SF Latino Film Festival 2016: Divas of the Golden Era
February 2, 2016 § Leave a comment
As we begin this new chapter in Cine+Mas history, we take into consideration the past year’s dramas, triumphs, and hard work our group and community has endured. We move through 2016 with new purpose: a vision that celebrates where we’re from and welcomes the future with the gleaming faces of Divas of the Golden Era of Mexican Cinema.
Our mission with this festival this year is to showcase the innocence of what was once new territory for the Americas in film. We’ll share stories of our journey. Celebrate monthly up to September with film and dinner events. Join us. Get in early as a contributor and please share our stories with your friends and family.
¡Nos vemos en el cine!
Donor Recognition and Benefits for the 2016 Cine+Mas San Francisco Latino Film Festival
$5,000- $9,999 Studio Head DONATE
- “Studio Head” listing in 2016 Festival Guide
- Verbal recognition at all festival screenings
- Opportunity to introduce a film
- Film Sponsorship – select a film to sponsor and receive verbal, print, screen, and special signage recognition
- Invitation for 2 to a private screening event
- Invitation for 2 to a private dinner with a Guest Artist
- 4 Full Festival All Access Passes (includes all films and ticketed special events)
- 8 Invitations to VIP Encuentro- private, invite only event
- Festival poster
$2,500-$4,999 Executive Producer
- “Executive Producer” listing in 2016 Festival Guide
- Film Sponsorship – select a film to sponsor and receive verbal, print, screen, and special signage recognition
- Invitation for 2 to a private screening event
- Invitation for 2 to a private dinner with Guest Artist
- 3 Full Festival All Access Passes (includes all films and ticketed special events)
- 6 Invitations to VIP Encuentro- private, invite only event
- Festival poster
$1,000-$2,499 Producer DONATE
- “Producer” listing in 2016 Festival Guide
- Film Sponsorship – select a film to sponsor and receive verbal, print, screen, and special signage recognition
- Invitation for 2 to Private Event with Guest Artist
- 2 Full Festival All Access Passes (includes all films and ticketed special events)
- 4 Invitations to VIP Encuentro- private, invite only event
- Festival poster
$500- $999 Director DONATE
- “Director” listing in 2016 Festival Guide
- 14 film tickets (general admission films only)
- 2 Tickets to Opening Night party
- 2 Invitations to private, invite only event
- Festival poster
$250-$499 Celebrity
- “Celebrity” listing in 2016 Festival Guide
- 8 film tickets (general admission films only)
- 2 Invitations to private, invite only event
- Festival poster
$100-$249 Film Buff DONATE
- “Film Buff” listing in 2016 Festival Guide
- 4 Film tickets (general admission films only)
- Festival poster
$50-$99 Big Fan DONATE
- “Big Fan” listing in 2016 Festival Guide
- 2 Film tickets (general admission films only)
- Festival poster
$10- $49 Fan DONATE
- “Fan” listing in 2016 Festival Guide
- Festival poster
Why California has the best movie theaters (client)
June 5, 2015 § Leave a comment
There’s nothing like going to see a movie. The whole experience — from picking what to see and grabbing snacks to getting the best seats, not to mention watching the movie — is a treat.
From massive multiplexes, 3-D movies, and IMAX cinemas, going to the movies has become a high-tech operation, but it wasn’t always so.
From the late 1910s until the 1940s, a boom time for Hollywood and the movie industry, hundreds of beautiful and ornate “movie palaces” opened in metropolitan areas across the US. These theaters were palaces, featuring massive screening rooms with lavish and baroque architectural elements.
Most of these theaters have since closed and been demolished. But in California, some of these gorgeous spaces still exist and continue to show films to eager viewers hoping to take a step back in time.
Photographer Franck Bohbot has traveled to California from his native France to document these stunning California movie theaters in their glory. He has shared a selection of images here with us, and you can check out more on his website.
The Castro Theatre, in San Francisco, was built in 1922 and is a historical landmark. The theater has 800 seats downstairs and 600 in the balcony.
Hollywood’s famous Chinese Theatre, now known as the TCL Chinese Theatre, was built in 1926 and designed to look like a Chinese palace. Its entrance features now famous cement bricks, which bear the signatures and handprints of Hollywood stars.
