Friday, May 22, 2015

The Top Ten Mexican Movies in Hola Mexico 2015

José Alberto Hermosillo

Hola Mexico Film Festival 2015 hosted a big party in Los Angeles a few days ago, leaving us with a great impression. The audience, the press, the sponsors, and the talent were excited about the cinematic celebration.

 

All the shows started on time, and most of the directors attended the Q&As. The red carpets looked fantastic, and the after-parties were enjoyable.

The films were surprisingly good, and the LA LIVE Regal was a pleasant venue. 

Hola Mexico showcased 22 quality films from South of the Border in nine days, with a record attendance of 25,000 moviegoers. Some movies, such as “Gloria,” “La Dictadura Perfecta/The Perfect Dictatorship,” and “El Americano,” are completely sold out. 
El Americano: The Movie, LA Premiere. Photo José A. Hermosillo

Samuel Douek, founder and programmer of Hola, did a great job generating enough buzz to make the Mexican cinematic festival one of the top film festivals in Los Angeles.

Hola Mexico is expected to continue growing with more films, fans, events, and sponsors. The Mexican festival will keep enriching itself by providing subtitles for all English films. Before the festival, press screenings could help spread the word to audiences and US distributors, increasing the chances for Mexican films to reach theaters in the US sooner. 


Rico Rodriguez (“Modern Family”) plays Cuco in “El Americano: The Movie.” Photo: José A. Hermosillo.

Many films presented in Hola won awards at festivals around the world, including “Club Sandwich,” “Las horas contigo,” “México Bárbaro,” “La dictadura perfecta,” and others.

 

With mariachi, tequila, concerts, and special events, the 2015 edition of Hola Mexico has been the best.
The top ten Mexican films in Hola Mexico 2015 were:
☆
1. 
González, falsos profetas 
(Gonzalez, False Prophets). 
Original, poignant, superb!
A truly Neo-Noir genre film.  
A revelation for a first-time filmmaker.
Discloses the nature of the business of faith and religion.
The performances were absolutely marvelous. 
Harold Torres is magnificent, 
Carlos Bardem is a true genius in acting. 
Directed by Christian Diaz  Pardo.
☆☆
2. 
Las oscuras primaveras.
(The Obscure Springs). 
Hot, sexy, sensual, complex, intense.
 A wonderful surprise. 
A terrific cast.
José Maria Yazpik, Cecilia Suarez, and Irene Azuela
are explosive!!!
 Directed by Ernesto Contreras.
☆☆☆
3. 
Alicia en el País de María.
(Alice in Marialand).
A sophisticated, fast string to another dimension feature.
 Dreams and sexual obsessions blind the characters.
A case of mistaken identity invites us to follow it.
Starring two of the new divas of Mexican Cinema:
Barbara Mori and Stephani Sigman (the new Bond Girl). 

Directed by Jesús Magaña Vázquez.
 ☆☆☆☆
4. 
El Mas Buscado
(The Most Wanted).
Clever and twisted.
Based on the true story of a
famous mariachi by night and a bank robber by day. 
 
Directed by José Manuel Cravioto.
☆☆☆☆☆ 
5. 
East Side Sushi. 
An incredible story of a woman fighting for her dreams.
From the East Side of Sacramento, a woman gives up her fruit vending cart for a more steady job in a Japanese sushi place. 
She is so good with the knife that she quickly learns how to make sushi. 
The competition with the other male cooks will backfire on her.
HOLA MEXICO AUDIENCE AWARD WINNER
 Directed by Anthony Lucero.
☆☆☆☆☆☆
6. 
La dictadura perfecta
(The Perfect Dictatorship).
A powerful and scandalous film about the Media and Politics in Mexico.
 The fame of the director is due to his controversial and poignant films, such as: 
“La ley de Herodes/Herod’s Law,” “El Infierno/El Narco.”
Directed by Luis Estrada.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
7. 
El Americano, The Movie.
 The 3D animation made a big splash with clever Spanglish dialogue and colorful characters. 
A very well-made story 
with deep feelings and excitement for adventure.
Directed by Ricardo Arnaíz.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
8. 
Tiempos Felices
(Happy Times).
A serious comedy about a breaking out and a crazy agency that takes advantage of the naive people who hire their services.
Directed by Luis Javier M. Henaide. 
 ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
9. 
Eddie Reynolds and the Steel Angels
A great surprise, enjoyable.
 A musical for the middle-aged and youngsters, too.
 To all who love the rock en español.
 Directed by Gustavo Moheno.
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
10. 
Matria.
An eye-opening documentary about the Mexican Revolution of 1910, Masons, and an army of 100,000 Charros against a possible invasion of Nazis to Mexico during the 1940s.
Director and video artist Fernando Llanos unveils family secrets. This film about Fernando’s Grandfather made them uncomfortable with more than one member of his own family. 
A must-see! 
Directed by Fernando Llanos.

