September 27:
Quince Shorts
An evening highlighting 15 short film selections from the San Antonio Neighborhood Film Project competition.

This special program features vibrant new works by directors that capture the flavor and authenticity of the Echoes of the Eastside and Westside Murals y Más San Antonio Neighborhood Tours. Directors include
Theresa Coronado, John Dyer, Richard Fernandez & Sheryl Faber, Ismael Leiva, Gabriel Luna, Lennon Maldonado, Julian Moreno-Peña, Dora Peña, Charles Harrison Pompa, Evita Puente, Bryan Anthony Ramirez, Alejandro Rodriguez, Ruben Rodriguez, Ray Santisteban, and Daniel Torres.

Q&A session to follow. Co-presented by the Office of Cultural Affairs.

February 22: Black Orpheus (1959, Brazil)

This is a classic Brazilian film that retells the Orpheus and Eurydice myth, set during the time of the Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro. With music by Antonio Carlos Jobim.

March 22: Casi Casi (2006, Puerto Rico)

Emilio is a normal teenager who somehow finds himself being sent to the principal's office every other week. He has a crush on Jacklynne, the most popular girl in school, so he decides to run for Student Council President in order to impress her. After announcing his candidacy, Emilio discovers, to his horror, that Jacklynne herself will be running for office against him. Emotions fly high as campaign fever intensifies. Not wanting to lose his chance to win her heart, Emilio devises a risky plan that could come to a disastrous end if the tyrannous school principal gets wind of his scheme.

(Visit the film's web site. » )

Also screening: Student Film Showcase
GCAC Cine en el Barrio Workshop Series Co-Sponsored by Avenida Guadalupe Association and San Antonio Office of Cultural Affairs.

April 26: The Disappearance of Garcia Lorca (1997, USA)

A journalist starts an investigation into the disappearance of famed poet and political agitator, Garcia Lorca, who disappeared in the early days of the Spanish Civil War in the the 1930s.

Special guest Brandon Olmos, son of lead actor Edward James Olmos, will introduce the film and answer questions after the movie.

May 24:
Pictures of Sound: A Night of Short Films by the Sams - Lerma and Bayless

Local filmmakers Sam Lerma and Sam Bayless screen several of their award-winning and critically-acclaimed short films, followed by a question and answer session.

June 28:
Los Soneros del Tesechoacán (2007, Mexico)

Along the Tesechoacán River in the state of Veracruz in Mexico, there is an old oral musical tradition called son jarocho. It is where old and young alike wage a battle against modernity in the effort to maintain their usic and way of life. This story, which goes beyond the river and its music, is told through the voices of these women and men and the sound of their instruments. Directed by Inti Cordera.

Join us after the film for a mini Fandango: Son Jarocho demo and workshop. Learn the basics of zapateado (traditional footwork), strumming the jarana (son jarocho guitar) and singing a few sones (songs that are played in the fandango).