narrative featur e s Actores S.A.
Amor de Mis Amores Dir. Carlos Sariñana (Mexico, 95 min., 2013, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Dark Comedy)
Dir. Manolo Caro (Mexico, 95 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Romantic Comedy)
SAT 3/14 / 3:30 / S12 THU 3/19 / 5:45 / S12
SUN 3/15 / 7:30 / S1 SUN 3/15 / 7:45 / S2 TUE 3/17 / 7:00 / DGC SAT 3/21 / 3:00 / S12
Tomás (Raúl Mendez), a struggling actor, is tasked with his adoptive father’s last dying wish: to ensure that the legacy of his theater lives on. However, a duplicitous relative threatens to take over the playhouse, unless Tomás can come up with funds to keep the theater in his father’s name. In an act of desperation, he posts an advertisement stipulating that he and the theater company’s talents can be contracted for jobs outside of the stage. They are hired to stop the wedding of Rebecca, which results in an unforeseen romantic entanglement, promising to steer their mission off course and into dangerous territory in this dark comedy co-starring Iliana Fox and Eugenio Bartilotti. Mexico Today Showcase.
Algún Lugar
Bald Mountain Dir. Guillermo Zouain (Dominican Republic, 71 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Heitor Dhalia (Brazil, 100 min., 2014, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Action/ Western)
SAT 3/14 / 5:30 / DGC TUE 3/17 / 6:10 / S13 WED 3/18 / 5:30 / S13
THU 3/12 / 9:40 / S1 SUN 3/15 / 2:00 / S1 SUN 3/22 / 8:30 / S12
Oliver, a middle class teenager about to graduate from high school, organizes a trip through the Dominican Republic with his two best friends, Hemingway and Moisés. Each has his own reason to embark on the journey. Their trip introduces them to an array of unforgettable characters; and as they evolve past boyhood into the next stage of life, it becomes clear that the only constant is their friendship. Spotlight Films.
El Americano
Set in the early 1980s during one of the largest gold rushes in Brazilian history, Dhalia’s sprawling, stunning cinematic canvas focuses on two friends, Juliano (Juliano Cazarré) and Joaquim (Júlio Andrade), who leave Rio de Janeiro with dreams of striking it rich. They head off to the Amazon, like thousands of others; and soon find that life in the enormous, dangerous mining camps alters dramatically as they struggle to survive. Soon, their obsession with wealth and power changes each of them in different ways and threatens their friendship. A powerful exploration of greed, loyalty, and betrayal, Bald Mountain is a visually captivating western set in Brazil. Spotlight Films Showcase.
Behavior Dir. Ricardo Arnaiz (Mexico/USA, 97 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Animated)
SAT 3/14 / 4:30 / S1 SAT 3/14 / 4:45 / S2 After evil birds threaten to take control of a family’s beloved circus, Cuco, a Mexican parrot, embarks on a thrilling adventure to Hollywood, hoping to enlist the services of El Americano, a television superhero. This sneak-preview of this beautifully animated 3D film features the voice talent of Edward James Olmos, Kate del Castillo, and Adal Ramones. En Familia Showcase.
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Sandra Echeverría, Sebastián Zurita, and Marimar Vega lead an all-star cast in this romantic comedy that proves the possibility of love is truly just one chance encounter away. While Carlos travels to Spain to convince his best friend to attend his wedding, his fiancé, Lucía (Echeverría), accidentally runs over a cyclist named León (Zurita). Sparks fly between the two in what appears to be a classic case of love at first sight. However, Lucía is unaware that León himself is engaged to be married to Ana, the woman he thought was the love of his life. Hi-jinx ensues in a film that plays fast and loose with romantic comedy conventions, to prove that in the case of modern love, everything is possible with an open heart. Spotlight Films Showcase.
S a n D i e g o L at i n o F i l m F e s t i v a l
Dir. Ernesto Daranas Serrano (Cuba, 108 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
FRI 3/13 / 8:00 / S13 TUE 3/17 / 10:00 / S15 SAT 3/21 / 5:00 / S12 Adulthood comes early for Chala, who at 11-years old must provide for himself and his addict mother by raising carrier pigeons and training dogs to fight. School provides a welcome respite for Chala who finds support and guidance in the gregarious Carmela, his teacher and sole advocate. One day, Chala is sent to live in a “re-education facility” much to the outrage of Carmela. She embarks on a crusade to have Chala released, and in the process goes against the obstinate school board who remain unmoved by Carmela’s inspirational cause. Her unwavering tenacity rallies support from her peers, and together they become part of a movement that calls for significant educational reforms. Spotlight Films.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
n ar r ative f e atur e s Blue Desert
Callejero Dir. Eder Santos (Brazil, 94 min., 2014, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Sci Fi)
Dir. Ray Gallardo (USA, 101 min., 2014, English, Drama)
FRI 3/13 / 10:00 / S15 SUN 3/15 / 10:15 / S15 THU 3/19 / 10:45 / S13
MON 3/16 / 6:30 / S13
“He” seeks the elevation of his conscience through dreams and intuition. An enigmatic encounter with his soulmate, Ana, reveals symbols leading to a marked path. His journey through the Blue Desert is his chance to understand the purpose of life and the meanings of human experience. The imagined world in this modern and visually singular science fiction film is a barren and immaterial one; suggesting the only way to find affirmation in ones life is through transcendence. Un Mundo Extraño Showcase.
The Boy and the World Dir. Alê Abreu (Brazil, 80 min., 2014, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Animated)
Javier ran away from the tiny border town of San Luis Rio Colorado when he was a teenager and raised himself in the streets of Tijuana, as an underground fighter for a cartel. Years later, Javier, now known in the ring as El Callejero, is faced with a dilemma: Throw the next fight or face the consequences of a gambling debt owed to the cartel. When things go awry, he’s forced out of the fight game and Tijuana for good. Javier returns home lost and broken. With nowhere else to turn, he tries to build a new life by forging a relationship with his father, his own wayward teenage son, and his son’s mother; all of whom he abandoned a decade earlier. Fronteras Showcase.
