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Wednesday, November 12, 2008

BFCafe.com



Bullfighter’s Café may have began as a fun project, but after receiving tremendous support and feedback, Angel and I have decided it was time to close the doors on the old Bullfighter’s Cafe and open the doors on a new improved BF Cafe.

Our goal from day one has been to showcase and promote Latino artists, filmmakers and performers utilizing all the new technologies available through the Internet. In view of this, we determined that we needed to rebuild BF Café on a new platform in order to make use web 2.0 practices, media development and many more exciting technologies.

To date, we have completed a new layout design and as you may have noticed, a new logo! As we reach into new media outlets and continue to build our brand we knew our logo had to be compact, readable and identifiable to reflect our standards of quality. We hope you like it.

In the next couple of months we’ll be working closely with our back-end programmers to help us get the new site up and running. We felt it was best to focus on the new site’s features and functions, so we’ll be taking a break from posting interviews on the current site. However, don’t worry, we’ve already lined up new interviews, animations and video projects for the new launch. We can barely wait for the BFCafe.com to go up!

We are looking forward to a better economy and prosperity for everyone in the New Year; most certainly, we look forward to a bigger and better Bullfighter’s Café to serve all of our supporters and friends.

Until we meet again, be safe, be creative and be happy, and thank you again.

With gratitude,
Paul Martinez

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Forever My Lady By Jeff Rivera



We had the pleasure of interviewing Jeff Rivera last year. He's been BUSY! Jeff started his own publishing company and is newest novel is being released Oct. 28th -- the day this edition is being released! Jeff was kind enough to give us his interview before he took his book on the road.

Many people reviewers have been quoted as saying that Forever My Lady made them cry. How does that feel?
It feels really good because that's what I set out to do. I mean move people not necessarily make them cry. That's when you know you've really touched a chord and connected with people when you've moved them to tears or made them laugh.

What's a typical day like when your working on a novel?
When I'm actually writing and in writing-mode I can write 20 single spaced pages a day but otherwise I tinker throughout the day and after 8 hours of procrastination I'll cram 8 hours of work in a couple of hours.

You seem pretty well-respected in the industry. How important is it to network as a writer in order to get published?
I think it doesn't hurt especially when you're first starting. The mistake I see writers make is when they meet an agent they have this desperation energy that agent's feel and it turns them off. People like those who are calm, cool, confident in their abilities and aren't anxious about being signed.


Do you think you need to live in New York in order to have a better shot?
Not at all. I sold Forever My Lady when I was in Miami but being here in New York really does make it easier to meet people face to face and associate with them, get to know them as real people not just as objects of desire.

Where can we get copies of Forever My Lady?
Try Amazon.com or your local bookstore or even my website: www.JeffRivera.com

Saturday, October 18, 2008

Vote for Winning film at Christopher Coppola's PAH Fest Hollywood 08

Hola Amigos! It's been a while since my last post but I have been busy making waves and movies... This weekend I had the chance to be a coach at The Project Access Hollywoof (PAH) Festival. PAH-FEST is a week-long, digital media festival, traveling to cities throughout the US and internationally. The PAH-FEST encourages visual storytelling, fosters community engagement, and promotes the production of fictional and documentary videos, which will be shared and enjoyed globally. People from all walks of life, with engaging story ideas, are provided with digital equipment and a professional “helping hand,” enabling them to create their own short digital films. Participants acquire confidence in handling cell phones, digital cameras and computers, while having fun learning the skills to visually tell their stories and portray their communities.

Last year our home girl Wendy Rodriguez from Green Dream Productions brought home the gold with a first place win for her film HOPE DEPOT. While I was the coach on The Team Actors project, I must admit my heart belongs to Team Poet Vs. Puppet for this years win. Ok. Ok. I know it looks like I am just biased because this team is Latino BUT SERIOUSLY, do you think I'm that shallow? Michelle Zamora is a talented puppeteer, a creative thinker and positively adorable. See for yourself. I've posted Poet Vs Puppet and you can go to http://www.pahnation.com/theater.php?loc=hollywood08 to view and vote for all the films.

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

Other Venice Film Festival: Online Video Director Interview

http://www.bullfighterscafe.com Ruby dela Casas is an artist and activist. The community he calls home is none other than Venice Beach California. His intimate festival is packed with bold films. http://www.othervenicefilmfest.com/

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Bodybuilding Legend Flex Wheeler

Bodybuilding legend Flex Wheeler's last quest for Mr.Olympia in 2002 included gut wrenching workouts - Steriod Free! Ever seen someone dumbell curl 185 lbs? Leg press 1000 pounds? These guys did and it was amazing. A documentary was shot at Gold's gym in Venice California, this was the trailer. http://www.teamflexwheeler.com/flex/shop3.html

Saturday, June 14, 2008

Cheech Marin's Chicano art at LACMA



WOW! I usually leave the art section to Paul but when I came across this article in the LA TIMES, I had to give my 2 cents! Having interviewed and been completely blown away by Gilbert "Magú" Luján, I must confesss, I have mixed feelings.

The Los Angeles County Museum of Art originally turned down Cheech's offer to display his art collection (which features three of the four founding members of the famous Chicano Art collective Los Four.) That the museum turned down a Cheech's show should comes as no surprise since they have been turning down Chicano art for years. I'm not one to dwell on the past or complain that things aren't changing but the refusal of LACMA to acknowledge the artform belonging to a community as much if not more a part of the LA experience as the museum itself. Can somebody please explain to me what's up with that?

