Joseph Rios
Aspects of life that were common before the pandemic continue to return in 2022, like Su Teatro’s Xicano Independent Filmmakers Festival (XicanIndia FilmFest XXIV).
The four-day event takes place April 7-10 this year and pays homage to the artistry and experiences of the Latinx community. The festival focuses on four areas: the Chicano Independent Filmmakers, Latino World Cinema, El Epoca de Oro (the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema) and Cine Mejicano.
The event will be presented in collaboration with El Consulado de Mexico, DocuWest Film Festival and MASA Media (Media Arts Santa Ana, California and the Cine Festival in San Antonio, Texas).
Su Teatro Executive Artistic Director Tony Garcia said festival films come from different parts of Latin America like Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Cuba, and other countries. “The festival has a lot of exciting films,” Garcia told La Voz. “We have a lot of narrative films, which are rare. We have a lot of documentaries and short subjects, but we have a good mixture. There will be live music, as well as the films and the panels and the discussions. There will be a lot of food too.”
This year’s event will mark the 24th Xicano Independent Filmmakers Festival. The even was originally founded in 1998 by Angela Manzanares — a film student, musician and performer who was focused on providing who wanted to provide a platform and encourage local Chicano artists.
Since then, the event has grown to include national and international representation. The festival includes films like Avenida films’, My DACA Life, local photographer Juan Fuentes and Nicolás Valdez, who will screen films.
Other filmmakers and artists who have participated in the Xicano Independent Filmmakers Festival include Benjamin Bratt, Esai Morales, Jesus Treviño and Miriam Colón.
One aspect of the film fest is its “Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today,” which has introduced filmmakers and artists like Elsa Flores Almaraz and Richard Montonya (Carlos Almarez: Playing with Fire and the Other Barrio), Oscar Torres (Voces Inocentes) and Alan Dominguez — who have developed their careers and created significant work.
Audiences this year can expect to be introduced to Steve Acevedo (Love and Baseball), Alex Avila (Vecinos: Love Thy Neighbor) and Chihiro Wimbush (Ricochet). Short films have also remained a tradition at the festival. This year, 24 short films will be shown. Referred to as “Chones,” the short films will include music videos, science fiction, comedy and experimental films.
Denver School of the Arts Video Cinema Arts class and Tomorrow Maker Studios will also have an opportunity to present a workshop on youth in film as students will present their work and have a panel discussion about what it’s like to work in film at a young age.
Finally, the film festival will host the XicanIndie Awards, which recognize the achievements of the outstanding participants in the festival. Awards will be presented in areas of directing, acting and special achievement.
Those who attend the Xicano Independent Filmmakers Festival will be required to show proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 and must wear a mask while inside Su Teatro. The festival also hosts reception and after parties where residents can eat, drink and interact with each other.
Attendees can expect to have the opportunity to interact with the filmmakers through platicas and forums in a social environment.
Visit suteatro.org for more information and for tickets.