Built by Sid Grauman, who constructed the Chinese Theater, Los Angeles’ Egyptian Theater opened its doors in 1922 and hosted the first movie premiere, for “Robin Hood,” later that year. Much of the theater was designed in an Egyptian Revival style, most likely because of the public interest in the excavation of King Tut’s tomb about the same time.
The beautiful Orinda Theatre, in Orinda, California, was built in 1941 and was almost demolished in 1985, before being saved by preservationists. It still shows movies today.
The impressive Grand Lake Theater, in Oakland, California, built in 1926, has four separate, ornate movie screens, none more impressive than the main auditorium, seen below, which features an antique Wurlitzer piano that is still played before screenings on Fridays and Saturdays.
Founded as the Westwood Theatre in 1940 and now known as the Crest Westwood Theater, this landmark was closed for two years and was in danger of staying that way until it was reopened in 2013, thanks to a community effort.
Even the lobby of the Crest Westwood is stunning. In 2008, the cinema was designated a historic landmark.
The incredibly ornate Fox Theater opened in Oakland in 1928 to crowds of thousands, excited to get inside the movie palace. During an economic downturn for movie theaters in 1966, the theater closed its doors and sat unused for 30 years, before being renovated and reopened. While it is mostly used for concerts, you can still catch special movie screenings in the theater to this day.
Sometimes you’re just in the mood for something more intimate. The historic Four Star Cinema, in San Francisco, is almost 100 years old, having opened its doors in 1918. In 1964, it became independently owned and has stayed that way since, showing foreign and smaller-release movies every day.
The Warner Grand Theatre, in San Pedro, California, opened in 1931 and was designed in an ornate art deco style by a team of esteemed movie palace architects. Today, it holds music and theater events, but still shows movies often, like when it hosts the Los Angeles Harbor International Film Festival.
Another product of renovation and restoration, the Alameda Theater, in Alameda, California, originally opened in 1932, before closing in the 1980s. It was reopened in 2008 and is now Incorporated into an eight-screen multiplex.
As we’ve seen, it’s not just the auditoriums themselves that are so impressive. At the Paramount Theatre, in Oakland, you can buy your popcorn and candy in this beautiful art deco lobby, built in 1931.
One of the oldest movie theaters still operating in California, the Clay Theater in San Francisco was built in 1910, originally as a nickelodeon. Today, it shows independent, art house, and foreign films.
Opened in 1924 as the Roosevelt Theater, and later known as the York Theater, the renamed Brava Theater in San Francisco has a storied history. It is now a performing-arts space focusing on creative women, but still retains its screen for the occasional movie showing.
One Perfect Shot For La Strada
June 5, 2015 § Leave a comment
DISCO DIVAS IN AMERICAN HUSTLE
December 21, 2013 § Leave a comment
I have yet to see American Hustle, but based on advertising and editorial content swirling the world wide web–this 1970′s drama is a stunning resurrection of disco glamour, courtesy of none other than the power fashion house that is Gucci.
Here are a few images for you to salivate over before seeing the film.
Hair by Kristen Barry, Elizabeth Cecchini, Raul Hernandez and team seems worthy of being among Oscar 2014′s shortlist of makeup and hairstyling nominees.
Deep cut v necks, please do make a comeback.
I leave you with The Golden Filter ‘Look Me In The Eye’. Enjoy the weekend, my babies!
An Examination of Martin Scorsese’s Costumes
December 19, 2013 § 3 Comments
Like many directors, Scorsese keeps an interesting style continuity throughout his films.
GANGSTER THREADS IN GOODFELLAS
In Goodfellas he used costumer Richard Bruno, known for his wardrobe work in Chinatown, Raging Bull and The Untouchables.
This film follows the rise and fall of the Lucchese crime family over a period from 1955 to 1980. Bruno’s stand out pieces, in my humble opinion, were in the following scene.
Henry and Karen’s early years: A 70’s ensemble of a leather jacket, polyester slacks and a classic button down seemed fitting for setting things straight with a neighbor.
PHOTO CREDIT: WARNER BROS.
Karen didn’t seem to mind, dressed in innocent and girlish pink pleated pants with a matching wool cardie.
“I gotta admit the truth, it turned me on.”
PHOTO CREDIT: WARNER BROS.