Thank goodness, Marin persisted and "Los Angelenos/Chicano Painters of L.A.: Selections From the Cheech Marin Collection," shows through Nov. 2, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 5905 Wilshire Blvd., L.A. (323) 857-6000 or www.lacma.org. on Sunday.

Check out the article
(photo by Richard Hartog / Los Angeles Times)

Sunday, June 01, 2008

An Independent Film Festival in East Los Angeles


The photo above is of Prof. John Ramirez (Director of Reel Rasquache Film Festival), yours truly and Filmmaker Cristina Soto.

Once again, I had the great fortune of attending a filmmaking event that highlighted the diverse Latino culture. Last nights schedule included High Voltige and Muñeca from Puerto Rican filmmaker Christina Soto as well as Niña Quebrada/Broken Girl, a powerful thesis project from AFI students, Jen Kleiner & Diana Romero.

The Reel Rasquache Festival takes place on the Calstate LA campus. I had never been to the campus and found the Luckman Fine Arts complex intimate and impressive. It kind of reminded me of Lehman College in the Bronx an, unexpected gem in a forgotten borough…The Calstate campus is smackdab in the middle of EasLos and serves more than 22,000 students, 53% are Latino.

The Festival was designed as an East meets West project of sorts. They have successfully managed to involve the University’s neighboring communities and to bring a broad base of community members together with Latino independent video filmmaker and industry reps.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Video Clip From Film Festival Next Week!



I have a long history with filmmaker/photographer Cristina Soto. I didn’t know it when we interviewed her for BFC but she was one of the significant women in my brother’s life (RIP Rick Aviles) I remember hanging out at her house in Washington Heights and feeling so at home…Anypues, Cristina’s film MUNECA is screening on Saturday May 30, 2008, 6:00 p.m. at the Luckman Theatre in LA at the Reel Rasquache film festival. Rico and I will be there and hope to see many of you there as well. Don’t forget to stop by and say “hi.” I really enjoy meeting people from the virtual space in real life.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Mexican Movie Review



Finally had a chance to see Lucía, Lucía; the Mexican/Spanish film based on the book La hija del Caníbal and directed by Antonio Serrano. Actress Cecilia Roth does a fabulous job as a writer thrust into chaos when her husband disappears. Feeling past her prime, she becomes involved in a love triangle (of sorts) with the neighbors who offer to help find the husband she doesn’t really know.

This movie was not as commercially successful as Serrano's first film Sexo, Pudor y Lágrimas (a movie I describe as a funnier, sexier, Mexican version of “FRIENDS”). I can sort of understand why. I LOVED Roth in All About My Mother, and because I am a huge Pedro Almodóvar fan and found myself unfairly comparing the films. Mexican actor Kuno Becker is almost as adorable as Gael (García Bernal…in my mind we are on a first name basis :-) but falls a bit short. Serrano fans expecting the sequel to “Sexo” will be disappointed.

Although this review slants towards the negative, I DO still recommend Lucía, Lucía. I caught it on IFC and you can probably catch it on DVD.

Friday, May 09, 2008

MUST SEE Movies On DVD



Just saw the Puerto Rican drama "Ladrones & Mentirosos" on DVD. I admit to being completely biased in favor of pretty much anything that is imported from this island...so sue me! Ladrones & Mentirosos wasn't shot with a particularly original style but the story was tight. It stars Steven Bauer (best known as the hottie from Scarface) who does solid work but unfortunately does not always choose great films. Fortunately this film was good. The supporting cast (while virtually unknown by US standards except for Lymari Nadal of American Gangster) held up really well. Magda Rivera's performance as the obsessed business owner was great. My favorite part of the entire movie was the authenticity. I love hearing Puerto Ricans chit chatting in that fast slangy Spanish. It's funny; the things you miss when you're far away from something that was once so familiar.

Also out on DVD this week is Bella Produced and starring the horribly deformed (LOL) Eduardo Verástegui. I saw this movie in the theater and loved it. Bella has been endorsed by many Christian organizations but it's not a religious film. I found it to be a provocative movie about LOVE, choices and second chances. Realistic? No but full of hope. I loved the portrayal of the multi-culturally mixed Latino family. I haven't often seen middle class Latinos portrayed in American cinema, so I found it refreshing. Bella is worth checking out. Even my husband, "Manly Man McClinton," took me to see this as a "date" movie and found it quite compelling.

Sunday, May 04, 2008

Human Trafficking: Sold in America Filmmaker Interview



Chelo Alvarez is an award winning documentary filmmaker. Her work on the documentary “Tin Girls,” compelled her not only to produce another film about human sex trafficking, but also to make a difference in the lives of her protagonists. Her film SOLD in AMERICA observes the lives of girls sold into slavery, not in Asia like her previous movie but in Los Angeles!
Read her article at http://www.bullfighterscafe.com

If your skin crawls at the thought of children being sold and used as sex slaves please visit the Women's Transitional Living Center website.
The WTLC is the only domestic violence Emergency Shelter Program in Orange County that provides shelter for clients with substance abuse problems, mental illnesses, and human trafficking victims. I will be the MC at a Fiesta on May 18th helping to raise funds and awareness for this cause. http://www.wtlc.org/upcoming_events.htm

Luz y paz,
Angel

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Finding Familia on YouTube!



So I am almost TWO YEARS OFF but I can't help but beam with pride. My brother, Rod Reyes is one of the Latin Heavy Hitters of Comedy at the Nuyorican Poets Cafe. Andale hermano!!!

For those of you who don't know my family history...you can say we all bring jokes. My brother Rod is a writer performer, my brother Rick was a well known comic and me...I'm just a clown. I rarely mention my sister as she's not an exhibitionist like the rest of us but don't let her corporate demeanor fool you. Sis, brings jokes just like the rest of our clan.

