The 13th Gainesville Latino Film Festival
Announces Eleven Finalists for the 2017 Short Film Competition
The GLFF committee has selected eleven finalists for the Juried Short Film competition at the 13th Gainesville Latino Film Festival. More than 168 entries from 25 countries were submitted for review. The juried shorts Competition will screen on Monday, September 18th at The Wooly in Gainesville, Florida.
Short Films
The Homicede
Directed by Maysel Bello Cruz
Country: Cuba
Runtime: 11:45min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
An official is disturbed by his calm when Carlos J. breaks into his office to apply for a license that he has committed a sin for homicide. But that must prove it.
Birds of a Feather
Directed by Nacho Rodríguez
Country: Costa Rica
Runtime: 8:47min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
When Manuel realizes he forgot his sex tape at his in-laws bedroom, he begins a race against time to get it back before it’s all too late.
Till They’re Back
Directed by Matthew Baquero
Country: USA
Runtime: 3:50min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
A teenager tries to cope with the loss of his parents that were deported back to their country of origin. He sees a psychologist to help him through the difficult time, but lashes out when he realizes the psychologist doesn’t know or care about the kid’s situation.
Tailor
Directed by Cali Dos Anjos
Country: Brazil
Runtime: 9:47in
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
TAILOR is a transgender cartoonist that shares in his web page other trans people’s experiences and their challenges in society.
Dance with Your Heart
Directed by Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi
Country: USA
Runtime: 10:21min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
Jennyselt is a dancer of Afro Cuban Folklore, with great prestige within Cuba and internationally and currently dances with the group Yoruba Andabo. She seeks her successor to keep the legacy of Afro-Cuban culture, dance and religion alive. Jennyselt takes us to the side of Havana that is rarely seen by tourist, Juanelo. Where there is a community project cultivating dreams and teaching the next generation of dancers. Who will she choose to keep the legacy alive?
Sueños Americanos
Directed by Josue Oropeza
Country: USA
Runtime: 3:57min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
A mood piece that highlights the lives of the children who panhandle at the San Ysidro Port of Entry whom dream of crossing the border into America to live the American Dream.
Driving While Undocumented
Directed by Yeon Jin Lee
Country: USA
Runtime: 6:25min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
Raymundo Guerrero (Santiago Rosas), an undocumented immigrant, gets pulled over by a Nevada law enforcement officer (Johnny Gilligan) for talking on the phone while driving. Raymundo’s lack of driver’s license and his nervousness raise the officer’s suspicion. The tensions rise during the interrogation and the vehicle search, during which the officer destroys Raymundo’s chili plant, a gift for Raymundo’s uncle. When the officer demands Raymundo’s address, Raymundo reveals his immigration status and his fear of deportation and separation from his family.
Express Checkout
Directed by Ivan Sánchez Pangrazio
Country: Paraguay
Runtime: 8:51min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
Juan tries to impress the cashier at the express checkout lane of the supermarket one night, but he must first face his own twisted imagination.
Aguacate
Directed by Jasmine Castaneda
Country: Puerto Rico
Runtime: 12:33min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
Andrés sells avocados around the neighborhood to save up money for a gift for his school crush, Mariela. During his journey he meets and old man whom he begins to create a bond with. Andrés proves that life takes unexpected turns.
Palante
Directed by Wesley Rodriguez
Country: Puerto Rico
Runtime: 7:25min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
After winning “El Bombo,” the Cuban-US immigration lottery, Estrella and her grandfather, an impoverished Cuban family, prepare for a journey of a lifetime. One step at a time.
Yolis
Directed by Juan Diego Ramirez
Country: USA
Runtime: 10:00min
Rating: Not yet been rated
Sypnosis:
Maribel Lopez goes to visit her mother at an immigration detention center the day before her mother is to be deported. She is not allowed to see her and Maribel returns home to pack a suitcase that she is sending with a friend to Mexico so her mother will have clothes when she arrives in Mexico. As Maribel is packing the suitcase she receives a phone call that will force her to deal with the situation.