Paramount Home Media Distribution will be unleashing Christopher Landon's 'Paranormal Activity' franchise accompaniment 'Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones' onto Blu-ray, DVD and VOD from 8 April. The Blu-ray Combo edition will come complete with a theatrical version as well as an extended and unrated cut and will even include a heap of additional found footage. The semi-sequel will arrive for a digital release on 18 March, and stars Richard Cabral, Carlos Pratts, Eddie J. Fernandez, Jorge Diaz, David Fernandez Jr., Kimberly Ables Jindra, Tonja Kahlens and Frank Salinas. Check out the deets below....
- 2/25/2014
- Horror Asylum
(Cbr) The found-footage "Paranormal Activity" film series is a machine: since 2009, there have been five films released thus far, with at least two more yet to come. But in the latest installment, the spinoff "The Marked Ones", new characters pick up the camera where their predecessors left off, this time following the transformation of a high school graduate named Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) into the minion of a dark and evil force, as his two friends Carlos (Jorge Diaz) and Marisol (Gabrielle Walsh) try to help him. Spinoff recently sat down with the film’s director, Christopher Landon, for a quick chat,...
- 1/13/2014
- by Todd Gilchrist, Comic Book Resources
- Hitfix
New Paranormal Activity 5 movie delivered weird thrills,crazy ending & more. Paramount Pictures released their new horror/thriller flick, "Paranormal Activity 5: The Marked Ones" into theaters this weekend. I just watched it, and thought it was pretty entertaining for the most part. It stars: Richard Cabral, Carlos Pratts, Eddie J. Fernandez, Jorge Diaz, David Fernandez Jr., Kimberly Ables Jindra, Tonja Kahlens, and Frank Salinas. In the new flick, the storyline picked up in June 2012 with a major party going down in Oxnard, California. From there, the film revolved around new character, Jesse, and his friends in a Latino community. The storyline was kind of slow at first. However, things quickly picked up after Jesse discovers he's gotten a strange bite mark on his wrist. From there, he's able to start doing amazing things like defy the laws of gravity, throw people across the room with little effort, blow up an...
- 1/5/2014
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
New Paranormal Activity 5 teaser clip shows demonic hand grabbing action & more. Recently, Paramount Pictures dropped this new, teaser clip (below) for their upcoming "Paranormal Activity 5: The Marked Ones" horror/thriller flick, and it looks pretty creepy, showing a flurry of disturbing scenes that cap off with main character Jesse, being possessed and grabbing hold of some old lady trying to do a seance or something along the lines. Check it out, below. The movie stars: Richard Cabral, Carlos Pratts, Eddie J. Fernandez, Jorge Diaz, David Fernandez Jr., Kimberly Ables Jindra, Tonja Kahlens, and Frank Salinas. In the new flick, the focus will shift to a Latino family and community, located in Oxnard,California. Some guy, named Jesse, will start to get possessed by the same entity that possessed Katy and the others. It will feature a ton of new, very violent and spooky scenes. It's set to show up in theaters on January 3rd,...
- 12/30/2013
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
Watch a new clip from Paramount Pictures' latest Paranormal Activity horror. The Marked Ones opens in theaters on Jaznuary 3rd, 2014, and stars Andrew Jacobs, Molly Ephraim, Richard Cabral and Jorge Diaz. Christopher Landon directed and wrote the film which tells of Jesse (Jacobs) is "marked" and is pursued by mysterious forces while his family and friends try to save him. The Marked Ones also includes Jessica Tyler Brown, Eddie J. Fernandez, Carlos Pratts, Chloe Csengery, David Fernandez Jr., Noemi Gonzalez and Julian Works.
- 12/30/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
The Paranormal Activity franchise continues with the latest installment called The Marked Ones. Now we have a new clip from the horror directed by Christopher Landon starring Andrew Jacobs, Molly Ephraim, Richard Cabral, Jorge Diaz, Jessica Tyler Brown, Eddie J. Fernandez, Carlos Pratts, Chloe Csengery, David Fernandez Jr., Noemi Gonzalez and Julian Works. The film opens on January 3rd, 2014. Jesse (Andrew Jacobs) is "marked" and is pursued by mysterious forces while his family and friends try to save him.