Anypues. Thought I share my moment of pride and discovery.

Friday, April 25, 2008

Hellboy To Hobbit: Director Guillermo del Toro is On Fire!


Just read today that one of Pablo’s favorite filmmakers, Guillermo del Toro, will be moving to New Zealand for the next four years to work with Peter Jackson on the next two features in the Lord of the Rings franchise.

I think Guillermo will do a fantastic job on the Hobbit. I loved “Pan’s Labyrinth.” He did great work creating the surreal almost chilly environment in that film, juxtaposed against the fiery characters of the young girl and General. I think a similar relationship between characters and environment exists in the Lord of the Rings in a more complex way. Good thing have more money (LOL)!!! It’s my personal belief that if a person can’t create great art on a small budget, they’ll probably just waste cash with a big one.

BTW, I just read that “Pan’s Labyrinth” set a record as the highest grossing Spanish language film in U.S. box office history!

Oh yeah, the redheaded chonchito in the picture, is Guillermo del Toro. I find it hard to believe that any one reading this blog would not know that there are white Mexicans. Pero, just in case…

Al rato,
A

Saturday, April 19, 2008

Latin Quarters: 4 Latinos On Their Art & Hispanic Culture



A quick look at life and talent inside Latino culture. I am always fascinated by the diversity of the Latino culture. How many people exclude themselves from the culture because they don't understand that the experiences, even within the community are infinite. At NALIP we met so many people, from various backgrounds and one common passion...MOVIES!

As promised in a previous blog here are Camila Martins and Alexis Beauford, Cory Fernandez and Anthony Nardolillo.

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Vote For Best Video on MTV3



Ok. So I'm not going to go on and on about how brilliant Daniel is in this post. I'm just going to plug his video!


Malverde’s Music Video “ESTE CAMINO” directed by Daniel Hastings moved up to #5 on MTV tres miTRL this week.

To Watch the video click on the link and VOTE (NO NEED TO LOG IN)
Just click on the link, wait ‘till all the thumbnails load up.
Look for “MALVERDE – ESTE CAMINO” click on the little circle next to it and click submit.

Tuesday, April 15, 2008

Drug Abuse Videos by Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu Are Not for the Faint of Heart



Inarritu happens to be one of my favorite directors. I came across this series of videos and I found them chilling. I’ve seen all of Inarritu’s films so I shouldn’t be surprised by his ability to bring such a high level of tension in such a short time. Meth is a scary thing. It’s like crack…on crack.

Here’s a blurb from the Reuters article:
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Acclaimed Mexican film director Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, whose works include "Babel" and "21 Grams," has created a series of TV ads aimed at discouraging methamphetamine use by U.S. teenagers, organizers said on Tuesday.

http://www.reuters.com/article/entertainmentNews/idUSN0128588520080402?sp=true

Monday, April 14, 2008

Rosie Perez and her BIG MOUTH!

I read a post on a blog that stated Rosie’s press lately was mostly focused on her sex scene with John Leguizamo in "The Take," directed by Brad Furman. The blogger went on to explain how her commitment to activism even at 19 had gotten her into the film industry. So what happened? According to the blog, she had been at a club where Spike Lee was having a Big Booty contest. She got up on stage and told the women that they shouldn’t let him degrade them. Spike was apparently impressed with her bravado and offered her a role in his next film.

So, how do we balance a sense of confidence in our sensuality and respect at the same time? It’s a topic I hold dear to my heart. Hollywood is an easy place to loose one’s moral footing. There’s a TON of money to be made and let’s face it, almost everyone wants that 15 minutes of fame. More than one young starlet has compromised her own self-worth in order to be the next big thing. It takes a strong woman to enjoy the privilege of beauty, the discipline to maintain it and the power to command respect for it! There are several women that I commend for being sexy and SMART. I’ll probably blog about it someday.

Anypues, Rosie Perez has a big mouth…and it I love it! She wasn’t afraid to speak up then and she not afraid now. The blog includes her PSA for AIDS awareness and you can read it in full here: http://blogs.takepart.com/2008/04/08/rosie-perez-sex-scenes-and-activism-stories-from-actor-choreographer-director/

I hope you will check out www.takepart.com (powered by Participant media). Why wait to be famous to make a difference?

Sunday, April 13, 2008

The AFL-CIO Online Video Contest Call For Entries

Hey guys. As you know, I’m always looking for ways to encourage my fellow film and video enthusiasts to get creative and make movies. I just found this and wanted to pass on the information. Now is your chance to say what’s on your mind AND make money.
http://www.turnaroundvideocontest.com/judges.php
http://www.hispanicprwire.com/news.php?l=in&id=11217&cha=10

WASHINGTON, April 10 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ -- The AFL-CIO today launched the "Turn Around America" video competition -- its first-ever online video contest -- and will feature the winners in television ads in part to engage voters and 2008 political candidates in a national dialogue about what is necessary to get America back on track.


Participants will be invited to submit online videos in any creative form that will answer the question of how to turn around America. The contest will run Apr. 10 through May 20 and winners will be announced in early June. The winning videos will be featured on national and local television. The categories include a national winner, who will receive $2,000 and the chance for the video to appear in national TV ads. City winners will win $1,000 and may be featured at AFL-CIO rallies and on local television. A "young activist" category will also be awarded to the best video made by someone between the ages of 14 and 25. The contest is open to the public.

