Latin American Film Festival 2013

Overview

World cinema buffs should check out the upcoming Latin American Film Festival. Reflecting the changing face of Latin cinema thanks to greater arts funding, the 12 days will feature 22 films from 14 different countries, along with a whole lot of food, music and dancing.

If you’re in the mood for a party, opening night at the Opera Quays includes a samba performance, a screening of Brazilian actor-director Selton Mello’s comedy-drama The Clown then a fiesta at Ryan’s Paragon Hotel.

Budding filmmakers can attend post-show Q&As with directors Hernán Jabes (Rock, Paper, Scissors) and Rodrigo H Vila (Mercedes Sosa: The Voice of Latin America). Or maybe see Arlos Lechuga’s debut, Melaza (Molasses), banned in Cuba for its harsh depiction of rural life.

Foodies should watch documentary Peru Sabe: Cuisine as an agent of social change, following renowned chef Ferran Adrià of elBulli on his first trip to Peru, guided by local culinary hero Gastón Acurio. After the screening there’s a Peruvian feast.

An added incentive is the festival’s non-profit status: money raised this year goes to Instituto Raoni, an organisation supporting indigenous communities in Brazil.

For a full list of films, head to the official festival site.

The festival is based at Dendy Opera Quays (4-11 October) and Bankstown Arts Centre (13-15 October).