Gabriel Ornelas

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

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.

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

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

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.”