Latin Films at NewFest: NYC's LGBT Film Festival

In case you didn’t know, 2012 is shaping up to be one of the best years ever for LGBT Latin films. There is a handful of them making the rounds at gay festivals and winning awards at mainstream festivals like Sundance and Berlin. And thanks to NewFest, New York’s LGBT Film Festival, you can see catch some of los mejores at Lincoln Center starting this weekend. Opening night is Friday, July 27. It looks like it’s going to be a hot and humid weekend. So, do yourself a favor and go see some amazing Gaytino movies. Going to the movies is the perfect antidote to a sticky NYC summer day–there’s A/C, snacks, and most of the filmmakers will be present for a Q&A. Make sure to B.Y.O.V. (Bring Your Own Valentina) for the popcorn.

OPENING NIGHT FILM + AFTER PARTY

“An adaptation of Pulitzer prize finalist Christopher Shinn’s first play of the same name, Four is both an emotional and urgent glimpse into the lives of four troubled and fascinating individuals. As the world around them celebrates the 4th of July with fireworks and festivity, a closeted married man, his young daughter, a gay teen, and a minor drug dealer haltingly negotiate one-night affairs. Filmmaker, author and artist Joshua Sanchez upends typical expectations of race and gender, reading Shinn’s drama with an intensity, candor, and carnality.”

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CLOSING NIGHT FILM + AFTER PARTY

“Seventeen-year-old Daniela is obsessed with sex. But her self-proclaimed “pussy in flames” is in direct conflict with her well-to-do, strict evangelical family in Santiago, Chile. She finds an outlet by detailing her naughty ruminations and exploits on her blog Young & Wild to her eager online followers. Marialy Rivas masterfully directs her first feature, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival and picked up the World Cinema Screenwriting Award. Rooted in a fearless and unforgettable performance by Alicia Rodríguez, Young & Wild is a stunning, energetic look at family and youth culture in contemporary Chile.”

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“This Sundance favorite is a sweet and genuine film about two Chicana high schoolers, Yolanda, a shy, straight-A student, and Mari, her “bad girl” classmate. Yolanda offers to tutor the feisty and hot troublemaker. As she and Mari study and share their intimate thoughts in an abandoned auto body shop, their feelings inevitably get deeper, furtive glances grow longer, and Yolanda starts to come into her own. Aurora Guerrero’s debut feature takes a tender look at what it’s like to discover yourself and fall in love for the first time.”

“Taking a cue from RuPaul’s famous line “We’re all born naked, and the rest is drag,” 23-year-old Spanish filmmaker Andrea Esteban and her girlfriend Paula take us on a journey to Madrid, Berlin and London and into the lives of a fascinating cross-section of young lesbian and trans artists, activists, and journalists. Whether they’re coming out, falling in love, throwing punk rock festivals, or putting together art zines, they’re all unafraid to be who they are. Esteban’s fun and informative film will no doubt be an important cultural document in the years to come.”