Backstage

This article was written by Danielle

The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) celebrates its 10th Anniversary as the premier Latino film festival in the country, unspooling in New York City from Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 2, 2009. This year, NYILFF will debut in its new venues at the Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9 (260 West 23rd Street between 7th and 8th Avenues) and the Visual Arts Theater (333 West 23rd Street between 8th and 9th Avenues). Tickets go on sale July 04 and will be available at the festival’s box office at Clearview Cinemas Chelsea 9 and the festival’s web site: www.NYLatinoFilm.com. NYILFF is presented by HBO(TM).

Major stars that will be igniting the screens this year’s festival are Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Calle 13, Ruben Blades, Vin Diesel, Christina Milian, Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Jim Jones, Kerry Washington, Brandon Routh, Illeana Douglas, Shannyn Sossamon, Lara Flynn Boyle, Esai Morales, Ericka Alexander, Voltio, Tego Calderon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Rasuk, Kuno Becker, Ana de la Reguera and Al Sharpton.

“We are very excited to be celebrating our 10th Anniversary,” says Calixto Chinchilla, Executive Director. “The NYILFF began as a dream to showcase our talent and to empower Latinos. We’ve been fortunate to have grown in size and stature. This year, we have everything; highly anticipated Hollywood premieres to independent films from filmmakers across the globe, industry forums, music showcases and free outdoor events for everyone.”

“Our 10th Anniversary is a testament to the strong support we receive from our corporate partners and the community, at large,” says Elizabeth Gardner, Executive Director. “The NYILFF has come a long way since 1999, and we continue to break ground as the #1 showcase for Latino and Urban films and filmmakers.”

“We congratulate the NYILFF on reaching a 10-year milestone,” said Lucinda Desir, vice president, Acquisition and Multicultural Marketing at HBO. “Their spirit, passion, energy and commitment to the Latino film community are just some of the reasons why we come back every year. They have truly raised the NYILFF to the premier Latino festival that it is today.”

For more information about the New York International Latino Film Festival please visit: http://nylatinofilm.com/index.html