O Candidato Honesto Dir. Roberto Santucci (Brazil, 110 min., 2014, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
SAT 3/14 / 2:00 / DGC SAT 3/21 / 1:10 / S12
FRI 3/13 / 5:30 / S2 TUE 3/17 / 4:30 / S1 FRI 3/20 / 10:00 / S13
This wordless, sensuous and uniquely original animated film follows Cuca, a young Brazilian boy who ventures from his simple countryside home into a neon-infused, carnivalesque metropolis in search of his father. A voyage of increasing complexity and beauty, the animation in this vibrant film is a feast for the eyes, and is nourishment for the soul. En Familia Showcase.
Politicians are known to be deceitful, duplicitous, and unscrupulous. Now, what would happen if a political candidate was completely incapable of lying? O Candidato Honesto is a brilliant re-imagining of "Liar Liar," set against the backdrop of corrupt Brazilian politics. Spotlight Showcase.
Las Búsquedas
Casa Grande Dir. José Luis Valle (Mexico, 74 min., 2013, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Fellipe Barbosa (Brazil, 115 min., 2014, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Drama)
FRI 3/13 / 9:05 / S1 TUE 3/17 / 7:55 / S13 FRI 3/20 / 4:00 / S2
THU 3/12 / 6:45 / DGC SUN 3/15 / 3:15 / S15 SUN 3/22 / 5:45 / S12
A man’s inexplicable suicide shatters the mundane life of his wife, Elvira. Ulises (Gustavo Sánchez Parra), meanwhile is the victim of a burglary, when his wallet containing the photo of his murdered wife and daughter is stolen. He embarks on a path to exact revenge; but fate interferes and inexplicably joins him with Elvira. Bonded by tragedy, the two explore the possibility of new beginnings in this elegiac and powerful drama. Mexico Today Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
Jean is a high school senior living a privileged life in an affluent neighborhood in Rio. While racial and class tensions present themselves in various forms, Jean remains oblivious, choosing instead to focus on his primary concern: girls. However, beyond the facade of Jean’s luxurious existence lies the reality of his family’s financial situation, one that indicates his father may be inching toward financial ruin. This causes small, initially inconspicuous changes in Jean’s everyday life. However, his father’s rising desperation and several unexpected circumstances, prompt Jean to contemplate a life without the luxuries he once took for granted. Descocidos Showcase.
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narrative featur e s Casi Treinta
Climas Dir. Alejandro Sugich (Mexico, 96 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Romantic Comedy)
Dir. Enrica Pérez (Peru/Colombia, 84 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
FRI 3/13 / 6:45 / DGC MON 3/16 / 4:15 / S12 SAT 3/21 / 7:45 / S13
FRI 3/13 / 10:30 / S2 SUN 3/15 / 6:45 / DGC THU 3/19 / 7:00 / DGC
Emilio, a young professional living in Mexico City, supposedly has everything he’s ever dreamed of: an amazing job, a beautiful apartment, and the perfect girlfriend. However, as his 30th birthday approaches, he begins questioning his happiness. A trip to his hometown for a friend’s wedding allows him to reconnect with the person he used to be. As he and his friends embark on a series of adventures, Emilio gains the insight to put his life on a track that truly leads to absolute dream fulfilment. Spotlight Films Showcase.
Three unrelated women in Peru are affected by life-altering experiences. A premature sexual experience between a girl on the verge of womanhood and a mysterious visitor reveals a complex and discomforting power dynamic. A secret from the past threatens the stability of a woman who imagined herself to have overcome painful circumstances. The return of an estranged son has unexpected effects on his mother. These three fragmented narratives are different in scope, landscape and climate, but united by their shared admiration for the fortitude of women. Viva Mujeres Showcase.
Ciencias Naturales
Cuatro Lunas Dir. Matías Lucchesi (Argentina, 70 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Sergio Tovar Velarde (Mexico, 110 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
FRI 3/13 / 6:20 / S13 FRI 3/20 / 8:00 / S15
FRI 3/13 / 7:55 / S12 MON 3/16 / 4:30 / DGC SAT 3/21 / 7:30 / S12
Lila, a precocious 12 year-old living in a remote mountainous region in Argentina, is eager to find her biological father. Her mother refuses to offer any details about him to satiate her curiosity; and the only clue that might lead to his whereabouts is an old plaque. She decides to escape with the assistance of her teacher and together they embark on a journey that leads to several surprising revelations. Argentina Showcase.
Ciudad Delirio
Delirium Dir. Chus Gutiérrez (Colombia/ Spain, 99 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Romantic Comedy)
SUN 3/15 / 5:40 / S15 SUN 3/22 / 4:45 / S1 Javier, a shy Spanish doctor on a business trip in Colombia, meets Angie, a beautiful dancer and owner of a prestigious salsa school. He decides to extend his visit in hopes of successfully wooing Angie. The pressure of an important audition for DELIRIO, the most famous salsa show in the world, and their cultural differences create obstacles that impede them from forming a romantic relationship. However, a mixture of potential love and salsa dancing proves to be an undeniably efficient confection in this charming, sexy romantic comedy. Spotlight Films Showcase.
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A mosaic of four stories about love, acceptance, heartbreak, and regret. Mauricio, a shy 11-year old, must deal with the repercussions in his household after a fleeting romp results in a strained relationship with his parents. Fito and Leo, two childhood best friends, reconnect as young adults and forge a passionate, secret relationship. Leo’s refusal to go public, forces Fito to find companionship elsewhere. Heartbroken, Leo must come to terms with his sexuality, hoping to win Fito’s affection again. After a decade together, Hugo and Andres hit a rough patch in their relationship. When an indiscretion is revealed, they put their relationship through a two week trial period, to see if they truly belong together. Joaqúin, an uncelebrated poet and family man, lives his entire life without giving into one desire: to have a sexual experience with another man. An unlikely, complex relationship then alters the course of two lives forever. Cine Gay Showcase.
