News (Noticias) Tagged ‘Edward James Olmos’

The Hollywood stars were out last night in full force as nearly 1000 actors, entertainment industry executives, film and television studios and supporters attended the 23rd Annual Imagen Awards Gala ceremony at the nearly sold-out Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, California. Actors John Leguizamo, Edward James Olmos, Lupe Ontiveros, Eva La Rue and Cesar Millan, Leonor Varela, Carlos Mencia, Dania Ramirez and many more could be seen gracing the Gala’s Red Carpet as fans, media, and the general public flocked to the hotel’s lobby and ballrooms for a glimpse.

18 awards were presented in a diverse range of entertainment categories in addition to several Imagen Foundation legacy awards: Actor Tony Plana received the Foundation’s Lifetime Achievement Award; HBO’s In Treatment Producer/Director Rodrigo Garcia received the Creative Achievement Award; and Ligiah Villalobos, executive producer and writer of the feature film La Misma Luna, received the Foundation’s esteemed Norman Lear Writer’s Award.

“This year we saw a massive increase in both the quantity and quality of exceptional submissions across categories,” stated Helen Hernandez, Founder and President of The Imagen Foundation and creator of the pioneering Imagen Awards. “The A-list stars and luminaries this ceremony attracts each year from the world of Latino entertainment is truly reflective of the increased prevalence that we play in Hollywood, mainstream America, and throughout the world.”

The awards included presenters and coverage from LATV, the nation’s first bilingual entertainment/music network distributed via digital multicast, that will broadcast a one-hour special on their channel featuring Red Carpet arrivals and behind-the-scenes exclusives of nominated/winning Latinos from the 2008 Imagen Awards ceremony.

The Imagen Awards were established in 1985 to encourage and recognize the positive portrayal of Latinos in the media. The awards strive to increase Latino representation at all levels of the industry by proving recognition to emerging and established Latinos in the entertainment industry.

The winners are:
Lifetime Achievement Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Tony Plana

Norman Lear Writer’s Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Ligiah Villalobos, “La Misma Luna”

Creative Achievement Award (Foundation Legacy Award): Rodrigo Garcia

Film-Best Picture: “La Misma Luna”

Film Best Actor: Adrian Alonso, “La Misma Luna”

Film Best Actress: Kate del Castillo, “La Misma Luna”

Film Best Supporting Actress: Leonor Varela, “Where God Left His Shoes”

Film Best Supporting Actor: Eungene Durbez, “La Misma Luna”

Film Best Director: Patricia Riggen, “La Misma Luna”

Film Best Theatrical Short or Student Film: “A Day at the Theatre”

TV Best Documentary: “Brown is the New Green”

TV Best Primetime Program: “Ugly Betty”

TV Best Actor: Carlos Mencia, “Mind of Mencia”

TV Best Actress: Christina Milian, “Snowglobe”

TV Best Supporting Actor: Tony Plana, “Ugly Betty”

TV Best Supporting Actress: Dania Ramirez, “Heroes”

TV Best Variety or Reality Show: “Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan”

TV Best Children’s Programming: “Go, Diego, Go”

TV Best Local Informational Programming: “Fox 11 News: Alter the Melee”

TV Best National Informational Programming: “Nick News With Linda Ellerbee Presents I’m American! They’re Not!”

TV Best On Air Advertising: “MTV3 Tu Pride”"

Alma Awards Website

MOTION PICTURE CATEGORIES

Outstanding Performance of a Lead Latino/Latina Cast in a Motion Picture

• Bella
• El Cantante
• Illegal Tender
• Love in the Time of Cholera
• Tortilla Heaven

Special Achievement - Outstanding Spanish Language Motion Picture

• La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon)

TELEVISION CATEGORIES

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT - OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE OF A LATINO/LATINA-LED ENSEMBLE IN A TELEVISION SERIES

• Ugly Betty (ABC)

OUTSTANDING ACTOR IN A DRAMA TELEVISION SERIES

• Enrique Murciano – Without A Trace (CBS)
• Edward James Olmos – Battlestar Galactica (Sci Fi Channel)
• Danny Pino – Cold Case (CBS)
• James Roday – Psych (USA)
• Adam Rodriguez – CSI: Miami (CBS)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTOR IN A DRAMA TELEVISION SERIES

• Ricardo Chavira – Desperate Housewives (ABC)
• Jorge Garcia – Lost (ABC)
• Benito Martinez – The Shield (FX Network)
• Amaury Nolasco – Prison Break (FOX)
• Miguel Sandoval – Medium (NBC)

OUTSTANDING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA TELEVISION SERIES

• Valerie Cruz – The Dresden Files (Sci Fi Channel)
• Cote de Pablo – NCIS (CBS)
• Lana Parrilla – Swingtown (CBS)
• Sara Ramirez – Grey’s Anatomy (ABC)
• Roselyn Sanchez – Without A Trace (CBS)

OUTSTANDING SUPPORTING ACTRESS IN A DRAMA TELEVISION SERIES

• Alana De La Garza – Law & Order (NBC)
• Marisol Nichols – 24 (FOX)
• Paula Garces, The Shield (FX Network)
• Julie Gonzalo – Eli Stone (ABC)
• Dania Ramirez – Heroes (NBC)
• Lauren Velez – Dexter (Showtime)

OUTSTANDING MALE PERFORMANCE IN A COMEDY TELEVISION SERIES

• Jake T. Austin – Wizards of Waverly Place (Disney Channel)
• Joshua Gomez – Chuck (NBC)
• Carlos Mencia – Mind of Mencia (Comedy Central)
• Oscar Nuñez – The Office (NBC)
• Johnny A. Sanchez – MADtv (FOX)
• Charlie Sheen – Two and A Half Men (CBS)

OUTSTANDING FEMALE PERFORMANCE IN A COMEDY TELEVISION SERIES

• Maria Canals-Barrera – Wizards of Waverly Place (Disney Channel)
• Selena Gomez – Wizards of Waverly Place (Disney Channel)
• Anjelah Johnson – MADtv (FOX)
• Judy Reyes – Scrubs (NBC)
• Nadine Velasquez – My Name Is Earl (NBC)
• Persia White – Girlfriends (The CW)

OUTSTANDING COMEDY SPECIAL

• “Carlos Mencia: Performance Enhanced” (Comedy Central)
• “George Lopez: America’s Mexican” (HBO)
• “Hick-Spanic” (Showtime)
• “The Original Latin Divas of Comedy” (Showtime)
• “The Payaso Comedy Slam” (Showtime)

OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A TELEVISION SERIES

• Norberto Barba – Law and Order: Criminal Intent, “Depths” (NBC)
• Rodrigo Garcia – In Treatment, “Paul and Gina, Week One” (HBO)
• Linda Mendoza – Ugly Betty, “Betty’s Baby Bump” (ABC)
• Miguel Sandoval – Medium, “Aftertaste” (NBC)
• Jay Torres – Desperate Housewives, “Distant Past” (ABC)

SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT – OUTSTANDING DIRECTOR OF A MADE FOR TV MOVIE

• Kenny Ortega – “High School Musical II” – Disney Channel

OUTSTANDING WRITING FOR A TELEVISION SERIES

• Mick Betancourt – Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, “Fight” (NBC )
• Silvio Horta – Ugly Betty, “Jump”(ABC)
• Gloria Calderon Kellet – How I Met Your Mother,
• “How I Met Everyone Else” (CBS)
• Jose Molina – Without A Trace, “Without You” (CBS)

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN A DAYTIME DRAMA SERIES

• Maurice Bernard – General Hospital (ABC)
• Kamar de los Reyes – One Life to Live (ABC)
• David Fumero – One Life to Live (ABC)
• Galen Gering – Passions (NBC)
• Jessica Leccia – Guiding Light (CBS)
• Eva Tamargo – Passions (NBC)

SIN CITY SALSEROS, in conjunction with David Nieto, proudly present the 5th Annual Las Vegas Salsa Congress, running throughout the Independence Day weekend, Friday, July 4^th through Sunday, July 7^th 2008, at the Tropicana Hotel & Casino. As a qualifying event for the International Salsa Congress Finals, The Las Vegas Salsa Congress brings together the best Salsa dancers, instructors, and enthusiasts from around the world. The first four events have been spectacular; the fifth promises to be the best yet.

Headlining the dance group category is Milan, Italy, based Tropical Gem. Led by founders Fernando Sosa and Rafael Gonzalez, Tropical Gem took the Salsa world by storm with their “Rumba” style, impeccably clean footwork and extraordinary routines. In the instructor category, Cristian Oviedo reins. Known as one of the best choreographers in the world, Cristian choreographed “Miami Vice” starring Colin Farrell and Jaime Fox, and the film “Mano,” an independent film documenting the life of a Salsero

For years, dancing has always been a way for people to relax, unwind, and work up a sweat if need be. Today, dancing is much more than fun, games, and exercise. Indeed, many dancing – themed television shows vividly showcase dancers from around the globe ‘strutting their stuff’ for huge cash prizes. Dancing has become so popular, that professionals from other sports have ‘crossed over’ to show off their dancing prowess. If you love dancing, love to watch others dance, or just enjoy the Latin rhythms; you cannot afford to miss this fabulous event.

Initially, Salsa began as a form of dance among African slaves in Cuba during the Colonial period. Salsa, in those early days, was known as ‘Rumba.’ ‘Rumba’ not only symbolized rhythms and dance, it served as a form of recreation, and unity amongst African (black) slaves, and later became an integral part of Latin culture and dance. Rumba, was performed primarily with the use of any instrument that could produce percussion, for example, wooden boxes, chairs, tabletops, spoons, jars, etc. From here, Salsa as it is now known, was born.

The kickoff festivities begin promptly on Friday, July 4^th, at 8:00 am with event registration. From there, several Salsa dancing workshops will be held throughout the day. At 7pm, the doors will then open to the public. The initial public event, the World Salsa competitions will begin. Don’t miss awesome performances as Salsa dance compete for the title of world’s best. Band performances will then follow. Dance fans will also be treated to awesome performances from select Salsa bands around the world. More of the same will follow Saturday, July 5^th, with registration starting promptly at 9:00am. More Salsa workshops will follow, along with stage rehearsals for performing artists. Once again, the World Salsa competition will highlight the evening, with cabaret and team performances. The second evening will also feature three separate D.J. performances, along with great shows highlighting the distinct and varying forms of Salsa dancing.

The 5^th Annual Las Vegas Salsa Congress will conclude with a spectacular pool party. From 11am to 3pm, enjoy the desert sun, and fine Salsa dancing entertainment. If you are looking forward to attending this event, there are prime ticket packages available. With four distinct ticket packages, one is sure to work for you and your guests. The packages, depending upon your level of participation, allow for exclusive entry towards special workshops, performances, and late night social dances.

The 5^th Annual Las Vegas Salsa Congress is a wonderful opportunity to experience the best of Latin culture, and dance, while celebrating the freedom of expression that makes this country so great. No matter what stage of dancer you are, from beginner, to so – so, to great, the 5^th Annual Las Vegas Salsa Congress gives everyone the chance to become the best. Don’t miss out on the opportunity of a lifetime. Learn the art of Salsa dancing from the best dance companies and instructors in the world.

For a full schedule of events, hotel rates, event passes and more, log onto www.lasvegassalsacongress.com. For media and sponsorship inquires contact Pochteca Media at (213) 745-7717.

# # #

ABOUT SIN CITY SALSEROS

Oscar Coronado and Nathan Strager founded Las Vegas based Sin City Salseros 1999. The award winning Dance Company is known world wide as one of the best due to their flashy tricks, fast clean routines, and unique style. Sin City Salseros won first place in the Mayan Salsa Team competition in 2006 and were finalist in the 2006 World Salsa Championships. This company continues to grow and make Las Vegas one of the best-known Salsa capitols in the world. For more information, visit: www.sincitysalseros.com

ABOUT POCHTECA MEDIA

Pochteca Media LLC, established in 1997, is an integrated multicultural communications agency. Under the leadership of CEO/Creative Director, Mario Cobian, Pochteca Media’s multi-discipline services include advertising, public relations, direct marketing, online, research, media planning/buying, event marketing, community/diversity outreach, public affairs, promotions and consulting services. Clients include IKEA, Latino Literacy Now/Edward James Olmos, Cox Communications, Diego “The Nightmare” Sanchez, American Cancer Society, Latin Grammy’s and Nevada Hispanic Services, among others. For more information, visit: www.pochtecamedia.com

Esai Morales has joined the cast of Sci Fi Channel’s two-hour “Caprica” pilot.

The project, from Universal Media Studios, is a prequel to the network’s “Battlestar Galactica.” Morales will play Joseph Adama, the father of William Adama (played in “Galactica” by Edward James Olmos), who one day will take command of the Battlestar Galactica.”*

WETA Washington, D.C. and Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB) have formed a partnership to produce a multi-part documentary series for PBS chronicling the experience, influence and impact of Latinos on the American historical narrative.  With the support of a grant from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), research and development work has begun on The Latino Americans, slated to be broadcast in fall, 2011.

The production partners view this project as timely and compelling, in light of the current debate over immigration issues today, a discussion being carried out in the halls of government and around kitchen tables across America.  The influx of Latinos to the United States is nothing less than one of the largest flows of immigration in the history of the world.

The Latino Americans will consist of three, two-hour episodes, tracing the history of Latino immigration to the United States.  Beginning with the founding of the country in 1776, The Latino Americans will illuminate the contributions made by Latino immigrants, and provide the historical underpinnings to the present debate surrounding immigration from Latin America.

“Latinos are already the largest minority ethnic group in the country, and are soon projected to be a majority of the American population,” said Sharon Percy Rockefeller, president and CEO of WETA.  “The nation needs a better understanding of the Latino American culture, the challenges the Latino community has faced, and the multi-faceted issues the Latino population presents our society today. This series will shed light on this important segment of the American fabric.”

WETA boasts considerable experience producing landmark series for public television, including serving as co-producer of films by Ken Burns, and, in collaboration with LPB, The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo.  In addition, WETA has demonstrated substantial expertise in chronicling the immigrant experience in America, producing, also with LPB, My Journey Home in 2004, tracing the individual histories of three distinct immigrant experiences, and most recently producing the acclaimed PBS series, The Jewish Americans.  The Washington Post called the series a “triumphant tale,” while Newsday said The Jewish Americans was “big, rich and generous.”

