NALIP-New York, in association with Anthology Film Archives, cordially invites you to the Latin-AS: Spotlight on Women Directors showcase on Wednesday, December 6th, as part of its NewLatino Filmmaker screening series (now in its 6th year!). Join as we focus the spotlight on short narrative films created by emerging Latina "writer/directors" from the New York region as their films reflect on Latina "AS" mother, friend, lover, payaso, artist, young, old and all the other wonderful aspects of being Latina.

These four dynamic films run the gamut of aesthetic styles and subject matter but all take an intriguing and fantastical look at the emotional desires of their protagonists as only these talented media makers can. Latinas represent!

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"QUIERO SER PAYASO"
Xicana Warrior Productions

Written/Directed by Elvira Carrizal
Quiero Ser Payaso is a magical realism silent short film about five-year-old Esmeralda who dreams of being a clown against her father's wishes. A visit from her Fairy Clown Mother sets her on the right track to achieving her future goal.

 

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR: MRS. CARRIZAL
Elvira Carrizal is a Chicana from Chaparral, New Mexico, a border town of her native El Paso, Texas. She looks forward to graduating from Columbia University in May 2007 with an MFA degree in Film. She is very thankful to NALIP and Licoln Mercury for giving her the opportunity to make Quiero Ser Payaso. She is also very blessed to have had the opportunity to collaborate with her colleague Juan Guzman who wrote the short play, which Elvira adapted for this film. Elvira thanks Daniel Levy for composing original music for this piece and all the cast & crew for their time and positive artistic energy, especially little Alexia who reminded us to play and have fun. Elvira also thanks her husband Ronnie Dukes for all his love and support thru life's journey and for his artistic influence. Peace, Love & Respect.

"PERROS SIN AMOR"

Written/Directed by Christina Soto
The often lonely journey of a Latina artist comes to an abrupt end.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR: CHRISTINA SOTO
Christina Soto, is a West New York photographer, filmmaker, and playwright. Her photography has been in numerous juried and group shows throughout the region and in New Mexico, and has won awards from the Perkins Center for the Arts in Moorestown, N J., and the Old Church Cultural Center Gallery, Demarest, N.J. One of her images was selected for the 2006 Artrageous Ball for the JCMuseum.

In 2006, Christina wrote and produced "Muneca," a feature film. She has worked on more than 15 independent Latino films and curated the Latino Filmmakers Showcase in collaboration with Jersey City Fridays and at the Jersey City Museum which screened in May 2005. The JC Museum also screened her short film “Perros Sin Amor” during the 2006 Artist Studio Tour. The Hudson Exploited Theatre Company at the Park Performing Arts Center in Union City, has produced and performed Ms. Soto's play "Muneca", which was based on the feature film. The play was also produced by the Bregamos Theater, at the Educational Center for the Arts, in New Haven, Conn.

Ms. Soto was selected to participate in the 2005 Columbia University playwright's workshop "Our Word" as well as the Puerto Rican Traveling Theatre Beginner's Playwriting Unit. She was previously educated in Behavioral Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, New York and the Film Video Arts, in New York City.

"LA CHIVA"
Scorpyo Films

Written/Directed by Akiva Peñaloza
In the barrio of San Diego, a poor Mexican girl finds strength of character
when her only dress is eaten by the goat her family desperately needs for
milk.

La Chiva is a true story taken from the pages of my mother¹s colorful life.

 

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR: AKIVA PENALOZA
Akiva Peñaloza participated as a Screenwriting Fellow at the prestigious American Film Institute where she was awarded a Target Foundation Scholarship under the recommendation of Diane Keaton. Penaloza most recently was a finalist in the Mercury Latino Lens Short Film Challenge and was awarded $10,000 to complete LA CHIVA, her directorial debut. She has also garnered numerous awards for screenwriting, and her portfolio includes scripts from westerns to romantic comedies. She is passionate about telling dramatic stories that are honest and value-driven. She loves digital photography, Mexican food and has a vast collection of female villains.

"THE GREY WOMEN"

Written/Directed by A. Sayeeda Clarke
THE GREY WOMAN was the winner of the Promotion Pictures Film Competition sponsored by Verizon. As one of the three competition winners, The Grey Woman had to undergo a very intensive creative review process judged by top industry executives. One of the necessary components of the film was to develop a short film that showcases the power to change our lives using broadband technology.

THE GREY WOMAN is a simple love story, an interpretation of how we can enliven within ourselves the bleakest of spirits. Utilizing color and black and white the film inspires us to live life in the present.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR: A. SAYEEDA CLARKE
Sayeeda is a Dean’s fellow and MFA candidate in film at New York University. She is a native New Yorker; director, filmmaker and photographer. Sayeeda’s film, THE GREY WOMAN won the Verizon Broadband Films Competition. Sayeeda is also a recipient of a Coghill Foundation Grant for her upcoming documentary project, PAIN IS TEMPORARY. Her film SIN SALIDA was a finalist at The American Black Film Festival HBO short film Competition. SIN SALIDA will be premiering on HBO this fall, 2006. Sayeeda’s other films include MARIPOSA, HELLO SUNSHINE and POLKA DOTS.

Sayeeda studied directing at the Actor’s Studio Drama School, where she earned Dean’s List honors and continues to work in the theatre. She has worked for several production companies, including Universal Television, CHAL Productions and Dick Wolf Productions. Sayeeda was a programmer for the MIX 96’ film festival during its 10th year anniversary and was a participant in the Third World Newsreel Film and Video Workshop. Sayeeda studied in Cuba and Italy, and participated in the Latin American Film Festival in Havana. Her photography and self-portraits from Italy and Cuba were honored and chosen for exhibition. At The Woodstock Photography Center she studied with Mary Ellen Mark.