- 12/27/2013
- Upcoming-Movies.com
New Paranormal Activity 5 second international movie trailer hit the net. Recently, this new,2nd,international movie trailer (below) for the upcoming "Paranormal Activity 5: The Marked Ones," hit the net, and it features a couple of new scenes with the new Latino crew that will be featured ,and things get crazy,freaking weird as new guy, Jessie, is marked and ready for possession whether he wants it or not. Check it out,below. The movie stars: Richard Cabral, Carlos Pratts, Eddie J. Fernandez, Jorge Diaz, David Fernandez Jr., Kimberly Ables Jindra, Tonja Kahlens, and Frank Salinas. In the new flick, the focus will be directed towards a Latino community in Oxnard,California. Some guy, named Jesse, will start to get possessed by the same entity that possessed Katy and the others, and more. It's set to arrive in theaters on January 3rd,2014.
- 11/25/2013
- by Andre
- OnTheFlix
New Paranormal Activity 5,The Marked Ones first movie trailer hit the net today. Earlier today, Paramount Pictures dropped the very first movie trailer (below) for their upcoming "Paranormal Activity 5: The Marked Ones" horror,thriller flick, and it looks pretty freaky and odd as they take the thrills to the Latino community in Oxnard,California. Some guy, named Jesse will start to get possessed by the same entity that possessed Katy and the others. It also features a ton of new, very violent and spooky scenes. They're definitely getting creative with the franchise. Check it out,below. The movie stars: Richard Cabral, Carlos Pratts, Eddie J. Fernandez, Jorge Diaz, David Fernandez Jr., Kimberly Ables Jindra, Tonja Kahlens, and Frank Salinas. No official synopsis has been released yet. It's scheduled to hit theaters on January 3rd,2014.
- 10/17/2013
- by Derek
- OnTheFlix
As repetitive as the Paranormal Activity franchise has become (though that doesn't seem to deter it's many fans), I do have to admit it has created for itself a very deep mythology. So deep in fact that it warrants a spin-off in the form of Paranormal Acticity: The Marked Ones. Hinted at in the after credits sequence of Paranormal Activity 4, the spin-off features a new cast of Latino characters, including Richard Cabral, Jorge Diaz, Carlos Pratts, and Eddie J. Fernandez, mixing it up with the coven of witches who have causing trouble behind the scenes in it's parent series. The trailer below promises exactly what we have come to expect from the found footage series, with a bit more action thrown in for good measure. Released: 3rd January 2014...
- 10/17/2013
- by noreply@blogger.com (Tom White)
- www.themoviebit.com
Whilst 'Paranormal Activity' takes a break from its usual annual output and places the planned fifth installment on hiatus until Halloween 2015 you can take some solace in the fact that a spin off chapter is heading our way in the next few months. 'Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones' is the Christopher Landon helmed project which doesn't directly connect to the main set of movies instead concentrates on other characters and events much like '[Rec] Genesis' did last year. Now finally Paramount have revealed the trailer which you can check out below. Landon has penned all the sequels thus far in the series and this is his first time behind the camera on the franchise. Carlos Pratts, Richard Cabral, Jorge Diaz, Kimberly Ables Jindra, Eddie J. Fernandez, Hector Luis Bustamante, Crystal Santos and Tonja Kahlens all star....
- 10/17/2013
- Horror Asylum
Did you know that Hulu has a Latino channel? Not only is it a place to catch up on your favorite novelas like "La Seleccion", or English-language TV shows like "The Bridge" but it also houses a decent collection of indie Latino films. We combed through the selections and here are LatinoBuzz's top picks of Latino films to watch for free on Hulu.
P.S. There are a ton of movies on there, so look out for more picks in the weeks to come!
