old. I believe that from this position, each of us can do something to be able to change a bit what it is happening in Mexico. .
LatinoBuzz: What has ''La Dictadura Perfecta'' given you as a professional and as a Mexican?
Alfonso: I can tell you, not only as a Mexican but I can say it to you also as a professional, that the project gave me the opportunity of working with a group of splendid actors and a wonderful director. I hope that this movie serves to encourage many Mexicans to question, just question, we are not trying to instruct. I simply for people to question a little of what's happening around them.
Renee Ylizaliturri is an independent film and television producer from Mexico and is member of the Asociacion Mexicana de Cineastas Independientes. Part of her work is producing political campaigns as a media strategist and consultant. @Renylizaliturri
LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow[At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook...
- 12/3/2014
- by Renee Ylizaliturri
- Sydney's Buzz
3rd Update, 2:45 Pm (Pt): Finals are in for Guardians Of The Galaxy, the No. 1 Bollywood movie this year stateside Bang Bang, director David Fincher’s thriller Gone Girl (which passed $100M stateside), the Denzel Washington action/drama The Equalizer, the animated The Boxtrolls, the Ya hit The Maze Runner, Luc Besson’s Lucy, Universal’s Dracula Untold, Fox’s sequel Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes, Ice Age: The Meltdown In 3-D which debuted in China this weekend to $3.2M on 2,800 plays, and also its buddy comedy Let’s Be Cops. In addition, Warner Bros.’ just reported for its horror film Annabelle and the courtroom drama starring Robert Downey, Jr. and Robert Duvall The Judge, and lest we forget Paramount’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (which debuted strong in the UK this weekend) and Hercules which are still playing in 17 markets. Final tallies for stateside newcomers Fox...
- 10/20/2014
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline
While Mexican director Luis Estrada and star Damián Alcázar did a couple of films together before, their real partnership began in 1999 with the political satire Herod's Law (La Ley de Herodes). Since then, Estrada has directed only similar films, all starring Alcázar. A Wonderful World (Un Mundo Maravilloso, 2006) depicted the times of Mexican president Vicente Fox, while 2010's El Infierno (aka El Narco) was a take on president Felipe Calderón and the ongoing war against drugs. If you thought of those films as Estrada's sociopolitical trilogy, well, you better think again. La Dictadura Perfecta (the literal translation would be "the perfect dictatorship"), Estrada's new collaboration with Alcázar, is hitting Mexican theaters on October 16 and is going for the same formula. La Dictadura Perfecta is Estrada's...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
[Read the whole post on twitchfilm.com...]...
- 8/21/2014
- Screen Anarchy
El Narco (El inferno’)
Written and directed by Luis Estrada
2010, Mexico
Billed as a gangster movie of the same scope and caliber as Scarface and Goodfellas, but set in Mexico, El Narco (formerly El infierno) cribs the skeletal arc of these films adequately but is thematically and tonally all over the place. It’s a film that very clearly was built to fit into that tradition of epic, bloody crime dramas, but, not unlike the film’s protagonist, director Luis Estrada gets greedy. As a result, El Narco is bloated and aimless for much of its run as Estrada tries to balance farce, ultra-violence, detached irony, tragedy, tender emotion, politics, earnest drama, and several opposing moral platitudes. And, really, it could all just be detached irony. But it remains unclear what exactly El Narco is intended to be, as it seems like it is intended to be everything it imitates.
Written and directed by Luis Estrada
2010, Mexico
Billed as a gangster movie of the same scope and caliber as Scarface and Goodfellas, but set in Mexico, El Narco (formerly El infierno) cribs the skeletal arc of these films adequately but is thematically and tonally all over the place. It’s a film that very clearly was built to fit into that tradition of epic, bloody crime dramas, but, not unlike the film’s protagonist, director Luis Estrada gets greedy. As a result, El Narco is bloated and aimless for much of its run as Estrada tries to balance farce, ultra-violence, detached irony, tragedy, tender emotion, politics, earnest drama, and several opposing moral platitudes. And, really, it could all just be detached irony. But it remains unclear what exactly El Narco is intended to be, as it seems like it is intended to be everything it imitates.