☆☆☆                      ☆☆☆                         ☆☆☆
Phill Roman, legendary animator and producer of The Simpsons, Garfield, Tom & Jerry, The Mask, and La Leyenda de la Nahuala. Photo by José Alberto Hermosillo.

Producer Michael Olmos. Photo: José A. Hermosillo.














Director Ricardo Arnaiz, El Americano: The Movie. Photo by José A. Hermosillo,





Raúl Méndez presenting Visitantes. Photo: José A. Hermosillo.
Actor Damian Alcazar: La dictadura perfecta, Eddie Reynolds.
Director Fernando Llanos, “Matria.” Photo: José A. Hermosillo.
LAS CAFETERAS CONCERT, DTLA.

Fernanda Ulibarri and DJ SANTI.

Nina Dioz Concert.

José Alberto Hermosillo and “The “Don Chente Girls.”
☆☆☆
Related articles:

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Sunday, May 17, 2015

Güeros: A Lyrical Love Letter to Mexico City

By José Alberto Hermosillo

AFI FEST REVIEW: Radiant and bold. “Güeros” is a gem crafted by the new and promising generation of Mexican filmmakers.

 

“Güeros” is a portrait of a confrontational generation we are unaware of, but it allows us to see their existence and purpose in time.


Alonso Ruizpalacios, AFI FEST 2014. Photo by José Hermosillo, COPYRIGHTS Festival in LA

Director Alonso Ruizpalacios aimed to create a larger-than-life film that reflects the soul, music, culture, and vibrant youth of Mexico City as a poetic love letter.

 

“Güeros” shares the style of “Y tú mamá también” and has the fresh look of “Lake Tahoe.”

 

This unapologetic coming-of-age, hyper-realistic urban road movie has delighted audiences at festivals worldwide, winning Best First Feature at the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival, the New Auteurs Audience Award at AFI FEST 2014 in Los Angeles, and the Havana Film Festival Grand Coral for Best First Work.

 

“Güeros” has received 12 nominations from the Mexican Academy of Film and Television, including Best Picture.

 

The film pays tribute to Truffaut’s “Jules and Jim,” Godard’s “Band of Outsiders,” and Hellman’s “Two-Lane Blacktop.”

 

The director’s main inspiration was “Los Caifanes/The Outsiders” by Juan Ibañez (1966), one of the greatest independent films in Mexico’s history.

 

 

Set in 1999, the film follows a fair-skinned teenager named Tomás, sent by his weary, widowed mother from Veracruz to live with his dark-skinned older brother, Sombra, played by Tenoch Huerta (“Deficit,” “Days of Grace”), in Mexico City. Sombra struggles with depression and panic attacks. Ironically, the doctor (director’s cameo) suggests a vacation in Veracruz.



Sombra’s roommate, Santos (Leonardo Ortizgris), is also light-skinned and hates being called “güero.”

 

One of Mexico’s ongoing conflicts is the struggle between “güeros” and “morenos” (light-skinned vs. dark-skinned), a theme discussed in Carlos Reygadas’s “Post Tenebras Lux” and many other Mexican films. The difference is that “Güeros” is more subtle.

 

Sombra and Santos are students at U.N.A.M. (National Autonomous University of Mexico). The university is closed due to a student strike. 



As “outsiders,” they question the movement’s ideology, which conflicts with their own ideas, goals, economy, and the country’s future.

 

As they witness the chaos on campus, they feel nostalgia for their “Ama Mater.”

 

The only memory little Tomás has of his father is an audiotape of folk-rock singer Epigmenio Cruz, which he listens to obsessively on his Walkman.

