Hola Mexico Film Festival

In conjunction with the New York International Latino Film Festival, the Hola Mexico Film Festival will be screening the newest in Mexican Cinema. The Hola Mexico Film Festival promises to be more raucous than the NYILFF with a Opening Night Fiesta at the Gallery Bar catered by fresa hot spot La Esquina. There should also be more opportunities for Q&As with filmmakers which is always one of my favorite parts of a film festival.

Here are some highlights...

*All descriptions taken from http://www.holamexicoff.com/films.php

Llamando a un Ángel * Opening Night Fiesta (Calling An Angel)
July 23, 2008, 7:30 pm
“A mistaken phone call unites three characters who do not know each other, but respond to the same name: Angeles Flores Fuentes. The characters, confused by a desperate message of love, make decisions that change the course of their lives.”

La Zona (La Zona)
July 26, 2008, 8:00 pm
July 25, 2008, 1:00 pm
“In Mexico, the gap between rich and poor has created a separation both geographically and culturally. In this highly awarded film, Rodrigo Pla tells the story of a fenced-in Mexico City community that is broken in by burglars during one stormy night. After one of the burglars is trapped, the people from La Zona 'make justice' on their own terms. Pla weaves plot points to bring together the characters in a shattering final test of the connection between two unlikely allies.”

Malos Hábitos (Bad Habits)
July 25, 2008, 9:30 pm
July 26, 2008, 5:30 pm
“Bad Habits is the award-winning debut from noted Mexican up-and-comer, Simon Bross. A strong address of the vicious cycles of eating disorders, Bad Habits was inspired by the true story of a 17th century Mexican nun and her relationship with one endearing school girl whom she councils through first communion. The juxtaposition of deprivation and abstinence in the midst of plenty make for an intelligent film worthy of the accolade Best First Feature Film at the 2007 Montreal World Film Festival.”

Bajo Juárez: La ciudad devorando a sus hijas (Bajo Juárez: The City Devouring Its Daughters)
July 25, 2008, 5:30 pm
July 27, 2008, 3:30 pm
“In the city of Juarez, along the Mexico-U.S. border, hundreds of young women are either murdered or abducted year after year. As the crimes continually go unpunished, grieving parents are frequently forced to accept the devastating fact they may never know the ultimate fate of their beloved children.”