- 10/8/2011
- by Emmet Duff
- SoundOnSight
As I noted yesterday, I really didn't catch any of the films that I wanted to see during my brief visit to Fantastic Fest last weekend. But that turned out to be a good thing because I saw some great movies I would've missed otherwise.
While I enjoyed Daisuke Miura's twisted dramedy Boys on the Run, and I really liked and admired Luis Estrada's drug trafficking epic El Narco, my absolute favorite movie from Fantastic Fest 2011 was Noboru Iguchi's crazy new mondo-freakout action/comedy, Karate-Robo Zaborgar.
Based on Denjin Zaborger, the mid-1970s Japanese television series credited for inspiring the Transformers, Karate-Robo Zaborgar is the whacked-out story of secret policeman Yutaka Daimon (Yasuhisa Furuhara), martial arts expert and protector of all that is good. Daimon regularly has to deal with all kinds of weird and fantastical assaults on righteousness. It’s not uncommon for him to battle...
While I enjoyed Daisuke Miura's twisted dramedy Boys on the Run, and I really liked and admired Luis Estrada's drug trafficking epic El Narco, my absolute favorite movie from Fantastic Fest 2011 was Noboru Iguchi's crazy new mondo-freakout action/comedy, Karate-Robo Zaborgar.
Based on Denjin Zaborger, the mid-1970s Japanese television series credited for inspiring the Transformers, Karate-Robo Zaborgar is the whacked-out story of secret policeman Yutaka Daimon (Yasuhisa Furuhara), martial arts expert and protector of all that is good. Daimon regularly has to deal with all kinds of weird and fantastical assaults on righteousness. It’s not uncommon for him to battle...
- 9/27/2011
- by Theron
- Planet Fury
Director: Luis Estrada Writers: Luis Estrada, Jaime Sampietro Starring: Damián Alcázar, Joaquín Cosio, Ernesto Gómez Cruz, Mauricio Isaac, María Rojo, Elizabeth Cervantes, Salvador Sánchez, Daniel Giménez Cacho, Jorge Zárate, Isela Vega, Kristyan Ferrer, Tenoch Huerta Benny Garcia (Damián Alcázar) moved to greener pastures -- the United States -- back when he was a teenager with hopes of becoming a successful Capitalist. Twenty years later he is deported back to Mexico -- presumably due to the increasingly xenophobic immigration policies in the U.S. Upon his return to his hometown, Bennie quickly discovers that a pair of feuding drug lords have taken over the region; his younger brother (Tenoch Huerta) and several of his closest friends have died as a result. Determined to remain on the straight and narrow, Benny begins working at his godfather's garage; but as soon as Benny falls for a gorgeous prostitute (Elizabeth Cervantes) -- the mother...
- 9/27/2011
- by Don Simpson
- SmellsLikeScreenSpirit
Before walking into Luis Estrada’s Mexican crime thriller El Narco, I had heard several people say, “Oh, that’s the one that’s like Scarface.” It’s an interesting proposition, to say the least. A rags-to-riches drug lord story isn’t hard to come by, especially from a country like Mexico where the drug trade looms large over the population. Those themes are built into their societal norms. That said, Scarface was a film about a Cuban man written and directed by two American men. And I learned a long time ago that Cuba and Mexico are completely different countries. So it came as no surprise that while there are a few thematic similarities — you know, like drugs — these two movies couldn’t be further apart. Both work well, but in their own special way. El Narco follows the story of Benny Garcia (Damián Alcázar), a man who leaves his mother and younger brother to emigrate...
- 9/27/2011
- by Neil Miller
- FilmSchoolRejects.com
I just flew in from Fantastic Fest, and though I'd like to exclaim "boy, are my arms tired," to say that would be to ignore the exhaustion experienced by the rest of my body. You wouldn't think sitting in a theater watching movies for a couple of days could waste you like this, but here's a little secret: there's more to a film fest than watching movies.
This was nothing like other, smaller film festivals I've attended. Fantastic Fest started before the fest even began. Weeks before the first film ever hit the screen, emails from fest officials arrived to confirm my attendance and lay groundwork. I thought, "Oh, cool." Then, more emails from different people showed up. "It's heating up," I chuckled. Then even more emails hit and still more again. And then, revision emails arrived, altering mistakes made in previous emails. Suddenly, my once-empty email box was positively overflowing with advertisements,...
