The New York Latino Film Festival kicks off today and is already buzzing with anticipated films! You can always get the latest buzz with our Festival Genius schedules, but in case you see it here first here’s the run down on what to look out for:
Elliott Loves
http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/elliotloves_terracino_nylatinoff2012
The story of Dominican-American Elliot Ayende at two stages of his life: as a 9-year-old who is side-kick and confidant to his barely-keeping-it-together single mom; and as a 21-year-old looking for love in New York City. A comedy-drama that shows you can survive anything life throws at you -just “keep it cute, papi.”
Filly Brown
http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/fillybrown_youssefdelara_nylatinoff2012
“Majo” Tonorio, a.k.a. Filly Brown, is a raw, young Los Angeles hip-hop artist who spits from the heart. When a sleazy record producer offers her a crack at rap stardom, Majo faces some daunting choices. With an incarcerated mother, a record contract could be the ticket out for her struggling family. But taking the deal means selling out her talent and the true friends who helped her to the cusp of success.
A portrait of an artist forced to discover her authentic voice, Filly Brown percolates with the raw energy of hope sprung from desperation. Directed with tenacious grit by Youssef Delara and Michael Olmos, propelled by an exceptional cast, and fused with a fierce hip-hop score, Filly Brown heralds the arrival of Gina Rodriguez in the title role. A dazzling new star, Rodriguez not only lights up the screen, but she could conquer the airwaves as well.
The Girl is in Trouble
http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/thegirlisintrouble_juliusonah_nylatinoff2012
From executive producer Spike Lee comes the thriller “The Girl Is In Trouble,” a Lower East Side bartender becomes entangled in a murder mystery involving a desperate woman, a missing drug dealer and the scion of a powerful investment firm.