Love, Concord
Gus Guardado is a high school video production teacher who always dreamed of making a film. He wrote a script, set in his hometown of Concord, California and loosely based on his own life. It took a couple of years to put together enough money to shoot his indie rom-com but he was determined to make it happen. Thanks to Guardado, Love, Concord is the first film ever set in the San Francisco suburb. It's a teenage love story much like the classic eighties movies that John Hughes is famous for. And just like in Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink it's an honest, authentic portrayal of teenagers. In the film, Gerry (Jorge Diaz) is in his Junior year of high school. He's a class clown willing to do anything for a laugh but totally clueless when it comes to the ladies. He plays basketball, old school video games, and asks everyone for advice on how to win over girls. Finally, he decides to just be himself and it works. He charms Melinda (Angelina Leon), a cute nerdy girl who isn't afraid to fire back her own sarcastic remarks when Gerry pokes fun at her. It's a funny, cute, witty teen romance where the characters just happen to be Latino and refreshingly, none of them are gangbangers, drug dealers, or end up pregnant. It might just be the Latino Say Anything.
Infancia clandestina (Clandestine Childhood)
Infancia clandestina (Clandestine Childhood) draws from the director's own life experience in Argentina. Benjamin Avila's story takes place in the late ‘70s when a military junta was in power and carried out a dirty war, targeting leftists. Young Juan and his family have been living in Cuba, in exile, because of his parent's involvement with Montoneros, a group of leftist guerillas. His parents decide to return to Argentina with their other comrades to fight against the dictatorship. They enter the country under assumed identities with fake passports—Juan's new name is Ernesto. His family is always under threat of being found out, they are in a constant state of fear. Then at his new school he meets Maria, develops a crush, and everything changes. The film won ten awards at the Premios Sur, Argentina's equivalent of the Oscars and was their official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Alamar
In an effort to create an intimate environment for his, Alamar, Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio wrote, directed, shot, and edited the picture himself. Set in a small house on stilts that sits above the crystal-clear blue waters of the Yucatan Peninsula, it explores the bond between a father and son as they share a fishing trip together. In this documentary, five year-old Natan travels from Italy to spend time with his long-haired father in Mexico who lives along the edge of the coral reefs on Banco Chinchorro. His dad, a Mexi-hippie who fishes by diving into the water with a spear in hand, exposes him to the beauty that sits below the surface of the crisp blue ocean. They spend their days catching fish, gutting them, cooking them, and eating them. They chase birds and try to avoid the alligator that sometimes comes around. They enjoy each other's company in a world that is far removed from everyday conveniences and distractions. It's a quiet and tender film that takes you to a faraway place–time slows down and the days blend into each other. You are transported–gently swaying in a hammock, listening to an old radio and the seagulls flying overhead. It's like a relaxing vacation from the typical super-hero, shoot ‘em up, explosion-filled Hollywood films. Like all vacations, you need to take a deep breath, relax, and force yourself to slow-down–you might resist at first but soon enough you'll enjoy it's calm, tranquil pace.
Abre los ojos (Open Your Eyes)
Even if you've never heard of Abre los Ojos, you've probably seen the mediocre American remake, Vanilla Sky, starring Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, and (the semi-Latina) Cameron Diaz. The Spanish original is so much better. Cesar (Eduardo Noriega), is a rich, handsome playboy (what a stretch!) who romances multiple ladies, including his best friend's girlfriend (Penelope Cruz). His double-crossing ways come back to bite him in the ass, when a jealous, scorned lover takes him for a ride (literally) and purposely crashes her car with both of them in it. The rest of the film is a magical dreamscape of puzzling scenarios. Every other scene you are left wondering what's actually real. Did he survive the crash? Was it a nightmare, a figment of his imagination, or just a tragic accident? Did his night of love with Penelope Cruz actually happen? And why is she always she dressed as a mime? This noir sci-fi thriller will confuse you, take twists and turns, and leave you completely entranced.
