BRILLIANT OPENING CEREMONY AT THE LOS ANGELES LATINO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL (LALIFF) – 8TH EDITION

LALIFF´s Eight Edition opened last night right in the heart of Hollywood. The Egyptian theater opened its doors for 10 intense days of movie screeenings during which local audiences will view films from all Latin America, Spain, Portugal, USA and Canada.

Actor Edward James Olmos, chairman and Marlene Dermer, director, gave a warm welcome to a sold out theater filled with personalities from the film world. Olmos said, “we have worked very hard to bring to you, our faithful audience, a selection of brilliant films that willl touch your heart, stimulate your mind and make you proud of our Latino culture”.

Marlene Dermer, the festival´s director, shared her happiness that “…this year, ther Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences has recognized LALIFF as a qualifying Festival for its Awards in the Short Film category. These are important milestones and we take pride in our accomplishments. But it is your unwavering support through the years that makes it all worthwhile”.

Filmmakers Jim McBride and Arturo Ripstein, screenwriter Paz Alicia Garciadiego, actors Lupe Ontiveros, Luis Roberto Guzman, Christian de la Fuente, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Lumi Cavazos were some of the opening night´s guests. The Opening film, LADIES’ NIGHT, was introduced by director Gabriela Tagliavini. We also saw Spanish actor Pablo Carbonell, who will present today his Opera Prima as a director, TUNA AND CHOCOLATE.

A brilliant ceremony to ring in 10 days of film celebration.