S a n D i e g o L at i n o F i l m F e s t i v a l
Dir. Carlos Kaimakamian Carrau
(Argentina, 85 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy) THU 3/12 / 4:30 / S1 MON 3/16 / 7:00 / S1 FRI 3/20 / 6:00 / S2 Federico is working a dead-end job and deeply dissatisfied with the status quo. His friends, Mariano and Martín, are aimless in their pursuit of a promising future. The trio strike up a seemingly foolproof plan to find success, fame, and wealth: they will produce a low budget film in hopes that it will be a runaway success. The only thing they need is a recognizable movie star. Through a series of misunderstandings, they manage to book Argentina’s biggest film star, Ricardo Darin (playing himself), who believes he is doing a favor for a friend. The production goes unsurprisingly off-course, leading to a situation that catapults the trio into the center of the public’s eye for all the wrong reasons in this zany comedy. Argentina Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
n ar r ative f e atur e s Desastres Naturales Dir. Bernardo Quesney (Chile, 74 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
En La Estancia Dir. Carlos Armella (Mexico, 106 min., 2013, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
FRI 3/13 / 5:00 / DGC SAT 3/14 / 1:00 / S12 SUN 3/22 / 2:10 / S15
SAT 3/14 / 5:00 / S15 WED 3/18 / 8:40 / DGC SUN 3/22 / 9:30 / S1
Raquel, a teacher who refuses to go calmly into retirement, shows up at her old math classroom and is surprised to find out that she’s been replaced by a much younger instructor. When the new teacher refuses to grant Raquel permission to lead the day’s lesson, the students assist to overthrow her, and reinstate Raquel as classroom instructor. The students vow to hold the the youthful teacher hostage until Raquel gets her old job back. This inadvertently strikes a match that ignites a small revolution at their school in this wild and endlessly entertaining satire. Locuras Maduras Showcase.
Filmmaker Sebastian makes a reverse journey from Mexico City to a mostly abandoned dusty village named La Estancia. Searching for inspiration, and perhaps a better life, he comes across the two sole remaining residents: the aged Don Jesús Vallejo and his son Juan Diego. Fascinated by their isolated lives and Juan Diego’s absolute loneliness, Sebastian starts to film their daily rituals. The improbable but intense friendship that arises is rudely disrupted, when Sebastian returns to the city, although promising to come back. Years later, he keeps his word and brings along his pregnant partner. However, Juan Diego is nowhere to be found; and Sebastian is determined to find his old friend. But what he discovers is truly shocking. Locuras Maduras Showcase.
El Desierto
En La Gama de los Grises Dir. Cristoph Behl (Argentina, 98 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Horror)
Dir. Claudio Marcone (Chile, 98 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
FRI 3/13 / 10:15 / S12 SAT 3/14 / 9:30 / S1 TUE 3/17 9:00 / DGC
SUN 3/15 / 10:00 / S2 THU 3/19 / 4:45 / S1 SUN 3/22 / 12:00 / S15
The aftermath of a catastrophic zombie apocalypse leaves Ana, Jonathan, and Axel stranded inside a dilapidated bunker. Romantic relationships develop in this claustrophobic place; and an awkward dynamic between the three escalates, as Axel begins developing feelings for Ana. Further complicating matters is the arrival of a zombie that Jonathan and Axel have captured. The increasingly hostile living environment elicits savage instincts between the inhabitants, indicating that very little separates humans from zombies, in this fully imagined post-apocalyptic world. Un Mundo Extraño Showcase.
Bruno is a 35 year old architect with what appears, at least superficially, a perfect life. He is married, has a lovely son, and a beautiful house. His life, however, is turned upside down when he meets Fer, a young teacher and tourist guide helping him on an architectural project in the heart of Santiago. Sparks fly between them, causing Bruno to risk putting everything on the line in order to follow his heart. Cine Gay Showcase.
Eddie Reynolds y los Ángeles de Acero
Fachon Models
Dir. Gustavo Moheno (Mexico, 106 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
Dir. Rafael Montero (Mexico, 95 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
FRI 3/13 / 4:30 / S1 MON 3/16 / 7:00 / DGC THU 3/19 / 7:00 / S1
TUE 3/17 / 7:00 / S1 TUE 3/17 / 7:15 / S15 SUN 3/22 / 3:15 / S13
Rock n’ roll dreams are truly magical. For rockero Eddie Reynolds, this dream has almost died. Then a second chance at rock n’ roll fame comes his way, and he needs to mend some much needed relationships, especially with his estranged daughter. With redemption to the tune of a loud guitar, this film plays like a great rock anthem. Get ready to raise your lighters and cheer on Mexico’s acclaimed actor, Damián Alcázar, in this unforgettable movie. Spotlight Films Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
Héctor Jiménez, Eugenio Bartilotti, and Adriana Louvier star in this hilarious comedy about a failed actor struggling to break out of the infomercial world he has been relegated to because of his weight. After encountering Carolina, his grade school crush, he enlists the assistance of his best friend to help him get in shape, hoping to land better roles and of course, Carolina’s heart. Pantelion Presents Showcase.