This was nothing like other, smaller film festivals I've attended. Fantastic Fest started before the fest even began. Weeks before the first film ever hit the screen, emails from fest officials arrived to confirm my attendance and lay groundwork. I thought, "Oh, cool." Then, more emails from different people showed up. "It's heating up," I chuckled. Then even more emails hit and still more again. And then, revision emails arrived, altering mistakes made in previous emails. Suddenly, my once-empty email box was positively overflowing with advertisements,...
- 9/26/2011
- by Theron
- Planet Fury
My Fantastic Fest Day 2 started in a coffeeshop with good coffee and strong wireless. I was waiting for the online ticketing system to open for non-vip badgeholders. I got on around 9:30 am and shortly after 10, I was picking tickets for my movies for the day. I was fairly lucky -- I got three out of five tickets I really wanted. This new system works well and I cannot throw enough praise to Fantastic Fest for making it happen.
My first film of the day was from Japan: Body Temperature. This movie deals with immature relationships we can develop when we substitute real human relationships with artificial ones. The artificial angle here is a man who develops a "relationship" with a realistic-looking sex doll, and what happens when he makes real human contact.
Between films, I retreated to the "relaxing" atmosphere of the Alamo Drafthouse porch. Actually the porch is...
My first film of the day was from Japan: Body Temperature. This movie deals with immature relationships we can develop when we substitute real human relationships with artificial ones. The artificial angle here is a man who develops a "relationship" with a realistic-looking sex doll, and what happens when he makes real human contact.
Between films, I retreated to the "relaxing" atmosphere of the Alamo Drafthouse porch. Actually the porch is...
- 9/24/2011
- by Rod Paddock
- Slackerwood
In the movies, when good guys get mixed up in drugs, it's a recipe for disaster. And while that's the basic drive of both Sleepless Night and El Narco, one does it on a very small scale with big results and the other does it on a huge scale with lesser results. Sleepless Night, which just got purchased by Warner Bros. for a remake, is a French action film about two police officers who moonlight as drug enforcers and the madness that happens over the course of one night when they lose their merchandise. El Narco is a controversial Mexican gangster film about a failed middle age American immigrant who is forced to join an organized crime family because it's the only work available. One of these films is a best of the year contender. The other is a solid, but slightly empty, attempt at the crime genre. Read which...
- 9/24/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
Year: 2011
Directors: Luis Estrada
Writers: Luis Estrada
IMDb: link
Trailer:
Review by: The Crystal Ferret
Rating: 8 out of 10
The Sevententh edition of L�Etrange opened today and here I am, bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to cover it and throw into the dark pits of your minds the succulent marrow that�s extractable from the little selection of movies I�ve picked up to cover. I�ll take a few lines here to dwell a little on said selection. This is l�Etrange, one of the richest fests ever in terms of weird, strange, mindboggling movies to fry up the last brain cells you haven�t killed yet with alcohol, weed and nickelodeon cartoons. But like everything, even there in the kingdom of the visual freaks, there�s the mainstream and the underground, the hip and the square.
So this year I�ve decided to cover only what I...
Directors: Luis Estrada
Writers: Luis Estrada
IMDb: link
Trailer:
Review by: The Crystal Ferret
Rating: 8 out of 10
The Sevententh edition of L�Etrange opened today and here I am, bright eyed and bushy tailed ready to cover it and throw into the dark pits of your minds the succulent marrow that�s extractable from the little selection of movies I�ve picked up to cover. I�ll take a few lines here to dwell a little on said selection. This is l�Etrange, one of the richest fests ever in terms of weird, strange, mindboggling movies to fry up the last brain cells you haven�t killed yet with alcohol, weed and nickelodeon cartoons. But like everything, even there in the kingdom of the visual freaks, there�s the mainstream and the underground, the hip and the square.
So this year I�ve decided to cover only what I...
