New York, 18 March 2010. Delightful night at Havana The National Arts in Manhattan opened the 11th anual festival of cuban and latino cinema in New York. A very nice dinner was served with wine and tipical cuban food where all present could appreciate art, music and a silent and live auction filled with a variety of treasures for everyone including authentic Cuban cigars, rum and movie posters; works of art by renowned Cuban artists – Yoan Capote, Diago, Fabelo and Quintana and emerging local painters; clothing and accessories from Marc Jacobs, Catherine Malandrino, Vera Wang and others; theater tickets; services; exceptional wines and spirits and other luxury items.
Many important media supporters were honored. HFFNY was proud to honor Telemundo, the oldest Spanish-language television network in the U.S. for its leadership in promoting Latino culture for 45 years and El Diario La Prensa, the largest Spanish-language daily newspaper in the U.S. for its outstanding coverage of the U.S. Latino and Latin American communities. Columnist, Albor Ruiz will be recognized for his excellence in journalism covering social and political issues relevant to the New York community for the New York Daily News.
HFFNY has distinguished itself as the premier New York platform for the presentation of outstanding films from Cuba, America, the Caribbean and Latinos in the U.S. The program reflects the current trends in new Latin American cinema, its critical purpose, and also honors the work of those masters who inspire a new generation of filmmakers. Panel discussions encourage audience – artist dialogue designed to give a behind-the-scenes look at an industry that continues to gain global recognition. Directors, actors and producers also have an opportunity to exchange ideas and expand their vision of Latino culture.
This year HFFNY will feature over 40 highly anticipated and influential films from 13 countries and award its first “Havana Star” prize. For more information and schedules go to www.hffny.com
The Havana Film Festival New York is a project of American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba (AFLFC), a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization building cultural bridges between the U.S. and Cuba through programs in the arts.
“((HFFNY has opened a window for Latin American film that no other festival has done)).”
Walter Salles, Brazilian Director, Motorcycle Diaries
“The festival – a project of the American Friends of the Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, a non profit organization – has earned a place in New York City’s cultural landscape.”
Albor Ruiz, The Daily News
The event was covered by Vejatv.com making inverviews with the guests.