Written by Vanessa Erazo. LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow @LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook.
P.S. There are a ton of movies on there, so look out for more picks in the weeks to come!
Love, Concord
Gus Guardado is a high school video production teacher who always dreamed of making a film. He wrote a script, set in his hometown of Concord, California and loosely based on his own life. It took a couple of years to put together enough money to shoot his indie rom-com but he was determined to make it happen. Thanks to Guardado, Love, Concord is the first film ever set in the San Francisco suburb. It's a teenage love story much like the classic eighties movies that John Hughes is famous for. And just like in Sixteen Candles, The Breakfast Club, and Pretty in Pink it's an honest, authentic portrayal of teenagers. In the film, Gerry (Jorge Diaz) is in his Junior year of high school. He's a class clown willing to do anything for a laugh but totally clueless when it comes to the ladies. He plays basketball, old school video games, and asks everyone for advice on how to win over girls. Finally, he decides to just be himself and it works. He charms Melinda (Angelina Leon), a cute nerdy girl who isn't afraid to fire back her own sarcastic remarks when Gerry pokes fun at her. It's a funny, cute, witty teen romance where the characters just happen to be Latino and refreshingly, none of them are gangbangers, drug dealers, or end up pregnant. It might just be the Latino Say Anything.
Infancia clandestina (Clandestine Childhood)
Infancia clandestina (Clandestine Childhood) draws from the director's own life experience in Argentina. Benjamin Avila's story takes place in the late ‘70s when a military junta was in power and carried out a dirty war, targeting leftists. Young Juan and his family have been living in Cuba, in exile, because of his parent's involvement with Montoneros, a group of leftist guerillas. His parents decide to return to Argentina with their other comrades to fight against the dictatorship. They enter the country under assumed identities with fake passports—Juan's new name is Ernesto. His family is always under threat of being found out, they are in a constant state of fear. Then at his new school he meets Maria, develops a crush, and everything changes. The film won ten awards at the Premios Sur, Argentina's equivalent of the Oscars and was their official entry for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Alamar
In an effort to create an intimate environment for his, Alamar, Pedro Gonzalez-Rubio wrote, directed, shot, and edited the picture himself. Set in a small house on stilts that sits above the crystal-clear blue waters of the Yucatan Peninsula, it explores the bond between a father and son as they share a fishing trip together. In this documentary, five year-old Natan travels from Italy to spend time with his long-haired father in Mexico who lives along the edge of the coral reefs on Banco Chinchorro. His dad, a Mexi-hippie who fishes by diving into the water with a spear in hand, exposes him to the beauty that sits below the surface of the crisp blue ocean. They spend their days catching fish, gutting them, cooking them, and eating them. They chase birds and try to avoid the alligator that sometimes comes around. They enjoy each other's company in a world that is far removed from everyday conveniences and distractions. It's a quiet and tender film that takes you to a faraway place–time slows down and the days blend into each other. You are transported–gently swaying in a hammock, listening to an old radio and the seagulls flying overhead. It's like a relaxing vacation from the typical super-hero, shoot ‘em up, explosion-filled Hollywood films. Like all vacations, you need to take a deep breath, relax, and force yourself to slow-down–you might resist at first but soon enough you'll enjoy it's calm, tranquil pace.
Abre los ojos (Open Your Eyes)
Even if you've never heard of Abre los Ojos, you've probably seen the mediocre American remake, Vanilla Sky, starring Tom Cruise, Penelope Cruz, and (the semi-Latina) Cameron Diaz. The Spanish original is so much better. Cesar (Eduardo Noriega), is a rich, handsome playboy (what a stretch!) who romances multiple ladies, including his best friend's girlfriend (Penelope Cruz). His double-crossing ways come back to bite him in the ass, when a jealous, scorned lover takes him for a ride (literally) and purposely crashes her car with both of them in it. The rest of the film is a magical dreamscape of puzzling scenarios. Every other scene you are left wondering what's actually real. Did he survive the crash? Was it a nightmare, a figment of his imagination, or just a tragic accident? Did his night of love with Penelope Cruz actually happen? And why is she always she dressed as a mime? This noir sci-fi thriller will confuse you, take twists and turns, and leave you completely entranced.