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narrative featur e s Familia Gang Dir. Armando Casas (Mexico, 103 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Dark Comedy)
SUN 3/15 / 7:10 / S12 MON 3/16 / 10:30 / S12 FRI 3/20 / 7:00 / S1 A high official of the Mexican political system decides to fake the capture and death of The Coyote, Mexico's number one public enemy. To make this happen, he cuts a deal with his family, and informs them that he needs a dead body to pose as a double. Topillero, a hit-man with an unconventional sense of discipline and honesty, is responsible for executing the plan along with Blas, his right hand man. But on this journey he is reunited with his wife and son, whom he abandoned years ago. Familia Gang is a road-movie about gangs and anti-hero families, filled with pitchblack humor and a particular resemblance to Mexico's present-day reality. National University Presents.
Futuro Beach
Gloria Dir. Christian Keller (Mexico, 90 ,2014, Spanish w / English subtitles, Drama)
SAT 3/21 / 7:00 / S1 SAT 3/21 / 7:15 / S2 One of the most controversial pop icons to ever exist finally gets the biopic treatment we have all been waiting for. Gloria Trevi's roller coaster life is on full display in Christian Keller's debut feature film. Whatever you know about Gloria won't prepare you for what you’re about to see. Spotlight Films Showcase.
La Guerra de Manuela Jankovic Dir. Karim Ainouz (Brazil, 106 min., 2014, Portuguese w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Diana Cardozo (Mexico, 93 min., Spanish w /English subtitles, Drama)
FRI 3/13 / 8:15 / S2 TUE 3/16 / 9:15 / DGC SAT 3/21 / 3:30 / S15
SAT 3/14 / 6:00 / S12 TUE 3/17 / 9:50 / S13 SAT 3/21 / 2:30 / S1
Part romance, part inquisitive self-journey, Futuro Beach is a stunning examination of lives lost and found. Donato works as a lifeguard at the spectacular but treacherous Praia do Futuro beach in Brazil; Konrad is an ex-military thrill-seeker from Germany vacationing with a friend. After Donato saves Konrad from drowning, but fails to save his other friend, initial sexual sparks give way to a deeper, emotional connection. Donato decides to leave everything behind, including his ailing mother and younger brother, Ayrton, to travel back to Berlin with Konrad. There, he finds both confusion and liberation, and his journey for love soon turns into a deeper search for his own identity. Cine Gay Showcase.
Mexico 1991: Manuela (Karina Gidi, Abel, Colosio) works as a cook and lives with her grandmother, a Serbian immigrant who escaped to Mexico from World War II. When the Balkans conflict starts in Europe, Manuela and her grandmother revive the anxious moments of war, and prepare themselves as if the conflict were happening right around the corner. Viva Mujeres Showcase.
Gente de Bien
Güeros Dir. Franco Lolli (Colombia/ France, 86 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
THU 3/12 / 5:30 / S13 MON 3/16 / 5:00 / S1 FRI 3/20 / 7:45 / S13 Eric is sent to live with his father, Gabriel, in an indigent sector of Bogota. The two struggle to relate to one another from the get go, establishing an emotionally precarious relationship between father and son. Complicating matters is Eric’s exposure to the wealthy lifestyle of the family that Gabriel does odd handyman jobs for. As Eric gets a taste of what privileged life is really like, he begins forming a strong bond with the opulent family. A series of incidents belie the authenticity of this relationship; as the disparities between the two social classes reveal surprisingly toxic behaviors. Descocidos Showcase.
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Dir. Alonso Ruiz Palacios (Mexico, 106, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
THU 3/12 / 4:00 / S2 WED 3/18 / 9:45 / S12 FRI 3/20 / 7:55 / S2 Tomás is sent to live with his brother, Sombra, after an act of mischief pushes his mother over the edge. Upon arriving, Tomás is surprised that Sombra and his roommate are on “strike” against a student revolt occurring in their college. Without the pressure of academic obligations, the three are free to pursue other interests; mainly making contact with a singer Tomás and Sombra listened to as kids. Dually nostalgic and modern, this black and white ode to French New Wave cinema is an unforgettable experience, marking the arrival of a fantastic new voice in Mexican cinema - Alonso Ruiz Palacios. Mexico Today Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
n ar r ative f e atur e s Los Hamsters Dir. Gil Gonzalez (Mexico, 71 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
TUE 3/17 / 6:00 / S12 SAT 3/21 / 6:30 / DGC This is the life of an ordinary family in Tijuana trying to hide secrets from each other while living under the same roof. Rodolfo leaves for work every day. Beatriz suffers a midlife crisis. Daughter Jessica is in a love triangle. And son Juan, finds out he’s about to be a father. Descosidos Showcase.
Las Horas Contigo
El Incidente Dir. Catalina Aguilar Mastretta (Mexico, 88 min., 2015, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Isaac Ezban (Mexico, 100 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Sci Fi)
SAT 3/14 / 7:00 / S1 MON 3/16 / 8:30 / S12 SUN 3/22 / 4:00 / S15
SAT 3/14 / 8:30 / S12 THU 3/19 / 7:45 / S12 SUN 3/22 / 1:15 / S12
This film tells the story of Ema, a young woman dealing with an unwanted pregnancy, who travels to her grandmother's house to spend the final days with her. There, she is forced to spend time with her estranged, larger than life mother, who has her own unresolved issues when faced with her mother's death. During the long wait, it becomes clear that grandma won't go in peace until mother and daughter resolve their relationship. Spending time with the women gathered around her grandmother, Ema must learn to reconcile the fears and issues she has, not only with her mother but with motherhood itself. This moving drama stars Mario Rojo and Cassandra Ciangherotti in unforgettable roles. Pantelion Presents Showcase.
RaĂşl Mendez stars in this dazzling nail-biter about two brothers being chased by a detective who become trapped in the staircase of a 9-story building, seemingly cut off from the real world. With no way to get in and out, the three are left to decipher the mystery behind their circumstances. Meanwhile, a family is trapped in a never-ending deserted road, also left to try to find answers for their illogical conundrum. As the two initially disparate narratives begin showing similarities, it becomes increasingly clear that both risk being stuck in these loops of time forever in this mind-bending thriller. Science on Screen Showcase.
