The Discovering Latin America Film Festival held a get together in London this week to drum up support and excitement for their annual shindig, which runs from November 27 to December 7 at venues across the capital and around the UK.
Festival Director Neil Baker did a great job of spelling out what makes this festival unique. It’s not just about showcasing the best of Latin American movies that might not otherwise get shown in the UK, but “trying to make a little bit of a difference for Latin America – a cultural breach through which money can trickle back.”
Each year, the festival works in tandem with a Latin American charity to use film to make a real, qualitative difference at home. This year, DLAFF is working with ‘Progressio’ on behalf of women affected by HIV/AIDS in the Dominican Republic. Indeed, the festival is about forging a common cause among all the countries of the continent, presenting a united, though individually distinct, face through its multi-sensible cinema.
Sandra Tabares gave a whistle-stop tour through the 48 films that will be screening this year, including a Lucrecia Martel retrospective; as well as events, masterclasses and a clutch of UK premieres. “Come, enjoy the films and help us make a difference in Latin America,” she said. Sounds like a sentiment worth echoing.