Written by Vanessa Erazo. LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow @LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook.
- 9/11/2013
- by Vanessa Erazo
- Sydney's Buzz
According to his IMDb page bio, Jorge Diaz ("Hor-Hey" - don't call him "George") is lactose Intolerant. He feels you should know that. He was recently in New York to attend the HBO New York International Latino Film Festival for the world premiere of 'Love, Concord' directed by Gustavo Guardado, in which he plays the lead role of Gerry, a class clown who meets Melinda (played charmingly by Angelina Leon), a pretty Latina bookworm and his world is flipped upside down in this sweet funny story that is the first feature set in Concord, California. Jorge's charm, sweetness and inappropriate humor proves he has something for everyone. LatinoBuzz caught up with him! LatinoBuzz: 'Love, Concord' is very inspired by throwback films from the 80's. What was the dopest thing from those films that you would treasure most; Marty McFly's Hoverboard, Ralph Macchio's Crane Kick from 'The Karate Kid', A Mogwai or Phoebe Cates taking off her top in 'Fast Times At Ridgemont High'? Jorge: Gizmo, the Mogwai, has to be the cutest creature on this planet and I had my own stuffed animal as a kid, but can I treasure a combination of a couple of these options? Can I add to my basket my Hoverboard and fly around with Gizmo in it E.T. style??? Imagine that silhouette flying across the moon. Let's come from a place of all possibilities and throw in a topless Phoebe on my board, she was in 'Gremlins' too! We're all homies, she's comfortable. I can do the Crane Kick pose while I'm at it. Boom. Let's take a mental still image of that flying across the moon. I want that tattooed on my back right now, or at least framed to hang on the wall of my bedroom. Wow. I'm inspired. LatinoBuzz: Stranded on a desert island, the 3 books you take? Jorge: One: "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coello, book is beyond inspiring and if I'm stranded on a desert island, I'll be talking to the moon, stars, and ocean and looking for an omen to help me back home…or wherever it is I need to be. Two: "The Mastery of Love" by Don Miguel Ruiz. It has become one of my favorite books ever. I could read it over and over again. A must read for everyone. That man speaks nothing but truth in those pages. Three: "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein. One of my favorite books as a kid, so I could never lose my appreciation for all that nature has to offer. It would just be me and my tree friends :) LatinoBuzz: They are remaking a movie and you would kill for the lead role, which is the film? Jorge: Can BBC just remake the entire Planet Earth series and incorporate me in it??? Just take me with the crew Wherever they go; on a boat, in the jungle, on a grassy field. I could imagine my ass just swimming with dolphins, petting goats, delivering panda babies. Yes. No, but in all honesty, I can't think of a role just now. I know that role exists in my future, and I'm open to the possibilities. Some of my favorite films are partly due to the fact that I greatly appreciate that actor/actress in that particular role. Their unique energy was needed for that project. However, there are some directors I would Love to work with…Tarantino, Cameron Crowe, Judd Apatow, Luc Besson to name a few. I know James Cameron also has a few more Avatars coming up so… lol. No, but seriously. LatinoBuzz: Worst stereotype about Latinos in Hollywood? Jorge: Worst stereotype for Latinos are any roles depicting us as ignorant. Be it a housekeeper role or a brain surgeon, we need deeper stories that reveal the characters' humanity and complexity. So many roles for Latinos have been written so superficially. That is why we need more Latinos telling their stories in general! That's the beauty of "Love, Concord" it's just the director's truthful portrayal of a two young people falling in love, who just Happen to be Latino. I am first generation Mexican-American from two working class parents…I'm not gang member, I'm not a gardener. There are So many just like me. Why aren't we represented on TV and film? We underestimate just how powerful of a teacher television is. People are constantly learning social norms, which are often Not normal. LatinoBuzz: Worst song you have ever put on a mixtape? Jorge: I'm not going to say “Worst”, but this one definitely has to be the Most Random song ever put on a mix tape. The theme to The Main Street Electrical Parade from Disneyland. I know, but let me Explain. I always have to when it comes on because I still own that old mix