Thursday, April 10, 2008

10 Reasons NOT to watch La Misma Luna WARNING/AVISO!!! This blog may contain spoilers.


If you are embarrassed to sob uncontrollably- do not watch La Misma Luna.
If you have an aversion to hot Latinas- do not watch La Misma Luna.
If you hate watching adorable kids who can act and totally steal movies- do not watch La Misma Luna.
If you hate a feel good story- do not watch La Misma Luna.
If you are mad that you don’t speak Spanish and are too lazy to read- do not watch La Misma Luna
If you need to see blood and guts- do not watch La Misma Luna.
If you are too narrow minded to feel like you can relate to THOSE illegal immigrants- do not watch La Misma Luna.
If you get upset when talented people bring their cinematic dreams to fruition- do not watch La Misma Luna.
If you don’t like character actors that add depth and HUMOR to a film- do not watch La Misma Luna.
If you aren’t into modern day classics- do not watch La Misma Luna.

GOTCHA! Ok people, did you really think, that one of the internet’s biggest fans of Latino culture was going to hate one of the best movies of the year? (at least in my book…and ahem, it is my blog ;-)

A recent article in the LA Times says:
In Mexico, the heartfelt drama, written by Ligiah Villalobos, had the highest opening weekend for any Mexican film for all of 2007 and is holding that record for 2008 so far. On Monday of this week, the film was No. 1 at the box office, according to Fox Films in Mexico.
http://www.typepad.com/t/trackback/816965/27944338

So...If you haven’t seen this or other movies we’ve mentioned in previous posts, please turn off your monitor and go!

Wednesday, April 09, 2008

Graffiti Controversy

photo by Damian Dovarganes / Associated Press

Controversy. How do you create it? Become a graffiti artist. Alex Poli, a graffiti artist could probably write a book on the tribulations of creating art with a spray can and public walls. In September, Alex legally attained permits to paint 10,000 square feet of concrete wall at the Los Angeles River banks. The trouble began once the project was completed and now Alex is being threatened with fines by the county to cover the murals. (read the full article)

Go through the art history books and you can find many occurances when great artwork was questioned and deemed as not being art. Why can’t graffiti art transcend the scrutiny of public disdain? Perhaps it’s the gang tagging, the amateur attempts or the lack of art appreciation that seems to be a by-product of graffiti art.

In the future, the Bullfighter’s Cafe will take a closer look at graffiti art and examine all the issues that makes this type of artwork so contentious.

Saturday, April 05, 2008

Top Ten Latino Movies




“Hollywood doesn’t make Latino films”. How often have you said this or have heard someone repeat this? I admit it; I’ve said it a few times. It wasn’t until I saw Angel’s entry on her top ten Latina movies that I realized that the statement is not entirely true. I also realized I have a top ten list, and here it is:

10 - Stand and Deliver – Blood In-Blood Out – American Me
Yes, I’m cheating by having three movies count as one, but as you may notice these movies are centered on the Cholo motif. While Stand and Deliver is my favorite of the three, I mentioned the other two because they still resonate with Chicanos. For me Stand and Deliver is more memorable because I went to school with Dominic, a buttoned up, slicked hair, strutting Cholo who was one of the smartest and nicest guys I have ever known. He was the actual Lou Diamond character, which made the film more truthful to me.

9. Mi Familia (1995)
Is there any other movie that depicts a family of migrants from Mexico to America? The story follows a family’s travels and generations as they face acculturation and assimilation, which touch on similar themes for almost every American. What I found similar is, I do remember my grandmother being as superstitious as Maria (Jennifer Lopez) in the movie. Maria proclaims that death, in the shape of an owl follows her son Chucho, until death finally catches up and takes him. My grandmother used to tell me about similar stories, which scared the crap out of me!

8. Amores Perros (2000)
I’m not a dog person so I hesitated to watch this movie, but I’m glad I did. When I think of this movie I always recall the ending, when an old man walks off into the sunset with some grungy, old dog. They both looked like they were about to die, but instead they seem to live with hope, joy and vigor to see another day. I remember this movie as being intense and full of contrasts, which imprinted lasting images in my consciousness.

7. Pan’s Labyrinth (2006)
Guillermo del Toro has become my favorite director. Ever since I saw El Espinazo del Diablo (The Devil’s Backbone) I’ve been watching Guillermo’s films. I’m a fan of fantasy, mythology, and good old monster movies, and at the moment no one is doing it better than Guillermo. Pan’s Labyrinth could be considered a girl’s movie, but when you consider Guillermo’s courage to do the film in Spanish, this film has to be recognized.

6. Apocalypto (2006)
OK, I expect some backlash on this choice but let me remind you that I’m talking movies here and not documentaries. With that said, when I saw the Myan city in the film, I was awestruck by the images and beauty of the people. Yes, maybe its Hollywood makeup at its best, but it is still a wonderful thing to see so many beautiful brown faces on the big screen! On a serious note, this movie did wet my appetite to see more stories on the Myans and Aztecs, so that’s got to be a good thing too.

5. City of God (2002)
Every time I think of this Brazilian film about homeless, gangster kids it breaks my heart. The scene where the little boy gets shot in the foot brings a lump in my throat. How the director was able to get the nino to act through the scene is beyond me. Although, the film has been criticized for its artistry, I believe the beauty of the film added to the contrast of the bleakness of the kid’s lives. A powerful film to say the least.

4. No Country for Old Men (2007)
For Javier Barden’s performance alone, this film is remarkable. As I was sitting in the theater watching the film, I found myself tense and holding my breadth because of the evil projected by Javier’s character. Like Angel had mentioned about Jessica Abla’s ability to land nonLatina characters, I believe Javier’s performance should convince producers that there are talented Latino actors that can play a range of characters, given the opportunity.

