The University of Guadalajara Foundation held a press conference on Friday at the Los Angeles Theatre Center in Downtown L.A. to unveil their new project, a film festival entitled Muestra De Cine GuadaLAjara that will be held at the AMC Universal CityWalk theaters in Hollywood. The University of Guadalajara Foundation is responsible for putting together one of the biggest Spanish book fairs in the country, LeaLA which this year drew over 40,000 attendees, and they are now making a bold move into film, organizing a festival that will showcase movies from around Latin America and other parts of the world. The Foundation joined forces with the International Film Festival in Guadalajara, which is preparing its 28th edition of the festival in March. At the press conference were the founder and director of the International Film Festival in Guadalajara, Ivan Trujillo, the spokesperson for the University of Guadalajara, Igor Lozada, actress and long-time supporter of the University of Guadalajara, Yareli Arizmendi (who you might remember as the lead in Like Water for Chocolate), as well as filmmaker and artist Sergio Arau who designed the artwork for the Muestra De Cine GuadaLAjara materials. All three spoke about the importance of showcasing the talent of international filmmakers who often have difficulty in reaching Hollywood and American audiences.
The Film Festival will not only showcase full length features, documentaries, and shorts but it will also honor the legacy of Mexican-American actress Lupe Ontiveros who passed away in July. In addition, the festival will hold special industry panels for filmmakers and screenwriters, as well as Q&As for audiences. There are many confirmed guests including Kate Del Castillo who appears in Colosio, El Asesinato; a film that will compete for Best Foreign Film at the Golden Globes. Trailer below:
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Among other confirmed special guests are Billy Zane, Carmen Salinas, Beto Cuevas among others.
The Muestra De Cine GuadaLAjara takes places this weekend October 13 & 14 at the AMC Universal City Walk Theatres.
All of the panels and movies are free and the movies are sub-titled in English.Reservations are required and can be done at:
http://muestradecine.udgla.com/en
or by phone:
213-785-1313