cd! I Loved that parade as a child. It brings me back to a place of joy and awe every time I hear it. The intricate compilation of sounds that flows out of that tune was beyond its time! Like seriously. I would love for Diplo to dissect some of the music, sample it, and make a sick beat! Haha! Just so you get an idea of How random that song is, on that same mix I have Outcast's "Hootie Hoo," Maxwell's "This Woman's Work," and Cat Stevens' "The Wind." Main Street Electrical Parade theme: Download it Now! LatinoBuzz: People you would do hookah and talk smack with? Jorge: Albert Einstein. In love with this man! Einstein had such a deep understanding of life stemming from his simple child-like curiosity, and has such a wonderful spirituality I admire. He also seems like he'd be a cool dude to take around to all your BBQ's and be like "this mah' Uncle Albert, dude's kinda crazy, but he's brilliant!". The other four would have to be Ghandi, Martin Luther King Jr., Jesus, and John Lennon. I doubt smack is what we'll talk, but the ideas that would come from a meeting of those minds would be life changing for me and the people on this planet. However, I also just see us being So present, and simply laughing and enjoying each others company…and possibly recording an album, why not!? Those men are such inspirations to me. To think how all these men must have held such an intimate relationship with Fear…to do what they did. Such revolutionaries in their own way. To speak their Truth, when so many doubted them…to be called crazy, idealistic, and numerous other things. Fear is something I feel we all battle with on a daily basis. I'm sure they fought the same battle too, but did it anyway. I never want to let fear get in the way of anything I want to do when I'm coming from a place of truth and love. LatinoBuzz: How did your family take to your decision to become an actor? Jorge: It still hasn't sunk in. hahaha. They probably think I drive around La all day as a job. My mother is the big worrier in the family. Very "realistic" for a lack of a better term. Always mentioning education first and a back-up plan. I understand it, they sacrificed a lot, and still do. I got that college diploma though! My dad was very supportive from an early age, he'd be the first guy on set making friends whenever I booked something. I think it's mainly due to my brother being such a bad ass growing up; it made me look like an angel. I was just a kinda shy, sweet kid, but after raising that child, I think my dad was just happy with me staying out of trouble. But what's funny is that both my parents are entertainers in their own way. My mom writes rap lyrics in Spanish, and my dad is a joke-telling machine. He knows hundreds of jokes! It's insane! Such characters they are. LatinoBuzz: What is your favorite journey? Jorge: My favorite journey is this. Right now. My life on earth. I always try to take the time to reflect and see what I've done. How much I've loved those I love around me. Have I helped someone along the way? I'm I living to my fullest potential? Sharing my gifts? There so much I want to do beyond acting. Like a ridiculous Much. I have to remain connected to that sweet dreamy kid within me. Cuz that's where the expansive imagination is…that's where all possibilities lie. Little kids with no fear, they're my heroes. I admire them. Their purity, their imagination, their honesty. So much in our world is disempowering. You hear disempowering messages from the news, other people. But to the people who say it can't be done, don't curse them. Be sympathetic towards them, send them love in your thoughts…because someone killed that beautiful child in them and caused that light to dim. May our way of living will help ignite that fire again. LatinoBuzz: Who best describes you as a romantic lead? King Kong opposite Fay Wray, Patrick Swayze in RoadHouse, whatever Ryan Gosling did in the Notebook, Lloyd Dobler from Say Anything or Ron Jeremy? Jorge: I see myself as more of a John Cusack in 'Say Anything'. He has a quirky child-like demeanor to him. Pssh, I wish I could say Ryan Gosling in whatever he did in "The Notebook,''…cuz whatever he did, it worked! and keeps on working! Before Ryan became #1 on every girl's crush list, I would occasionally see him out in La and never understood why So many women threw their panties at him. Then one day I finally watched "The Notebook," and after was like "Ohhh…ok, i get it." Haha! But I think all the guys mentioned did their unique honest portrayals of a human being in state of love. That's my aim for anything I do…honesty, just plain honesty. LatinoBuzz: What do you think happens to