Hola! Mexico Film Festival 2015 returns to it’s home at LA LIVE.
This showcase of the best of current Mexican cinema, this year’s crop of 21 films is a diverse slate of films, and genres; “We forget about the eternal battle of Art versus Commercial, and we don’t need to put a label on a film. We see great stories that are well produced and that will make us rejoice film and allow us to enjoy all the flavors that Mexican cinema has prepared for us.” Delight in dramas, art films, documentaries family entertainment, animation and the debut of Obra Primas- the first films of emerging directors.
Five sections of films- MEXICO AHORA / NUEVA VOCES / DOCUMENTAL / NOCTURNO / HOLA NIÑOS serve up a week of exciting entertainment.
NOCTURNO “Some films are made with the intention to grab and shake us to the core in an effort to make us rethink the world as we currently know it. These films will make us scream or introduce us to a world of pain and suffering – physically or mentally. The new Nocturno section will present you with the bizarre or purely horrifying films being produced in Mexico.”
HOLA NIÑOS offers Family entertainment in Spanish; helping Spanish speaking and bilingual families share films with their kids in their native language, on the big screen.
MEXICO AHORA and DOCUMENTAL reflect Mexico as it is today, through narrative and documentary films. NUEVA VOCES celebrates emerging filmmakers and cinematographers-a bridge to the future of Mexican and International films.
Some festival highlights include: EL MAS BUSCADO, MEXICO’S MOST WANTED (Dir. Jose Manuel Cravioto),DODO (Dir. Luis Ayhllón), ALICIA EN EL PAÍS DE MARÍA, ALICE IN MARIALAND
(Dir. Jesús Magaña Vázquez), LA DICTADURA PERFECTA, THE PERFECT DICTATORSHIP (Dir. Luis Estrada), CLUB SANDWICH (Dir. Fernando Eimbcke), and the advanced screening EL AMERICANO: THE MOVIE (Dir. Ricardo Arnaiz)
The brain child of then Sidney-based and Mexico City-raised event manager the globe trotting travels from Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, New Zealand to Chicago, Miami, Washington D.C, New York and L.A. HOlA! Mexico is the pre-eminent festival of Mexican film in the U.S.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Day 1 – Friday, 5/8
7:00PM GLORIA
OPENING NIGHT FILM + FIESTA!
REGAL CINEMAS LA LIVE 7:00PM – GLORIA
AFTER PARTY AT DON CHENTE BAR – GRILL & LOUNGE
TICKETS $50.00 INCLUDES FILM SCREENING AND AFTER PARTY AT DON CHENTES WITH SPONSORED BAR MONTEJO BEER + HERRADURA TEQUILA WITH FOOD SAMPLING BY ROCIO’S MOLE DE LOS DIOSES. MENU:
1. BROCHETA DE CAMARÓN CON VEGETALES Y GUACAMOLE AL TEQUILA HERADURA.
2. MINI SOPE DE COCHINITA PIBIL AL TEQUILA HERRADURA.
3. EMPANADA DE VEGETALES CON SALSA HERRADURA.
4. CREPA DE POLLO CON MOLE DE CAFÉ CON CERVEZA MONTEJO.
5. TOSTADA DE CEVICHE DE PESCADO A LA MARACUYA CON MONTEJO.
6. QUESADILLAS VARIAS CON SALSA PICANTE. (HONGOS, HUITLACOCHE, RAJAS, FRIJOL Y CHORIZO).
Day 2 -Saturday, 5/9
12:00PM LA LEYENDA (84MIN)
2:00PM MATRIA (64MIN) replays Mon, 5/11 5:00PM
4:00PM GONZALEZ (110MIN) replays Mon, 5/11 9:00PM
7:00PM TIEMPOS FELICES (95MIN) replays Mon, 5/11 7:00PM
9:00PM EAST SIDE SUSHI (107MIN) replays Wed, 5/13 5:00PM
11:59PM EL INCIDENTE (100MIN)
Day 3 -Sunday, 5/10
12:00PM SELECCION CANINA
2:00PM DODO (87MIN)
4:00PM CLUB SANDWICH (86MIN)
6:00PM LAS HORAS CONTIGO (88MIN)
8:00PM LAS OSCURAS PRIMAVERAS (100MIN) replays Tues, 5/12 5:00PM
10:00PM MEXICO BARBARO (110MIN)
Day 4 -Monday. 5/11
5:00PM MATRIA (64MIN) second screening
7:00PM TIEMPOS FELICES (95MIN)
9:00PM GONZALEZ (110MIN) second screening
Day 5 – Tuesday, 5/12
5:00PM LAS OSCURAS PRIMAVERAS (100MIN) second screening
7:00PM VISITANTES (100MIN)
7:00PM SHORT FILM PROGRAM (78MIN) AT RAY STARK THEATER USC CAMPUS
9:00PM EDDIE REYNOLDS (106MIN) replays Fri, 5/15 5:00
Day 6 – Wednesday, 5/13
5:00PM EAST SIDE SUSHI (107MIN) second screening
7:30PM EAST SIDE SUSHI (107MIN) HIGH SCHOOL ONLY SCREENING
7:00PM EL MAS BUSCADO GALA replays
9:00PM LA DICTADURA PERFECTA GALA
AFTER PARTY: EBANOS CROSSING DTLA, DOORS OPEN AT 8:00PM
NO COVER + LIVE ENTERTAINMENT + RED CARPET + COCKTAILS.
Day 7 – Thursday, 5/14
5:00PM VISITANTES (100MIN)
7:30PM EL MAS BUSCADO (HS)HIGH SCHOOL ONLY SCREENING ( CAN WE GO?)
7:00PM EL AMERICANO GALA
9:00PM ALICIA EN EL PAIS DE MARIA (90MIN) GALA
AFTER PARTY:
LA CITA BAR 9:00PM TICKETS $8.00 FERNANDA ULIBARRI ¡APARATO! DJ SANTI
Day 8 – Friday, 5/15
5:00 PM EDDIE REYNOLDS (106MIN) second screening
7:00PM ALIVIO
9:00PM FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK
PRIVATE AFTER PARTY
Day 9 – Saturday, 5/16
1:00PM BEST OF THE FESTIVAL (TBC)
4:00PM BEST OF THE FESTIVAL (TBC)
7:00PM BEST OF THE FESTIVAL (TBC)
9:30PM BEST OF THE FESTIVAL (TBC)
Day 10 – Sunday, 5/17
6:30PM LA PLAZA DE CULTURA Y ARTES
AMOR DE MIS AMORES
CONCERTS BY: LAS CAFETERAS (10:00PM) NIÑA DIOZ (7:00PM)
Alicia En El Pais De Maria
Directed by Jesús Magaña Vázquez Cast: Bárbara Mori, Claudio Lafarga, Stephanie Sigman Mexico 2014, 90 MIN. Spanish with English Subtitles.
Tonatiuh and Mary live a passionate and violent relationship. One night, in the heat of an argument, suffering a spectacular crash in the car. Tonatiuh falls into a coma and during his long sleep recalls his relationship with Mary. For a moment he wakes up and catches sight of Alice, his nurse, who merges with Maria in his dreams. When he finally awakens from a coma, Alicia is hit. A year later meet again, Tonatiuh feels he knows her but does not know from where and Alicia does not remember anything, for now she suffers amnesia. Start a quirky romance, but the memory of Mary returns and reaches. This is the story of an unforgettable love, identity theft and a destiny marked by three car accidents.
Alivio
Directed by Carla González Vargas Mexico 2015, 76 MIN. Spanish with English Subtitles.
Spanish
Three women; Blanca, Angeles and Lupita, live in different parts of Mexico. Despite the fact that they are strangers, their stories have uncanny and sometimes unsettling similarities; dark and painful pasts which threaten to determine their future. Family backgrounds that are not only destructive but subjugating. Each having endured different forms of abuse, these single mothers regain their confidence and sense self worth in spite of the complex cultural tapestry they are woven into. Their shared vocation as nurses shows them the unexpected path to heal their wounds and become the women they were destined to be.