 

The urban legend says: “Once Epigmenio Cruz made Bob Dylan cry.”

 

In their quest to find the legendary and mythical singer, a series of unfortunate events pushes them to travel from their old apartment building north of the city to the south, facing the dangers and paranoia of a hostile environment—nothing that a giant bottle of cerveza “Caguama” can’t fix.

 

At the chaotic university, they meet Ana (Ilse Salas). She is the leader of the student movement and a radio personality at the rebel underground radio station—the same station the guys were listening to earlier in their car.

 

She needs a break from the conflict and joins them in their search for Epigmenio. The quartet keeps going, traveling from the south of the city to the Chapultepec Zoo to gather more clues. Then, they head to the Zocalo (Mexico City’s downtown), where they experience their “La Dolce Vita” moment at an upscale pool party, where they get into trouble again.

 

They go from the Centro to their final destination, a cantina in the eastern neighborhood of Texcoco. Inside, the TV plays Juan Gabriel singing “Hasta que te conocí/Until I Met You,” which sets the scene for the climax.

The charismatic actress Ilse Salas delivers a commanding performance. Her fresh looks and big eyes bring to mind Italian actress Giulietta Masina (“Juliet of the Spirits,” “The Nights of Cabiria,” “La Strada”).


Ana fights against misogynistic, macho men shouting at her, insisting they want to see her breasts instead of her leadership.

 

Young Tomás is played by the talented newcomer Sebastian Aguirre. He has the strength and heart to let the audience see the world through his eyes.

On the other hand, Sombra’s character takes too long to accept the reality of the plot. One can understand his depression and traumas, but a couple of strong speeches are not enough to unlock his full potential.

 

By cutting a few unnecessary shots, this film could move at a faster pace while maintaining its already artistic black-and-white look.

 

“Güeros” is a rare Mexican film with global reach, universal emotions, and likable characters. The nostalgic film’s music, poetry, and lyrics carry deeper meaning within the story.

 

The well-written script explores brotherhood, friendship, and the mysterious Ciudad de Mexico, connecting these themes with “Youth in Revolt.”

 

“Güeros” is not a political statement. It does not support either the left or the right wing. Existentialism is present in the lives of these four compelling characters. They are focused on surviving and finding emotional fulfillment in a vibrant city full of contrasts.

 

“Güeros” is part of a new wave of diverse Mexican cinema seeking a global audience. Mexico’s film production has increased from 12 to 120 movies a year over the past twelve years—a 100% growth.

 

Thanks to awards at festivals worldwide and Oscars won by Mexican directors known as the “Three Amigos” in recent years, some publications have stated, “Hollywood loves Mexican directors, but hates Mexican movies.” This is one of the main reasons why many Mexican films are not widely distributed in the US. In the spirit of fair play, things could change if we aim to develop a market where diversity and inclusion are the ultimate goals.   

Film critic José Hermosillo and director Alonso Ruizpalacios at AFI FEST 2014. 
COPYRIGHT FestivalinLA


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Sunday, April 19, 2015

10 Must-See French Films at COLCOA 2015

Jose Alberto Hermosillo,
COLCOA 2015 at  the DGA. Photo by: Jose Alberto Hermosillo.
Los Angeles becomes a French city for the next 9 days with the French Film Festival also known as COLCOA.  
COLCOA LOBBY Photo by: Jose Alberto Hermosillo.
COLCOA (City of Lights – City of Angels) is one of the most prestigious and well organized film festivals in town, this year has a terrific line-up of films, documentaries, animation features, French classics, shorts, and this year's new secton:TV productions.
COLCOA'S program presentation at the French Consulate. Photo: Jose A. Hermosillo
The festival is recognized for being the second largest French festival outside of France. Knowing this, tickets sold out fast for all the screenings four days in advance, but there still is a chance to catch some of those amazing French movies by buying tickets at the festival's box office. For more information, visit: www.colcoa.org
COLCOA 2015 at  the DGA. Photo by: Jose Alberto Hermosillo.
Festival in LA has selected the hottest French films showing at COLCOA 2015:

1. NUMBER ONE FAN/Elle L’adore.  

Directed by: Jeanne Herry.  This amazing dark comedy is about self-love vs. Selfless adoration, with the wonderful Sandrine Kiberlain (“9-Month Stretch”) as Muriel, the middle age, divorced cosmetologist who is “fan” of the great pop star Vincent Lacroix (Laurent Lafitte). 