WALL STREET CON ARTISTRY
Being hailed as a close second best film of Scorsese’s according to one film critic, makes me yearn and ache to see this film so much more. It hits theaters on CHRISTMAS. But for now, let’s look at the garments provided by fashion house Armani.
Fuchsia mary janes, to die for.
PHOTO CREDIT: PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
Margot Robbie in a striped transparent black gown is sexy and it absolutely frames this new artists face. Isn’t she gorgeous? Can’t wait to see what this newcomer siren-on-the-screen has in store next.
PHOTO CREDIT: PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
Leo yachts in a classic casual Friday white polo and khaki number here. Cheers.
PHOTO CREDIT: PARAMOUNT STUDIOS
I leave you with this trailer. Enjoy.
SMASH HIS CAMERA
January 24, 2012 § Leave a comment
ron galella
The 2010 documentary titled Smash His Camera is about Ron Galella, a “pioneer paparazzo” who is hated by some and praised by others. His work is debatable: is it art or newsworthy? Is it slanderous uninvited intrusion caught on film? You decide.
Ron Galella got his start in the early 60s as a curious art-driven photographer who then became fascinated with chasing celebrities — screen actors, political figures and musicians. His pursuit of Jackie Kennedy Onassis quickly developed into his life’s mission; in fact his fascination went so far it landed him in several court battles with the recovering widow of JFK.
From the eyes of an outsider looking in, the fascination seems unhealthy. His photographs were used without her permission and on a number of occasions she either told him to stop, or tried to avoid the snap of his lens—most times even running or quickly walking away from him. To Galella’s credit, he did help build Jackie O’s legacy, her pictures were sold to dozens of magazines, keeping her in the spotlight. After all–THAT IS what helps keep publicity alive, the constant mentioning and sharing of (most of the time pirated) images or works of art. Whether it was ultimately a positive or a negative thing for the widow is a mystery; however, this should be weighed in terms of right and wrong. I wouldn’t be happy about being in the spotlight without first giving my consent. She did not give her written consent, so it’s wrong as far as I’m concerned and she wasn’t doing anything newsworthy.
At some point you have to wonder: Is the paparazzi morally right or wrong for chasing screen workers who some say are “celebs by choice and love the cameras” and is it OK that the paps (in Galella’s case) make millions for invading personal space? I still think that there is a time and a place for photo snapping and most importantly, safety. Even those that choose a life in the public eye should at all times have the freedom to choose the images that are broadcast.
I picked an attorney-friend’s brain about it because I was uneasy about the film and the idea as a whole, as many others are. I asked “why can’t celebs sue the paps for profits of their photos?” Seems more than fair right? This would substantially reduce the occurrence of paparazzos chasing down their subjects, right? Why would they if their profits were eliminated as the dangling carrot? His stance was this:
“They’re public figures and paps photos are considered newsworthy, same reason why news shows like Catch a Predator don’t need signed release forms.” In this case, I completely understand newsworthiness, exposing predators serves the good of public safety, but what makes a pretty face or a bike ride through a park or city street newsworthy? Who decides what is newsworthy? The people that are paying the big bucks for these images are ultimately magazine editorial teams, but WHY? Sure to each his own, but sometimes I just cannot understand the decision making process that chooses to publish a photo that was taken without the subject’s: 1. participation 2. consent and 3. desire to have the image broadcast to potentially millions of readers.
I question their interest-range and really their judgment of what they think is news worthy. Has this person cured cancer, is a famous person walking down the street really worth sharing and publicizing. Are they thinking: “Is this the kind of image I want to project onto sponge-like minds?” Do they realize they are in fact influencing the thought processes of their readers?
It made me think about what drives people to buy gossip mags. It surely keeps me from throwing any dough their way, but what about you–what are your thoughts? Would you like to see a shift in publishing? Would readers as a whole benefit from more thought-out publishing practices and standards?
Holiday Movie Picks
December 12, 2011 § Leave a comment
national lampoon's christmas vacation
With the holidays upon us, I thought it would be nice to list a series of movies you can watch with different types of audiences in mind.