Amor De Mis Amores (Closing Night)
Directed by Manolo Caro Cast: Sandra Echeverria, Marimar Vega, Sebastian Zurita, Erick Elias, Juan Pablo Medina. Mexico 2014, 90 MIN. Spanish with English subtitles.
While Carlos travels to Madrid looking for his best friend to attend his wedding, Lucía, Carlos’s fianceé, runs her car over León, and from this encounter a “love at first sight” is born. Lucía does not suspect that in a week, León is about to marry Ana, who until then has been the “love of his life”.
Club Sandwich
Directed by Fernando Eimbcke Cast: Lucio Giménez-Cacho, María Renée Prudecio, Danae Reynaud Mexico 2013, 82 MIN. Spanish with English Subtitles.
Hector and his young mother Paloma go on vacation. Out of season their hotel is deserted. They spend their days sitting on the edge of the swimming pool. Then attractive Jazmin arrives and we see how Paloma loses her son to a summer fling.
Dodo
Directed by Luis Ayhllón Cast: Adrián Vázquez, Dagoberto Gama Mexico 2015, 87 MIN
“Dodo”, is a thriller that mixes different genres and styles, from comedy to wrestling style films. It follows the story of a cop; Dodo, with a reputation for being an idiot. Dodo will jump on the trail of a missing girl, discovering that his best friend is involved. Along the way he encounters a series of strange characters and typical inhabitants of Mexico City.
East Side Sushi
Directed by Anthony Lucero Cast: Diana Elizabeth Torres, Yutaka Takeuchi, Rodrigo Duarte. USA 2014, 107 MIN. Spanish and English with English subtitles.
Years of working in the food industry have made Juana’s hands fast—very fast. Forced to give up her fruit-vending cart in order to find a more secure job, Juana lands a position as a kitchen assistant at a local Japanese restaurant. While working in the restaurant’s kitchen, Juana secretly observes the sushi chefs and eventually teaches herself to make a multitude of sushi. Eventually she attempts to become a sushi chef, but is unable to, because she is the “wrong” race and gender.
Eddie Reynolds
Directed by Gustavo Moheno Cast: Damián Alcázar, Jorge Zárate, Arturo Rios, Álvaro Guerrero, Paulina Gaitán. Mexico 2014, 106 MIN. Spanish with English subtitles.
After 30 years, a rock band rejoins when Bono, from U2, shows interest in buying one of their songs. The gathering brings up old fights between Eddie, the lead singer, and Santos, the guitar player. Bono postpones the deal while Eddie tries to put the band together one more time. Soon, the old folks start to play gigs again, while Lucia, the drummer’s teenage daughter, renews their rocker style up… Eddie Reynolds is a comedy about friendship, rock and roll craziness, second chances and dreams that come true thirty years later!
El Americano
Directed by Ricardo Arnaiz Cast: Rico Rodriguez, Cheech Marin, Kate Del Castillo, Edward James Olmos, USA / MEXICO 2015, 93 MIN. In English with Spanish Subtitles.
Cuco is a Mexican boy parrot that would rather imitate the crazy stunts of his TV super-parrot hero, EL AMERICANO, than help with his chores at the family circus. Yet, when a gang of bully birds threatens his ringmaster father and takes over the circus, Cuco sets off on a hilarious and perilous journey to Hollywood to enlist his hero in his fight, only to discover the true hero within himself.
El Incidente (The Incident)
Directed by Isaac Ezban Cast: Nailea Norvind, Raúl Méndez, Humberto Busto. Mexico 2014, 100 MIN Spanish with English subtitles.
Two parallel stories about characters trapped in illogical endless spaces: two brothers and a detective locked on an infinite staircase, and a family locked on an infinite road – for a very long time.
El Mas Buscado
Directed by Jose Manuel Cravioto Cast: Tenoch Huerta, Paula Núñez, Gerardo Taracena Mexico 2014, 100 MIN. Spanish with English Subtitles.