LPB has for a decade developed, produced, acquired and distributed projects that shed light on the Latino American experience.  Their history of providing a voice to the diverse Latino community throughout the United States includes the projects Al Otro Lado, following the journey, choices and impact of illegal immigrants as they cross the Mexican border into the United States; Roberto Clemente, chronicling the life of the legendary baseball player; and VOCES, a dynamic thirteen part series devoted to exploring and showcasing the best of Latino culture.

“Latino Public Broadcasting is excited to be partnering with CPB and WETA in this landmark series,” said Patricia Boero, executive director of Latino Public Broadcasting and co-executive producer of the series.  “For the first time, the full story will be told: how millions of immigrants from the rich array of Latin American origins have shaped and been shaped by their adopted country.  In producing the series and reaching out to all communities, we will bring to light the nuances of our different cultures and shared histories — and our profound interconnectedness.  And the project will bring greater numbers of Latino and Latina producers and viewers to PBS.”

The Latino Americans will be supported by an extensive educational outreach and promotion initiative with bilingual components, designed to spark a meaningful dialogue on the relevant issues among all Americans and lend perspective and depth to Americans’ understanding of the Latino culture and contribution.  The project will also be developed to reach out specifically to the Latino American community nationwide and the core PBS audience, and with considerable opportunities beyond the broadcast for the public to make use of the rich outreach content for years to come.

“This important series will showcase the significant contributions Latinos have made and continue to make culturally, professionally and throughout all levels of American life,” said Patricia Harrison, president of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

The chronicle of Latino history in America will trace three centuries of Latino immigration to the United States from the mid-18^th century to today.  The film will be populated by characters that bring a more intimate, human interest perspective to the broad sweep of Latino history.

The series producer of The Latino Americans will be Adriana Bosch, a veteran creator of acclaimed television for public broadcasting, including films for The American Experience on Fidel Castro, Ronald Reagan and Jimmy Carter.  Bosch will work with several Latino and Latina producers in producing each segment of The Latino Americans.  The executive producers for WETA will be Jeff Bieber and Dalton Delan.

The Corporation for Public Broadcasting is a private, nonprofit corporation created by Congress in 1967.  The mission of CPB is to facilitate the development of, and ensure universal access to, non-commercial high-quality programming and telecommunications services.  It does this in conjunction with non-commercial educational telecommunications licensees across America.  For more information please visit www.cpb.org.

Created in 1998 by Edward James Olmos and Marlene Dermer, Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB) is a non-profit organization funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.  LPB’s mission is to support the development, production, post-production, acquisition and distribution of non-commercial educational and cultural television that is representative of or addresses issues of particular interest to U.S. Latinos.  These programs are produced for dissemination to public broadcasting stations and other public telecommunication entities.  Mr. Olmos is presently LPB’s Chairman of the Board of Directors.  For more information please visit www.lpbp.org.

WETA Washington, D.C., is the third-largest producing station for public television.  WETA’s other productions and co-productions include The NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, America at a Crossroads, American Valor, The Journey Home, The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo, The Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize, In Performance at the White House, and documentaries by filmmaker Ken Burns, including The Civil War and THE WAR.  More information on WETA and its programs and services is available at www.weta.org.”

Born in Mexico City on a January 30, Geraldine Bazan has been acting in movies, theater, television soap operas and series for 20 years, and has worked as a radio announcer, TV anchor and in commercials.

In 2004, she traveled to the United States, hired as a young actress in Miami with Venevision-Univision for the soap opera “Sonar no cuesta nada”; in 2005-2006 with Televisa Networks-Univision in the soap opera “El Amor no tiene Precio” and “Bajo las Riendas del Amor”; and 2007-2008 with NBC Telemundo in “Tierra de Pasiones” and “Victoria,” filmed in Colombia. All of these are broadcast in 40 countries, including Mexico, the U.S., Spain, Rumania, Central and South America, and the Caribbean.

She alternates TV recordings with participation in charity events, galas, green, gold, and red carpets, and either as presenter or judge during her stays in Miami or Bogota.

TVyNovelas Awards in Acapulco, Mexico and the United States. Geraldine Bazan has been invited the past three years to the Billboard Awards, Gladd Media Awards, Lo Nuestro and Juventud Awards, MTV Latin Awards, INTE Awards, Fox Latin American Awards, Alma Awards, NCLR Spirit of Life Awards, FAMA Awards, Orquidea USA Awards, Carteles Awards, The Star of the Year and 50+ Bellos in People en Espanol; served as a judge for the Miss Venezuela USA, Miss Hispanidad, Feria de Cali, Peru, Colombia, Cuba and Venezuela pageants; participated in the Latin Film Festival in Miami, as well as restaurant and gallery grand openings, magazine anniversaries, such as Fama, Ocean Drive, Portada, Conexiones, and House King. She has attended charity galas and auctions such as for the Corazones Unidos Foundation (AIDS), Mayte Prida Foundation (Cancer), Ventana de los Cielos, Amigos For Kids, for the terminally ill, and Red Cross activities, the Celebrity 5K Run a Community Partnership for the Homeless of Blue Cross. In past months while in Colombia, she was invited to the India Catalina Awards, Cartagena, Colombia, International Film Fests, the Andina Link and FICA expos, Destino Colombia, and ANATO Tourist Vitrina, Sabana Train, and International Theater Fest.

These activities have allowed Geraldine Bazan to share her time with people and meet other distinguished Latin Americans who have an artistic and professional career in this country. This is the reason why Mexican and Hispanic organizations in California, Arizona, Texas, Illinois, Washington, Florida and New York invite her to their parades as International Godmother, Ambassador of Good Will, International Queen of the parade of the 5 de Mayo Independence Day Parade — and even to the Puerto Rican Day Parade. She has attended autograph signings in Latin American book fairs and the Family of Edward James Olmos, she participated in New York in the Upfront of Azteca America, Telemundo, Fox Latin America, Univision. She has received the ACE Award, Sin Limite Award, Premio Latino, Carteles and el Mara de Oro in Maracaibo, Venezuela, the Hispanic Palmas de Oro Award, as this year’s revelation, the Face of the Year, Young International Actress, and International Artistic Career.

In Mexico, Geraldine Bazan has been a special guest of the Green Carpet of the MTV Latin American Awards and the Red carpet of Bravo awards, where she has also been a prizewinner. In Mexico, she has received some 20 awards from critics for her work in theater and television, as well as in commercials. She has received an award for her work in movies, which has caused her to be committed to being better prepared day after day for her audience and means of communication, and this is how her 20-year career has gone, in which constancy, patience and prudence have allowed her to maintain her position in this difficult show business that is the door not only to Latin America or Central and South America, but to a Hispanic majority in the United States and several countries in Europe.

