The 3rd annual Maya Indie Film Series has made way to our cities. The seven city, seven movies, seven days occasion is one that is marked for cultural diversity and leadership in the film industry. What more can you ask for in an array of diverse films? Whimsical comedy, inspiring and scintillating drama, moving and compelling action, the films say it all, but the one thing that has stood out most about these films is that it speaks of different generations within our community with authentic situations.
If you are interested in partaking in this annual milestone please check the Maya Indie Film Series website to see trailers for all 7 films and to check the movie times and schedule!
---The Seven Films---
(Summaries by MIFS website)
All She Can
Director: Amy Wendel
Starring: Corina Calderon, Jeremy Ray Valdez and Joseph Julian Soria
In a small south Texas town, there aren’t many career options for young people besides oil rigs, the military, or fast-food restaurants. Luz Garcia, a fiery high-school athlete, is determined to forge a different future; she’s gained admission to the University of Texas at Austin. The problem is she can’t afford to go. With her one shot at a scholarship riding on the state power lifting championship, she sees no choice but to bend the rules to ensure her victory. Although Luz’s rashness and frustration land her in increasingly hotter water, they also fuel her with courage and empowerment.
Blue Eyes
Director: José Joffily
Starring: David Rasche, Erica Gimpel, and Frank Grillo
Before his compulsory retirement, a JFK airport's chief Immigration officer, detains a group of Latin Americans and expose them to a series of humiliating situations.
DiDi
Director: Bigas Luna
Starring: Elsa Pataky, Ana de la Reguera and Peter Coyote
Di Di Hollywood tells the tale of an actress whose wish for stardom comes with much sacrifice. Her name is Diana Diaz, a young woman with a wild yet familiar dream: to become a star. And to win it all, she is willing to lose herself. Tired of working night jobs as a bartender, Diana finally decides to leave her homeland, her best friend Maria, and all of the bad memories Spain holds for her. She heads out for the bright lights of Miami, and despite its glamorous first impression, this new paradise proves anything but. Fed up with casting calls, hunger, and near-poverty, Diana continues to push forward, and with the help of new friends, makes it out to Hollywood. As Diana Diaz transforms into Di Di, the once ambitious bartender truly learns the price of stardom
Sympathy for Delicious
Director: Mark Ruffalo
Starring: Christopher Thornton, Mark Ruffalo, Juliet Lewis, Orlando Bloom, Laura Linney
SYMPATHY FOR DELICIOUS marks acclaimed actor Mark Ruffalo’s first foray into directing. This inspired and unusual film tells the story of Dean O’Dwyer (Christopher Thornton), also known as “Delicious D,” an up-and-coming DJ on the underground music scene in Los Angeles. When a motorcycle accident leaves Dean paralyzed, he abandons his turntables for a wheelchair as his once promising career disappears before his eyes. Forced to live out of his car on skid row, Dean begins his descent into depression when he meets Father Joe Roselli (Mark Ruffalo), a passionate young priest. Father Joe introduces Dean to the world of faith-healing, an unlikely way for him to begin his quest to walk again. He soon discovers that he possesses the otherworldly power to heal people, but in an odd twist of fate, he is utterly unable to heal himself.
Despite Father Joe’s warnings, Dean angrily decides to use his newfound gift for fame and fortune. He joins a rock band led by charismatic front man The Stain (Orlando Bloom) with bassist Ariel (Juliette Lewis), and manager Nina Hogue (Laura Linney). But his newfound notoriety is unable to cure the hurt that encompasses his life. To find true healing, Dean must ultimately confront his worst demons and come to terms with his own humanity.
Where the Road Meets the Sun
Director: Mun Chee Yong
Starring: Eric Mabius, Will Yun Lee, Fernando Noriega, Laura Ramsey
Takashi, a Japanese hitman who wakes up from a four-year coma, moves to LA to escape mysterious traumatic memories. He strikes an unusual friendship with Blake, the hotel manager who still mourns the loss of his wife to an affair he ended up regretting. Meanwhile, Julio, an illegal immigrant who works at an Indian restaurant to provide for his wife and kid back in Mexico, befriends Guy, a young British backpacker who lives off his estranged father's ATM card and sleeps with any girl who crosses his path. The film intercuts between the blossoming of these two friendships. Takashi attempts to help Blake break from his past, but in the process is forced to confront his own violent memories. Julio and Guy hustle for day to day survival and forge dreams of a better future, but after Julio steals Guy's passport and sells it for a grand, not only is their friendship at stake but also their lives. What follows are the at times wild and often gut-wrenching adventures of four men trying to survive both emotionally and physically.
Without Men
Director: Gabriela Tagliavini
Starring: Eva Longoria, Christian Slater, Kate del Castillo and Oscar Nuñez
Without Men is a comedy about the women of a small and remote Latin American mountain village that’s forever altered the day all of its men are recruited to go fight in the country’s civil war. Left to fend for themselves, the women of the town, led by Rosalba (Eva Longoria), slowly emerge from their supporting roles as wives and daughters to become unwitting founders of a remarkable new society: an all female utopia. When the men, led by an American reporter (Christian Slater) return to try to reclaim their power, a clash of sexes ensues with unsuspected consequences. A sexy, fun, irreverent exploration of the age-old question: What would the world be like if it were run by women?
Forged
Director: William Wedig
Starring: Manny Perez, David Castro and Margo Martindale
An ex-thug (Manny Perez) and his son attempt to find a way to move past impossible circumstances to forge a bond that has been forever broken by the murder of the child's mother.
Last but not least, let us not forget :)
DVD Giveaway!!
DVD Giveaway!!
Win a copy of 'Forged' or 'All She Can' on Lali Amora Beauty Blog!
How to enter the giveaway:
1. Leave a comment on this post only.
2. Remember to include your email in the comment.
For additional entries!
Let others know of this giveaway! Link back to Lali Amora Beauty Blog.
Giveaway rules:
Entries must be in no later than August 19th 2011.
Winner will be announced August 19th 2011.
Include your email in your comment.
You can email your entry at lali_amoramakeup@yahoo.com
Only 1 entry per person.
2 winners will be chosen.
