New York Latino Film Festival: ‘Habla Now’, ‘Charm City Kings’, ‘Critical Thinking’ And More Set For Hybrid Edition Of Fest (Deadline)

The New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) has set their lineup for their forthcoming hybrid edition of its fest which will take place September 14-20.

In the wake of the pandemic, many festivals have either canceled or pivoted to an entirely virtual program. NYLFF is one of the Latinx-based film fests that have continued with plans for their annual fest — with the appropriate changes. The 21st edition will be a combination of virtual events and in-person, drive-in screenings that celebrates Latinx creators. The fest will also host the first Latino drive-in experience to take place both in New York and in The Bronx.

This year’s festival features nearly 75 films representing more than 10 countries, spanning all genres including features, shorts, documentaries, web series and experimental films.

“Inspired by the resilience of the Latino community, NYLFF is proud to return with a fresh format featuring our first-ever drive-in experiences,” said Calixto Chinchilla, Founder of NYLFF. “We are proud to serve as an important platform for Latino creatives to share culturally relevant stories about intersectionality, diversity, and lived experiences in this country. Gracias to our sponsors for continuing to support our community of content creators and movie-goers. While there’s much learned this year, one thing we can all agree, the culture continues!”

The fifteenth edition of the HBO series Habla Now from director and creator Alberto Ferreras will serve as the fest’s opener, giving personal and relatable stories from well-known Latino personalities such as Dominican Singer/Actress/Activist Amara La Negra, Mexican American Environmental Activist Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, Puerto Rican Olympian Laurie Hernandez, Colombian Actress Diane Guerrero, among others.

In addition, Angel Manuel Soto’s Charm City Kings will have its New York premiere at the fest. Produced by Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith and James Lassiter, with a story by Oscar winner Barry Jenkins, Charm City Kings marks the feature directorial debut follows the journey of 14-year-old Mouse who desperately wants to join the Midnight Clique, an infamous group of Baltimore dirt-bike riders who rule the summertime streets.

John Leguizamo’s Critical Thinking will also make its New York premiere. The pic tells the true story of five Latinx and Black teenagers from Miami Jackson Senior High School who fight their way into the National Chess Championship under the guidance of their unconventional but inspirational teacher.

ADULT NIGHT
Short Fiction | U.S.A. | 11 min
Directed by: Kevin Alejandro, Leslie Alejandro
In an attempt to “live colorfully,” the strength of a couple’s relationship is tested by a situation where it might be more important to get out rather than get off.

For the complete lineup, click here.

(Source: Deadline)

Written by: Dino-Ray Ramos