The NVISION Latino Film and Music Festival, an evolution of the Official Latino Film Festival, returns for its 10th year with a slate that features four feature-length and 35 short films, according to festival organizers.
Set to take place Oct. 10 through 12 in partnership with the Palm Springs Art Museum, this year’s festival will showcase a diverse selection of films that highlight Latino culture, indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ stories and more. The films represent a diverse range of countries, including the United States, Cuba, Spain, the Dominican Republic, Colombia, Peru, Venezuela, Canada, Mexico, Argentina and Costa Rica.
According to a press release, 59% of the films are directed by women, and about 20% of the program represents LGBTQA+ filmmakers, alongside numerous works from Afro-Latinx, disability and Indigenous communities.
"Each film in our selection is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and diverse perspectives of Latino artists from around the world. This year’s lineup showcases bold stories that challenge, inspire, and celebrate the richness of our culture," Lex Borrero, co-founder and CEO of NTERTAIN, said in a statement. "While it’s crucial to amplify these artists who have created remarkable independent features and shorts, it’s equally important to foster a space where they know they have a community to lean on. Our festival aims to provide them with inspiring conversations and practical resources to help them continue achieving and rising to the upper echelons of entertainment creation. We can’t wait for audiences to experience these powerful narratives and the undeniable talent behind them."
Panels and live music performances will also take place during the festival.
What films are on the lineup?
NVISION will open with the California premiere of "Ponyboi," written by River Gallo and directed by Esteban Arango. This neo-noir tracks the harrowing journey of a young intersex sex worker in New Jersey who, following a botched Valentine’s Day drug deal, must flee from the mob. Gallo also stars in the film. "Ponyboi" will screen at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10.
The festival will screen the U.S. premiere of "Esta Ambición Desmedida," which offers an in-depth look at Spanish artist C. Tangana and how he created an ambitious tour following the success of his first album, "El Madrileño." The film is directed by Santos Bacana, Cristina Trenas and Rogelio Gonzalez, and will be shown at 7 p.m. Oct. 11.
"Boca Chica," directed by Gabriella A. Moses, follows 12-year-old Desi, who spends her days dreaming of becoming a famous singer. But her goal is threatened by the insidious future that awaits some of the girls in her town. The film will screen at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12.
The festival will conclude with the West Coast premiere of "En la Caliente: Tales of a Reggaeton Warrior," directed by Fabien Pisani. The documentary explores the life of Cuban artist Kandyman, a pivotal figure in the reggaeton movement, and offers a rare glimpse into Cuba’s turmoil in the 1990s. The screening is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 12.
Some of the short film that will screen at the festival include: "Hive" starring Xochitl Gomez ("Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness"), "What to Expect," "The Son Who Can't Play Trumpet and "Tuhaymani'chi Pal Waniqa" ("The Water Flows Always"). Short films are packaged together in thematic blocks, which will screen Oct. 11 and 12.
Who will lead panels?
NVISION will also feature exclusive panels and special talks by industry luminaries, including multi-Latin Grammy nominee and actress Leslie Grace, actor and artist Anthony Ramos, Cinema Giants Founder and CEO Jessy Terrero, music executive Areli Quirarte and others.
Panels focused on art, music, storytelling and Latino business leaders will take place throughout the three-day festival.
How can I buy tickets?
Tickets can be purchased at nvisionfestival.com .
Attendees can purchase early bird passes starting at $124.99 (available through Sept. 2), regular three-day admission passes at $149.99 and individual day passes starting at $74.99 for Thursday and Friday and $99.99 for Saturday. VIP tickets can also be purchased for $199.99, which allows for exclusive access to all three days.
Individual film tickets cost $14.99, while short film blocks cost $19.99. Panels cost $14.99.
Where is the Palm Springs Art Museum?
The Palm Springs Art Museum is located at 101 N. Museum Drive in downtown Palm Springs.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: NVISION Latino Film and Music Festival: What's on the lineup, how to buy tickets
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