- 9/6/2011
- QuietEarth.us
Yesterday, the first wave of films for Austin’s Fantastic Fest 2011 were announced. Since experiencing this festival for the first time last year, I have been waiting, impatiently, for September to roll around to attend this year. We published a “wishlist” of sorts of films we thought might play at Fantastic Fest and it looks like we scored two in this first wave – we aren’t counting Fulci’s Zombie because that was sort of a cheat. Read beyond the break to find out what films will be playing.
From the Press Release:
Austin, TX—Thursday, July 14th, 2011— Fantastic Fest is proud to announce our first wave of programming for the seventh edition of Fantastic Fest, happening September 22-29 in Austin, Texas.
This batch of 20 films spans the globe from Japan, Belgium, Mexico, Russia, Hong Kong, Korea and of course the USA. We’re debuting digital restorations of Italian horror...
From the Press Release:
Austin, TX—Thursday, July 14th, 2011— Fantastic Fest is proud to announce our first wave of programming for the seventh edition of Fantastic Fest, happening September 22-29 in Austin, Texas.
This batch of 20 films spans the globe from Japan, Belgium, Mexico, Russia, Hong Kong, Korea and of course the USA. We’re debuting digital restorations of Italian horror...
- 7/15/2011
- by Andy Triefenbach
- Destroy the Brain
One of the best damned film festivals on the entire planet, Fantastic Fest, has announced the first wave of films for their 2011 event running from September 22nd to the 29th, and if you've never been, do yourself a favor ... do whatever you have to do to get there and experience the madness first-hand!
This batch of 20 films spans the globe from Japan, Belgium, Mexico, Russia, Hong Kong, Korea and of course the USA. They’re debuting digital restorations of Italian horror classics and a stunning 3D epic with more objects flying in your face than Michael Bay and James Cameron combined. With favorite Fantastic Fest veterans returning with new projects and a new slate of debut directors, 2011 is shaping up to be an epic edition.
"Fantastic Fest is the high-point of my year. Every year old friends return and strangers become friends. Fantastic Fest is my extended dysfunctional family; each...
This batch of 20 films spans the globe from Japan, Belgium, Mexico, Russia, Hong Kong, Korea and of course the USA. They’re debuting digital restorations of Italian horror classics and a stunning 3D epic with more objects flying in your face than Michael Bay and James Cameron combined. With favorite Fantastic Fest veterans returning with new projects and a new slate of debut directors, 2011 is shaping up to be an epic edition.
"Fantastic Fest is the high-point of my year. Every year old friends return and strangers become friends. Fantastic Fest is my extended dysfunctional family; each...
- 7/14/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
The Fantasia Film Festival kicks off today with the Canadian premiere of Kevin Smith’s Red State, and now we’re already looking ahead at another major film fest. Fantastic Fest is one of the best film festivals in the states. Held in Austin Texas at the Alamo Drafthouse, the event screens nothing but the best in genre films. Sound On Sight contributors Emmett Duff and Alice Gray are always in attendance to bring us coverage on the event, as well as their favourite films. The list of the first wave of films playing at the festival has been announced and it’s already pretty amazing. Leading the pack is the World Premiere of director Ferdinando Baldi’s Comin’ At Ya! 3D. There are also a few films that already come highly recommended from me, which include the Canadian sci-fi dystopian mind fuck Beyond The Black Rainbow, Julian Gilbey’s A Lonely Place To Die,...
- 7/14/2011
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Fantastic Fest is one of the most chaotic, disturbing, entertaining and best film festivals in the United States. For one week straight, the Alamo Drafthouse South Lamar in Austin, Texas plays nothing but the most promising, controversial and exciting genre films the world has to offer with many of them not seeing wide release until several months later. /Film will once again be on the ground in Austin from September 22-29 and we just got the announcement of the first wave of films playing at the festival. Chances are that, with the exception of two restored Fulci films (Zombi and House by the Cemetery) and the 10th Anniversary release of Versus, you haven't heard of these movies yet. But, come September, you most certainly will start hearing a lot more. Check them out after the jump. The above art is this year's official art by Mike Saputo. Below is the...
- 7/14/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
It's almost that time of year, that happy, happy time of year when the world turns its eyes to Austin, Texas and the craziest genre movies ever at the Alamo Drafthouse's Fantastic Fest.