The performance of Sandrine Kiberlain is subtle, magnificent, one of the best performances of the year. It makes you really care for the poor fan than will do anything for the admired star. A great thriller with a French twist!

 2. THE CONNECTION / La French.

Directed by: Cédric Jimenez. Cast: Jean Dujardin (Academy Award Winner for best actor “The Artist”) as the magistrate Pierre Michel, whose goal is to dismantle the most notorious drug smuggling operation in history also known as “The French Connection.” 

 Inspired by true events, this stylish and larger-than-life crime is set in Marseille during the late 70’s. “The Connection” is an epic, intense true-crime novel translated wonderfully to the big screen.

3. THE SEARCH

Directed by: Oscar winner director Michel Hazanavicious ("The Artist")."The Search"focuses on the human rights during the second Chechen war of 1999. 

Oscar nominee Bérenice Bejo as Carole is working for the NGO, she is in charge of writing a report for the UN on the humanitarian crisis and gets involved with a lost kid, presumably orphan. The sister is searching for her family, or what is left. The Red Cross official (Annette Bening) is overwhelmed with the crisis. The three stories will meet together with an ingenious twist of fate. Marvelous! 

4. IN THE NAME OF MY DAUGHTER/

L'Homme qu'on aimait trop.

This monumental true story is directed by: André Téchiné had the wonderful performances of Catherine Denueve as the matriarch Renée, Guillaume Canet as the handsome young lawyer, and the gorgeous Adèle Haenel as the heiress. 

The drama unfolds as the exalted mother want to keep control of the family’s casino. The lawyer manipulates. The neglected daughter feels. One of the best Téchiné’s time period movies.

5. A PERFECT MAN/ Un homme ideal.

Directed by: Yann Gozlan. Cast: Pierre Niney (Mathieu), Ana Girardot (Alice), Valeria Cavalli (Hélène). 

An intense thriller about an innocent looking young writer who finds a dead man’s diary that he turns it into a novel of his own - soon his actions will hunt it down in this unpredictable and gripping story.

6. LOVE AT FIRST FIGHT/ Les Combattants

A romantic “girl meets boy” kind of movie on the line of “The Blue Lagoon,” where she wants to take control in a pre-military training camp, he’s crazy about her. The "guerrilla" lovers will find out that the “wildlife” is not as easy as they thought. Sexy, fresh, and compelling.  

7. SK1/L'Affaire SK1.

This court-thriller is directed by: Fréderic Tellier and starts with a trial where we meet the players, the presumed murderer, lawyers and the homicide squad inspector who back in the days, when he was “the rookie,” he was in charge of collecting all the evidence of a series of women being killed in the same strange way.  During the trial, the evidence and the people want the murderer to confess, but we want his innocence to be probed. 

“SK1” is a complex a grabbing thriller that everyone should see.  

 8. THE GATE/ Les Tempes des Aveux.

A French ethnologist in Cambodia meets with a former Khmer Rouge official after two decades of the conflict. 

In that place all human rights were violated. His captor, for four months, is accused of killing thousands of innocent people. 

A historic film than embraces human endurance. Directed by: Régis Wargnier. 

9. Hippocrates, DIARY OF A FRENCH DOCTOR / Hippocrate.

Director Thomas Lilti bring us a story of a great young doctor trying to impress his father, Professor Barois, but thing won’t turn out so simple. A heartrending drama that everyone loves.

10. Brooklyn

An “8 Mille,” “Filly Brown” type of film where a young and talented Swiss rapper-girl is daydreaming about fame and fortune, something hard to find in the streets of Paris. Soon, she finds herself immersed in the hip-hop subculture and with the support of a social worker, that will get her into the poetry-slam events. The question is if she will succeed in the competitive world of the starving artist?  

 This is part of the COLCOA’S French NeWave series, not to be missed.


Other articles:

COL-COA 2014 Scores High In The LA Film Festival Circuit

The World's Best Female Lead Singer Movies

25 Great Foreign Films Getting Distribution in the US in 2014

25 Great Foreign Films that Did Not Get Distribution in US Theaters

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