(RED BANK, NJ) -- The Count Basie Center for the Arts presents the inaugural NJ Hispanic Film Festival from Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 6, 2024, as part of Hispanic Heritage Month. The event will bring together filmmakers, community members, and organizations to showcase the richness and diversity of Hispanic experiences through film. The festival is being presented by OceanFirst Bank. The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey is a supporting sponsor.
“I am deeply passionate about diverse storytelling, particularly stories that reflect the Hispanic and Latin American communities. These are stories of perseverance, courage, and resilience that resonate with both Hispanic and non-Hispanic audiences,” said Carlos Medina, President & CEO The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey. “I am very proud of the Count Basie Center for the Arts for supporting the Hispanic community and championing diverse storytelling.”
The festival will show more than 15 films, including: I Carry You With Me (Audience Choice Winner at Sundance Film Festival 2020, Sony Pictures Classics), Totem (Academy Award Best Foreign Film 2023), No (Sony Pictures Classics), Quinceañera (Sony Pictures Classics), Your Monsters (Midnight Horror), Nosotros Los Pobres (Golden Age Classic), Encanto (Walt Disney) and six international shorts, including two from last year’s Breakthrough Filmmaker Fest- Con Mis Dedos and Subjective Worlds. Programming will also showcase family programs, talk backs and cultural workshops. A panel discussion on Undocu-Filmmaking, led by the Undocumented Film Collective and industry experts is scheduled, as well as a panel on Women in Media, led by Doris Martinez, Owner/Founder DFez Content Media Management and Latino Circuit TV. The closing night will feature a concert with Xol Azul Band at the Vogel.
"I'm so happy that the Count Basie Center is giving Hispanic cinema the attention it deserves and am so glad to participate in this wonderful celebration,” said Heidi Ewing, director of I Carry You With Me, who will participate in an audience talk back after the screening of her film.
“A core foundation of the Basie Center’s mission is to make the arts an inclusive experience for all,” says Adam Philipson, President and CEO, Count Basie Center for the Arts. “This festival puts the spotlight on Hispanic culture and celebrates the vibrant diversity that is a wonderful part of our community.”
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
Friday, October 4 at 6:00pm - PARTY: Kick-Off with Mariachi Huitzilin
Friday, October 4 at 7:00pm - Tótem (2023). Seven-year-old Sol (Naíma Sentíes) spends the day at her grandfather’s home, helping to prepare a surprise party for her father. Throughout the day, chaos slowly takes over and fractures the family’s foundations. Winner of over 24 awards and 39 nominations and the official submission of Mexico for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category of the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
Saturday, October 5 at 10:00am - Encanto (2021). The Madrigals are an extraordinary family who live hidden in the mountains of Colombia in a charmed place called the Encanto. The magic of the Encanto has blessed every child in the family with a unique gift — every child except Mirabel. However, she soon may be the Madrigals last hope when she discovers that the magic surrounding the Encanto is now in danger.
Saturday, October 5 at 11:30am - PARTY: Crafts, Churros, and Paletas. Stay after Encanto in the Basie Center lobby and William and Catherine Basie Arts Plaza for a family friendly celebration with arts and crafts, activities and special treats.
Saturday, October 5 at 12:00pm - Nosotros los Pobres (1948). The Golden Age Classic tells the story of a poor carpenter (Pedro Infante) framed for the murder of his employer and the life that unfolds upon his return from prison.
Saturday, October 5 at 2:00pm - PANEL: Women in Film and Media. A panel that highlights the rising influence of Latinx/Hispanic women in the film and media industries, celebrating their achievements and addressing the unique challenges they face. Hear from trailblazing creators as they discuss the importance of female/female-identifying representation, breaking barriers, and what the future holds for diverse voices in storytelling. Join our panel of experts and take part in this important conversation!
Saturday, October 5 at 4:00pm -Subjective Worlds (2024). The reality of immigration and the struggles Guatemala faces. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Saturday, October 5 at 4:00pm - S.P.I.C. (2023). JOHNNY is a 12-year-old Latino boy whose mom, an undocumented immigrant, has been arrested by I.C.E. She needs an immigration lawyer, but a good lawyer costs $5K. EMILIO, Johnny’s dad, asks ÁLVARO, a drug dealer, for a loan. But Álvaro knows Emilio can’t repay $5K. So Álvaro offers Emilio a job instead — work for his drug enterprise and Álvaro will give him the money he needs. Emilio hesitates at the offer. With the clock ticking, Johnny decides to do the job on his own, and sneaks away to work in Álvaro’s enterprise. When Emilio discovers Johnny has done this, he rushes to get his son back. On this fateful day, both father and son learn the realities before them and the choices they must make to survive. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Saturday, October 5 at 4:00pm - Con Mis Dedos (2024). Death is a therapist for a suicidal Mother and tries to convince her that she has more to live for. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Saturday, October 5 at 4:00pm - Bogotá Story (2023). In 1992, as Colombia faces an era of drug violence, car bombs, and daily power outages, a young mother in Bogotá receives an internship opportunity in New York and eventually must choose between her family and her dreams. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Saturday, October 5 at 4:00pm - Primero, Sueño (2023). An insightful look into the working lives of undocumented farmworkers in America and their experiences with migration, exploitation, and poverty. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Saturday, October 5 at 4:00pm - PUNKS (2024). A lonely teenager attends their first punk show. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Saturday, October 5 at 6:00pm - Quinceañera (2006). Magdalena (Emily Rios) is a Mexican-American living in Los Angeles. Her 15th birthday is fast approaching, and she and her family are making preparations for the party that signals her transition to womanhood. When Magdalena becomes pregnant and family tensions force her out of the house, she goes to live with her uncle Tomas and her gay cousin Carlos. All exiles, the three band together against the coming neighborhood gentrification that threatens their way of life.
