Cinema

The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) returns for its ninth year with expanded programming, sponsorship levels and film premieres. The 2008 festival, which is presented by HBO, will take place from July 22 – 27 in New York City, and will include screenings throughout the day and evening, industry panel discussions, music showcases, special cultural events, and free to the community outdoor screenings and events, all tailored to reach the diverse and multi-generational Latino audience.

A country that falls apart amidst the degradation of a shameful tyranny, the unimaginable levels of decomposition of a corrupted society and everything opposed to a love story, one that seems doomed from inception, are the key plot lines of “El Señor Presidente”.

The film, which premiered against all odds on November 2007 in many important theaters across Venezuela, is directed by Rómulo Guardia and co- produced with Jorge Granier and Caupolican Ovalles for RCTV and its partner The Angostura Film Company.

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and HBO announce the 9th NALIP National Conference, co-chaired by producer Frida Torresblanco (PAN’S LABYRINTH) and playwright Elaine Romero (Secret Things). The Conference will be held March 7-9 in Dana Point, California.

They’re not just for movies anymore.

TV and movie sites are generating the highest advertising awareness among consumers under the age of 55, according to Myers Emotional Connections’ “Report on Audience Attentiveness to Advertising.”

The national alliance organization of Women In Film (WIF) and the General Motors Corporation (GM) announced five winners of the second annual WIF/GM 2007 Opening Doors/Abriendo Puertas: The Acceleration Grant for Emerging Latina Filmmakers.

Milka Duno, the first Latina to race in the Indianapolis 500, will travel to Berlin where filming is underway for the 2008 live-action movie “Speed Racer.” The driver of the #23 CITGO Honda Dallara IndyCar has been set to play the role of Gearbox in the film, which is based on the classic anime series of the 1960s.

The 8th edition of the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF), the premier venue for Latino filmmakers and Latino-based content, concluded with some of the most exciting films in cinema, indelible red carpets events and remarkable attendance records. For eight years, the festival has sought out innovative works by emerging filmmakers to showcase Latino talent and culture both on and off screen.

HBO and the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) today announced Hispaniola, a screenplay by Freddy Vargas, as the winner of the 4th Annual HBO/NYILFF Short Film Competition. Vargas will receive a $15,000 grant from HBO to produce and direct a short film based on his original script.