LATIN BEAT 2008

Latin Beat 2008
By: Michele Velez

This year’s Latin Beat will commence September 5th opening with a film called Cochochi, and ending September 25th with the film Scrambled Beer. On its 11th year, Latin Beat is more diverse and rich in regards to the style, genre, location, theme, setting, and the number of countries explored. This year, 28 films will be shown in the Walter Reade Theater, all of them exploring the complexities and vivaciousness of the Latin American culture. Throughout the series of films, there will be guest appearances from the directors, producers and actors.

The series includes a range of unique events, including:

A Tribute To Jacobo Morales: Three films by the celebrated Puerto Rican director, whose memorable contributions to film helped develop a cultural identity within and outside of Puerto Rico. Jacobo Morales himself will introduce several screenings.

Spotlight On Chile: Expanding on the strong tradition of political cinema in Chile, a new generation of young filmmakers has developed an accomplished blend of cinematic technique and style in a wide range of genres. This spotlight looks at six original and powerful works from this up and coming group and the newest force in Latin American filmmaking.

Latin Beat Celebrates Machado de Assis: As part of “Machado 21,” a citywide centennial celebration of writer Machado de Assis, director Nelson Pereira dos Santos will present his screen adaptations of two de Assis works and will join in an onstage conversation with Film Society program director, Richard Peña.

Film Comment Selects and Latin Beat Present The Other/El Otro: Director Ariel Rotter will join Gavin Smith for an onstage conversation following a screening of this Berlin Grand Jury prize-winning film.

Brunch and Conversation with Latin American Filmmakers: The Film Society joins forces with New York Women in Film and Television to celebrate the strong presence of women in Latin American filmmaking. Sunday, Sept. 7, 11:30 a.m., free to ticket holders to the 1 p.m. screening of Kill Them All.

Admission: $11 public; $8 senior (62+); $7 Film Society member & student (with ID) and child (6-12, accompanied by an adult). Series Pass: $40 public/$30 Film Society member. Admits one person to five titles in the series. Available only at the Walter Reade Theater box office (cash-only transactions).

For the series calendar or film descriptions go to http://www.filmlinc.com/wrt/onsale/latinbeat08/program.html