By Maria Esteves - July 8, 2009

The 10th New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) presented by HBO will be held at select theaters July 28 - August 2, 2009. The festival founded in 1999 by Calixto Chinchilla, is the premiere marketplace for Latino film in the country that supports emerging and established directors of Latino and Latino American descent. NYILFF annually showcase film, music, free community events, and scholarships, to enrich the diversity and spirit of New York's Latino community.

This year's festival celebrating ten years of cinematic excellence debuts in a new venue with major stars along with a compelling program of films, panel discussions, Q&A sessions, awards ceremony, gala receptions, after parties, and special events. The festival highlights include the Opening Night New York Premiere of LA MISSION, written/directed by Peter Bratt, at the SVA Theatre, Tuesday, July 28, 7:00 PM; Dominican Night Premiere of DON'T LET ME DROWN, directed by Cruz Angeles, at the Columbia Alumni Theater, Thursday, July 30, 7:00 PM; Closing Night Premiere of LA LINEA (The Line), directed by James Cotten, at the SVA Theatre, Saturday, August 1, 7:00 PM; and a tribute to Colombian-American comedian, actor, voice actor and producer John Leguizamo, with a special film presentation of WHERE GOD LEFT HIS SHOES, directed by Salvatore Stabile at the Clearview Chelsea Cinema, Wednesday, July 29, 7:00 PM. 

2009 New York International Latino FilmFestival select theaters are Clearview Chelsea Cinemas (260 West 23 St.), School of Visual Arts (SVA) Theatre (333 West 23 St.), and the Columbia Alumni Hall (650 West 168 St. at Fort Washington Ave.).

2009 NYILFF Cinema Under The Stars Free Outdoor Screenings with no rain date include:

*  Academy Award winning musical film FAME, directed by Alan Parker, will be held at St. Nicholas Park (St. Nicholas Ave & West 135 St),  Monday, July 27, 8:30 PM

*  OUR SONG, directed by Jim McKay will be held at New York Restoration Project (105 East 103 St), Thursday, July 30, 8:30 PM

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CRAZY/BEAUTIFUL, directed by John Stockwel will be held at New York Restoration Project, Friday, July 31, 8:30 PM 

*  FANIA ALL STARS: LIVE IN AFRICA will be held at the New York Restoration Project, Saturday, August 1, 8:30 PM

NYILFF09 Theatre Box Office Information & Purchase Tickets

* Ticket sales begin Friday, July 10, 2009.

* Tickets can be purchased at the venues where your film is playing.

* NYILFF09 theatre box office is located at the Clearview Chelsea Cinemas (260 West 23St.). You may purchase tickets at the box office a 1/2 hour before the first show of the day and a 1/2 hour after the last show of the day. Box office hours are Thursday & Friday 4pm - 9pm. Saturday & Sunday 2pm - 9pm.  For full schedule lineup or to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.NYLatinoFilm.com.