Category: Reviews

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) My final feature film of the 17th annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival closed the event on a somewhat somber, but important and relevant note. Another import from Venezuela, Pelo Malo tells the story of Junior (Samuel Lange Zambrano), a young impoverished child with much internal… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17 Review: PELO MALO (BAD HAIR)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Prior to watching this film, I had never heard of Los Amigos Invisibles, and now, after having enjoyed this documentary/concert film,  I want to seek out their discography. With infectious, danceable grooves, skillful musicianship, and often amusing lyrics, this disco/funk group from Caracas, Venezuela have quite… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17: LA CASA DEL RITMO, A FILM ABOUT LOS AMIGOS INVISIBLES (THE HOUSE OF RHYTHM)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) The country of Venezuela was well represented at Cine Las Americas this year, especially on the last day of the festival where I saw three films from Venezuela, back-to-back.  This period piece based on the actual memoirs of soldier fighting in the Venezuelan War of Independence… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17 Review: MEMORIAS DE UN SOLDADO (A SOLDIER’S MEMORIES)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3,5 (Out of 4 Stars) This Mexican documentary about legendary cinematographer Gabriel Figueroa is a must see for all cinephiles. With a career of over 200 films, the images of Figueroa have been witnessed and admired by many people. His awe-inspiring work has inspired the work of several modern cinematographers including… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17 Review: MIRANDAS MULTIPLES, LA MAQUINA LOCA (MULTIPLE VISIONS, THE CRAZY MACHINE)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) This festival entry from Colombia turned out to be my favorite film of the ones I saw at Cine Las Americas this year. It also just so happens that this movie won both the audience and jury awards for Best Narrative Feature. So just don’t take… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17 Review: MATEO

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) This delightful farcical comedy does have it issues, but is highly enjoyable nevertheless.  I must admit that the lovable characters and their often hilarious antics had me constantly smiling and laughing.  Jorge (Carlos Marchand) desperately needs to come up with money for his wife Lisa’s (Marise… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17: LA ESPERA DESESPERA (HOPEFUL HOPELESS)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 4 (Out of 4 Stars) This HBO Latino documentary film features a multitude of Hispanic and Latina women from different generations and all walks of life offering insight and perspective as women in their respective careers and cultures. Director Alberto Ferreras keeps it simple, focuses his camera on his individual subjects and… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17: HABLA WOMEN (WOMEN SPEAKING)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3 (Out of 4 Stars) From Cuban director Enrique Alvarez and writer Claudia Muniz, comes this film about three “roommates” connecting, though they don’t verbally communicate often. Tania (Olivia Manrufo) works as a seamstress out of her home, but can barely make ends meet. She has received various eviction notices and… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17 Review: JIRAFAS (GIRAFFES)

By Mark Saldana Rating: 3.5 (Out of 4 Stars) Written and directed by Adrian Manzano, this festival entry is very much the epitome of modern filmmaking. Sex, Love, & Salsa is a faux documentary about Julian Suarez (Manzano), a smooth-talking salsa dancer who prides himself as a ladies man and wants to capture his daily… Continue reading Cine Las Americas 17 Review: SEX, LOVE & SALSA