20th Edition of London Latin American Film Festival arrives on November 17th

By 04 November, 2010

The London Latin American Film Festival is one of London’s best established and most respected annual cultural events, and this year it is screening a selection of the strongest new Latin American feature films, documentaries and shorts.

Celebrating it’s 20th anniversary this year and coinciding with the bicentenary of Latin American independence from Spain, the London Latin American Film Festival is your guide through an ever more sophisticated and diverse cinematic landscape.

Firstly, the launch night on November 17th features a screening of the gorgeous animated feature “Chico and Rita”, a love story across the Mambo clubs of 40’s Havana and Harlem, with an original soundtrack by Bebo Valdés.

Then, on the opening night (November 19th) at the Riverside Studios we have a special treat: Laura Lindemann, a young German opera singer, is opening the Festival and setting the mood for the night with her beautiful mezzo-soprano voice, as an introduction to the Argentine film “Felicitas,” a historical extravaganza!

The many other highlights include emerging talent from Cuban cinema: the stunning political thriller “City in Red”; the sumptuous, neon, neo-Noir feature “Neuralgia” and the powerful “Memories of Overdevelopment” a sequel to the towering “Memories of Underdevelopment”, a classic of Cuban Cinema.

“Impulse” is again a compulsive thriller set in the Ecuadorian remote countryside and the compelling Colombian “My Kidnapper” documents the life of a man held hostage by guerrillas, when an email relationship with his kidnappers ensues after his release. Then, young filmmakers of Chile contribute a left field take on the Road Movie tradition with “Tour” and “Ultramar”, as well as the fascinating “April 31st” which explores the distinction between documentary and fiction.

The Festival is also presenting some extraordinary documentaries and short films from emerging talents: Among the many: “El Puesto”, a portrait of one man and his relationship with the natural world, cannot be beaten. “Revolution” counts as probably the most controversial Cuban film of recent years, the press was banned from its only showing in Havana, while the poignant “Vainilla Chip” tells the story of an ordinary day for a widower, an ice-cream maker, permeated with his sense of longing.

As an absolute contrast in tone, “The Crab, The Crocodile and Love in Cuba” portrays a small, vibrant Cuban community with the exuberant art of world famous ceramicist Fuster at its heart.

And the remaining highlights:

  • Charity Event in aid of “Children of the Andes” with Eastern Colombian music from Diego Laverde and Screening “My Kidnapper”
  • Peruvian Night with screening of “Altiplano” supported by Cusqueña beer.
  • CLOSING NIGHT. Screening of “The Belle of the Alhambra”, followed by cocktail reception.
  • Art Exhibition: ART REVOLUTION curated by Ronald Hernandez. 22-25 Nov. Private View: 22nd Nov, 7pm @ Acquire Gallery, London SW8

The 20th London Latin American Festival is running from 19th – 29th November with a Launch Night on 17th November.

Festival Venues and Rest of the Programme can be found on:
www.latinamericanfilmfestival.com
www.twitter.com/llafestival
Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/bY9yaA
Facebook Group: http://bit.ly/aYyPQF


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