This morning we got the first wave of twenty films from this year's lineup and it look to be a bumper crop of cinematic insanity. There's a couple of favorites from the festival circuit -- including "Beyond the Black Rainbow" from Tribeca and "A Lonely Place to Die" from ActionFest -- and a couple intriguing premieres, including the evocatively titled "Invasion of the Alien Bikini" (made on a budget of $5,000) and a Dutch comedy called "New Kids Turbo" about "gutter comedy, mullets, and mustaches." Repertory titles include the tenth anniversary screening of Ryuhei Kitamura's "Versus," the theatrical premiere of the new 3K digital restoration of Lucio Fulci's "Zombie," and a Real D presentation of the...
This morning we got the first wave of twenty films from this year's lineup and it look to be a bumper crop of cinematic insanity. There's a couple of favorites from the festival circuit -- including "Beyond the Black Rainbow" from Tribeca and "A Lonely Place to Die" from ActionFest -- and a couple intriguing premieres, including the evocatively titled "Invasion of the Alien Bikini" (made on a budget of $5,000) and a Dutch comedy called "New Kids Turbo" about "gutter comedy, mullets, and mustaches." Repertory titles include the tenth anniversary screening of Ryuhei Kitamura's "Versus," the theatrical premiere of the new 3K digital restoration of Lucio Fulci's "Zombie," and a Real D presentation of the...
- 7/14/2011
- by Matt Singer
- ifc.com
If things go as planned, GeekTyrant will be covering this years Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX. I have never been to what has been named the "Geek Telluride", but I am anxious to attend. Every year there are tons of awesome genre films to assault the senses and this year is no different.
One of the coolest bits is that the fest will be showing a remastered version of Leo Fulci's Zombie, which is one of the best classic zombie films not directed by Romero. There are also some sweet Korean, French, Russian films and so much more.
FantasticFest is truly the place to be in September!
Official Press Release:
Austin, TX—Thursday, July 14th, 2011— Fantastic Fest is proud to announce our first wave of programming for the seventh edition of Fantastic Fest, happening September 22-29 in Austin, Texas.
This batch of 20 films spans the globe from Japan, Belgium, Mexico,...
One of the coolest bits is that the fest will be showing a remastered version of Leo Fulci's Zombie, which is one of the best classic zombie films not directed by Romero. There are also some sweet Korean, French, Russian films and so much more.
FantasticFest is truly the place to be in September!
Official Press Release:
Austin, TX—Thursday, July 14th, 2011— Fantastic Fest is proud to announce our first wave of programming for the seventh edition of Fantastic Fest, happening September 22-29 in Austin, Texas.
This batch of 20 films spans the globe from Japan, Belgium, Mexico,...
- 7/14/2011
- by Tiberius
- GeekTyrant
By Sean O’Connell
Hollywoodnews.com: The annual Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas has become a must-attend for film fanatics hoping to catch up on an array of cult, international, genre and geek cinema that may or may not make it to a multiplex near you.
Heading into its seventh year, the fest already has begun unveiling its first wave of programming for this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 22-29. The 20 announced titles span the globe from Japan, Belgium, Mexico, Russia, Hong Kong, Korea and the U.S.
“Fantastic Fest is the high-point of my year. Every year, old friends return and strangers become friends. Fantastic Fest is my extended dysfunctional family; each of us completely obsessed by the wildest and weirdest films on earth,” says festival creative director and co-founder Tim League.
So what do they have planned for this year? Here are the 20 titles that will kick off programming,...
Hollywoodnews.com: The annual Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas has become a must-attend for film fanatics hoping to catch up on an array of cult, international, genre and geek cinema that may or may not make it to a multiplex near you.
Heading into its seventh year, the fest already has begun unveiling its first wave of programming for this year’s event, scheduled for Sept. 22-29. The 20 announced titles span the globe from Japan, Belgium, Mexico, Russia, Hong Kong, Korea and the U.S.
“Fantastic Fest is the high-point of my year. Every year, old friends return and strangers become friends. Fantastic Fest is my extended dysfunctional family; each of us completely obsessed by the wildest and weirdest films on earth,” says festival creative director and co-founder Tim League.
So what do they have planned for this year? Here are the 20 titles that will kick off programming,...
