This excellent documentary about Omara Portuondo will open the new edition of the GuadaLAjara Film Festival
In Southern California, Hispanic Heritage Month is filled with events related to Latin culture, and the world of cinema is no exception. A few days ago, we announced a one-day mini-festival, organized by the NewFilmmakers Association LA, entirely dedicated to showing short films produced by Hispanics; And just a few hours ago, we brought you an analysis of the best titles that will be available at the 2022 edition of the Hola México Film Festival, which will be held between October 2 and 10 in different halls in our city.
But, before that, it was the 12th edition of an event that until recently was known as FICG in Los Angeles (Guadalajara International Film Festival in Los Angeles), but now bears the name GuadaLAjara Film Festival (GLAFF), and that in addition to recovery. Some notable films from the latest edition of the original event in Jalisco, have been paying particular attention to American productions of Latin Minds.
In this way, the current celebration of the three-day festival, which begins on Thursday, is geared towards its opening day (ie tomorrow) with a documentary that, although of local origin, is mostly spoken in English and has a deeply international character, because it depicts the life of And the experiences of one of the most famous and beloved Cuban singers of all time.
Which is that ‘Amara’, the film we are referring to, is nothing more and nothing less than Mrs. Burundo, also known as ‘The Bride of Feeling’ for her tremendous ability to convey emotion through her voice to her throughout the seven decades straight. The exceptional singer is, of course, Cuban, and at 91 years old, she still lives in Havana, although she travels a lot to different parts of the planet, because, she said, she plans to die on stage.
Cuban-American director Hugo Pérez’s documentary (“Once Upon a Time in Uganda”) takes us meticulously through different cities and countries – including Mexico City and Tokyo – to show the devotion that engendered an artist who, in addition to her vividly interpreted qualities, is deeply engaging and funny. In addition to a brief reference to the state of discontent of a part of the Cuban people that occurred after the victory of the Revolution – which, among other things, caused a long separation between Amara and her sister Heidi, with whom she headed the Quartet. Aida throughout the 1950s, no political commentary.
But the typical strategy of “talking chiefs”, with their own pronouncements and of their surviving collaborators, is invigorated by the incorporation of old interviews, archival material of undoubted value, and thoughtful yet entertaining stories. The singer’s career rediscovered all over the world thanks to the Buena Vista Social Club project, the various and stunning shots of her recent travels, and of course details of the well-deserved recognition that she herself received in the United States, such as the Musical Excellence Award bestowed upon him by the Latin Recording Academy during the dedicated week For the 2019 edition of the Latin Grammys.
“Amara” will be shown on September 29 at 8 p.m. at the Theatre, an auditorium located within the Ace Hotel (929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015). Proof of vaccination is required for entry. You can buy tickets over here.
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