3. Desperado (1995)
Danny Trejo throwing knives, Cheech Marin telling jokes and Selma Hayek… do I really need to say more? Well, to be fair I should say something about my business partner, but in respect to her wishes I will only say that this is truly one of my favorite films and I am lucky to have friend who was in this fun film.

2. La Bamba (1987)
If there is anyone reading this who hasn’t seen this film, do me a favor; give yourself a three stooges slap on the head. From motorcycles, rock-n-roll, bar fights to Tijauna whorehouses, this has to be one of the best guy’s movie ever made. The scene that I most relate to is when Ritchie’s family is celebrating and being filmed by a 8mm camera. I think Bob sticks his tongue at the camera, which looks like my family in so many of my dad’s early family films. This has to be considered the first mainstream, contemporary film that opened the doors for other Chicano films.

1. The Milagro Beanfield War (1988)
This film is my top pick for many reasons. Primarily, the film was a Chicano film without having to say it’s a Chicano story. The characters lived in a community where they could be who they were without having to prove their ethnicity with tired clichés. The story is about a community fighting corporate greed. It’s not about an individual fighting to live within his own brown skin but rather a human fighting for the righteousness of community. The magical realism and whimsy in the film also touched on aspects of Latin culture without over dramatizing the supernatural. Overall, I chose this as my top Latino film because it was the first film that I noticed that not all Latino stories have to be centered in the barrio, on gangsters or drug dealers. Latinos can just be “people” with common people challenges too.

Well that’s it. Although, these films made a lasting impression on my life, I’m sure your list may differ. In fact, by next week my list may change, as Angel said Motorcycle Diaries should be included, but I haven’t seen the movie yet, so who knows by next week it might be my number one film. Comment with your top ten, I’d like to know if I missed any other good films.


with gratitude,
Pablo

Wednesday, April 02, 2008

Hip Hot Reality TV

Endemol lands reality house Co. acquires 51 Minds Entertainment
By JOSEF ADALIAN

In a deal valued at upward of $200 million, Endemol USA has acquired Cris Abrego and Mark Cronin's 51 Minds Entertainment, the reality factory that perfected the celebreality genre with nonscripted comedies such as "Flavor of Love," "I Love New York" and "The Surreal Life." read the full article

I am a huge Abrego fan, not of his shows per se, but surely as a producer and DEFINITELY as a business man. The 51 Minds model is one that should be copied for any producer wanting to compete in the world of reality genre television. Chris Abrego was on the Hip Hot Reality TV panel at the National Association of Latino Independent Producers and was an absolute idea factory! It was great to see a young veteran in the tv field...SO EXCITING! Ok, I may be biased but I was happier in a room with Chris than I probably would've been with Mark Burnett.

Looks like Endemol acquired a real winner.

Friday, March 28, 2008

The Kid From Brooklyn

I met Cesar De Leon at NALIP. He was at a table full of filmmakers chatting away about their projects and was kind enough to let me rudely interrupt. I made my way around the table asking each one, what they were working on and why they had come. Cesar quietly waited. I was almost intimidated to get to him. That statement, undoubtedly shocks those of you who know me, but this guy is intense. He has this stare that makes you feel like he knows all your secrets, then he blinks and a warm smile emerges…

Cesar is complex and bold. He seems to have lived a million lives already. This week alone he has sent a rough cut of his feature SALUD to a potential distributor and is applying to the IFP Rough Cut Lab coming in June, he shot a student film, and has landed a small role in the upcoming Natalie Portman film "I love New York. "

I just uploaded his interview (http://bullfighterscafe.com/bfc_filmlounge/cesardeleon.html) and it is fantastic. His trailer is also now playing in our theater (http://bullfighterscafe.com/bfc_theater/03_cesarDeLeon.html). I urge you to check him out asap.

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Top 10 Latina Movies



It's Saturday morning and I'm going over my list of things to do, which always includes movies that I want to see with Rico. While I anxiously await Maldeamores, Garcia Girls and August Evening to come to our small Mexican town (aka Los Angeles), I thought I’d put together a list of movies that have contributed to my love of film and to the careers of a few of my favorite Latinas in film.

#1 Mi Vida Loca (1994)
This is a film that actually changed my life. Written and directed by Allison Anders and released by HBO pictures. MVL was one of the first auditions I went on after moving to LA from NYC. I fell in love with the project on so many levels. It enjoyed the privilege of being an art house gem so we traveled the world film festival circuit. Hey did you know that the even had copies of MVL in the Middle East? I always found that interesting…With the tagline: “Mothers. Warriors. Sisters. Survivors.” How could Mi Vida Loca be anything but, interesting!

Selena (1997)
Jennifer Lopez has been a superstar for a while. OK! I’ll admit, at one point in my life I used to compete with her for parts and I simply had NO LOVE for her. After Selena, however, my view of JLo changed. Say what you will about her singing or acting…(haters!) She took on this role with remarkable passion, and a performer emerged. Passion is something that I think she shared with the beloved protagonist in the film and as a result the work was wonderful. JLo has gone on to countless roles, some less honorable than Selena but what she has done for Latina power in Hollywood is extraordinary.

Do the Right Thing (1989)
Not only was this a movie a brave statement about racism and intolerance, it introduced the world to Rosie Perez! With that piercing voice and killer bod, Rosie quickly became a go to gal for comedic female roles. This is not a review or commentary on her acting but an observation of what her role in cinema was at the time (at least by my account ;-) In Rosie, America found a safe love interest for male characters of any ethnicity. She was the prototype for Jlo and Selma. Some of us have always known that brown is beautiful but Do The Right Thing gave Rosie Perez further opportunity to cash in on it.

