We are delighted to welcome you all to the Seventh Annual Latin American
Film Festival organized by the Organization of American States, American
Film Institute, and Ibero-American Attachés. This annual event has grown
exponentially since its inception in the 1980s as an innovative project
of Ms. Glaucia Baena Soares, wife of former Secretary General of the OAS,
Joao Ceamente Baena Soares. This year’s Latin American Film Festival has
now expanded to include over 50 films from 15 different Latin American
nations. It is the largest in its history, not only due to its variety in
movies, but also on account of its new features.
These new
features include a three-day conference to stimulate discussion among all
those interested in Latin American film and out first-ever film
competition. By awarding prizes to the Best Actor/Actress, Director,
Short/Long Film, additional recognition will be given to those where it
is felt it is deserved. Not only does this year’s Festival include new
features, it also includes Nicaragua as a first-time participant.
As the
saying goes, it is a small world after all. As the world steps further
into the 21st Century, nations have begun to rely on each other more than
ever. With increased international interaction, comes the meeting of
different and distinct cultures. Cultural events such as the Latin
American Film Festival have served as excellent means of educating other
cultures about our distinct histories, customs, and ways of life. The
Film Festival has proven to be an excellent opportunity for members of
the local Washington, D.C. community to engage themselves with many
representatives of Latin American cinema to exchange ideas and cultural
values. This atmosphere has ignited a surge of learning, dialogue, and
understanding, which has consequently united filmmakers and producers
from throughout the hemisphere and also provided local students and
residents with an opportunity to gain insight through informative panels
and conferences with the attendees.
We would
sincerely like to thank the Seventh Annual Latin American Film Festival’s
sponsors: Delta Air Lines, Rumba Café, Washington Metropolitan Area
Transit Authority, La Nación USA, Lincoln Suites Downtown, The Trust for
the Americas, Discovery, Kodak Motion Picture Film, and Bird’s Florist.
Without their generosity, this event would not have been able to take
place. Their continued devotion to the principles of cultural
institutions, such as the AFI, has allowed us to make this exciting
opportunity a reality for cinema and film lovers both in our community
and the western hemisphere. Our thanks to all of them.
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