|
|
||
|
||
|
||
|
||
 |
|
|
|
|
| Program Schedule FESTIVAL THEME: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14 5:00 PM – COACHELLA VALLEY FILMMAKERS FOCUS
Starring Jesus “Chuy” Pérez, Roxanne Dawson, Ivonne
Coll, Dayton Knoll, J.W. Wolterman, Taylor Dayne. Screenplay by Tom Hughes
& Bradley Battersby. Directed by Bradley Battersby. Jesus The Driver was filmed in the Coachella Valley. To celebrate the local nature of this funny black comedy, director Bradley Battersby and cast members will appear for a special Q&A session. All college students showing a valid college ID will be admitted to the film for a special price of $5. PROGRAM INCLUDES A SHORT FILM BY A LOCAL FILMMAKER 7 PM OPENING NIGHT COCKTAIL PARTY 8 PM – OPENING NIGHT FESTIVITIES
Starring Richard Montoya, Herbert Siguenza, Rick Salinas. Written by Culture Clash. Directed by Emilio Estevez. "Culture Clash in AmeriCCa" is an anthology of skits and monologues portraying diverse American immigrants. Inspiration for these fascinating characters and stories came from thousands of interviews conducted nationwide during a period of 20 years, by Culture Clash. With this film, Culture Clash moves from their once Chicano-centric view of the world to capture other brown, marginalized, and eccentric voices to define what it means to be an American post-9/11. Filmed before a live audience. Culture Clash is scheduled to appear live to introduce this hilarious and insightful film about life in today’s America. OPENING NIGHT PARTY FOLLOWS THE SCREENING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 10 AM – A COLLECTION OF SHORT FILMS An eclectic program of new short films from the U.S. and Mexico, showcasing some of the most dynamic filmmakers of tomorrow. The films range from slapstick comedy to heart-wrenching drama to provocative thrillers. Because of the wide range of films, please be advised that some contain violence. Starring Louie Olivos, Jr., Robin Simmons, Victor Martinez, Joe Keyes, Alex Patino, Pedro Pano and Alex Torres. Written and Directed by Mario de la Vega. Nominated for 4 2005 Independent Spirit Awards, Robbing Peter tells three stories of crime and betrayal across the U.S.-Mexican border which intertwine toward a climactic finish. Unable to find work as a mechanic, Pedro scores a job from local crime boss Don Epifiano, who orders Pedro to accompany a gringo pilot named Paul on a drug deal into Arizona, but Pedro misses his meeting with Paul and tries to track him down through Paul's girlfriend, Shawna, whom he kidnaps. A flashback reveals more about Shawna and Paul, a recently paroled felon, and their history with Epifiano that landed Paul in prison. Add into the mix a hood named Danny, who ropes his straight-laced brother Nelson into a scheme to get a hold of the loot, and by the end of the third section, all involved have come to cross-purposes. 2:30 PM – SPECIAL EVENT DYING TO LIVE: A MIGRANT’S JOURNEY Documentary, written and directed by Daniel Groody. Join writer-director Father Daniel Groody in a discussion of his film and the important issues it raises. Immigration is a complex issue that is changing the face of cultures worldwide. In the United States it is often controversial with many social, economic, political and even religious implications. In the debate, what often gets lost are the human issues at stake. "Dying to Live" is a profound look at the human face of the
migrant. It explores who these people are, why they leave their homes
and what they face in their journey. Drawing on the insights of Filmmaker Father Daniel Groody, is Assistant Professor of Theology and the Associate Director of the Institute for Latino Studies at the University of Notre Dame Starring Tony Sanchez, Michael Cortez, Donato Cruz, Phil Camacho, Carmen Cenko. Screenplay by Roger B. Domian. Directed by Tadeo Garcia. Set in the mean streets of Chicago’s Southside, On The Downlow is an explosive story of the relationship between Isaac and Angel, two young Chicano gang members. The decisions these men make and the paths they each take create a trap for them in a community where rules can’t be broken and secrets won’t be tolerated. On the Downlow is a gay love story that delivers an unconventional look at life in the hood. 7:30 PM – FESTIVAL CENTERPIECE FILM NINE LIVES Starring Kathy Baker, Amy Brenneman, Elpidia Carrillo, Glenn Close, Dakota Fanning, Lisa Gay Hamilton, Holly Hunter, Jason Isaacs, Ian McShane, Aiden Quinn, Amanda Seyfried, Miguel Sandoval, Sissy Spacek, Robin Wright Penn. Written and directed by Rodrigo Garcia. Official selection of the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and winner of Best Film at the 2005 Locarno Film Festival. Writer/director Rodrigo Garcia has assembled one of the most amazing casts ever. In fact, the Locarno Film Festival cited the entire female cast as the festival’s Best Actress. Nine very different women – white, black, Latina – each at emotional crossroads find themselves captives of relationships, both past and present. A series of small stories, some of which intersect, some stand-alone, but each brilliantly illuminates the raw emotion in these women’s lives. It is a film not to be missed.