Gerry and Melinda in 'Love, Concord'? Jorge: Gerry becomes a man whore. Melinda gets knocked up, has a kid, names it Little Pisto. Gerry drops out of school and joins a gang. No! haha... I think he remains in love with her, But I don't know if they're together or apart. I think you meet certain people, have certain experiences to ultimately grow and get you ready for the next chapter in your life. Some of us don't grow, that's the problem. So we keep experiencing the same shit over and over again, and attracting the same thing into our lives. Gerry does grow. He needed her, and will forever cherish that relationship. He Learns to become grateful for having experienced it. I think that's just as beautiful as your typical happily ever after…cuz it's Real. People need to learn to be more grateful for the experiences they interpret as "bad"…that way we don't carry them into our future. Like: 'Love, Concord' at https://www.facebook.com/loveconcord or follow Jorge at @iamjorgediaz!
Written by Juan Caceres and Vanessa Erazo, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights emerging and established Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow @LatinoBuzz on twitter.
Written by Juan Caceres and Vanessa Erazo, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights emerging and established Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow @LatinoBuzz on twitter.
- 9/6/2012
- by Juan Caceres
- Sydney's Buzz
There is no shortage of U.S. Latino stories and filmmaker talent. Trust me. I screen a high volume of films throughout the year specializing in submissions that are Hispanic/U.S. Latino. True, not enough of them are technically slick, but there are some out there, and more often than not, they have specific U.S. Latino points of views and permutations, and offer chronicles of unheard of, or unique Caminos de la Vida (walks of life). All of which I find is in direct correlation to their distinct American mestizo identity. Sadly there are not enough slots at film festivals, and there is not a savvy marketplace interested in embracing the fragmented and under-served U.S. Latino community until they figure out how to monetize it. Rather than dwell on this distribution dearth, however, I’d like to take a counter- positive approach by celebrating and getting the word out on U.S. Latino films ready to give birth and ignite with audiences. Oye means listen up! I’ll be profiling brand spanking new U.S. Latino films, in various stages and different genres so our community can promote their trajectory online and by word of mouth, and yes hopefully so distribution outfits and festivals take note! Case in point this week: Love, Concord:
Love, Concord is a buoyant high school comedy about Gerry (Jorge Diaz), a fun loving popular goofball who is all about basketball and has a penchant for 8 bit videogames. One day he notices cute bookworm Melinda (introducing Angelina Leon), a smart, sassy not-girly girl who eventually becomes his first ever girlfriend. As they enter their Senior year, they must sweat the stress of facing where they are going to college and what that means for their relationship. He is not your stereotypical jock nor is she your stereotypical nerd. Did I mention they are Latinos? That’s what’s so refreshing about Love, Concord, the bubbly and earnest feature debut by Gustavo Guardado, Jr., who received his Masters in Film Production at the prevalent Loyola Marymount University; his charming, semi-autobiographical story set in the suburban Bay area of Concord where he grew up avoids stereotypes and doesn’t perpetuate Latinos as they are most commonly represented. It’s likely due that its based on his experience growing up in Concord where race is not an issue. This gives the film an organic sense in how it portrays its U.S. Latino characters.
Gustavo Guardadado, Jr.
With a comic and endearing combination of quintessential John Hughes and a Ya sensibility, the film eschews any condescension and pretension in the characterization of teens and it feels pretty right on. Guardado knows that teens just seem to get it these days. They have a better sense of what lies ahead of them. They Are smart, grounded and realistic. Their expectations are more driven by their sense of self than parents and peers. More important than ever in the rite of passage into a conscious and responsible individual is the mantra ‘Don’t Sell Out”. The notion is becoming redefined to a millenial (or Me) generation to signify that one must not sell out who you really are inside, something that Melinda reminds Gerry when he gives into his popular role as class clown at his own expense and deprecation.