I Like It Like That (1994)
A character driven film about a young couple learning to “work it out!” I haven’t seen this movie in a while but I remember thinking it was great because (much like members of my own family) it walked the fine line between camp and reality. This film launched the careers of Lauren Velez and Lisa Vidal and also starred the brilliant Jesse Borrego.

Como Agua Para Chocolate (1992)
Laura Esquivel wrote an amazing book and then penned the screenplay that was directed by her husband Alfonso Arau…That, in itself sounds like a romance novel. I love food and film and this movie brilliantly ties the two together. The cast is awesome and includes a favorite actress of mine Yareli Arizmendi, along with the beautiful Marco Leonardi and Lumi Cavazos. Mexican cinema has been tremendous for almost a century but I think this movie introduced it to a new generation of film fans, I most certainly was blown away.

Desperado (1995)
Following the success of El Mariachi, Robert Rodriguez made Desperado. I had the great privilege of being in this film but who paid attention? All eyes were on the positively GORGEOUS female lead, Selma Hayek. I had worked on Mi Vida Loca with Selma and she had recommended me for the part of Zamira. While on set, I knew immediately that this film was going to propel her to stardom. We called Antonio and Selma the Latino Ken and Barbie, they were just so perfect. Great film, great direction and great casting!

Mujeres Al Borde De Un Ataque De Nervios (1988)
I jumped on the Almodóvar bandwagon when this movie came out. Campy films may not be your thing and I fully respect that but I found this movie completely HILARIOUS. The women in this cast were amazing.
Julieta Serrano as the crazy wife continues to be a model of absolute commitment to a role and it’s no wonder Carmen Maura is a European fave. Some people might argue that Spaniards are not Latinos. I say…whatever.

Real Women Have Curves (2002)
Ok, this movie takes the cake: wonderful breakout role for America Ferrer, beautiful direction by Patricia Cardoso and based on a play written by Josefina Lopez. This story was particularly powerful for me because it dealt with issues that I feel existed at a certain level in my own life. Ana had to struggle to find herself in spite of her family’s expectations. My family was the polar opposite; in our neighborhood, we were the weird ones. But I always felt like people judged me because I didn’t live up to what they expected a good “Latina” should be.

Fantastic Four (2005)
I can just hear the teeth gritting from people who hate Jessica Alba because she doesn’t claim to be a “Latina actress.” I have my own opinions on this matter and will share them on another blog BUT I will spill on what made Fantasic 4 pivotal for me. She’s brown. I don’t care what she says, how she was raised- which btw, is very common these days. When you look at her you can tell she’s brown. They bleached her hair, gave her some blue contacts and Chris Evans for a brother; and guess what? People watched it! I’ve seen it a billion times with my own kids. Commercial successes only improve the chances of other Latina actresses having the chance to work on parts not specifically written for the “HOLLYWOOD HISPANIC.”

Maria Full of Grace (2004)
A powerful movie about the use of poor people to transport drugs to the U.S. Unfortunately the filmmakers could have easily replaced the Columbian location with any number of places where young people dream of better life only to be disappointed and worse.Catalina Sandino Moreno was amazing in this film. Sandino's role in this movie made her the 3rd Latin American Actress nominated for an Academy Award.


This is not a complete list, by any means. I am a film fanatic and as you see, always have a ton to say. If you into Latino Film and interesting movie blogs check these out too:
http://www.nylatinofilm.blogspot.com/
http://www.latinaviva.com/50226711/latin_movies.php
http://www.ahorre.com/weblogs/bitacoras/bolivia/raquel_welch_found_her_bolivian_identity/

…coming up my 2 cents on La Misma Luna

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

Producers Top 10 Action List

Angel and Cory Fernandez

This weekend BFC attended the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) Conference 9; being invited to attend as press, was an honor. Pablo and I were excited but had never attended before and really didn’t know what to expect. To say that the event was amazing would be a cop out and yet to try to eloquently express what went on would probably just be self-indulgent. I have been to my fair share of conferences in my years as a media producer and nothing comes close to the energy and excitement of this one. Is it because Latinos are finally THE target market? Has the moment finally arrived when the media is going to stop trying to dictate what my personal Latino experience should be and instead, ASK what it is?

If you are considering any kind of career in film, you should be attending conferences, BUT if you want to go to a conference that is as nurturing to your business as it is to your development as a human being, I urge you to make it to NALIP next year. I will be uploading tons of footage shot during the event but I hope to tease you with this list first:

#1 Offer Hospitality
Abel Salas, thank you!

I walked away from the film industry over ten years ago. Although, I’d never have admitted this to Paul on the way down to Dana Point, my stomach was in knots. My first love was dance, but a broken foot turned my attention to acting. I’m just gonna keep it real here. If you want to be in the biz, it’s HARD. You don’t just stroll into a part and have your career take off. It takes the 33% equal part solution talent/luck/perseverance to make it and I just didn’t love acting enough stay. I DID however love storytelling and the filmmaking process. I met some great people and had some incredible experiences back in my acting days.

Abel was a young hippie/roc writer who wrote the best piece of press on me that I’ve ever read. When I saw him at the NALIP information desk, I didn’t recognize him. He recognized me, remembered all the details of our first meeting, and proceeded to introduce me to everyone who passed by. Abel has this INCREDIBLE memory. I don’t know if he took a course or what but man did he inspire me. Abel is the kind of person that makes everyone around him feels important. He doesn’t do it in a fake “Hollywood “ sort of way, but in a manner that makes you feel like you’re a part of something big and beautiful. I want to do that…I am going to start today. Abel’s a fancy pants writer now for the major newspapers but you can catch what he has to say at www.chicanos-chilangoides.blogspot.com

#2 Share Your Vision
Rodrigo Garcia, you rock!

