Opening with the Argentinian film Tango Glories
By Xavier Leblanc
The Chicago Latino Film Festival kicked off its 30th edition on April 3rd with opening statements from Mayor Rham Emanuel followed by the Spanish-language Argentine film Tango Glories. Founded by Pepe Vargas, the Chicago Film Festival is one of the largest and longest running Latino film festival in the U.S., this year alone they will screen 120 films. Doing what they do best uniting artists and audiences from different countries and cultures, this year the festival will screen 120 films from April 3 through the 17th.
CILFF founder Pepe Vargas with Xavier LaBlanc
Among those in attendance included Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel who spoke passionately of the festival’s significance and the impact on the city during it’s historic 30 year run. The directors of Tango Glories were brought on stage before the film by Pepe Vargas who spoke humbly to the standing room only audience who was treated to a wonderful live acoustic and vocal performance before the film’s start.
Tango Glories is a breathtaking film featuring an extraordinarily moving performance from Héctor Alterio who has previously appeared in five Academy Award nominated films. The film also includes dazzling dance numbers that will leave you with the urge to rush to your nearest dance school after the film is over. The entire cast delivers memorable performances, each contributing unique layered portrayals. The nostalgic, humorous, romantic yet emotionally gripping film switches between present and past all in near perfect balance. Various members of the screening audience shed tears while watching deeply moving scenes but also smiled brightly at the conclusion of the film. A truly unforgettable watch.
Tango Glories release in 60 theaters in Argentina with a possible bow in North America later this year. Watch the exciting interview conducted by LatinHeat’s Mary Chuy with the film’s directors! For more info on the film check out www.gloriasdeltango.com
Latin Heat’s Mary Chuy Enjoying the Festivities
The after-party was no doubt a beautiful extravagant engagement attended by several directors of CLFF, the fantastic team of the Latino Cultural Center along with fans, supporters and positively joyous guests. For more info visit www.chicagolatinofilmfestival.org/
The iconic trailblazing Pepe Vargas took time to speak with LatinHeat and you can see what he had to say in our exclusive interview!
We also caught up with a young talented film director by the name of Gonzalo Benavente Secco who has made his directorial debut with a refreshingly fun and unique film titled Rock N’ Roll 68, also playing at CLFF. The picture is a charming teen comedy and a heartfelt tribute to the psychedelic/garage rock bands that dominated Peru’s airwaves in the late 60’s. As an added bonus we spoke with the gifted musical act ‘Paracutá’ whom composed the film’s entertaining soundtrack. For more info visit www.rocanrol68.com/
Special thanks to Alejandro Riero & Latino Cultural Center for inviting us to cover this spectacular film festival.
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