By Maria Esteves - July 25, 2007

The Eighth Annual New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) 2007 Closing Night Special Premiere sold out film EL CANTANTE  (The Singer), directed by Leon Ichaso was held at the Director's Guild Theater, on Saturday, July 28, 7:00 p.m. EL CANTANTE opens in theaters on Friday, August 3, 2007.

El cantante is a passionate and riveting film based on the life story of legendary Salsa music singer Héctor Lavoe (Perez). The film is an Oscar nominee caliber not to be missed! It captures the heart and soul of an era in salsa music in New York City during the 1970's - 1980's. EL CANTANTE is a song dedicated and given to Héctor by Latin singer Ruben Blades.

Héctor Lavoe's (starring Marc Anthony) rise to fame resulted in family tragedies. His teenage son Tito (starring Christopher Becerra) died from an accidental gunshot wound. In 1993, Héctor died from HIV/AIDS complications. Several years later, his wife Puchie (starring Jennifer Lopez) died of an accident. Despite the tragedies, his music lives forever.

 EL CANTANTE, directed by Leon Ichaso | New York | 2006 | 116 minutes. Cast: Marc Anthony, Federico Castelluccio, Romi Dias, Vincent Laresca,  Jennifer Lopez, Jack Mulcahy, Frankie Negron, Manny Perez, Nelson Vasquez.