Cine Las Americas

Austin’s Cine Las Americas International Film Festival 2024 announces Filmmaker Awards

By John Wildman 2 years ago

Cine Las Americas Executive Director Gabriel Orneles, said, “This year’s edition of CLAIFF kicked off our next quarter century with the great films and enthusiasm from our audiences that have made us a must-see Austin event for the past 25 years. Our award winners were wonderful representatives of the films and filmmakers Cine Las Americas is known for celebrating and oftentimes introducing to audiences here. As we continue to grow, we receive reminders with each screening and interaction with our filmmakers and film fans, why this film festival has become such an important part of the cultural fabric in a city that continues to be a central hub for filmmaking here in Texas and the Southwest.”

Austin’s Cine Las Americas 2024 announces film lineup

By John Wildman 2 years ago

Cine Las Americas Executive Director Gabriel Orneles, said, “As we kick off Cine Las Americas’ second quarter century, we are delighted to present screenings with several filmmakers in attendance to encourage that connection between artist and audience. This is a unique film festival that brings together people from several different countries, cultures, and life experiences, whether that means the stories on screen, or literally the people themselves. We are also thrilled to have COPA Airlines join us for the first time, as we continue to make our world that much smaller by bringing more international filmmakers to Austin.”

Cine Las Americas Review: Clara Cullen’s MANUELA captures Sean Baker-style indie magic

By Luke Y. Thompson 3 years ago

The movie opens with a shot of Manuela and Alma crossing the border into Mexico, which seems like a drastic step that must be justified by an equally drastic plot turn. So even as we observe the otherwise pleasant bonding, that’s always in the back of the mind. What’s going to happen that sends her fleeing? And will Alma be a willing participant, or a kidnapped victim?

Austin’s Cine Las Americas 2023 wraps up 25th Anniversary celebration with Filmmaker Awards

By John Wildman 3 years ago

Austin’s Cine Las Americas announced the filmmaker award winners following the conclusion of a hugely successful 25th Anniversary edition of the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF). Leading the list of films winning jury prizes were Clara Cullen’s Manuela (Best Narrative Feature), and Gisela Delgadillo’s Kenya (Best Documentary Feature). Films taking the Audience Awards were topped by Marie Clements’ Bones of Crows (Narrative Feature), and Miwene, directed by Keith Heyward, Jennifer Berglund, Gange Anita Yeti Enomenga, Obe Beatriz Nenquimo Nihua(Documentary Feature).

Cine Las Americas announces film and events for 25th Anniversary edition in June

By John Wildman 3 years ago

CLAIFF Lead Programmer Ernie Quiroz, added, “We are thrilled that this year’s 25th anniversary edition is all the more special due to it being such a thoroughly female filmmaker-dominated lineup. This year’s group of films also is incredibly exciting with a strong current of thrillers and illuminating documentaries running throughout it. Our audiences are in for several great nights at the movie theater!”

Austin’s Cine Las Americas announces Call For Entries for 25th Anniversary edition this year

By John Wildman 3 years ago

Executive Director Gabriel Ornelas, said, “This will be a very special year for Cine Las Americas. Celebrating its 25th year, this festival represents the dedication and passion of hundreds of filmmakers, volunteers, staff, businesses, and community that each year have believed in the mission and significance to showcase Latino and Indigenous stories in cinema. The 25 years have been full of wonderful successes and not without challenges. But it is the perseverance and will of a collective community to ensure the voices Cine Las Americas represents are heard and shared.

Trisha Ziff’s Oaxacalifornia at Austin’s Cine Las Americas 2021 adds some free films, competition shorts, youth films and more for next month’s fest

By John Wildman 5 years ago

CLAIFF Lead Programmer Ernie Quiroz, said, “We love giving our Cine Las Americas audience and community here in Austin something special to add just that much more luster to the festival and what fits the bill better for that than a sneak preview screening here and a world and/or US premiere there? A vital part of our efforts are to do what we can to make our film festival available and accessible to everyone who wants to enjoy it. We are also excited about the scope, variety, and pure entertainment to be found in our shorts and music video competitions, as well as our Emergencia Youth films as we continue to look for and promote the next generation of filmmakers out there.”

Rita Moreno documentary from Mariem Pérez Riera’s Opens Austin’s Cine Las Americas; the feature film lineup for next month’s fest

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Cine Las Americas Executive Director Gabriel Ornelas, said, “In format, this year will serve as a bridge from our virtual showcase during the pandemic last year to returning to the in-person screenings and events we have all been looking forward to enjoying once again. Our opening night screening under the stars is a wonderful first step in that direction, without losing the gains we have made through the virtual screenings broadening the reach of CLAIFF and bringing these great films into people’s living rooms so we can introduce them to our wonderful filmmakers.”

CLAIFF Executive Director Gabriel Ornelas new leadership, new look: Austin’s Cine Las Americas announces hybrid plans for 23rd edition

By John Wildman 5 years ago

Cine Las Americas Lead Programmer Ernie Quiroz, said, “We are so thrilled to build on the success of last year’s Virtual Showcase to launch a hybrid edition of the 23rd Cine Las Americas International Film Festival. CLA is committed more than ever to supporting Latinx and Indigenous voices in film. We’re excited at both the prospect of returning to in-person screenings, in a safe and responsible manner but also at the idea of expanding our reach beyond the Austin city boundaries through virtual events. Both have their place and both help fulfill our mission in supporting Latinx and Indigenous filmmakers.”