Cinefestival, a San Antonio film tradition that embraces Latino culture, is back.
Manuel Solis is proud to be a part of that tradition.
"Cinefestival is the nation's original, and longest-running Latino film festival," he said.
The Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center-based festival has been around for four decades, and this year it celebrates Texas and Texas filmmakers.
"A big part of the festival here is honoring our Texas filmmakers, so out of the 42 films we're going to be screening at the festival, 29 were shot in Texas or by Texas filmmakers, and out of those 16 were shot in San Antonio or by San Antonio filmmakers," Solis said.
He emphasized that attendees must not miss the film that will open the festival.
"It's called The Infiltrators. It's directed by Alex Rivera and Cristina Ibarra,” Solis said. “It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival where it won the ‘Next Innovator’ Award."
One film stars a much-beloved local legend Jesse Borrego, who has split his successful career between Los Angeles, New York City and San Antonio.
“Another one not to miss is called Phoenix, Oregon,” he said. “And it features San Antonio native Jesse Borrego in a really memorable role.”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6MRV07extzU
Independent cinema is also blazing new paths for female filmmakers and Cinefestival will also celebrate their work.
"24 of our 42 films are directed or co-directed by women. It's definitely significant."
He says a whole range of people will love Cinefestival -- from those who just like seeing films to others who hope to create a career in the business.
"It's basically for anyone who loves cinema who grew up going to the movies, who wants a couple of hours in the air conditioning and a break from what's going on in the world these days," he said.
Cinefestival starts Thursday, July 11, and runs through Sunday, July 14.
IF YOU GO WHAT: Cinefestival WHERE: Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center WHEN: Thursday, July 11, to Sunday, July 14, at 6 p.m. COST: $10 per night
Jack Morgan can be reached at Jack@TPR.org and on Twitter at @JackMorganii.