Based on the unbelievable true story of career criminal Alfredo Rios Galeana, “EL CHARRO MISTERIOSO,” was the most prolific bank robber in the history of Mexico. By night, Alfredo was a masked mariachi player who performed live shows and sold records to the masses. By day, Alfredo pulled off over 80 bank-heists (more than Bonnie and Clyde, John Dillinger, and Butch Cassidy combined), escaped from prison three times, and earned the title of public enemy number one in Mexico. EL MAS BUSCADO (MEXICO´S MOST WANTED) is a fast-‐paced crime thriller about the most notorious outlaw in Mexican history and the federal cop who brought him down for good.
For Those About To Rock
Directed by Alejandro Franco Mexico 2014, 83 MIN. Spanish with English subtitles.
A documentary that features the story of Rodrigo Sánchez and Gabriela Quintero, two Mexicans who decided to take the risk to pursue their dreams to live from what they loved the most: music. The combination of their adventurous spirits, a lot of hard work and a little bit of luck, took them from performing at anonymous hotels and restaurants in Ixtapa, in their native Mexico, to -just a few years afterwards-, playing their acoustic guitars on the stages of the most important venues and festivals around the world. For Those About to Rock, narrates their amazing and inspiring journey, which teaches its viewers that is possible to live one’s wildest dreams.
Gloria
Directed by Christian Keller Cast: Sofía Espinosa, Marco Pérez, Tatiana Del Real. Mexico 2014, 126 MIN, Spanish with English Subtitles.
A bold and compelling tale of ambition, betrayal and redemption, Gloria chronicles the life of international pop star Gloria Trevi, the “Mexican Madonna.” Carefully groomed by an abusive manager and propelled by her politically charged lyrics and unashamed sexuality, Gloria shoots to unparalleled stardom—until a sex scandal that mesmerized the world, brings her crashing down.
González
Directed by Christian Díaz Pardo Cast: Harold Torres, Carlos Bardem, Olga Segura Mexico 2014, 110 MIN. Spanish with English subtitles.
González lives in the biggest city in the world, a solitary man who is desperate to go ahead and pay his debts. González will find in religion a probable way to solve his problems. But he now faces a different question, what kind of man will he become? Will he be a false prophet trying to gain from the faith of other people? His new ways will find him struggling with his own ambition and his true self.
La Dictdadora Perfecta
Directed by Luis Estrada Cast: Damián Alcázar, Alfonso Herrera, Joaquín Cosío, Sergio Meyer. Mexico 2014, 143 MIN. Spanish with English Subtitles.
TV MX, the most powerful Mexican Television Corporation, discloses a scandalous story involving Governor Carmelo Vargas in serious crimes and illicit business. Governor Vargas worried about his political future, decides to clean his image and negotiates a billionaire secret agreement with the owners of the TV Corporation. Carlos Rojo, an ambitious young news producer, and Ricardo Diaz, TV network star reporter, are responsible for making a dirty campaign to change the image the public has of the corrupt Governor and make him, at any cost, a political star and a great presidential candidate. Mexican Television believes that democracy is a farce and has already placed one President… Will they do it again?
Las Horas Contigo
Directed by Catalina Aguilar Mastretta Cast: Cassandra Ciangherotti, María Rojo, Isela Vega Mexico 2014, 88 MIN. Spanish with English subtitles.
A drama with hints of comedy, in which three generations of women collide. The film tells the story of Ema, a young woman who travels to her grandmother’s house to spend her last days with her. There, she is forced to spend time with her estranged, larger than life mother, who has her own unresolved issues when faced with her mother’s death. In the long wait, it becomes clear that grandma won’t let go in peace until mother and daughter resolve their relationship. Spending time with the women gathered around her grandmother, Ema must learn to reconcile with the fears and issues she has not only with her mother but with motherhood itself.
Las Oscuras Primaveras
Directed by Ernesto Contreras Cast: José Maria Yazpik, Cecilia Suárez, Irene Azuela. Mexico 2014, 100 MIN. Spanish with English subtitles.
Pina and Igor desire each other but are not free. Pina decides to make a lion costume for her young son. He decides to buy a copying machine for his wife. Spring will come to liberate them, filling their lives with passion and guilt.
Matria
Directed by Fernando Llanos Mexico 2014, 62 MIN. Spanish with English Subtitles.