I Hate Love Dir. Humberto Hinojoza Oscariz (Mexico/ USA, 98 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
THU 3/12 / 6:00 / S12 MON 3/16 / 9:00 / S13 An adolescent love story between two trauma-stricken teenagers: Robo, who loses his hearing after a terrible accident and Eve, who suffers from her mother's emotional issues. Their romance is complicated by his best friend, Cobra, who is infatuated with making Eve his girlfriend. Robo discovers that Eve's mere touch triggers something in his head that sparks his ability to hear; setting in motion their willingness to overcome any obstacle that stands in their way for love. Pantelion Presents Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
S a n D i e g o L at i n o F i l m F e s t i v a l
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narrative featur e s Jauja
Liz In September Dir. Lisandro Alonso (Argentina/Denmark/France, 93 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Fina Torres (Venezuela,100 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
THU 3/12 / 8:20 / S12 SAT 3/14 / 10:00 / S15 SUN 3/22 / 7:00 / DGC
SAT 3/14 / 9:20 / S2 WED 3/18 / 8:40 / S15 SUN 3/22 / 2:00 / S2 A father (Viggo Mortensen) and daughter journey from Denmark to an unknown desert that exists in a realm beyond the confines of civilization in Patagonia. The Argentine desert surrounds these new immigrants with uncivilized surroundings that will challenge the stability of the family unit. Meditative in its pace, this gorgeous drama starring Viggo Mortensen is a genuine cinematic masterpiece. Argentina Showcase.
Liz has known several things since childhood: that she is gay, that beauty is power, and that she would never be a victim. Determined to enjoy the time she has left on earth, she hides her terminal disease from friends. Eva lost her son to cancer; and that pain and guilt have tarnished the relationship with her husband. Against all odds, these two opposite women encounter one another; it changes their lives, and begins new standards where love, life, and death away from morals, play as simple steps of nature. Cine Gay Showcase.
Lake Los Angeles
María Montez Dir. Mike Ott (USA, 85 min., 2014, English & Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Vicente Peñarrocha (Dominican Republic, 99 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles)
SAT 3/14 / 9:20 / S13 SUN 3/15 / 4:45 / S13 SUN 3/22 / 7:30 / S13
WED 3/18 / 7:10 / S13 SUN 3/22 / 5:30/ S13 Cecilia is a 10 year old girl from Mexico. When she ends up on her own, she turns the desert of central California into a fantastical world creating characters and stories to make the hopelessness of the empty landscape a survivable habitat. She goes on this journey with Francisco, a middle-aged Cuban immigrant working at a holding house. Through their navigation of what was supposed to be both Francisco and Cecilia's promised land, they find a common hope in each other, while journeying through the hauntingly beautiful and desolate world that is Lake Los Angeles. The third in Mike Ott's acclaimed Antelope Valley Trilogy. Spotlight Films Showcase.
The story of Maria Montez, the legendary exotic and glamorous Dominican actress who achieved fame and popularity in Hollywood and Europe until her untimely death in 1951. There is more to this story, as we see the joys and pain of a starlet who experienced more lost loves than she should have, and who truly sacrificed certain happiness for her career. Still finding joy in her work though, Maria was always beautiful and full of life. A gem celebrating one of the great talents in cinema history and a true trailblazer.
La Leyenda de Las Momias de Guanajuato
Mateo
Dir. Alberto Rodriguez (Mexico, 84 min., 2014, Spanish, Animated)
Dir. Maria Gamboa (Colombia, 86 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
SUN 3/15 / 12:45 / S13
SAT 3/14 / 2:30 / S13 WED 3/18 / 7:00 / S1 SUN 3/22 / 1:00 / S13
A young adventurer and his friends arrive in Guanajuato, and realize that there’s something strange going on. The town’s legendary mummies are alive and if that’s not enough, they’ve kidnapped their friend, Xoxhitl. The adventures of the characters take place in the main touristic attractions of Guanajuato, highlighting the historic and legendary parts of the city. En Familia Showcase.
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Mateo, 16, collects extortion money on behalf of his uncle and uses his pay to help out his mother, who grudgingly accepts the ill-gotten money out of need. They live by themselves in the poor, violent neighborhoods alongside the Magdalena River valley in Colombia. To prove his worth, Mateo agrees to infiltrate a local theatre group to uncover its members’ political activities. As he becomes enthralled with the free-flowing creative lifestyle of the troupe, his uncle escalates demands on him to produce incriminating information on the actors. Under pressure, Mateo must make difficult choices. HBO Latino Presents.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
n ar r ative f e atur e s Messi
Muerte En Buenos Aires Dir. Alex De La Iglesia (Spain, 97 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Biopic)
Dir. Natalia Meta (Argentina, 90 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
SAT 3/14 / 7:15 / S13 MON 3/16 / 4:20 / S13 SAT 3/21 / 12:20 / S1
FRI 3/13 / 7:00 / S1 WED 3/18 / 9:00 / S1 SUN 3/22 / 9:20 / S13
Messi is the name of perhaps the greatest player in the history of soccer. This endearing documentary/biopic hybrid captures the spirit of the unlikeliest superstar playing in any professional sport today. Iglesia's brilliant cinematic lens captures Messi's awe-inspiring prowess of the sport. A true experience for any supporter of the beautiful game. Spotlight Showcase.
Mexico’s Most Wanted
Buenos Aires in the 1980s. Detective Chavez (Demian Bichir), a family man and a tough cop, once again must solve a mysterious crime. To reveal the identity of the murderer, Chavez must clarify the enigma, waiting in ambush to capture his own heart. Passion surprises even the most astute detective. What will triumph: law or desire? Argentina Showcase.
