Suzuki Auto Partners With the New York International Latino Film Festival to Celebrate Latino Filmmaking

“Suzuki Auto, the proud maker of exciting vehicles that reflect consumers’ active lifestyles, today announced its official sponsorship of the 8th New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF), which runs from July 24 through 29, 2007 in New York City.

As the exclusive official vehicle sponsor for the festival, Suzuki Auto will present a special screening and after-party for the film “El Muerto,” produced by and starring Wilmer Valderrama. The auto company also will play a starring role during the NYILFF Family Day on Saturday, July 28, at Maribel Sisters School in Washington Heights. The free event will include family-friendly entertainment, flamenco dancing, outdoor games, arts and crafts workshops, and a unique opportunity to enjoy the ultimate mobile movie experience provided by Suzuki’s own Flix concept vehicle – an ultramodern XL7 SUV equipped with a digital projection system and a roof that opens to reveal a 40-inch movie screen that, for this occasion, will debut shorts produced by kids from the community-based media organization Manhattan Neighborhood Network.

The partnership marks Suzuki’s first foray into the Latino creative and film industry and further connects the company and its products with a wide-ranging consumer demographic of those who choose to live life instead of watch it go by.

“Suzuki is delighted to partner with the New York International Latino Film Festival, the largest urban Latino film event in the country,” said Gene Brown, vice president of marketing, Suzuki Auto. “Just as Suzuki is dedicated to providing fun and exciting products that reflect consumers’ Way of Life, the festival shares a similar commitment to providing exhilarating and culturally relevant entertainment for film fans.”

As part of its sponsorship, Suzuki Auto is also launching the nationwide animation contest, “¡Aní­mate! – La vida Suzuki,” featuring the Suzuki XL7, which will be announced at this year’s festival. Call for entries for the online contest will begin in September, coinciding with Hispanic Heritage Month, and will conclude with the winning animation featured at the 2008 NYILFF. Participants can visit www.suzukiauto.com/nyilff/ for more information.

“The New York International Latino Film Festival is thrilled to have Suzuki as its exclusive automotive partner for 2007 and 2008,” said NYILFF executive director, Elizabeth Gardner. “We are inspired by their commitment to supporting independent Latino filmmaking talent, especially in the animation category, which represents an exciting programming expansion for the NYILFF.”

NYILFF has emerged as one of leading film festivals focusing on the urban Latino experience, and showcasing the work of the hottest emerging filmmakers from the U.S. and Latin America. This year’s festival will include screenings throughout the day and evening, industry panel discussions, music showcases, special cultural events and the free-to-the-community NYILFF Family Day and Cinema under the Stars, all tailored to reach the diverse and generational Latino audience. Visit www.nylatinofilm.com for a complete schedule.

About American Suzuki
The Brea, Calif.-based Automotive Operations of American Suzuki Motor Corporation (ASMC) was founded in 1985 by parent company Suzuki Motor Corporation (SMC) and currently markets its vehicles in the United States through a network of more than 530 automotive dealerships in 49 states. Based in Hamamatsu, Japan, SMC is a diversified worldwide automobile, motorcycle and outboard motor manufacturer with sales of more than two million new vehicles annually. Founded in 1909 and incorporated in 1920, SMC has operations in 125 countries. For more information, visit www.media.suzukiauto.com.

About NYILFF
Launched in 1999, the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) is the nation’s premier organization to showcase the works of the hottest emerging Latino filmmaking talent from the U.S. and Latin America. Its mission is to support these filmmakers, offer expansive images of the Latino experience and celebrate the diversity and spirit of the Latino community. NYILFF presents over seventy works in the categories of Feature Film (in Spanish and English) and Vanguard Cinema, which includes experimental works, documentaries, student works and short films. NYILFF Family Weekend is a weekend of films and indoor and outdoor activities the whole family can enjoy.”

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