In California, Geraldine Bazan participated in the Binational Encounter Mexico-USA where she was a moderator for the theme “Music through traditions and the importance of immigrants.” In Miami and Colombia, Geraldine has found a home and sensational companions. Here the diversity of nationalities allows her to expand her culture and all the places that she has visited. Now that she is spending more time outside of her country, she has gotten to know the people where she lives and she really feels at home. Her mother Rosalba Ortiz and her brother the actor Angel Claude, often visit her in Miami and Bogota during filming of the soap operas.

For further information about her career, please visit the website www.geraldinebazan.com , where you will find a forum, chat room and photos of her work in television, theater and movies. “*

Dennis deLeon, president of the Latino Commission on AIDS, today announced the selection of three remarkable individuals to be honored at Cielo Latino, its annual gala on May 13, 2008, at Cipriani Wall Street. The Commission recognizes honorees for their commitment to the fight against AIDS, and distinguished contributions in HIV services, education, advocacy, research, medical treatment and prevention efforts.

“The support of our community this past year in the fight against HIV and AIDS has been incredible,” said deLeon. “I commend each of our honorees for doing their part both on the corporate and the individual level. All it takes is one person to bring about change. Each time one person steps up, we come that much closer to saving lives and creating a world without AIDS.”

The 2008 award recipients are Esperanza (Hope) Award: Arisa Batista Cunningham, Vice President, Global Diversity; Medical Devices & Diagnostics Group Worldwide, Johnson & Johnson; Business Leadership Award: Bill Roedy, Vice-Chairman, MTV Networks; Fuerza (Strength) Award: Mathilde Krim, Ph.D., Founding Chairman, amfAR.

Latino Commission on AIDS/Cielo Latino Honorees

Previous Cielo Latino honorees include Gael Garcia Bernal, Rosie Perez, Ricardo Chavira, Edward James Olmos, Cristina Saralegui and Carlos Ponce. Prudential Financial, Time Warner and Goya Foods are among the companies that have been recognized for their business leadership in support of the organization.

“Cielo Latino’s mission of fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Hispanic community is to be applauded,” said Bill Roedy, Vice-Chairman, MTV Networks. “Their relentless efforts in spearheading health advocacy in the Latino community, promoting HIV education and developing prevention programs are exemplary, and I dedicate this award to them as well as the many young heroes involved in the fight. As MTV Network’s Staying Alive campaign approaches its 10-year anniversary, I challenge all of us to do more. It’s imperative that we use every platform and outlet available as our vaccine to educate our youth and alter the course of history.”

Tickets for the event are on sale now and sponsorships are still available. For further information, please visit www.latinoaids.org/cielo or contact Elayne Monnens at 212-584-9318.

The Latino Commission on AIDS is a nonprofit membership organization founded in 1990 dedicated to fighting the spread of HIV/AIDS in the Latino community. The Commission realizes its mission by spearheading health advocacy for Latinos, promoting HIV education, developing model prevention programs for high-risk communities, and by building capacity in community organizations. The Commission is the leading national Latino AIDS organizations coordinating National Latino AIDS Awareness Day and other advocacy programs in more than 40 States and Puerto Rico.”*

*From: http://www.hispanicprwire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Will mankind survive war with the Cylons? Or will the androids who have turned against their creators obliterate humanity and rule the universe?

Edward James Olmos knows, but he’s not giving up any specific plot details.

“It’s ugly. It’s not a happy ending,” says the star of the Sci Fi Channel’s critically acclaimed series “Battlestar Galactica,” which begins its final season on April 4.”*

*From: http://www.nydailynews.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

Discovery en Espanol, the leading provider of high-quality, real-world Spanish-language programming, will inspire viewers this month as never before and get them to think twice about their role in this world.

The original documentary series premiering in March and fittingly entitled, “Voces de Cambio”, will introduce Discovery en Espanol viewers to numerous ordinary Hispanics who recount their tales of triumph against adversity, in addition to focusing on how some of our most famous Latino celebrities, through their personal involvement and charities, are effecting lasting change in thousands upon thousands of Hispanics around the country.

First two episodes air March 2008:

Voces de Cambio - Part 1 Edward James Olmos - Sunday, March 16 at 10:00 PM EDT

Voces de Cambio - Part 2 Carlos Santana - Sunday, March 23 at 9:00 PM EDT

The voices that viewers will hear throughout these moving documentaries center not only on the artists and their deep-seated commitment, but also on the individuals who have persevered as they recount their personal life stories and tell us how their lives today are also impacting their families and communities.

“The selection of Edward James Olmos and Carlos Santana, was not exclusively based on their claim to fame. The common thread of the celebrities selected for these specials, rests on their remarkable personal involvement, their understanding of the impact each of us can have on our society and their capacity to inspire others to effect change,” said Sol Colom, Executive Producer, Discovery Networks U.S. Hispanic Group.

Discovery en Espanol’s Voces de Cambio is meant to be a refreshing take on life’s challenges surmounted - a series of documentaries that will lift the spirit and move many to introspection, if not action. The productions are a living testimonial to the triumph of the human spirit and testaments to the difference we all can make.

Part 1 - Edward James Olmos
Edward James Olmos reveals the real issues behind gang violence and how lives have been turned around with just a dose of involvement and understanding. The documentary amplifies the once silent voices of lost youths as they recount their stories of survival and shows viewers how the efforts made by Olmos and Homeboy Industries, an innovative gang prevention organization that he is deeply involved with, are turning the tides and making angels out of warriors.

“We are all responsible for our future. This is a simple truth an honest truth. The role that ex-gang members have on society is intrinsic. An ex-gang member can turn around the lives of thousands upon thousands of people as they turn negative energy into positive - it’s enough to make one cry,” states actor Edward James Olmos, Voces de Cambios - episode 1.

A voice of change:
Meet Fabian - From a wasted youth of drug abuse and violent behavior, Fabian now serves as an inspiration to hundreds of children. This artist / painter / school drug counselor has turned his life into a new canvas, one filled with light. “I see my children in the eyes of all children. Everything I do today is for the children.”

Part 2 - Carlos Santana
Carlos will guide and introduce Discovery en Espanol viewers to the worlds and people affected by his Milagro Foundation. The documentary depicts the personal drama behind the foundations’ efforts, via a montage of human triumphs and first hand interviews with the children and families who directly benefit. Throughout we will see that Carlos’ music is intrinsically tied to his vision of hope and helping others.

“It is very important for me to leave the world a better place than I found it. We are here to inspire others so that they will also give it their all. We are capable of miracles because miracles are manifestations of love. When you invest positively in children, it is contagious as they will start to think that way as well,” said musician Carlos Santana, Voces de Cambios - episode 2.

A voice of change:
Miriam - A child at the back of the class battling to fit into a new and unfamiliar country, Miriam felt lost. “You feel like you can’t read or write - can’t understand what is being said.” Now she stands at the head of the class, for her, music was her catalyst for change, inspiration, self-esteem and a means to learn a new language. Miriam found her voice in music. Now this program, and countless others like it, is helping thousands of Hispanics like Miriam bridge the gap between despair and hope.

To obtain more information or to get involved in these worthy causes, you may log on to www.milagrofoundation.org or
www.homeboy-industries.org.