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation
This 1989 classic is definitely one that is safe for all ages. Sure it has mildly inappropriate humor, but how is that different from what’s on TV these days? The picture here is probably the raciest scene in the film. SEE it’s not that bad right? That aside, Chevy Chase’s humor is something every generation should experience. He’s an onscreen legend whose likability will withstand the test of time. Add it to the queue.
hall pass
Ok, this definitely isn’t a movie to watch with kids BUT it is beyond hilarious. I loled so many times. I would compare it to the laugh level of The Hangover. It’s a lot like a 40-something’s version of The Hangover. A must for your rotation if you need a good laugh, and everyone needs a good laugh right? It stars Owen Wilson, Christina Applegate and Jason Sudeikis. Look for it this month on HBO. And sit around for the credits, there are a few golden nuggets that you won’t want to miss.
the royal tenenbaums
Out of my many many many years watching movies professionally (family video store & film fest organizer), I can say this classic will always occupy a place on my movie top shelf. It’s just a good film that pokes fun at family oddities and drama, the good old fashioned way–by dealing with it! Gene Hackman, who plays the head of the family narrates and stars alongside Angelica Houston, Ben Stiller, Gwyneth Paltrow, Luke & Owen Wilson, Bill Murray, Danny Glover. What better time to watch a familycentric comedy than the holidays?
the dilemma
This comedy starring Vince Vaughn and Kevin James is centered on Vaughn’s character scheming ways to tell his best friend (James) about his cheating wife. During his undercover spying, he runs into a series of fights and makes everyone suspect his strange behavior all while trying to maintain a developing business deal with Queen Latifah’s character, who steals the show. The CoverGirl model could not be funnier. Her performance alone makes this film worth watching, referencing her “girl wood hanging down to here” when being sold on a new car idea. It’s airing on HBO.
Happy holidays. 🙂
Friday Night Movie Pick: La Vie En Rose
December 9, 2011 § 3 Comments
the real edith piaf
Because the weather is less than perfect, why not cozy up and watch some movies? This one in particular will make an excellent setting for you to wind-down to with a glass of wine, yes? It’s a deep and moving story about the horror and glory of fame. A biopic about the late Edith Piaf, a legendary French singer whose life was riddled with extreme highs and lows, which mirrors what some celebrities even today struggle with: too much life in the spotlight, obligations to maintain too many social/work engagements and everything that accompanies those excesses. It takes you behind the scenes and into the heart of the star; really an entertaining and emotional case study. Keep the tissue handy for this one — it’s a category five tear jerker — not having what is called an “American ending.”
Marion Cotillard‘s portrayal of Piaf won her the 2007 Academy Award for Best Actress in a Leading Role, an accolade rarely handed out to foreign language film stars. Javier Bardem, the Spanish actor who played the air-gun-totting-psycho in No Country for Old Men, came very close with a nomination last year for his leading role in Biutiful — another foreign masterpiece I highly recommend. It’s raw life on film with all of its ups and downs, meaningful, and makes you think about your life. It’s something some foreign filmmakers are exceptional at doing. These are films that will change you.
A Look Back at J.C. Chávez
December 2, 2011 § 2 Comments
With the Margarito/Cotto fight on the horizon, I have my attention turned to fight news. I’m tuning in of course, but have another fighter on my mind: JULIO CESAR CHAVEZ JR., son to who is considered the epitome of Mexican boxing excellence — Julio César Chávez, Senior.
Some years ago Diego Luna, the young actor turned filmmaker, taped them for the documentary J.C. Chávez. The film showcases footage from Chávez’s rise from street fighter to world class contender and one of the most respected fighters in boxing history. Commentaries from boxing majors like Mike Tyson, Bob Aram, Don King and former Mexican President Vicente Fox along with a slew of other mainstream notables openly talk about his early mismanagement, political entanglements and iron left hook.
Highlights from his most memorable beat-downs fused with key news footage and Junior’s first bouts are complimented with a perfectly choreographed score. I wouldn’t have guessed this was Diego Luna’s directorial debut; it appears to be put together with the eyes of a veteran filmmaker. It’s in both English and Spanish (subtitled on DVD) and worth watching if you’re a fight fan. Chavez’s legacy lives on through Chavez Jr., an up and comer with his golden boy face and stronger than steel Chávez blood. He’s not his father of course — no one will ever be — but Junior is definitely one to watch.
The Archives of My Mind 