Cine Las Americas Films with a Texas Connection.

The Cine Las Americas Film Festival runs from April 16 - 24th in Austin, Texas. With an outstanding line up of feature films, documentaries and short films, here are just a few of this years entries with a Texas connection.

THE OTHER SIDE
Bill Brown
USA, Documentary, 2006
43 min, 16mm, Color
English

Regal Metropolitan 11
Sunday, April 20, 2 PM

The Other Side is a 2000 mile documentary road trip that begins in Marfa, Texas along the US-Mexico border, which filmmaker Bill Brown considers as the historical and political geography of aspiration, insecurity, and transition. He talks to undocumented immigrants who have risked their lives to cross over, and to border activists whose politics have put them at odds with the guardians of homeland security.

MEXIPHOBIA
Nevie Owens
USA, Documentary, 2007
52 mins, MiniDV, Color
English and Spanish with English subtitles

Regal Metropolitan 11
Sunday, April 20, 2 PM

In the name of national security, the historic Mexican border-crossings of Boquillas, Santa Elena, and Paso Lajitas were closed, devastating the communal bonds that had existed on both sides of the Rio Grande for generations. These aggressive policies contrast sharply with those implemented to secure the United States’ northern border. Would this be the case if Canada were our neighbor to the south?

Born in McAllen, Texas, Nevie Owens and Buckner Cooke filmed on the Texas/Mexico border.

Website: http://www.myspace.com/mexiphobia

WATCH TRAILER FOR “MEXIPHOBIA” BELOW:
Mexiphobia trailer
VIVIR ES UNA OBRA MAESTRA/TO LIVE IS A MASTERPIECE
Gabriela Yepes
USA/Perú, Documentary, 2007
26 min, MiniDV, Super 8, Color
Spanish, English and Italian with English subtitles

Regal Metropolitan 11
Saturday, April 19, 4 PM

To be an artist is to turn any object into a magical one. That mission could easily define the life and work of Peruvian artist Jorge Eielson. Considered by many to be one of the most brilliant artists of the 20th century (poet, novelist, painter, performer), Eielson was also one of the most reclusive and mysterious. After winning the National Poetry Prize at the age of 21, and Theater Prize at the age of 25 in his homeland of Peru, Eielson left for Europe. Few knew what became of him. The trip turned into a long exile and his name, slowly, became a myth. Filmmaker Gaby Yepes takes us on a journey of discovery as she tries to find the man behind the art.

TO LIVE IS A MASTERPIECE is short film shot in Austin and Peru by UT Graduate Student Gaby Yepes.

MAKING THE RIVER
Sarah Del Seronde
USA, Documentary, 2007
59 min, Beta SP, Color
English

501 Screening Room
Sunday, April 20, 5 PM

By the time Jimi Simmons was 24 years old, he had spent less than six months in the free world. Lacking knowledge of his tribal identity or a sense of community, Jimi aligned himself with the Indian Brotherhood within prison. These Indian brothers provided Jimi with his first true sense of belonging and introduced him to cultural teachings and beliefs that would help him to transcend the prison walls. On June 12, 1979, a young Native American prisoner was killed in the Washington State Penitentiary for a twenty-five dollar debt. Three days later, a prison guard, Sgt. William Cross, was killed during a fight with Indian inmates. This led to the longest lockdown in Washington State history and an inmate class-action lawsuit against the state.

George and Jimi Simmons were charged with first-degree murder for the death of the guard; the state sought execution by hanging. In solitary confinement for more than two years, and facing the death penalty, Jimi Simmons embarks on a quest for freedom. Making the River is his story.

This film features commentary by Raul Salinas, the late poet, human rights activist and owner of Resistencia Bookstore in Austin, Texas.

Website: http://www.makingtheriver.com/

WATCH THE TRAILER FOR “MAKING THE RIVER” BELOW:

Forticket information and a full schedule of films visit the Cine Las Americas website.