Cine Las Americas International Film Festival

by MovieMaker Staff | Published January 7, 2007

Location: Austin, Texas
Festival Dates: April 19 - 26, 2007
Deadline: January 15, 2007
Late Deadline: January 31, 2007

Like our Association of the Week, the National Association of Independent Latino Producers, the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF) is dedicated to promoting the voice of the Latino film community. What began as a Cuban film retrospective in 1997 has blossomed into an eight-day multicultural event that will celebrate the festival’s tenth anniversary in style. “Emerging Latino filmmakers and masters alike were largely invisible in the context of cinema in the U.S.,” says Jacqueline C. Rush Rivera, director of programming at CLAIFF. “Our objective has been to break down these cultural and institutional barriers and I think we are succeeding.”

Over the years, CLAIFF has established itself as an essential part of the Austin film scene, founding several after-school workshops for local high school students and using the festival to showcase the best of Latino and indigenous moviemaking that was often overlooked by more mainstream fests. At this year’s festival, in addition to adding three days to the calendar, CLAIFF plans to introduce a video art program featuring experimental works and more than 100 films made by or about Latinos and indigenous groups of the Americas. Says Rivera of the festival’s impact on its attendees: “Our audience has an opportunity to realize a deeper understanding of various cultures as well as a deeper appreciation of the art form.” For more information on the festival and submitting your film, visit http://www.cinelasamericas.org.

Sound Off: What are some of the best underground Latino or indigenous films you’ve seen in recent years? Are film festivals the best way to get films like these into the mainstream consciousness? Let us know in the comments section!

SHARE THIS STORY

TAGS
festival of the week

COMMENTS | POST A COMMENT

Comment by melissa on 1/16/07 at 8:20 am

This is a great film festival. They also show Native American and indigenous films. This year is their 10th anniversary and they are supposed to be bringing some special directors from Latin America.
-----

Comment by Chuy Vlaskz on 1/26/07 at 4:14 pm

Awesome festival. If it wasnt for these festivals, some great Latino and indigenous films would never make it to the big screen here in the US. We would just had to wait for the DVD version or even worst; not even know about them.

Comment by Infinitstars on 1/31/07 at 9:22 am

Austin TX itself hasn’t really recognized this festival as there are so many there, so its good to see national press on it, its great.

Comment by Buddy Garza on 3/12/07 at 10:01 pm

I recentlty attended this festival and I must say that I was very dissapointed with the quality of film and the lack of profesionalism from the staff. Things never started on time and the scheduling was horrible.

I don’t recommend this festival to anyone.

Comment by Sky Crane on 4/02/07 at 2:34 pm

This is an amazing festival. What many people don’t reaize is that it is run as a non-profit, surviving the last 10 years entirely due to the blood, sweat and tears of the staff and volunteers. I reccomned this festiva to film lovers and film makers from all backgrounds. It’s not just for idigenous people and latinos, it’s for everyone!

Comment by Jens on 4/23/07 at 5:20 am

There’s a very popular Indigenous film festival in Sydney. Every year they show the best of the best new Aboriginal film premieres of both newcomers and established directors.

It’s called “Messagesticks Indigenous film festival” and showcases both shorts and feature films. A great source of information and inspiration.

Details: http://www.CreativeSpirits.de/resources/movies/message-sticks-indigenous-film-festival-sydney.html

Comment by Infinitstars on 6/05/07 at 1:03 pm