LatinoBuzz: 1st Central American International Film Fest to Launch in L.A. This November
By: Sydney Levine
Tags: Festivals, International Film

Central American International FilmFestival (CAIFF)



, the West Coast’s first festival to showcase works from the movement emerging among isthmus-based and emigré Central American filmmakers, has

announced its launch this November 13–15th, 2015 at the University of Southern California.

All the presentations will be open to the public for free.

The Festival will bring the best cutting-edge and modern Central American films to greater metropolitan Los Angeles, home to the largest number of Central

American immigrants in the US and the greatest number of Salvadoran refugees and emigrés in the world. It will also take its annual event on a rotating

basis to Central America.

Founded by film professionals from El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala and headquartered in the El Salvador Community Corridor — the first such public

space established by any Central American immigrant group in the USA, and strategically located in the heart of Hollywood — Central American International

Film Festival stands poised to become a key player in forging an innovative industry with Central American roots and international scope, creating new

opportunities for its people through the art of cinema. The festival aims to be a living symbol of awakening for a community whose film expression will enrich Los

Angeles’ cultural life, with works in all genres by young and established filmmakers targeted to its own constituencies as well as to international and

industry audiences.

The Central American International Film Festival will also includes works by filmmakers from a different guest country every year. This year’s guest country is

Mexico.

The first titles confirmed for this year’s edition are the opening night gala film “Cuatro Puntos Cardinales” by Javier Kafie (El Salvador). Red Carpet at 6pm followed by the screening.

“Cuatro Puntos Cardinales” (Four Cardinal Points)

Trailer

Synopsis: “Four Cardinal Points” brings together four inspiring stories from North, South, East and West El Salvador. With a soft poetic veil, these

stories portray a rich cultural, ecological and social diversity, showing a viewpoint of the country that distances itself from the accounts of violence

that prevail in the Central American region.

The closing film will be the West Coast Premiere of the much anticipated “Malacrianza,” from Berlin alumnus and internationally

acclaimed Salvadorian writer-director Arturo Menéndez. Closing night will be on Sunday November 15th.

“Malacrianza” (The Crow’s Nest)

Trailer

Don Cleo, a humble seller of Piñatas, who lives in a little town in El Salvador; arrives at home after a long day of work to find an extortion letter at

his door steps. That letter tells him that if he doesn’t pay $500 in 72 hours, a small fortune for him, he will be killed. He quickly decides to raise that

money whatever way possible with friends, and acquaintances. However, after various attempts and finding himself further into trouble, he decides to

confront his perpetrators. This desperate decision leads him to devastating results.

Among other notable events, there will be a retrospective of the work by Canadian-Salvadorian filmmaker Patricia Chica, followed by an in-depth Q & A with her hosted by Sandra Chavarria, who recently won the Triumph Award for Best female TV host. Saturday November 14th

Take a look at the event page HERE

Patricia Chica’s promo video: HERE

Guatemalan actor Erick Chavarria will be sharing the

secrets of his success and acting tips during a Q & A session on Sunday November 15th

Take a look at the event page: HERE

The CAIFF was founded by Oscar Dominguez of the Salvadorian Corridor, screenwriterJuan Carlos Bojorquez is the festival co-founder and director, head of programming is Academy Award-winner André Guttfreund, head of technical support is Adonai Interiano, head of hospitality is Patricia C. Ovando, and the general planner is Mario Anaya assisted by Erick Chavarria. You can visit the festival’s official Facebook page HERE