Funny that one of the complaints that I received about the Mi Vida Loca movie was that it “Romanticized Cholas.” My response was always, “Hey I wore big hair and black lipstick for 8 weeks, blame Rodrigo Garcia!” Rodrigo simply can’t help sharing what he sees with the world. He’s a brilliant cinematographer and director.

Rodrigo sat on the panel of “Creating A Pan Latino Cinema With Global Appeal.” Some very interesting questions arose, among them: what does it mean or not mean to identify as a “Latino” filmmaker and of course the always allusive “What is Latino?” Rodrigo said that the roles he wrote for Things You Can Tell Just by Looking at Her, just weren’t believable for him in a Latin context. Yareli Arizmendi challenged him with a “why not?” "Why can’t we break out of seeing OURSELVES in certain ways?" In the end the artists all agreed that telling the truth from wherever you stand is most important. This may seem obvious to the countless aspiring artists out there, but when you’re inside the business, lines are easily convoluted. It was incredibly encouraging to see the respect that the panelist had for each other as filmmakers and people. My favorite line from Rodrigo Garcia when asked about his choices for making films was “Me and the market have a mutual disregard for each other.” Funny he should say something like that. I’ve seen all his films 10 times! http://imdb.com/name/nm0006554/

#3 Make a Difference
Chelo Alvarez you brought me to tears.

I will not say too much here because I not only got a great interview with Chelo on tape but I also will be posting her feature article soon. Chelo’s film “Sold in America” deals with sex trade in America and follows a 55-minute documentary she previously co-produced on the same subject, “Tin Girls.” Tin Girls resulted in the formation of the Masala project, an income-generating project in Nepal. Hearing things like this reminds me that we can all DO SOMETHING to make a difference in this world. http://www.soldinamerica.net/masalaproject/index.html

#4 Open your Eyes
Camila and Alexis…Buena Suerte!

Two gorgeous women rushed the desk while I was talking with Abel. Camila Martins and Alexis Beauford were invited to the Latino Media Market™. (From NALIP - The 2008 Latino Media Market™ is designed to bring Funders, Studio Executives, Distributors, Dealmakers, Agents, Mentors and Employers together with NALIP members and their projects. The Latino Media Market™ consists of a meeting series for up to 32 selected projects. Filmmaker participants meet one-on-one with industry representatives who can commission pilot scripts and episodes, provide broadcast licenses or documentary completion funds, as well as fund feature development or production.) After they set their appointment, they agreed to meet with us to discuss their film, a documentary about the people occupying Skid Row in Los Angeles. These women met on the set of a big budget commercial and were looking for places to volunteer their time. Although Camila is from a very poor city in Brazil and Camila is a native Angelino, both women said that the biggest tragedy on The Row is that is exists smack dab in the middle of one of the most glamorous places on earth.

#5 Go A Little Crazy
Kiki Melendez you GO girl!

I met Kiki on a TV show she was shooting. My memory leaves a lot to be desired, I have a strict write it down or it aint' happening policy, but Kiki is unforgettable. I love comedy and I don’t care what the backlash is here, I have always felt it is a harder road for the women of comedy. Kiki has this bit in her act where she gives her best dance performance only to find it’s a gay club. She really takes her physicality to another level and it cracks me up. Kiki has a TV show of her own in development and I can’t wait to see it. I grew up in a crazy family and she would fit right in. http://www.kikikiss.com/

#6 Be Brave
Anthony Nardolillo you da bomb!

If you come to LA and think there is a fireworks show, it just may be this kid. He is a Puerto Rican/Italian, CPA, who professionally dances and has become a filmmaker. MANO the movie http://www.manothemovie.com/ is a short that is intended to serve as the treatment for the full-length feature but it has become a phenomenon! With over 150,000 views on his myspace page and superstar line up coming out to the premiere of the SHORT, you know this film is hot! Check out the trailer, if you know dance you will get the chills. Like the filmmaker, the dancing is the real deal. I will have video on Anthony so I won’t say too much except for this, it takes more than charm, looks and talent to make it in this biz and he has it…more.

#7 Give to Others
Daniel Hastings YOU are an Angel!

NALIP is all about networking and sometimes it happens in the most beautiful ways. We were in the business office after dinner on Saturday because it was the only place quiet enough to do our interview with Alicia Villarreal-Wallach. Daniel needed to do some printing and thoughtfully waited for us to end our shoot before running off his copies. When we were done he came over, shook Alicia’s hand and said “Wow! Your story is so inspiring I would like to offer my help to you. I can shoot your movie poster if you’d like…” Some of you may not be floored and I beg you to visit his website http://www.atomicuscreativegroup.com/. Daniel shoots the kind of pictures that can change your life. Seriously, how many times have you seen an ordinary person transformed into a supermodel? Perhaps you’ve seen a record cover that made you think, “that looks off the chain…” and off you went to buy it; that was probably Daniel’s work. He’s shot hundreds of celebs, covers for rock stars, you name it, on Saturday he shared some of his family history with us and I would love to get him to do an interview for BFC. I am sometimes awed by great talent but always moved to the core by random acts of kindness.

#8 Encourage Laughter
Cory Fernandez (Fernandez-Aviles) I have just adopted you.

