CineFest Latino Boston 2024 Recap
CineFest Latino Boston is an annual celebration and exploration of stories created by and about Latinos. The goal of the film festival, which includes shorts and feature films, is to break stereotypes surrounding Latino people, bring communities together and shed light on the issues affecting the Latino community in the United States, Latin America and Spain. This year’s venues included the Paramount Theatre, the Coolidge Corner Theater and Boston’s very own Museum of Fine Arts. The festival ran from September 25–29. In total, a combination of twenty-four features and shorts were screened across the three venues. Every feature length film, of which there were eleven, were followed by a Q&A with their director. Some of the Highlights included Miguel Ferrer’s “La Sombra Del Sol (The Shadow of the Sun),” Carla Gutierrez’s “Frida” and Alonso Ruizpalacios’ “La Cocina,” starring Rooney Mara.
In addition to the film screenings, CineFest Latino hosted workshops and panels that addressed various aspects of the filmmaking process, including script writing and distribution. These sessions aimed to empower emerging filmmakers and provide them with valuable insights into the industry. Participants were able to connect with seasoned professionals who share their passion for storytelling.
Cinefest Latino was started in 2021 by Sabrina Avilés, an award-winning independent filmmaker. After experiencing difficulties breaking into the film industry as a Latina, Avilés wanted to help her community and break down some of the film industry’s barriers, aiming to give them opportunities that were originally tough to get. Avilés hopes that CineFest will bring Latino talent, culture, and art to the forefront of the entertainment industry. Organizers are already beginning to plan next year’s festival, hoping to expand its reach. Submissions for next year’s CineFest Latino begin as early as April, 2025. More can be found at their website, https://www.cinefestlatino.com/.
Film List
Features:
- SANTIAGO DE LAS MUJERES
- IN THE SUMMERS
- FRIDA
- MILONGA
- IGUALADA
- EL SIGNO VACÍO (THE EMPTY SIGN)
- EL ECO
- LA SOMBRA DEL SOL (THE SHADOW OF THE SUN)
- PRODIGAL DAUGHTER
- ITU NINU
- LA COCINA
Shorts:
- NYANGA
- WE WERE KIDS BACK THEN
- I WENT OUT WALKING
- REMEMBER US
- MARA HAS THREE JOBS IN SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO
- EXPANDING SANCTUARY
- NO SE VE DESDE ACÁ
- THE SELTZER FACTORY
- ESTELA, IS IT YOU?
- CHICA
- 52 MINUTOS
- MY QUEERCEAÑERA
- MY NAME IS ANNABEL
Regions: Boston