About Discovery en Espanol
The premiere Spanish-language network dedicated to offering the finest in quality programming in the areas of science & technology, world culture & history, nature & wildlife and real-life dramas. With original shows made specifically for U.S. Hispanics and the best programming from Latin America, Discovery en Espanol is entertainment that stimulates, informs and empowers, giving viewers a fascinating look at the incredible, varied and always surprising real world.”*

*From: http://www.hispanicprwire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

The Los Angeles-based public benefit organization Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday is proud to announce that three of our nation’s top entertainers, GRAMMY(R) Award winning musician Carlos Santana, and acclaimed actors Martin Sheen and Edward James Olmos, have agreed to serve as National Co-Chairs of the effort to win a national holiday for the late founder and president of the United Farm Workers, Cesar E. Chavez, to take place on his birthday March 31.

Santana, Sheen and Olmos supported Chavez during the historic movement to win rights for farm workers in California in the 1960’s and 1970’s. Their participation in the current effort to win national recognition for Chavez coincides with the organizing of national actions and events in support of the national holiday to be held on March 31 of this year. Organizations in forty cities in twenty-five States have already agreed to hold events.

“Carlos Santana, Martin Sheen and Edward James Olmos give the national holiday effort a tremendous boost and inspiration,” said Evelina Alarcon, Executive Director of Cesar E. Chavez National Holiday, the organization spearheading the effort to win national recognition for Cesar Chavez. “These internationally recognized entertainers bring their own unique history of support for Cesar Chavez, farm workers rights and social and economic justice.”

“A national holiday honoring Cesar Chavez would secure his profound legacy, while future generations may scarce believe that such a man existed,” said Martin Sheen.

“It’s supremely important that a day be selected to honor the life of Mr. Cesar Chavez for his quality of service to all humanity. His supreme cry of si se puede will forever resonate as a positive motivator as words of light,” stated Carlos Santana.

Carlos Santana supported the effort to win a legal holiday in California in 1999 by inviting organizers to collect signatures on a petition for the holiday at concerts on his Supernatural tour; thousands of signatures were collected. The following year, the State of California’s legal holiday for Cesar Chavez was established; becoming the first time that a Latino or labor leader was honored in this way in our nation.

Edward James Olmos also supported the state holiday in California at his Family Book Fair and Festival in Los Angeles, where thousands also signed petitions. Mr. Olmos called Cesar Chavez “a gift to humanity” who “deserves to be honored with a national holiday … He, like Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther king Jr., Mother Teresa and others understood the meaning of non violent social change and used it to elevate the human condition … We as a nation should celebrate his life at least once a year, by way of a National Legal Holiday. We ALL deserve it!”

Ten states have now established Cesar Chavez Days on March 31 including Arizona, Texas, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Michigan, Wisconsin and Rhode Island.

Over 250 organizations, fifty-three members of Congress, many elected officials and celebrities support a national holiday for Chavez. The City Council of Philadelphia passed a resolution unanimously calling for the national holiday for Chavez in December. The city of Los Angeles has done so as well.

If you would like more information about this topic phone Evelina Alarcon at (323) 333-7589 or e-mail her at EvelinaAlarcon@cesarchavezholiday.org or see: www.cesarchavezholiday.org

For interview with Edward James Olmos phone: 818/560-8651.
Website: www.cesarchavezholiday.org/
“*

*From: http://sev.prnewswire.com
Traducido: usando Google o Altavista/Babel Fish

There was one priceless scene in an episode of the PBS television show “American Family” where the patriarch — played by Edward James Olmos — argues that there shouldn’t be things like bilingual education and that here in the United States, everyone should speak English. His friend wholeheartedly agrees. What makes the scene funny is the irony: Both men are making their arguments in Spanish (with English subtitles).

The scene is a neat metaphor for the complicated views that many Hispanics have on the subject of language — views that often confuse non-Hispanics and create tension between the groups. For instance, there are plenty of Hispanics who oppose bilingual education because they think it hurts kids by making it more difficult to learn English. Yet at home, many Hispanics tend to switch effortlessly between Spanish and English and make an effort to ensure that their children maintain their command of Spanish.”*

The 11th annual edition of the Los Angeles Latino Book & Family Festival will take place on October 13 and 14 in Hollywood, California. The festival features a new location, new media partners, new initiatives and alignment with the Los Angeles Latino International Latino Film Festival, 2007.

This year’s event will take place on Vine Street between Sunset Boulevard and Selma Avenue, in Hollywood, CA. The Hollywood Walk of Fame sidewalk, with its stars saluting the top names in all entertainment fields, parallels the Festival’s frontage on Vine Street and the Hollywood and Vine Metro station is mere blocks away.

The impressive list of authors scheduled to appear include: Univision News Anchor Teresa Rodriguez, Maria de Lourdes Sobrino, Jose Ramirez, Ana Cristina Reymundo, Carolina Valencia, Mabel Katz, Isabel Cruz, Joe Cepeda, Reyna Grande, Monica Moore, Melissa de la Cruz, Lucia De Garcia and many more.

The event features a tribute to last year’s Walk-outs featuring Edward James Olmos, local politicians, student leaders of the Walk-outs in L.A. & Dallas and cast members from Mr. Olmos’ movie of the same name.

Also new this year, an immigration forum will take place Saturday afternoon on the Farmer Insurance Festival Stage featuring participants with opposing views on the hot topic of the moment. Guest scheduled to appear: Janet Murguia, President of NCLR; Hector M. Flores, immediate past President – LULAC; Dr. Juan Hernandez and auhtor Margaret Donnelly. Also invited but yet to confirm: Los Angels Mayor Antonio Villagorosa, Ruben Navarette, national syndicated columnist/CNN commentator, Rev. Al Sharpton and presidential candidate: Senator Barack Obama.

Immediately following the Immigration panel, ¡Si se puede! a panel featuring successful Latina entrepreneurs that will speak on the challenges they encountered on the way to success. The presentation showcases a positive aspect of the contributions of Latinos to the US society and economy, while at the same time encouraging Latinas to succeed in business. The panelist include author Maria de Lourdes Sobrino with her recently released book Thriving Latina Entrepreneurs in America and some of the Latina business women featured in the book. (www.wbusinessbooks.com/thriving-book.html )

The 2007 Los Angeles LBFF will feature a tribute to Celia Cruz in music and books. The festival grounds will have 3 stages. The Farmers Insurance Festival Stage will be home to the forums, seminars and special guest authors. The WaMu Cultural Stage will feature the Folklorico Challenge USA Southern California regional competition with over 25 Folklorico dance groups participating. The Family Stage, with its footprint on the historic intersection of Sunset & Vine will feature singers, musicians and poets in an intimate setting.

The Los Angeles Latino Book & Family Festival is free to the public thanks to the support of the presenting sponsors: Farmers Insurance and WaMu. Other sponsors include: Dimetapp, Osram Sylvania, Juicy Juice, Party Lite, the Los Angeles Times, Ford’s “Warriors in Pink”, Hoy, Continental Airlines, CVS Pharmacies, Tu Ciudad Magazine, AIM Tel-A Vision and Pacific Oaks College.

For more information see www.lbff.us .