Navajazo Dir. José Manuel Cravioto (Mexico, 101 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Action)
FRI 3/13 / 7:30 / S15 TUE 3/17 / 9:30 / S1 SUN 3/22 / 6:00 / S15
Dir. Ricardo Silva (Mexico, 75 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama/ Documentary)
SAT 3/21 / 10:30 / S15
From producer Fernando Rovzar (Casa de Mi Padre) comes the story of Alfredo Ríos Galeana (Tenoch Huerta), Mexico’s public enemy number one during the 1980s. When he wasn’t sticking up banks, Alfredo spent his time singing charreadas wearing a Mexican wrestling mask. The film’s narrative seems too far-fetched to be factual; but ultimately proves that truth is indeed oftentimes stranger than fiction. Mexico Today Showcase.
Ricardo Silva’s debut feature imagines Tijuana as the setting of an impending social apocalypse. While some of the characters are recognizable and relatable, others are depraved and reproachable. In the end, however, it becomes evident that each one of them is merely trying to survive in an increasingly hostile environment. By mixing fiction and documentary, the film challenges our notion of voyeurism, by presenting us with the raw “truth” of the human condition when faced with adversity. Prepare to be shocked and wowed, but remember, telling yourself “it’s only a movie” won’t help. Mature Audiences Only (Explicit Content). Locuras Maduras Showcase.
Mr. Kaplan
Nena, Saludame Al Diego Dir. Alvaro Brechner (Uruguay, 98 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Dark Comedy)
Dir. Andrea Herrera Catala (Venezuela, 101 min., 2013, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
SAT 3/21 / 5:30 / S13
FRI 3/13 / 4:00 / S12 THU 3/19 / 8:00 / S13 SAT 3/21 / 4:45 / S1
Mr. Kaplan is a 70 year old Jewish man living in South America; and is virtually a stranger to his family and has lost his way in life. He becomes convinced that a quiet German man who frequents a nearby beach is a runaway Nazi. Mr. Kaplan sets a plan in motion to kidnap the German and send him to Israel. Along the way, he will forge a friendship with the unlikeliest of individuals: a modern-day Sancho Panza who is also adrift in life, in this winning dark comedy. Spotlight Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
When Sofia returns to Venezuela after studying abroad, she finds that her mother, a television producer, is primed to launch Sofia’s career as a television star of a show spotlighting Venezuelan culture. However, Sofia has pledged her allegiance to all things Argentinian, and is reluctant to take on the position, causing undue stress on their relationship. Viva Mujeres Showcase.
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narrative featur e s El Objeto Antes Llamada Disco
Paraíso
Dir. Gregory Allen (Mexico, 80 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Documentary)
Dir. Mariana Chenillo (Mexico, 105 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
SUN 3/15 / 1:00 / S2 THU 3/19 / 9:45 / S15 SAT 3/21 / 6:00 / S15
THU 3/12 / 4:30 / DGC SUN 3/15 / 5:10 / S2 SAT 3/21 / 9:45 / S1
This concert documentary follows superstar rock group Café Tacvba as they record their most recent album. The film merges live concert footage with the band’s philosophical musings on the methods they’re utilizing to record their album. The result is pure visual lyricism as the music comes to life and the audience is engaged with the intimate creative process of Café Tacvba. Documania Showcase.
Carmen and Alfredo have a wonderful life in Ciudad Satélite, a middle-class suburban area near México City. Their relationship is stable; they get along well; and they have family and friends close by. But everything changes when a professional opportunity requires them to move into the noisy and stressful Federal District (México City proper). Their relationship becomes cold and calculating, as they attempt to achieve perfection in their new setting, in this comedy from Mariana Chenillo (dir. of Cinco Días Sin Nora). Mexico Today Showcase.
Olvidados
The Princess of France Dir. Carlos Bolado (Bolivia, 110 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Matías Piñeiro (Argentina, 67 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
THU 3/12 / 8:00 / S13 SUN 3/15 / 2:50 / S2
THU 3/12 / 9:55 / S2 SUN 3/15 / 3:30 / S12 WED 3/18 / 7:00 / DGC
Damián Alcázar stars in Olvidados, an unbelievably powerful film that takes place during the Operation Condor campaigns in South America. This system of military repression coordinated in the '70s by the dictators of Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay took away all possibilities for freedom and peace; and these repressive dictatorships carried out the worst bloodshed and painful era in modern history. Spotlight Showcase.
Las Oscuras Primaveras
Relocos Y Repasados Dir. Ernesto Contreras (Mexico, 100 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Manuel Facal (Uruguay, 97 min., 2013, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
SUN 3/22 / 7:00 / S1 SUN 3/22 / 7:15 / S2
SAT 3/14 / 10:45 / S12 WED 3/18 / 9:20 / S13 SAT 3/21 / 10:20 / S12
Igor and Pina deeply desire each other, but they are not free. Each has a set of personal circumstances that averts them from one another. A monotonous marriage and a young son are the explicit causes, but their own frustrations and fears are the real causes of their internal struggle. Spring will come to finally liberate them, filling their lives with passion and guilt in this passionate drama starring Cecilia Suárez & José María Yazpik. Mexico Today Showcase.
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Victor returns to Buenos Aires after the unfortunate death of his father. To cope, he focuses his energy on a re-imagining of Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost. The cast is comprised of women he’s had varying degrees of romantic entanglements with. The undeniable chemistry between Victor and his leading women leads to several passionate developments. It becomes extremely evident to this director that life is imitating art, in this whimsical romp by acclaimed Argentine auteur, Matías Piñeiro. Argentina Showcase.
