18TH CINE LAS AMERICAS FILM FESTIVAL OPENING NIGHT ANNOUNCED
AUSTIN, Texas (March 5, 2015) — Cine Las Americas International Film Festival announced today it is excited to be presenting the debut screening of The Martini Shot as the kick off to the 18th Annual Cine Las Americas Film Festival. On Wednesday, April 22nd, the Festival will open at The Marchesa Hall & Theatre at 7PM with this independent U.S. Latino film.
A D Street Films production, directed by Demetrius Navarro and written by Enrico Natale, this dark comedy is the story of two small time producers who are threatened by their boss to make a successful movie. They then turn to the only way they can think of – kill one of the lead actors and the movie is guaranteed to make money. To succeed in this business…you have to make a KILLING!
The talented cast and crew includes James Russo (Public Enemies, Donnie Brasco, Django), Valente Rodriguez (McFarland USA, George Lopez Show), Demetrius Navarro (Friday, The Yardsale, 187, ER), Daniel Lujan (Collateral, Gone Hollywood), Malcolm Danare (Godzilla, Lords of Discipline), and two-time Oscar winner Harvey Lowry (Passion of Christ, Benjamin Button).
“The presentation of The Martini Shot marks the most recent collaboration between Cine Las Americas and D Street Films. Over the years, the D Street team and associates have been integral supporters of Cine’s mission to showcase independent films with Latino creatives at the core, and our audiences have really enjoyed their films,” said Festival Director Jean Lauer. Previous Cine Las Americas festival editions have included screenings of two films shot in Texas and featuring Texas-born film and TV star Valente Rodriguez: the romantic comedy Gone Hollywood, and the young adult/adventure film Los Scavengers.
Director Demetrius Navarro is also looking forward to The Martini Shot‘s opening night: “My Executive Producers, Stephen E. Jackson and Move Your Media LLC, share my excitement to have our film be a part of Cine Las Americas. This festival does not only showcase domestic films, but features films from Canada, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean as well. To have The Martini Shot premiere at the festival is a great honor. This is what a true film festival is all about!”
For the 18th consecutive year, Austin will serve as host to a wide range of national and international films and filmmakers, as the festival creates networking opportunities for industry professionals, and provides a rich cultural experience for statewide audiences. The festival will showcase contemporary films from the US, Canada, Latin America, and the Iberian Peninsula. All films are presented in English and/or subtitled.
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ABOUT CINE LAS AMERICAS: Cine Las Americas is a multi-cultural, 501(c)3 non-profit organization based in Austin Texas, offering theatrical screenings of films made by or about Latinos or indigenous peoples of the Americas. Films from Spain and Portugal are also included, enhancing a truly Pan-American cinematic experience. The mission of Cine Las Americas is to promote cross-cultural understanding and growth by educating, entertaining and challenging the diverse Central Texas community through film and media arts.