“Lights, Camera, Action! There will be a full week of Latino film action coming October 7-14, as Farmers Insurance Company takes the premiere sponsorship role at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) for the second year. It will be held at the ArcLight Cinemas and it’s all happening in Hollywood.

“Farmers is pleased to the be the premiere sponsor of LALIFF, the prominent venue for exhibition of the best of Latin cinema and artistry from the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal,” noted Farmers’ Assistant Vice President of Diversity and Emerging Markets, Luisa Acosta-Franco.

Edward James Olmos, actor, director, producer, community activist and official spokesperson for Farmers, will host the opening night Gabi Lifetime Achievement Ceremony. “Mr. Olmos is a long-time friend of Farmers, and as co-founder of LALIFF and his active role in many other community programs fits perfectly with Farmers’ goal of improving the quality of life for all Latinos,” Ms. Acosta-Franco said.

Latino films from across the world will be featured in several theaters throughout the week beginning with the opening night film, La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon), directed by Patricia Riggen. The closing night gala will be co-hosted by Edward James Olmos and film star and director Antonio Banderas who directed the evening’s film, El Camino de Los Ingleses (Summer Rain).

For all information about the festival visit the LALIFF website at www.latinofilm.org.

Farmers Group, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Zurich Financial Services, an insurance-based financial services provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in North America and Europe as well as in Asia Pacific, Latin America and other markets. Farmers® is the nation’s third-largest Personal Lines Property & Casualty insurance group. Headquartered in Los Angeles and doing business in 41 states, the insurers comprising the Farmers Insurance Group of Companies provide Homeowners, Auto, Business, Life insurance and financial services to more than 10 million households. For more information about Farmers, visit our Web site at www.farmers.com“

Filmmaker and activist Edward James Olmos and Marlene Dermer, co-founders of the Los Angeles Latino Film Festival (LALIFF) announced the 2007 festival lineup today.

LALIFF, which for the last ten years, has celebrated the rich diversity and artistry of Latino film and films that address Latino realities, will open on Sunday, October 7th, with Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna), the spell-binding feature film debut of Mexican director Patricia Riggen. Closing night, Sunday, October 14th, will be highlighted by El Camino de los Ingleses (Summer Rain), the second feature film directed by Gabi Award Winner Antonio Banderas. Presenting the best in Ibero-American cinema from Mexico to Spain, the 11th annual festival is sharply defined, says Dermer by coming of age stories and films from Latina women, an unprecedented coincidence that makes this year’s festival one of the strongest programs ever.

Under the Same Moon (La Misma Luna), the festival opening night feature, earned a standing ovation at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival for its poignant, emotionally rich tale of a mother and son living on opposite sides of the U.S.-Mexico border connected by an enduring love. Written by Ligiah Villalobos, the film stars Adrián Alonso, Kate del Castillo, Eugenio Derbez, Maya Zapata, Carmen Salinas, Marí Rojo, Mario Almada, and America Ferrera. The film also features a cameo appearance by the legendary Norteño band Los Tigres Del Norte who also contributed to the film’s soundtrack.

Directed by Antonio Banderas, El Camino de los Ingleses takes us to Málaga where a group of young adults find their way through the perilous labyrinths of love, desire, poetry while confronting dark family secrets. “Summer Rain touches on a process we must all go through”¦ the passage from adolescence to adulthood,” says Banderas in his Director’s Notes.

In a potent addition to the opening and closing selections, award-winning director Alfredo de Villa (Washington Heights, Yellow) returns with his second LALIFF premiere, Adrift in Manhattan (USA), starring Heather Graham, William Baldwin, Dominic Chianese, Victor Rasuk and Elizabeth Peña. From Brazil, A Casa De Alice (Alice’s House), directed by Chico Teixeira, and winner of the Special Jury Award at the recent Guadalajara International Film Festival, also premieres at the festival this year.

LALIFF is also pleased to present a selection of North American premieres, among them Radio Corazón (Chile), directed by Roberto Artiagoití based on stories shared on air by listeners of the most successful Chilean radio show host of all time; La Señal (Argentina), the directorial debut by acclaimed actor Ricardo Darí­n and Martin Hodara, who took over directing the film after the passing of acclaimed director Eduardo Mignogna just before preproduction began; the visually interesting and original Postcards from Leningrad (Venezuela) directed by Mariana Rondón; Una Novia Errante (Argentina) directed, written and acted by newcommer Ana Katz; and Angel (Puerto Rico) directed by Jacobo Morales, whose film, Lo que le pasó a Santiago, earned him an Oscar nomination in the Best Foreign Language Film Category in 1990.

The documentary portion of the festival includes a broad selection of important works including: award-winning El Telón de AzÚcar (Cuba) directed by Camila Guzmán UrzÚa, daughter of re-known Chilean documentary filmmaker Patricio Guzmán; The Railrod All-Starts (Guatemala) directed by Chema Rodrí­guez about a group of prostitutes who start a soccer team; the inspirational story about how a man can make a difference in so many lives, Father G and the Homeboys (USA), directed by John Bohn; Hijos de la Guerra (USA) a powerful story about the America’s worst export – gangs in Central America; and Lost and Found in Mexico (USA) directed Caren Cross which brings a different look to the common migration between Mexico and US and features the lives of established American professionals who leave everything behind to start a new life in San Miguel, Mexico. Tell Me Cuba (USA) directed by Megan Williams and The Man of Two Havanas (USA) directed by Vivian Lesnik Weisman offer a better understanding of the constant controversial and divided situation between Cuban and US political situation. Cocalero (Bolivia) directed by Leandro Landes, bring a closer look to the Evo Morales, a man who became the first president of Bolivia with indigenous background.

LALIFF, a qualifying festival in the Short Award Category of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science, will also present 45 titles in its Shorts Program. In addition, the festival will present a Music program with films from Brazil, Spain, USA and Puerto Rico.

In commemoration of the one hundred year anniversary of his birth, Olmos announced that the festival will honor the legacy of Gabriel Figueroa, the Mexican filmmaker who paved the way for the Golden Age of Mexican cinema and for whom the annual festival’s Gabi Lifetime Achievement Award is named, with a retrospective of Mexican films highlighting the world-class work of the acclaimed cinematographer.

The festival also announced that famed Mexican actor Ignacio López Tarso, 82, will be the recipient of the 2007 Gabi Lifetime Achievement Award. A pioneer in Mexico’s development of film and television productions, López Tarso has worked on more than 150 plays and musicals, 50 feature films and 25 television productions.

The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival was founded in 1996 when the City of Los Angeles first looked at the possibility of having an official Latino film festival to cater to the cultural needs of the rapidly growing Latino community. The festival was founded by a group of visionaries led by Marlene Dermer, an independent producer with vast knowledge of Latin film and programming, George Hernandez, an independent film and music producer; and actor, director, producer and activist Edward James Olmos.

LALIFF, a 501c3 non-profit organization, has established the LALIFF Collection at the Academy Film Archive, which is open to the public and includes film titles presented at past year’s festivals. At the beginning of 2006, LALIFF announced the creation of the Latino International Film Institute (LIFI), dedicated to mentor, develop and support Latino filmmakers with independent and diverse visions in the United States and internationally; to provide an outlet and distribution opportunities; and to support the development and further education of school children from elementary to junior college in the United States.

