The Second Annual International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival (IPRHFF) kicks off Friday, November 16th at the Mount Sinai Medical Center (Leo C. Stern Theater). The 2012 IPRHFF will showcase pioneering, historically significant films and documentaries, contemporary shorts and features, and other innovative films. Every film will either focus on Puerto Rico and its people or will have personnel of Puerto Rican descent in key roles (production and/or acting). Panel discussions throughout the day will explore film industry related topics, scrutinize the challenges and potential for young Latino filmmakers, and consider the context of Puerto Ricans in the cinema today. Finally, receptions and after-parties throughout the weekend will give participants an opportunity to celebrate their Heritage and network with other industry professionals.
The festival was founded in 2011 by AfterDark CATV PROductions and Caicedo Productions–founders Veronica Caicedo and Felix Leo Campos, both of Puerto Rican descent, created this festival to educate audience on the history, culture and impact of the Puerto Rican community in New York City.
Puerto Ricans were the first and largest Spanish speaking group to migrate and settle in the big apple, paving the way for other Latinos. The Second Annual International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival will continue to acknowledge the presence and contributions of Puerto Rican culture – specifically in El Barrio (Spanish East Harlem). This festival was initiated to pay tribute to Puerto Ricans, while celebrating the richness of their traditions, creative expressions and contributions to the welfare and growth of the United States.
Come experience the heritage for yourself and help support Puerto Rican Film makers as they share their incredible work! For more information please log on at: www.iprhff.com
Background on the IPRHFF founders:
Veronica Caicedo is the CEO, founder and “heart and soul” of Caicedo Productions, Ms. Caicedo is an innovative, director, producer and writer who has overseen more than 25 successful theatrical productions. Drawing upon her urban cultural experiences and extensive creativity, Ms. Caicedo has used her unique vision to produce and/ or direct such projects and plays as “They Call Me LA LUPE” (Starring Lauren Velez of “Dexter”), Patrick Marber’s Closer by Lawrence Dukore, among others.
Félix Leo Campos is the founder AfterDark CAT-V PROductions, a non-profit & tax exempt, multi-media arts organization which provides video production services, Internet and television exposure to many progressive social movements in NYC. The productions feature cultural entertainment across all genres of art, from exhibitions, film & video festivals and screenings, to musical and theatrical performances. They also assist in preparing youth for future employment through workshops conducted in schools and community centers.
Click here for full event schedule.