My grandfather was from Tabasco, he fought along with Pancho Villa, became a Master Mason, was Deputy 3 times for Oaxaca, and President of the National Association of Charros. In 1942 he formed The Legion of Mexican fighters, a group of 100,000 charros that were training to repel a possible Nazi invasion in Mexico. The Story of success that was told, had harbored a secret that affected my family and was discovered while I was making this documentary.
Mexico Barbaro
Directed by Jorge Michel Grau – Lex Ortega – Gigi Saul Guerrero – Ulises Guzmán – Aaron Soto – Isaac Ezban – Laurette Flores – Edgar Nito Mexico 2014, 120 MIN. Spanish with English subtitles.
8 visionary directors from different life experiences give a unique narrative to each of these haunting stories. Mexico Barbaro brings to life stories that form a part of our culture, and even some that have haunted our nightmares since childhood, which took away our innocence. The Boogeyman, trolls, ghosts, creatures, Aztec sacrifices, and of course, our beloved traditions such as Day of the Dead immerse in urban and rural stories.
Momias
Directed by Luis Ayhllón Cast: Adrián Vázquez, Dagoberto Gama Mexico 2015, 87 MIN
This time around, Leo San Juan, Don Andrés, Teodora and Alebrije come to Guanajuato to try to stop the mummies – who have inexplicably risen from the dead – and rescue their friend Xóchitl. With the help of Luis, a friend they meet in the city, Leo uncovers the terrible secret of the aristocratic Rousseau, while the rest of the team realizes they have fallen into a trap.
Seleccion Canina
Directed by Carlos Pimentel, Nathan Sifuentes Cast: Fernando Luján, Maite Perroni, Manuel “LOCO” Valdés, Gaspar Henaine “CAPULINA” Mexico 2015,
After another disappointment which may force the team out of the Canine Cup, the Mexi-canine team must change their coach. The selected new coach is Bernardo “The teacher” Lapata, one of the veteran star players who almost won the cup with “Cañon Colmillo” and “Lobo Perreda”. Lapata decides to bring new talent to the team; Polo and Juancho, two stupendous strikers who are united by something more than soccer. Their talent will help them to reach the cup, but they will have to beat their big egos and selfish style of playing, to learn how to play as a team and finally win the cup.
Tiempos Felices
Directed by Luis Javier M. Henaine Cast: Luis Arrieta, Cassandra Ciagherotti, Bárbara de Regil. Mexico 2015, 80 MIN, Spanish with English Subtitles.
Max is a young man involved in a relationship he’s unable to end. After using up all possible resources to break up with his girlfriend, he decides to hire an agency that specializes in ending relationships, only to discover that there is no perfect solution.
Visitantes
Directed by Acán Coen Cast: Kate Del Castillo, Raúl Méndez, Aurora Papile, André Collin. Mexico 2014, 100 MIN. Spanish with English Subtitles.
Dr. Ana Moreno has managed to leave her tumultuous past behind, successfully building a strong and happy family with her husband Daniel and their son Sebastian. The family will begin to crumble when dark spirits begin to torment her. As these apparitions begin to prey on her family, Ana must do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of her loved ones in this unforgettable supernatural thriller.
Venue Details and Directions:
Regal Cinemas LA LIVE
1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015 – (directions)
LA Plaza De Cultura Y Artes
501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012 – (directions)
Metro Discount
Metro Discount: Show your valid TAP card, Metro employee ID, or LA County employee ID to the box office at any of the participating venues and save $1 on movie admission.
Go Metro: The Hola Mexico Festival will be featured at 2 venues is Los Angeles. Plan your best route using the Trip Planner.
The Regal Cinemas is located at 1000 W Olympic Boulevard in Los Angeles. Take the Metro Blue Line or Expo Line to Pico Station.
LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes is located at 501 N. Main Street in Los Angeles. Take the Metro Red, Purple, or Gold Lines to Union Station and walk across Alameda Street to El Pueblo Historical Monument.
To purchase tickest or for more infromation please go to info@holamexicoff.com and
http://holamexicoff.com/public/