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Boyle Heights Latina Film Extravaganza


On Saturday, March 2, 2012, I was fortunate enough to follow my heart to Boyle Heights to enjoy a day of film at the Boyle Heights Latina Film Festival. 

 I had never been to a movie festival before and thought of all the ones I'd missed since my calendar was full. But this one I went a lone to. I walked into the new CASA 0101 and bought my tickets for two blocks of movies. I went to be inspired and see all the Latinas in the Film industry from Directors, Producers, Writers. I enjoyed the talk back back after each of the blocks. And I enjoyed that each film had its own message. Some comical and hilarious,
and others sweet and tender.

 BHLIFE is a celebration of Latinas, their voices and their visions. The mission of the festival is to build a network of Latina Filmmakers that will draw attention tot the growing number of Latinas working behind the camera. The films of these Latinas constitute a body of work that acts as a powerful statement against the stereotypical portrayals of Latinas on screen.


Mission Statement

 The Boyle Heights Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (BHLIFE) is the first
film festival to focus on the works of U.S. Latina directors. The mission of the
festival is to build a network of Latina filmmakers that will draw attention to the growing number of Latinas working behind the camera. The films of these women constitute a body of work that acts as a powerful statement against the stereotypical portrayals of Latinas on screen. The films featured in this year’s festival come from filmmakers representing diverse Latino communities throughout the country and overseas. We are proud to showcase these films here at The New Casa 0101 Theater and include this work as part of the burgeoning artistic renaissance that is developing just east of the Los Angeles River.
After each block crowds headed out of the theater and mingled and browsed the art work in the exhibit. Film supporters and friends came by to see films. Casa's new theater can hold x number of people. Unfortunately, I made plans for Sunday and wasn't able to attend the awards ceremony.

THE 2012 BHLIFE FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS

1. Best Director-  Dir. Iliana Sosa "Child of the Desert"

2. Best Screenwriter- Dir. Cristina Malavenda "Understudy"

3. Best Documentary- Dir. Anayansi Prado "Paraiso For Sale"  

4. Best in Keeping with the Festival Theme- Dir. Debby Wolfe "Gordita"


5. Audience Award- Dir. Kamala Lopez "Ese Beso"


6. Up and Coming Director- Dir. Belinda Salazar- "Barrio MMA"

7. Mujers de Juarez Award- Dir. Jessica McMaunn Macias- "Soleil"


8. Unique Voice- Dir. Sara Martin- "Le Petite Chef"

9.  Promising Filmmaker- Dir. Regina Gomez "Morning After" 
For more information, visit:

 http://www.bhlife.org/

 facebook/New.BHLIFE
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Location: Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, CA, USA

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