Saturday, October 5 at 7:30pm - I Carry You with Me (2020). A love story spanning decades begins with a chance encounter between two Mexican men before ambition and societal pressure push an aspiring chef to head to New York City.
Saturday, October 5 at 9:00pm - PARTY: Tequila Social. Takes place from 9:00pm to 11:00pm.
Saturday, October 5 at 9:30pm - TALKBACK: Director & Writer Heidi Ewing and Subjects Ivan Garcoa & Gerardo Zabaleta
Saturday, October 5 at 11:00pm -Your Monster (2024). After her life falls apart, soft-spoken actress Laura Franco (Melissa Barrera) finds her voice again when she meets a terrifying, yet weirdly charming Monster living in her closet. A romantic-comedy-horror film about falling in love with your inner rage.
Sunday, October 6 at 12:00pm - Tótem (2023). Seven-year-old Sol (Naíma Sentíes) spends the day at her grandfather’s home, helping to prepare a surprise party for her father. Throughout the day, chaos slowly takes over and fractures the family’s foundations. Winner of over 24 awards and 39 nominations and the official submission of Mexico for the ‘Best International Feature Film’ category of the 96th Academy Awards in 2024.
Sunday, October 6 at 2:00pm - PANEL: Undocu-Filmmaking. Join renowned filmmakers who follow their passion and inspire others through their work, as they navigate their undocumented identities. Hear as they share their personal journeys of resilience, creativity, and advocacy. This panel explores how talented individuals are pursuing their dreams and using film to challenge stereotypes, push boundaries, and elevate stories that often go untold, proving that art knows no borders.
Sunday, October 6 at 4:00pm - Subjective Worlds (2024). The reality of immigration and the struggles Guatemala faces. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Sunday, October 6 at 4:00pm - Con Mis Dedos (2024). Death is a therapist for a suicidal Mother and tries to convince her that she has more to live for. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Sunday, October 6 at 4:00pm - PUNKS (2024). A lonely teenager attends their first punk show. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Sunday, October 6 at 4:00pm - Primero, Sueño (2023). An insightful look into the working lives of undocumented farmworkers in America and their experiences with migration, exploitation, and poverty. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Sunday, October 6 at 4:00pm - Bogotá Story (2023). In 1992, as Colombia faces an era of drug violence, car bombs, and daily power outages, a young mother in Bogotá receives an internship opportunity in New York and eventually must choose between her family and her dreams. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Sunday, October 6 at 4:00pm - S.P.I.C. (2023). JOHNNY is a 12-year-old Latino boy whose mom, an undocumented immigrant, has been arrested by I.C.E. She needs an immigration lawyer, but a good lawyer costs $5K. EMILIO, Johnny’s dad, asks ÁLVARO, a drug dealer, for a loan. But Álvaro knows Emilio can’t repay $5K. So Álvaro offers Emilio a job instead — work for his drug enterprise and Álvaro will give him the money he needs. Emilio hesitates at the offer. With the clock ticking, Johnny decides to do the job on his own, and sneaks away to work in Álvaro’s enterprise. When Emilio discovers Johnny has done this, he rushes to get his son back. On this fateful day, both father and son learn the realities before them and the choices they must make to survive. (This film is part of the NJHFF International Shorts event.)
Sunday, October 6 at 4:00pm - No (2012). In 1988, international pressure comes to bear on Chilean dictator Augusto Pinochet, forcing him to call a referendum on his presidency. The country will vote either yes or no on extending Pinochet’s rule for another eight years. Leaders of the “no” movement recruit Rene Saavedra (Gael García Bernal), a young advertising executive, to spearhead their campaign. With few resources and constant scrutiny by the dictator’s minions, Saavedra and his team hatch a bold plan to win the election.
Sunday, October 6 at 6:00pm - TALKBACK: International Shorts Filmmakers
Sunday, October 6 at 6:00pm - I Carry You with Me (2020). A love story spanning decades begins with a chance encounter between two Mexican men before ambition and societal pressure push an aspiring chef to head to New York City.
The festival takes place at Basie Center Cinemas, located at 36 White Street in Red Bank, New Jersey.
The Count Basie Center for the Arts is New Jersey’s premier center for the cultural arts, dedicated to fostering powerful, inclusive artistic experiences and creative exchange of ideas. The Basie mission is to inspire, educate and entertain through its distinct and engaging cultural and artistic offerings that embrace and amplify the diversity of the region. As a nonprofit organization, the Basie is committed to enriching the community’s quality of life by generating opportunities for participation in the arts, partnering with schools, collaborating with other mission-based organizations and driving regional economic prosperity. The Basie Center has hosted an array of world-class artists, including Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band, Jon Bon Jovi, John Legend, Brandi Carlile, Crosby Stills & Nash, Tony Bennett, Diana Ross and Ringo Starr. Count Basie Center programming is made possible in part by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts.
