For the fifth consecutive year, the Portland Latin American Film Festival (PDXLAFF) returns with a diverse mix of films that reflect the reality of the region. This year’s event will take place October 20 – 26, exclusively at the Hollywood Theatre (4122 NE Sandy Blvd. Portland, Or.)

The selection will include Latin American award-winning films and directors representing Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Panama, Spain and Venezuela.

The festival kicks off on Thursday, October 20th at 6:45 PM with a screening of the Mexican film Chicogrande,  directed by Felipe Cazals, one of the most important and prolific Mexican directors with over 34 films to his credit. Chicogrande was the opening film at the San Sebastián Film Festival in Spain in 2010, and received 10 nominations at the Mexican Film Awards, including Best Film and Best Director.
After the screening, there will be a reception at the Columbia River Brewing Company (1728 NE 40th Ave) with live music by Bobby Torres – Latin jazz with enough flavor and spice to satisfy your body and soul’s need for rhythmic harmony.

Another special screening is the Mexican film Hell (El Infierno,) an epic black comedy about the world of narcotrafficking and organized crime. The film, directed by Luis Estrada, helps us to understand what everybody is asking: What is happening in Mexico today? El Infierno has received nine awards from the Mexican Film Academy, including Best Film and Best Director, and was nominated for a Spanish Goya Award.

From Argentina and Colombia, the festival features the documentary Sins of My Father (Pecados de mi Padre), the story of Pablo Escobar, infamous boss of Colombia’s Medellín drug cartel, told for the very first time by his son, Sebastian, and his widow María Isabel Santos. The film follows Sebastian as he tries to break the cycle of revenge and assassination by seeking reconciliation for the sins of his father. Also from Colombia is The Colors of the Mountain (Los Colores de la Montaña). Director Carlos César Arbeláez’s first feature film won the New Director Award at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in 2010.

From Brazil, Besouro will be the closing film. This film, based on the life of legendary capoeira master, Besouro Mangangá, mixes historical drama with dizzying acrobatic choreography to create a cinematic extravaganza like no other.

Visit the Festival’s website for the complete line-up, ticket information and other details or call (503) 896-8360.

Portland Latin American Film Festival (PDXLAFF) serves the community as a non-profit cultural promoter under the guidance of Film Action Oregon. It is dedicated to showcasing perspectives of Latin American culture through an annual exploration of Latin film and increasing the visibility of Latin American cinema locally by showcasing new full-length feature films, documentaries and short films. PDXLAFF presents a festival with universal appeal that can be enjoyed by native Spanish, Portuguese, and English speakers, and other lovers of the Latin culture.