Hot Stuff: LA's Latino International Film Festival Opening Gala

By Michael Lopez

For every Robert Rodriguez, there are about a dozen Carmen Marrons who are just as skilled, yet not quite as recognized by the mainstream. That’s why Thursday’s (August 19) opening gala for LA’s Latino International Film Festival (LIFF) was such an important event.

Latino filmmakers, actors, and writers all came out to celebrate this year’s up-and-comers. The week long event will feature screenings of over 60 features, documentaries, and shorts. While basking in the glamour and glitz of the red carpet, Team Blogamole was able to talk to some of the creative minds involved with this year’s lineup.

Gabriela Tagliavini

Director Gabriela Tagliavini, who was once an honoree and now at the helm of Eva Longoria Parker’s new "Without Men” movie said, “I love the festival because my first movie was here, my second movie was here, it’s a fantastic event.”

Jeremy Ray Valdez

We also caught up with Jeremy Ray Valdez from the critically-acclaimed indie flick, "La Mission.” In regards to his recent Imagen Award win for his role as Jesse, Jeremy said, “I was nominated against Martin Sheen and Jimmy Smits and I won. It was a huge honor.”

Tons of other notable Latino artists were present as well, including Clifton Collins, Dayanara Torres, LIFF co-founder Edward James Olmos, and the mayor of Los Angeles, Antonio Villaraigosa.

Antonio Villaraigosa

Speaking to reporters about the event, Antonio said, “It’s a great opportunity for us to promote the talent both behind and in front of the camera.”

You can bet we’ll be making some time next week to peep a few of the movies. Let’s see, if there’s roughly 60 films at 1.5 hours a piece…it’ll only take us about 90 hours to get through them all! Take a look at the LIFF website to see this year’s roster and if you can’t make the screenings, be sure to put a few on your DVD wishlist!

(photo credit: Michael Lopez for Tr3s)

Are you excited about LIFF? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3!

Tags Antonio Villaraigosa, Cultura, Dayanara Torres, Edward James Olmos, Latino International Film Festival, LIFF, Movies, Movies & CineMás, photo, Photos