Miguel Angel, Jerry’s older bro
What makes this universal story, Latino? Its conveyed in subtle yet inherent ways. Melinda’s half Mexican and Gerry’s Salvadoran ethnicity is demonstrated intrinsically rather than it being imposed. Again, that’s the beauty of the film. Take for instance the mother and son dynamic that displays the latino male relationship with his ‘jefa’. Gerry’s mother isn’t seen throughout most of the movie save for the notes on the fridge they exchange yet she’s always there. When she does appear, she sits Gerardo down and they have a real catch up moment that illustrates the strong relationship between a single, hard working mother and her maturing son.
Like the 8 bit animated story chapters, this coming of age tale has a nostalgia for one’s high school dog days. It also has a very fresh sense of modernity with its portrayal of teens and in particular its portrayal of U.S. Latino teens. It’s a sweet, funny and a refreshingly authentic U.S. Latino coming of ager bound to touch audiences.
Love, Concord is currently being submitted to festivals.
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Love, Concord is a buoyant high school comedy about Gerry (Jorge Diaz), a fun loving popular goofball who is all about basketball and has a penchant for 8 bit videogames. One day he notices cute bookworm Melinda (introducing Angelina Leon), a smart, sassy not-girly girl who eventually becomes his first ever girlfriend. As they enter their Senior year, they must sweat the stress of facing where they are going to college and what that means for their relationship. He is not your stereotypical jock nor is she your stereotypical nerd. Did I mention they are Latinos? That’s what’s so refreshing about Love, Concord, the bubbly and earnest feature debut by Gustavo Guardado, Jr., who received his Masters in Film Production at the prevalent Loyola Marymount University; his charming, semi-autobiographical story set in the suburban Bay area of Concord where he grew up avoids stereotypes and doesn’t perpetuate Latinos as they are most commonly represented. It’s likely due that its based on his experience growing up in Concord where race is not an issue. This gives the film an organic sense in how it portrays its U.S. Latino characters.
Gustavo Guardadado, Jr.
With a comic and endearing combination of quintessential John Hughes and a Ya sensibility, the film eschews any condescension and pretension in the characterization of teens and it feels pretty right on. Guardado knows that teens just seem to get it these days. They have a better sense of what lies ahead of them. They Are smart, grounded and realistic. Their expectations are more driven by their sense of self than parents and peers. More important than ever in the rite of passage into a conscious and responsible individual is the mantra ‘Don’t Sell Out”. The notion is becoming redefined to a millenial (or Me) generation to signify that one must not sell out who you really are inside, something that Melinda reminds Gerry when he gives into his popular role as class clown at his own expense and deprecation.
Miguel Angel, Jerry’s older bro
What makes this universal story, Latino? Its conveyed in subtle yet inherent ways. Melinda’s half Mexican and Gerry’s Salvadoran ethnicity is demonstrated intrinsically rather than it being imposed. Again, that’s the beauty of the film. Take for instance the mother and son dynamic that displays the latino male relationship with his ‘jefa’. Gerry’s mother isn’t seen throughout most of the movie save for the notes on the fridge they exchange yet she’s always there. When she does appear, she sits Gerardo down and they have a real catch up moment that illustrates the strong relationship between a single, hard working mother and her maturing son.
Like the 8 bit animated story chapters, this coming of age tale has a nostalgia for one’s high school dog days. It also has a very fresh sense of modernity with its portrayal of teens and in particular its portrayal of U.S. Latino teens. It’s a sweet, funny and a refreshingly authentic U.S. Latino coming of ager bound to touch audiences.
Love, Concord is currently being submitted to festivals.
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- 5/17/2012
- by Christine Davila
- Sydney's Buzz
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