The 11th Edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival will take place from October 7-14, 2007 at the ArcLight Cinemas, 6360 W Sunset Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028. Tickets will be available at the ArcLight Cinemas Box office and website: www.arclightcinemas.com.

For more information on LALIFF, please log on to: www.latinofilm.org

Premier Sponsor: Los Angeles Times/ Hoy Newspaper, Farmers Insurance
Presenting Sponsors: Univision, Egeda + Filmotech
Official Airline Sponsor: American Airlines
Official Sponsor: Metro, L.A. City
Opening Gala Sponsor: Blockbuster Inc.
Closing Night Sponsor: Antonio Banderas Seductive Fragances
Closing Night Presenter: Coca Cola
Gaby Award Sponsor: Fry’s Electronics
Mexican Cinema Focus Sponsor: Mexico Tourism Board
Sales Industry Office Sponsor: IKEA
Award Sponsors: HD Argentina: Best Director; Fuji Film: Best Documentary; Entertainment Partners;
Hornitos: Best Opera Prima; Fiesta Americana; American Airlines: Audience Award
Talent & Youth Development Programs Sponsor: Walt Disney
Supporting Sponsor: TITRA, Warner Bros., CAA, Universal/NBC, Sony Pictures, LPB
Film Festival Sponsor: Cocaine Mule, Technicolor, Time Warner Cable
Collaborator Sponsors: Deluxe, EFILM, Ocho Y Medio Libros De Cine, ProChile, Roosevelt Hotel, IberMedia, ICAA, INCAA, Creative Industry Handbook, Fiji Water, Macy’s, Laguna Films
Seminar Sponsor: SAG Indie, WGA
Media Partners: Al Borde, Bazuca Magazine, Greberman Media, Hispanic Magazine, InMag Magazine,
KLCS, Que Pasa.Com, Home Media Magazine, Variety
Partner: ArcLight Cinemas

July 16, 2006. The 11th Edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) will take place from October 7-14, 2007 at the ArcLight Cinemas located at 6360 W Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028.

One of the most prominent Latino Film Festivals in the USA, LALIFF promotes the richness and diversity of Latin Cinema from the United States, Latin America, and around the world. LALIFF celebrates the work of existing and emerging Latino directors, producers, writers and actors by showcasing feature films, documentaries and shorts, as well as movies that depict Latino culture. In addition, the festival promotes the distribution of Latino films by creating a bridge between independent filmmakers and the film industry in Hollywood. A competitive festival with prizes, LALIFF also offers industry workshops, panels, labs, networking receptions, educational programs, and hosts some of the best Galas in Tinseltown.

For filmmakers interested in participating in the festival, LALIFF will be accepting submissions for feature films, shorts and documentaries until July 27. For more information and to download the entry form, please log on to: www.latinofilm.org

About LALIFF:

LALIFF, a 501c3 non-profit organization, was co-founded in 1996 by actor, director and activist Edward James Olmos; and by independent producers Marlene Dermer and George Hernandez. The festival held its first edition in the summer of 1997 and last October, LALIFF celebrated its tenth anniversary with an exciting program that showcased more than 140 films, including festival’s winners, UN MUNDO MARAVILLOSO and the documentary EN EL HOYO. LALIFF also honored the career of Spanish actor and director Antonio Banderas with the GABI Lifetime Achievement Award. Other celebrities who joined the festival’s screenings and events included: Jimmy Smits, John Singleton, Melanie Griffith, Roselyn Sanchez, Barbara Mori, Mia Maestro, Marisol Nichols, Cheech Marin, Adam Garcia, Lupe Ontiveros, Sofia Milos, Wanda de Jesus, Tom Sizemore, Nicholas Gonzalez, Laura Harring, and Faye Dunaway, to name a few.

Recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science as a qualifying festival for its awards in the Short Film category, the organization established the LALIFF Collection at the Academy Film Archive, which is open to the public and includes film titles presented at past years’ festivals. In 2006, LALIFF announced the creation of the Latino International Film Institute (LIFI), dedicated to mentor, develop and support Latino filmmakers in the United States and internationally. LIFI also supports the development and further education of students from elementary to junior college in the United States. LALIFF is a membership organization.

11th Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)
October 7-14, 2007
ArcLight Cinemas - 6360 W Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028
www.latinofilm.org

El Festival aceptará solicitudes de inscripciones hasta el 27 de julio

16 de julio, 2007. La edición nÚmero once del Festival Internacional de Cine Latino de Los íngeles, (LALIFF, por sus siglas en inglés) se celebrará del 7 al 14 de octubre, 2007 en el complejo ArcLight Cinemas localizado en el 6360 Oeste de Sunset Boulevard en Hollywood, California. LALIFF promueve la riqueza y la diversidad del cine latino mediante la exhibición de lo mejor y más reciente de cineastas latinos provenientes de Estados Unidos, Latinoamérica, América Central, el Caribe, España y Portugal.

Para los cineastas interesados en participar en esta edición, LALIFF continÚa aceptando solicitudes de inscripción de largometrajes, cortometrajes y documentales hasta el 27 de julio, 2007. Para más información y obtener la solicitud, favor visitar: www.latinofilm.org

Desde su comienzo en 1997, LALIFF le ha dado la bienvenida a miles de cineastas y aficionados del cine latino, convirtiéndose en un evento muy esperado por la comunidad del Sur de California. LALIFF, cofundado por el actor, director y activista Edward James Olmos; y por los productores independientes Marlene Dermer y George Hernández, celebró su décimo aniversario en octubre del 2006. El pÚblico disfrutó de la presentación de más de 140 producciones incluyendo las pelí­culas ganadoras del festival, UN MUNDO MARAVILLOSO y el documental EN EL HOYO; al igual que estrenos de pelí­culas como: PRETENDIENDO, protagonizada por Bárbara Mori; BELLA, protagonizada por Eduardo Verástegui; y YELLOW, con Roselyn Sánchez. En adición, el festival sorprendió al pÚblico con la proyección de BABEL, la aclamada pelí­cula nominada al Oscar del director mexicano Alejandro González Iñárritu.

En su décima edición, LALIFF también celebró la carrera del actor y director español Antonio Banderas, quien estuvo presente, junto a su esposa Melanie Griffith, para aceptar el Premio GABI. Otras personalidades que se unieron a las presentaciones y eventos del festival incluyen a estrellas de cine y televisión como: Jimmy Smits, John Singleton, Mia Maestro, Marisol Nichols, Cheech Marí­n, Adam Garcí, Lupe Ontiveros, Sofí Milos, Wanda de JesÚs, Tom Sizemore, Nicholas González, Laura Harring, Leonor Varela, Kate del Castillo, Fernando Allende, Damián Bichir y Faye Dunaway.

Este año, el festival presentará más de cien pelí­culas, documentales y cortometrajes donde el talento latino proveniente de Estados Unidos, América Latina y Europa se destaca en las diversas facetas de producción, guión, dirección y actuación. Como en años anteriores, LALIFF auspiciará estrenos, eventos especiales, talleres de cine, y seminarios presentados por miembros de la industria de cine en Hollywood. Conmemorando los cien años del nacimiento del afamado cineasta mexicano Gabriel Figueroa, el festival también presentará una retrospectiva de sus pelí­culas.

