Just a quick few notes from the end of the fantastic New York International Latino Film Festival last week. Congratulations to director Paul Boyd, whose feature VICIOUS CIRCLE won the best film prize. I was at the red carpet premiere of the film at the Director’s Guild Theatre, and the energy in the air was electric. The film seemed to really resonate with people, and I’m sure we’ll be hearing more about VICIOUS CIRCLE in the coming months.

Big congrats also to co-directors Nicholas Bruckman and John Mattiuzzi for LA AMERICANA, and Sebastiano d’Ayala Valva for TRANSVESTITES ALSO CRY, which tied for best documentary. I got a chance to meet Nicholas at several events over the week – he’s a talented young filmmaker whose work on this project is mature well beyond his years. LA AMERICANA is a powerful indictment of our backwards immigration policy, and a must-see for anyone with an interest in the issue. Congrats again, Nicholas!

Finally, Juan Manuel Betancourt won the best short award for ROJO RED, and the Heineken Red Star Award for a film the pushes the envelope went to Cristobal Valderrama for MALTA CON HUEVO.

Now, I didn’t get the chance in my last blog to discuss two of my favorite films at the festival, MONA and HARRISON MONTGOMERY. For the sake of full disclosure, MONA is a recent IndiePix acquisition, so I’ll fully admit my bias. But director Alan Kirschen’s (pictured below, left) fantastic romantic comedy packed houses and floored audiences all week, and I was proud to be there to represent it. I also got the opportunity to hang out with the stars, Adrian Martinez (familiar to many through his years of incredible work on films large and small), Kristin Lewis, and Alex Lyras (also the film’s co-producer), who are all not only genuinely talented, but genuinely good people. MONA is now available on pre-order, so check out pics and trailers and come back soon to buy the DVD!

HARRISON MONTGOMERY is a coming of age story set in SF’s tenderloin district starring Octavio Gómez Berríos (recent recipient of the Breakthrough Performance award at the ‘08 Method Fest), Melora Walters (most recently of the outstanding HBO series BIG LOVE), and Martin Landau (uh…if I have to tell you, maybe you should just stop reading this…). This film had HUGE heart, a beautiful aesthetic, and a perfect ensemble cast. Director Daniel Dávila (pictured, below right) has a true winner on his hands. Daniel, April Dávila, Catherine Dávila and Karim Ahmad (all the project’s producers) were also fantastic festival running mates and all-around great people. I wish them the best with an inspiring project.

All in all, the New York International Latino Film Festival was a tremendous success. We basked in the glow of an incredible slate of mind-expanding films, and had great fun in between. Can’t wait for next year!