Starring Gonzalo Heredia, Dario Tripichio, Moro Anghileri. Written and Directed by Edgardo Cozarinsky. A dark, urban odyssey, Rondo Nocturna (Night Watch) follows an atypical night in the life of Victor, a 20 year old Buenos Aires prostitute. Victor encounters horny businessmen, corrupt police, fellow prostitutes and the homeless while the threat of violence simmers just below the surface. As the night darkens, Victor’s journey becomes more surreal. A fascinating – and sexy – portrait of a young man forced to confront his past, his present and his future. Contains male nudity and sexual situations. This program also includes the short: TACO CHICK & SALSA GIRL Starring Oscar Quintero, J.P. Torres. Directed by Kurt Koehler. Neato Nazi Barbie has an evil, diabolical plan to poison the Mexican population of Los Angeles and hypnotize Salsa Girl to do it. With the help of gay pal Fruity Punch, Taco Chick needs to stop Barbie, save Salsa Girl… and save the world from very, very bad shoes. SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16 10:30 AM – FILM & FOOD SPECIAL EVENT 3 SHORT FILMS AND A TAMALE AND BAGEL BRUNCH TIJUANA JEWS Documentary written and directed by Isaac Artenstein. Through interviews, home movies and archival footage, Tijuana Jews examines the lives of a vibrant community. Throughout the early twentieth century, thousands of European Jews sailed to Mexico looking for opportunity and escaping increasing persecution at home. In the process they created a community that blends Jewish and Mexican cultures and customs. THE YIDISHE GAUCHOS Documentary, written and directed by Mark Freeman. Narrated by Eli Wallach. At the end of the nineteenth century, thousands of East European Jews fled from persecution and pogroms. With the help of the Jewish Colonization Association, these Jews adapted to a life on the pampas alongside the tough Argentine cowboys, the gauchos. The Jewish Gauchos, like their native counterparts, dressed in black hats and wide belts. They adapted the local customs to their new community: They built schools, libraries, theaters, hospitals, and an agricultural cooperative that gave the pampas its own unique Jewish character. Utilizing archival footage, commentary from scholars and interviews with those who remember the earliest days of Jewish settlement in Argentina, this lively documentary illuminates an unknown chapter of modern Jewish history. JEWS OF THE SPANISH HOMELAND Documentary, produced by Ernesto Gimenez Caballero. This restored documentary visits Sephardic communities in Salonkika, Constantinople, Yugoslavia and Romania, as well as former centers of Jewish life in Spain. Addressing the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, filmmaker Caballero captured fading glimpses of Sephardic Jews in diverse locations. This is a rare chance to see a fascinating historical document. After the films stay for a special brunch of tamales and bagels. 1 PM – WORLD PREMIERE FILM
Starring Jessi Perez, Mara Monserrat, Greta DeBofsky, Maritz Nazario. Written and Produced by Rosie Vargas Goldberg. Directed by Julio D. De Los Santos. The International Hispanic Film Festival is pleased to present the world premiere of Bloom, a heart-felt drama of mothers and daughters. In order to regain custody of her children, Letty, a young Latina, must see a counselor, Dr. Sharon Greene. Although she comes from an educated, middle-class family, Letty’s bad personal choices have led to her failures in life and as a mother. Through glimpses into her daily life involving physical and verbal abuse we see her path into hopelessness. We also see Dr. Greene’s life, which, despite a loving husband and mother, is also filled with despair over her inability to conceive. The two women impact each other’s lives and lead to profound changes for each. Writer/Producer Rosie Vargas Goldberg is scheduled to introduce the film. 3PM – WORLD PREMIERE FILM
Starring Ezekel Cruz, Shelby Smith, Thomas Fahrner, Elizabeth Noel The International Hispanic Film Festival is pleased to present the World
When an alien being crash lands on the remote location of a “reality”
Writer/director Ted Rivera’s work as a producer of films for Roger
5PM – LOVE FOR RENT Starring Angie Cepeda, Ken Marino, Nora Dunn, Jim Piddock, Martita Roca, Brad Rowe, Max Wolf Burkholder, Richard Speight Jr. Directed by Shane Edelman Sofia, a debt-burdened law student, is about to be divorced by her husband, whom she married for a Green Card. Broke and facing deportation to Colombia, there’s seemingly no way out, until she meets a wealthy couple. They offer her $50,000 to become a surrogate mother. She agrees… at the same time she meets a handsome doctor and falls in love. Will love keep them together? Or will the truth about her situation drive them apart? This delightful romantic comedy just won the Audience Award as favorite film at the New York International Latino Film Festival and has been a hit at festivals across the country. It opens theatrically later this year. 7PM—CLOSING NIGHT FILM
Starring Poppy Montgomery, Adam Kaufman, Jose Yenque, Danny Pino, Patricia Nunez Reyes Spindola, Lola Anthony, Alana Stewart. Directed by David Ocanas. Between is a provocative thriller about Nadine, a young American woman who travels alone to Tijuana to investigate the disappearance of her sister. Getting Detective Campos to reluctantly assist her, Nadine takes a journey into the mysteries of Tijuana and the mysteries of her own heart. Between is an official selection of the 2005 Sundance Film Festival and stars two of television’s hottest young stars, Poppy Montgomery (CBS-TV’s “Without a Trace”) and Danny Pino (CBS-TV’s “Cold Case”). Director David Ocanas is scheduled to appear to introduce the film. After the film, join director David Ocanas for the Closing Night Party at Pat & Oscars, Westfield Palm Desert. NOTE: All film titles and scheduled times are subject to change
at the last minute.
|
|
|
JESUS
THE DRIVER 
CULTURE
CLASH IN AMERICCA 
12
PM – ROBBING PETER 
5:00
PM – ON THE DOWNLOW 
10PM
– RONDA NOCTURNA 
BLOOM
NIGHT
OF THE CHUPACABRA
BETWEEN