- 7/14/2011
- by Sean O'Connell
- Hollywoodnews.com
Formerly named the devilish El Infierno or The Hell, Lightning Entertainment has renamed this crime thriller to El Narco, aka The Drug Dealer. Recently completed, El Narco is a real heartwarming story of Benny (Damian Alcazar) and returning to his home town, in Mexico. In reality, his welcome involves gunfire, violence and his partially forced entry into the illicit drug export business. Here, events go from bad to worse and shortly, Benny is on the run from local authorities and into the deep pockets of the local crime lords.
El Narco was recently shown in Cannes 2011 (Lightning) and hopefully, good news will return from this locale, as a North American release date has not been announced so far. For now, watch the comedic, yet sinister hijinks of Benny and his criminal underlings in the exciting reel below.
The synopsis for El Narco is here:
"Drugs, guns, violence, death: Mexico today...
El Narco was recently shown in Cannes 2011 (Lightning) and hopefully, good news will return from this locale, as a North American release date has not been announced so far. For now, watch the comedic, yet sinister hijinks of Benny and his criminal underlings in the exciting reel below.
The synopsis for El Narco is here:
"Drugs, guns, violence, death: Mexico today...
- 5/17/2011
- by Remove28DaysLaterAnalysisThis@gmail.com (Michael Allen)
- 28 Days Later Analysis
El Infierno, Chicogrande, and the other nominations of the 2011 Premio Ariel (Ariel Awards) have been announced. The 53rd Annual Premio Ariel (Ariel Awards) are presented by the Mexican Academy of Cinematographic Arts and Sciences. “The Ariel is the Mexican Academy of Film Award. It has been awarded annually since 1947. The award recognizes excellence in motion picture making, such as acting, directing and screenwriting in Mexican cinema. It is considered the most prestigious award in the Mexican movie industry.” The 53rd Annual Premio Ariel (Ariel Awards) “ceremony will take place on May 7 [, 2011] at the Palacio de Bellas Artes in Mexico City.” The full listing of the 2011 Premio Ariel (Ariel Awards) nominations is below
Best Picture
Abel
Chicogrande
El infierno (Hell)
Best Director
Felipe Cazals, Chicogrande
Luis Estrada, El infierno (Hell)
Diego Luna, Abel
Best Actress
Karina Gidi, Abel
Mónica del Carmen, Año bisiesto (Leap Year)
Maricel Álvarez, Biutiful
Úrsula Pruneda, Las...
Best Picture
Abel
Chicogrande
El infierno (Hell)
Best Director
Felipe Cazals, Chicogrande
Luis Estrada, El infierno (Hell)
Diego Luna, Abel
Best Actress
Karina Gidi, Abel
Mónica del Carmen, Año bisiesto (Leap Year)
Maricel Álvarez, Biutiful
Úrsula Pruneda, Las...
- 3/26/2011
- by filmbook
- Film-Book
Story of El Infierno follows cartel foot soldier capable of 'insane levels of brutality' and is tipped to be a box office hit
A black comedy taking Mexican cinema audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the horrors of the country's drug wars is set to become one of the year's big box office hits, even in areas worst affected by the violence.
El Infierno, or Hell, tells the story of a well-meaning middle-aged deported migrant called El Benny as he transforms into a drug cartel foot soldier capable of insane levels of brutality.
The film has been doing well in cities across the country for a month now, and was released in Ciudad Juárez this weekend. So far this year more than 2,400 people have been killed in drug war linked violence in and around the border city.
"The cinema was unusually busy and the audiences came out laughing and repeating scenes from the film,...
A black comedy taking Mexican cinema audiences on a rollercoaster ride through the horrors of the country's drug wars is set to become one of the year's big box office hits, even in areas worst affected by the violence.
El Infierno, or Hell, tells the story of a well-meaning middle-aged deported migrant called El Benny as he transforms into a drug cartel foot soldier capable of insane levels of brutality.
The film has been doing well in cities across the country for a month now, and was released in Ciudad Juárez this weekend. So far this year more than 2,400 people have been killed in drug war linked violence in and around the border city.
"The cinema was unusually busy and the audiences came out laughing and repeating scenes from the film,...
