If you're fed up with run-of-the-mill Hollywood blockbusters and cheesy romantic comedies, you should definitely make the most of a special cinematic event coming up in Melbourne:
La Mirada Film Festival.
Running from April 1st to 11th, 2010, La Mirada showcases a diverse mix of the finest cinema from Spain and Latin America, from the classics to recent releases. The
program is broad and covers a range of conventional genres including comedies and thrillers, together with more daring and challenging works created by cutting-edge Hispanic filmmakers.
Legendary Spanish film director, screenwriter and producer Pedro Almodóvar is co-curator of the festival and it is the only festival in the world in which he is involved in such a way. If that isn't enough endorsement, this year Martin Scorsese and Stephen Daldry are La Mirada's guest curators. They join an impressive list of guest curators from previous years: Paul Auster, Woody Allen and Penelope Cruz.
The
opening night gala takes place on April 1st beginning with a screening of the touchingly offbeat Yo,También ("Me Too"). Click
here to view the trailer. The festivities will then move next door into the
La Mirada Lounge at Beer Deluxe where you can enjoy some tasty Spanish culinary delights, and sip on Spanish wines and beers, and then get your groove on to the beats of DJ Emma Peel. Your ticket to this event also includes a free tango class at
Robles Dance Academy which you can schedule at a later date. Tickets are $49 full price or $42 concession and can be purchased
here.
Now in its fourth year, La Mirada has become more than a film festival.
All About Tango includes four films covering the history of tango, hear stories from the all time greats, in addition to a free tango lesson in the La Mirada Lounge.
Spanish Cuisine and Film is another alternative way to immerse yourself in the Hispanic culture. Nibble on traditional Spanish tapas accompanied by fine Spanish wine before viewing a documentary on the world's most famous restaurant where people reserve tables years in advance, El Bulli.
The Hispanic population in Melbourne is not huge, but it is a passionate, colourful culture. Come and experience something a bit different and exciting as La Mirada celebrates all things Hispanic.
