Penang, 30th November 2023 – Lights, camera, action! The 3rd Latin American Film Festival (LAFF) has taken center stage in Malaysia, and the cultural extravaganza promises a cinematic journey like no other.
The event at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Gurney Plaza, Penang, was well attended by the Ambassador of GRULAC (Group of Latin America and the Caribbean) H.E. Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales, Ambassador of Peru; H.E. Florentino Batista Gonzalez, Ambassador of Cuba; H.E. Manuel Balaguer Salas, Ambassador of Argentina, YB Wong Hon Wai (Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy PETAC), Dato’ Annie Chin, Honorary Consul of Brazil in Penang; Mrs. Morella Antoni Barreto López, Charge d’affairs of Venezuela; H.E. Jaime Munoz Sandoval, Ambassador of Chile.
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Latin American Film Festival Celebrates Diversity and Creativity
The festival’s official opening ceremony welcomed film enthusiasts, dignitaries, and cultural aficionados to witness the magic unfold. H.E. Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales, Ambassador of Peru, expressed gratitude to the institutions, organizations, and main partners, GSC, for making this annual cultural event possible.
Dato’ Annie Chin, the Honorary Consul of Brazil in Penang, and the newly appointed Honorary Consul of Chile in Penang, Datin Joelyn Teoh, received special recognition for their enthusiastic collaboration in bringing this festival to life.
Left: H.E. Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales, Ambassador of Peru; H.E. Florentino Batista Gonzalez, Ambassador of Cuba; H.E. Manuel Balaguer Salas, Ambassador of Argentina, YB Wong Hon Wai (Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy PETAC), Dato’ Annie Chin, Honorary Consul of Brazil in Penang; Mrs. Morella Antoni Barreto López, Charge d’affairs of Venezuela; H.E. Jaime Munoz Sandoval, Ambassador of Chile. Credit: The GRULAC Embassies
Voy a Hablar de La Esperanza (Berbicara Tentang Harapan)
As part of the festivals, H.E. Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales, Ambassador of Peru, presented a translated copy of César Vallejo’s (Peruvian poet and writer) “Voy a Hablar de La Esperanza” (I’m Going to Talk About Hope) in Malay (Berbicara Tentang Harapan) to YB Wong Hon Wai (Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy PETAC).
H.E. Ricardo Estanislao Morote Canales, Ambassador of Peru, presented ‘Berbicara Tentang Harapan’ to YB Wong Hon Wai (Penang State Executive Councillor for Tourism and Creative Economy PETAC).
Peruvian Poet César Vallejo
César Abraham Vallejo Mendoza (March 16, 1892 – April 15, 1938) was a distinguished Peruvian poet, writer, playwright, and journalist.
Despite having published only three books of poetry during his lifetime, Vallejo is hailed as one of the foremost poetic innovators of the 20th century in any language.
Known for consistently being ahead of literary currents, each of his works stood out as distinct and, in its own right, revolutionary.
Thomas Merton regarded him as “the greatest universal poet since Dante,” while the late British poet, critic, and biographer Martin Seymour-Smith, a prominent authority on world literature, deemed Vallejo “…the greatest twentieth-century poet in any language.”
Vallejo was an integral part of the intellectual community known as the North Group, which was formed in the Peruvian north coastal city of Trujillo.
Latin American Film Festival – A Cinematic Feast for All
Running from November 30th to December 3rd at GSC Gurney Plaza, the festival boasts an extraordinary selection of nine films from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Admission is free, providing a golden opportunity for cinephiles and the general public to dive into Latin American countries’ cultural richness and diversity.
The lineup explores themes of identity, social justice, and the human condition, promising an immersive experience for all attendees.
The films, spanning various genres and styles, offer a glimpse into the passion and purpose infused by Latin American filmmakers into their creations.
Argentina, 1985: A Timely Opening
This year’s festival starts with the critically acclaimed film “Argentina, 1985.”
The fictional work delves into historical events during the trial of the Military Juntas in Argentina, aligning perfectly with Argentina’s celebration of 40 uninterrupted years of democracy.
A unique vision of this historical period, the film focuses on Chief Prosecutor Julio Cesar Strassera, marking an undoubtedly historical event in international trial proceedings.
The Heart of Latin American Cinema
In its 21st edition, the LAFF promises films for every taste, united by a common trait—full of humanity and passion.
The festival serves as a testament to the power of storytelling in capturing the nuances of the human experience, taking audiences on a journey through unfamiliar yet profoundly evocative worlds.
Diverse Films, One Festival
The LAFF’s 21st edition presents a rich tapestry of films, each offering a unique perspective on Latin American life’s social, political, and cultural aspects.
From the touching drama of “The Good Herbs” (Mexico) to the captivating story of resistance in “El Beat” (Colombia), the festival promises a diverse array of narratives.
Highlights of the Latin American Film Festival
The Good Herbs (Mexico)
A touching drama portraying the struggles of a woman with Alzheimer’s disease and her relationship with her daughter.
El Beat (Colombia)
A captivating story of resistance told through the power of music.
The Dolphin, Story of a Dreamer (Peru)
An enchanting, animated film depicting a dolphin’s adventures to explore the world.
The Movie Of My Life (Brazil)
A nostalgic coming-of-age story set in the 1960s, exploring family, love, and identity.
Hilda’s Short Summer (Uruguay)
A poignant drama about a woman whose life is interrupted by her son’s unexpected visit.
I Am The Earth – Stories from the Southern Edge of the World (Chile)
A stunning documentary showcasing Chile’s natural beauty and cultural diversity.
The Special (Venezuela)
An inspiring drama about the tenacity of a young man with Down syndrome who aspires to be treated as a normal adult.
Love In The Dark (Cuba)
Three dark love stories intertwine during a night in La Habana.
“The LAFF is more than just a film festival; it’s an audiovisual art, a sensory-amazing experience—a cultural bridge connecting with the Malaysian public.” – H.E. Manuel Balaguer Salas, Ambassador of Argentina to Malaysia.
Join us in this celebration of Latin American audiovisual art—an experience that will amaze your senses!
Free tickets for GSC Mid Valley and GSC Gurney Plaza in Penang can be collected one hour before showtimes. Don’t miss this chance to explore Latin America through the eyes of its most talented and acclaimed filmmakers. Come and enjoy the magic.
Experience the LAFF Magic! #LAFF2023 #LatinAmericanCinema #FilmFestivalMagic
Photos of the Latin American Film Festival 2023 in Penang courtesy of The GRULAC Embassies.
GSC Gurney Plaza
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