S a n D i e g o L at i n o F i l m F e s t i v a l
When Elias finds a hidden case containing five different types of drugs, he convinces his best friend, Andrés, and three other pals to take each drug. A myriad of unfortunate events threaten to ruin their high in the stoner comedy to end all stoner comedies. Locuras Maduras Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
n ar r ative f e atur e s Riding 79
tHE SPANISH VERSION OF Drácula (1931) Dir. Karola Hawk (Puerto Rico, 80 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
SUN 3/15 / 4:30 / S1 THU 3/19 / 10:15 / S12
Dir: Enrique Tovar Ávalos (uncredited), George Melford (USA, 104 min., 1931, Spanish w/ English Subtitles, Horror)
SUN 3/22 / 1:00 / DGC
Co-Presented by the House of Puerto Rico. Dealing with the loss of a father and his mother’s emotional abandonment, a teenage boy becomes fixated on a dancer named Stella. When he finds out she is performing 79 miles away from his home in San Juan, he becomes determined to do whatever it takes for him to meet his idol.
In 1931, while Tod Browning was directing Bela Lugosi in his timeless film, another cast and crew would take over the sets at night to shoot their own version of the same film in Spanish language with Spanish-speaking actors. The cast and crew were mostly from Spanish-speaking countries, including Mexico, Spain, and different parts of Central and South America. The Mexican director Enrique Tovar Ávalos was uncredited in favor of his American co-director George Melford, who couldn't speak Spanish. Since it was filmed at night after Tod Browning wrapped his version for the day, the Spanish version's crew had access to dailies, which they were able to improve upon for their own version. This has led to many people concluding that the Spanish version is a more dynamic cinematic achievement than it's better-known counterpart. This film was thought lost until a print was found in the 1970s.
Samurai
Stockholm Dir. Gaspar Scheuer (Argentina, 96 min., 2012, Japanese and Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Rodrigo Sorogoyen (Spain, 90 min., 2013, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drma)
SUN 3/15 / 9:30 / S1 FRI 3/20 / 9:40 / S12 SUN 3/22 / 9:15 / DGC
SAT 3/14 / 7:30 / S15 SUN 3/22 / 11:30 AM / S2 Argentina in the 19th century. Takeo, a young Japanese immigrant, decides to go alone into the mountains, searching for the mythical Samurai, Saigo Takamori. According to Takeo's grandfather, the Samurai was exiled in Argentina and is rebuilding a new army to go back to Japan and defeat the emperor. On his way, Takeo meets Sin Brazos, an Argentine army veteran, who claims to know where Takamori is hidden. The two embark on an exciting adventure in search of the legendary Samurai.
Romance is written in the stars for two strangers that meet at a party. After a long night of flirting, meaningful conversations, and an unexpected bit of streaking, the two decide to spend the night together. An unexpected twist then reveals something darker and more sinister, in this tale that pushes relationships to realms of erratic and incomprehensible human behavior. Locuras Maduras Showcase.
Selección Canina
Tercer Grado Dir. Carlos Pimenta, Nathan Sifuentes (Mexico, 90 min., 2014, Spanish, Animated)
WED 3/18 / 6:30 / S15 Animated futbol? Yes please! This fun and vibrant animated feature is all about the beautiful game. A soccer team made up of canines must learn the value of teamwork in order to beat their foes. This film features a large ensemble voice cast of Mexican actors led by Fernando Luján, Plutarco Haza, Raúl Araiza, Maite Perroni, Pierre Angelo, Sergio Corona, Manuel “Loco” Valdés and Gaspar Henaine “Capulina”, with Mexican soccer players, Jorge Campos, Alberto García Aspe, Luis Roberto “Alves” Zague, Germán Villa, and Mexican legends José Ramón Fernández, Enrique “Perro” Bermúdez and Cristian Martinoli. En Familia Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
Dir. Geoffrey Cowper (Spain, 80 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Action)
SAT 3/14 / 5:25 / S13 FRI 3/20 / 9:50 / S15 SAT 3/21 / 10:15 / S13 On his first weekend of parole after five years in prison, Mark Rodriguez witnesses the armed robbery of a security van. His brother's critical situation and his own feelings of remorse will lead him to take desperate measures. His only help will be a young, sexy stripper he met the night before. This electric and grungy thriller paints a picture of desperation in a world devoid of hope. Spotlight Showcase.
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narrative featur e s La Tercera Orilla
Ulises y Los 10,000 Bigotes Dir. Celina Murga (Argentina, 92 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Manuel Carames (Mexico, 100 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
FRI 3/13 / 4:15 / S13 WED 3/18 / 7:15 / S12 SAT 3/21 / 10:00 / S2
SAT 3/14 / 11:30 AM / S1 WED 3/18 / 4:30 / DGC SUN 3/22 / 11:30 AM / S2
Seventeen-year-old Nicolas lives with his mother and younger siblings in a small provincial city. His estranged father, Jorge, a respected doctor, has decided that Nicolas will be his successor in both his medical practice and agricultural business. Nicolas is pressured by his father's steps to prepare him for this responsibility, leaving no room for the teenager's feelings. Nicolas obeys his father, but he hates him. He has seen his mother suffer because of Jorge's double life. The first one with his official family, and the other one with Nicolas' family, not acknowledged publicly. As tensions between father and son rise, Nicolas realizes that he must make a choice and take action toward his own future. Argentina Showcase.
Though it sounds incredible, 9-year old Ulises grows a huge mustache from one day to the next. This situation starts a series of extraordinary events for him, his mother and his best friends, Marcelino and Lula. From this moment on, they will have to face this hairy adventure in the company of a bunch of very curious characters who are part of the “10,000 Mustache Club.” Get the facial hair ready for an unforgettable party! En Familia Showcase.
Todos Están Muertos
Vacaciones En Familia Dir. Beatriz Sanchís (Mexico/Spain, 93 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy/Drama)
Dir. Ricardo Carrasco (Chile, 90 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
THU 3/12 / 10:30 / S13 SAT 3/14 / 7:20 / S2 FRI 3/20 / 5:30 / S13
THU 3/12 / 9:45 / S15 THU 3/19 / 7:30 / S15 SUN 3/22 / 2:45 / S1 Ever since her brother died, Lupe has lived an agoraphobic life and is constantly at odds with her teenage son and her superstitious Mexican mother (Angélica Aragón). It takes a drastic Day of the Dead ritual to wake her up and teach her the value of truly saying goodbye. With a classic rock en español vibe, this dramedy delivers beautifully subtle performances amidst a magical realism backdrop. Spotlight Showcase.