11va Edición Festival Internacional de Cine Latino de Los íngeles (LALIFF)
Fecha: 7 al 14 de octubre, 2007
Lugar: ArcLight Cinemas - 6360 Oeste de Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood, CA 90028
Información: www.latinofilm.org

“The California Latino Legislative Caucus, in conjunction with Governor Schwarzenegger and the California Legislature, will be honoring Maria Contreras-Sweet at the 6th Annual Latino Spirit Awards ceremony at the California State Capitol in Sacramento on Monday, May 7, 2007. Governor Schwarzenegger, Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez, Senate Pro Tem Don Perata, and Assembly member Joe Coto, Chair of the Latino Legislative Caucus will serve as co-hosts of the event.

Contreras-Sweet is the former Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing for the State of California and is the Founder and Chairwoman of Los Angeles’ newest bank and the first Latino-owned bank in Los Angeles in 30 years. Promerica is a full service commercial bank which specializes in serving the small business community with a focus on Hispanic entrepreneurs.

Contreras-Sweet was selected for the award due to her pioneering work in the State of California and for her many achievements in government, business and community which have established her as a role model for Latinos/as. She will be sharing company with other prominent honorees this year: Edward James Olmos, Victor Villasenor, The Molina Family, Supervisor Blanca Alvarado, Raul Vargas, Supervisor Gloria Molina and Congressman Esteban E. Torres.

Past honorees include: Carlos Santana, Grammy Award-winning recording artist; Oscar de La Hoya, world boxing champion; Andy Garcia, Academy Award-nominated actor; and Rita Moreno, Oscar winning actress.

“It is truly a privilege and very humbling to be recognized by the Latino Legislative Caucus and to be included in the ranks of such important contributors to our culture,” said Contreras-Sweet. “California is a pace-setting state. One in three is of Hispanic descent. One in every two new businesses is Hispanic owned. In order to energize our economy, we have to lift the entire population. Access to capital is essential for our future prosperity and economic well-being. My hope is that our efforts at Promerica Bank will serve to expand opportunities, create jobs and build family wealth.

About Maria Contreras-Sweet

Maria Contreras-Sweet is Founder and Chairwoman of Promerica Bank, which is dedicated to building family wealth through a business consultancy model. She is also the President and Co-Founder of FORTIUS Holdings, LLC. a private equity and venture fund specializing in providing California’s small businesses with quicker access to capital.

Prior to founding FORTIUS, Contreras-Sweet was the first Latina to serve on a Governor’s cabinet as the Secretary of Business, Transportation and Housing for the State of California, where she managed 42,000 employees and was responsible for a $14 billion budget. Under her aegis were 14 departments, including the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), the Highway Patrol (CHP) and the banking and real estate departments, to name a few. Part of Contreras-Sweet’s legacy is the creation of the new Department of Managed Health Care which regulates HMOs and the passage of the largest housing bond, Prop. 46.

Prior to her position as Secretary, Contreras-Sweet served as one of the founding directors of The California Endowment and is the founding President of HOPE (Hispanics Organized for Political Equality). Contreras-Sweet serves as a member of the board of the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital and on the Women’s Leadership Board at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.

About Promerica Bank”

“Geraldine Bazan actress who has just received her residency in the United States recently stared in the NBC Telemundo soap opera Land of Passions (Tierra de Pasiones) and in Univision Love doesn’t Have a Price (El Amor No Tiene Precio). Currently she is a very bad behaved villain in the teen soap Under the Reigns of Love (Bajo Las Riendas del Amor) from Televisa Miami Studios all three currently being transmitted in Mexico, Central and South America as well as Europe.

Geraldine Bazan for her artistic trajectory has received more than twenty some awards in Mexico for theater, movies, and television. In Los Angeles she received the Golden Aztec Award (Azteca de Oro) in the annual Dialogue with out Borders Convention along with Mayor Antonio Villaraigoza, Laura Zapata, Yolanda Montes (Tongolele), Manuela Torres and Piolin. In Maracaibo, Venezuela she received the Mara de Oro Diamond edition same also awarded to singer David Bisbal.

April 25th and 26th she will be participating in the press conference, red carpet, and award presentation the Billboards in Miami, Florida hosted this year by Marlene Favela and Carlos Ponce. Honored this year will be Pedro Infante” , Miguel Bose, Ricardo Montaner, and Valentin Elizalde”  who’s family surprisingly cancelled. Also Spanish singer David Bisbal, expected to perform at the Billboards also cancelled. In attendance to the award show will be Osvaldo Rios, Lupillo Rivera, Gaby Spanic, Gaby Espino, Monica Noguera, Penélope Menchaca, Ivonne Montero, Mauricio Islas, and Aylin Mujica. The night promises to hola many surprises.

April 28th and 29th she will also be participating in Fashion Week Inside in Style Miami in Ocean Drive where she will be modeling an outfit by Samy Gicherman in the Armandeus Fashion Show

Geraldine Bazan has been Goodwill Ambassador and International Marshall of the Hispanic and Puerto Rican Day Parade parades held in Manhattan and currently she is the International Queen of the Mexican Independence Day Parade in New York and she is an honor guest alongside Governor Elliot Spitzer, Carmen Salinas, and Evita Muñoz(Chachita) in the 5th of May festival in Flushing M Park in Queens where Alejandra Guzman and Jennifer Peña will be performing. The same way she will be participating in the Battle of Puebla parade in Manhattan and the Gala dinner that will follow in Casa Puebla.

She will be attending the 6th Annual Latin Film TRIBECA Festival where Diego Luna will be presenting his documentary on JC Chavez life.

As Image of the Year in the ACE Awards Geraldine Bazan an Gerardito Fernandez are invited to the 39th Ceremony (Association of Critics in Entertainment in New York) presided by Fernando Campos to be celebrated in the Natives Theater on May 6th in Queens where Evita Muñoz (Chachita) will be honored. Special awards will be given to Carmen Salinas for her 10 years showcasing the theater show “Aventurera” and Eugenio Derbez for his performance in “Latinologues” and Lupita Ferrer for her theater runs in New York.

On May 10th Geraldine is invited to the red carpet and the 18th ceremony of the Glaad awards held at the JW Marriott in South Beach. The opera is nominated in NBC Telemundo’s Land of Passions (Tierra de Pasiones) for the treatment of the gay theme in the soap.

May 26th Geraldine Bazan will be godmother of the LatinFest in Homestead Florida where there will be a number of mexican celebrities including a performance by Banda Maguey in the Demilly Rodeo Arena.

In her spare time Geraldine likes to support causes such as the Telethons in Mexico, Panama, and Guatemala as well as support US social organizations and foundations who solicitate her for her image, attendance to galas, auctions, carpets, and benefit presentations that struggle to reduce statistics of homeless, discrimination, cancer, specials olympics, AIDS, Latin Book and Family Fest by Edward James Olmos and Women Fair activities.

For more information visit: www.celebrity5k.com/celebrities.asp, www.glaad.org, www.maytepridafoundation.org and www.mapavi.org. “