I overheard Cory sharing with Jeff Valdez that he’d be performing at the comedy show set up for Saturday night. Being the nosey “reporter”, I quickly chased him down for an interview. He was so polite and of course HILARIOUS in his interview. We got it on tape so; I’ll show you later. When tape stopped rolling I told him how much I respected comedians, having come from a family like mine. He asked me who in my family performed and I mentioned my brothers, Rick Aviles (R.I.P.) and Rod Reyes. He couldn’t believe it. He told me he had had a shirt made up with my brother on one side and Freddy Prince on the other. He’d never had a chance to see Rick perform but it was his way of thanking these guys for paving the way. I, of course, was boo hooing, but that didn’t last too long around Cory. In my experience with comedians, there is a unique intensity about them. Maybe it’s because they observe the world in a whole different way. My brother was/is like that. Intense almost absent sometimes and suddenly out of nowhere, busting out jokes. I loved the shirt, which he offered to give me, but it brought up too much emotion and for that day, I just wanted to enjoy Cory in all his funny glory.

#9 Honor your Past
Alicia Villarreal, Si se Puede!

I’m on the dinner line and the cutest couple is standing in front of me. It is Alicia Villarreal-Wallach and her dad, Roberto M. Villarreal. They hand me their cards and we exchange pleasantries until I ask her what her film is about. Atanasia is inspired by the true story, of her great-great-grandmother Atanasia Escobedo, illegitimate daughter of the great Mexican General Mariano Escobedo. Atanasia features war, murder, kidnapping and the violence of 19th Century Mexico and South Texas. Sounds intriguing, doesn’t it? It’s sheer madness if you’re a first time filmmaker but that didn’t stop the Villarreal family. While Alicia admits to breaking every rule she ever read in her filmmaking books she also states that with her dad as the driving force, the story was going to be told no matter what. They wrote the script, financed, shot on HD, built sets, made costumes, got music…all in their little town in South Texas. I haven’t seen the movie yet but they are super heroes in my mind for getting the film made! For everyone that has stopped short of living his or her dreams the Villarreal’s are callin’ you out!

#10 Be Humble
Jose Rivera…The wise in heart are called discerning, and pleasant words promote instruction. Proverbs 16:21

This guy wrote a little film called the “Motorcycle Diaries,” perhaps you’ve seen it? Rivera was the first Puerto Rican to be nominated for the "Best Adapted Screenplay" Academy Award. AMAZING! I sat in this workshop and was unable to even speak to him afterwards. This might have been a good thing, as I would’ve probably just babbled something silly. He floored me! Rarely do I ever hear someone speaking and think it’s pure poetry but that was Jose. I’ll just type in what I wrote in my notes on what Jose had to say about:
Literary influences - “Literature is important but life, is more important.”
Mentorship - “The most fundamental kind of education for making art, is sitting beside a wise man with a big heart.”
Latinos - “From the time Columbus landed and called this India, we’ve been in an identity crisis.” “For me the juxtaposition of living life as a Latino is Sci-Fi in and of itself.”
There was so much said here about his life and his first screenplay. He was funny and humble, not in a false way, looking for compliments but in a way that allowed us insight into his way of surviving the business. I read that he grew up in a home where only the Bible was read. Excuse me while I burn down my library… http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jos%C3%A9_Rivera_(playwright)

So I’ll admit this list is a tad unconventional, but I was inspired and I hope you will be too.
You Can Make Dreams Come True. I want to see you get there.
Sin Cera,
Angel

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Art & Politics: Paul is gonna kill me for this...

I got an email from a group I am a part of stating that: The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute Seeks Applicants for Congressional Internships, Fellowships, and Scholarships...

Paul and I have frequently debated over the function of art and politics and most often art IN politics. I'm of the mind that since artist are often the leaders and developers of our communities, it is almost a natural inclination for us to be politically, or at the very least socially involved. Paul, just thinks I'm a busy body...

Anyway, for those of you out there interested, here is an excerpt from the article with a link that follows:

"The Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute, an educational and youth leadership development organization, has launched a national campaign to recruit Hispanic students — undergraduate and graduate — for its nationally recognized youth development leadership programs.

Guidelines and applications for the following programs are now available at the CHCI Web site:

The Congressional Internship Program provides college students with Congressional placements on Capitol Hill for a summer period of eight weeks (June to August 2008) and a winter period of twelve weeks (January to April 2009) to learn first-hand about the United States' legislative processes. Housing, travel, and a $2,500 stipend are provided. (Deadline: January 31, 2008.)"

http://foundationcenter.org/pnd/rfp/rfp_item.jhtml?id=200900079

Sin Cera,
Angel

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Rosario and Wilmer Inspiring Young Latinos To VOTE!

La Pasion de la Decision

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I was rolling. If this little skit doesn't take me back to my grandmothers house back in the day I don't know what will! It's nice to see Latino Hollywood using their talent and pull to make a difference.

So what are you waiting for? GO REGISTER TO VOTE!


A

Monday, January 21, 2008

Chicano Artist Studio

Pablo did a great job putting together this series. It's no secret that Magu Lujan has become one of our favorite people in the world. His manner is easy, sense of humor at peak and his art and life...inspiring.

In this video clip, Magu talks about good communication art skills and producing new entertainment with a social conscious. Find out more about Magu Lujan and other Latino Hispanic heroes in the fine and performing arts at www.Bullfighterscafe.com



See the other vids in this series as well as others at any of the following sites.
YouTube, Yahoo, MySpace, Metacafe, Google, Revver, DailyMotion, Blip.tv, Veoh, Crackle and Stupid Videos

Donde hay gana, hay maña.

A