Topos Dir. Emiliano Romero (Argentina, 100 min., 2012, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
SUN 3/15 / 8:40 / DGC FRI 3/20 / 10:15 / S2 In a future Argentina, the class divide has become so great that most people live desperate lives in the tunnels beneath the city like moles, while the elite live in comfort on the surface. One human mole, however, deceivingly makes his way into a surface dance academy, where he attempts to break free of the confines of his class. Topos defies categorization, choosing to supplement the class conflict themes with extremely stylish cinematography and art design. Director Emiliano Romero takes full advantage of the visual language of film to present an exaggerated and hallucinatory world. Un Mundo Extraño.
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The Kelly family once enjoyed an affluent lifestyle but have recently fallen on hard times. Despite this reality, they continue to maintain an air of aristocracy about them. They go so far as to lie to their neighbors about their vacation plans, telling them they’ll be spending summer in Brazil. However, when obligated to follow through with their lie, they find themselves creating a fictionalized vacation that causes more trouble than they bargained for. This entertaining romp from Chile will have you wanting more of this epically terrible family. Descosidos Showcase.
Vacas con Gafas Dir. Alex Santiago Perez (Puerto Rico, 93 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
SUN 3/15 / 12:00 / S1 FRI 3/20 / 9:15 / S1 SUN 3/22 / 4:30 / S2 Marso, a lonely and eccentric painter and art professor, faces inevitable eyeloss due to a sudden illness. This drives him to attempt to rectify the relationship he has with his daughter as he reconcil.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
n ar r ative f e atur e s La Vida Después
La Visita Dir. David Pablos (Mexico, 90 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
Dir. Mauricio Lopez Fernandez (Chile/ Argentina, 82 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
THU 3/12 / 9:00 / DGC SUN 3/15 / 9:30 / S12
SAT 3/14 / 3:00 / S15 TUE 3/17 / 4:15 / S13 THU 3/19 / 5:30 /S13
Rodrigo and Samuel are brothers who have drifted apart over the course of their adolescence, and are now living strangers under one roof. Their mother, an individual suffering from mental instability, abandons them one day without notice. The two set out to find her, and make their way towards their family vacation site; the only place that has ever created warm shared memories between them. Along the way, they come to terms with their fractured relationship, and learn that forgiveness isn’t always a guarantee when it comes to family. Mexico Today Showcase.
The son of a housekeeper who works for a conservative rural family, comes back to his homeland due to his father’s untimely death. He is expected to replace the male figure in the household; but has decided to undertake a major change during his absence, returning totally transformed as a woman. Cine Gay Showcase.
La Vida Inesperada
Visitantes Dir. Jorge Torregrossa (Spain, 105 min., 2013, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Comedy)
Dir. Acán Coen (Mexico, 100 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Thriller)
SUN 3/15 / 8:00 / S15 THU 3/19 / 9:30 / S1 SUN 3/22 / 9:45 / S2
THU 3/12 / 7:00 / S1 THU 3/12 / 7:15 / S2 SUN 3/15 / 4:30 / DGC SUN 3/22 / 10:00 / S15
Juanito is an actor who went to New York looking for fame. Many years have passed, and he has yet to experience the success he hoped for. When his cousin comes to visit, who apparently has "everything one expects to have,” Juanito is forced to come clean about his feigned success. Both men are challenged to discover what’s truly important in life. This comedy is about those chance moments when an opportunity can either be taken advantage of, or left to remain unfulfilled. Spotlights Films Showcase.
El Vientre
Dr. Ana Moreno (Kate del Castillo) has managed to leave her tumultuous past behind, successfully building a strong and happy family. Her husband, Daniel (Raúl Méndez) is a successful engineer, and they are blessed with their great son, Sebastian (André Collin). Her established tranquility begins to crumble when dark spirits begin to torment her. As these apparitions begin to prey on her family, Ana must do whatever it takes to ensure the safety of her loved ones in this unforgettable supernatural thriller. Pantelion Presents Showcase.
La Voz En Off Dir. Daniel Rodríguez Risco (Peru, 85 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Thriller)
Dir. Cristián Jiménez (Chile, 96 min., 2014, Spanish w/ English subtitles, Drama)
SUN 3/15 / 5:15 / S12 MON 3/16 / 9:30 / S1 FRI 3/20 / 7:00 / DGC
SUN 3/15 / 9:10 / S13 FRI 3/20 / 7:30 / S12 SUN 3/22 / 10:45 / S12
Mercedes is an orphan who is desperate for work. In her desperation, she goes to work as a maid for the lonely, widowed Silvia, who lives a solitary existence in a rundown mansion. While there, she catches the eye of Jaime, a backpacker scraping by as a handyman. Unknown to both of them, however, is Silvia’s devious plan to get Mercedes pregnant; and then to claim the baby as her own at all costs. This dark, twisted tale will leave you with a new perspective on family planning. Un Mundo Extraño Showcase.
Note: screening times & dates subject to change.
Sofía lives in Valdivia. She is a vegetarian and has two children she adores, but recently everything has been going wrong for her. Looking for peace after her recent separation, she decides to take a vote of silence in reverse: no mobile phone, no TV, no Internet, and no books for a year. However, her peace is short-lived: her father decides to leave her mother, her elder sister returns to Chile with her belligerent attitude, her children are obsessed with eating meat, and without looking for it, Sofia learns an uncomfortable truth about her father. Descosidos Showcase.
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