- 10/11/2010
- by Jo Tuckman
- The Guardian - Film News
Mexico City -- Mexico has selected Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu's drama "Biutiful" as its foreign-language Oscar contender for the 83rd Academy Awards, while Luis Estrada's narco-themed satire "El Infierno" will go for the Goya in Spain.
"Biutiful" is Gonzalez Inarritu's first feature-length film without the collaboration of Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. After nearly a decade of working together on their renowned death-themed trilogy ("Amores Perros," "21 Grams" and "Babel"), Gonzalez Inarritu and Arriaga severed their partnership due to a much-publicized falling out over credits.
Should "Biutiful" nab an Oscar nom, it would mark the second time that Gonzalez Inarritu has represented Mexico in the foreign-language category. He landed his first Academy Award nomination for the gritty drama "Amores Perros."
Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment recently acquired "Biutiful" for U.S. distribution. The film, which is yet to screen in Mexico, bowed in Cannes earlier this year to mixed reviews. There it...
"Biutiful" is Gonzalez Inarritu's first feature-length film without the collaboration of Mexican screenwriter Guillermo Arriaga. After nearly a decade of working together on their renowned death-themed trilogy ("Amores Perros," "21 Grams" and "Babel"), Gonzalez Inarritu and Arriaga severed their partnership due to a much-publicized falling out over credits.
Should "Biutiful" nab an Oscar nom, it would mark the second time that Gonzalez Inarritu has represented Mexico in the foreign-language category. He landed his first Academy Award nomination for the gritty drama "Amores Perros."
Roadside Attractions and Liddell Entertainment recently acquired "Biutiful" for U.S. distribution. The film, which is yet to screen in Mexico, bowed in Cannes earlier this year to mixed reviews. There it...
- 9/27/2010
- by By John Hecht
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Thanks to Renato, who once again sends us a fine pick from Mexico which he describes as a "dark comedy directed by Luis Estrada about the narco-politica" in Mexico. Yes, it does look quite dark and quite funny.
Here's a google translated synopsis:
Mexico 2010: The Hell. Benjamin Garcia, El Benny, is deported from the U.S. and returning to his people is a bleak picture. Irrational violence, widespread corruption and economic crisis plaguing the country have completely devastated the place. The Benny, with no other options and to help his family get ahead, get involved in the drug business in which it has, for the first time in his life, a dazzling prosperity full of money, women and violence, but in the end find in the flesh, that the tempter criminal way of life does not always pay what it promises.
Trailer after the break. Someone translate please!
Embedded video stripped,...
Here's a google translated synopsis:
Mexico 2010: The Hell. Benjamin Garcia, El Benny, is deported from the U.S. and returning to his people is a bleak picture. Irrational violence, widespread corruption and economic crisis plaguing the country have completely devastated the place. The Benny, with no other options and to help his family get ahead, get involved in the drug business in which it has, for the first time in his life, a dazzling prosperity full of money, women and violence, but in the end find in the flesh, that the tempter criminal way of life does not always pay what it promises.
Trailer after the break. Someone translate please!
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- 8/24/2010
- QuietEarth.us
Body parts, cowboy hats and middle aged men wielding power tools and hand guns, it's all a part of the mix in Luis Estrada's Hell (El Infierno). A slick black comedy laced with graphic violence, Estrada's picture pokes fun at the Mexican drug trade and I can only hope he does so from a safe enough distance that he doesn't end up like the guy whose severed fingers decorate one of the opening shots of the trailer.
Benjamin Garcia - Benny - is deported from the United States. Back home and against a bleak picture, Benny gets involved in the narco business, in which he has the first success of his life, a spectacular rise surrounded by money, women, violence and fun. But very soon he'll discovers that criminal life does not always keeps his promises. Epic black comedy about the world of Mafia and organized crime, Hell helps...
Benjamin Garcia - Benny - is deported from the United States. Back home and against a bleak picture, Benny gets involved in the narco business, in which he has the first success of his life, a spectacular rise surrounded by money, women, violence and fun. But very soon he'll discovers that criminal life does not always keeps his promises. Epic black comedy about the world of Mafia and organized crime, Hell helps...
- 8/21/2010
- Screen Anarchy
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