Hola México Film Festival, the biggest Mexican Film Festival outside of Mexico will hold it’s 16th annual edition of the festival during Hispanic Heritage Month on September 20-27, 2024.
The festival will open with the Mexican comedy/drama film Almost Paradise (Casi El Paraiso), from director Edgar San Juan. The opening night will be held at Los Angeles’ The Egyptian Theater on September 20, 2024.
Filmed in Italy and Mexico, “Casi el Paraíso” is a Mexican production critical of Mexican high society, the political classes that govern it, and how an Italian impostor, posing as a count, can threaten that precarious balance of power. This drama full of suspense and touches of humor offers refreshing performances, classic Italian cinematography, and a politically charged story that will show the viewer the game of power and how that power struggles to maintain total control.
“In 16 years of showing Mexican cinema to our community, we’ve seen the Mexican film industry grow in huge leaps and bounds, with a maturing level of storytelling that coincides with a large growth in audience numbers whose presence shows a love and respect for our Mexican film heritage. Still, through all that growth the essence of HMFF remains the same: fantastic Mexican cinema in luxurious movie theaters surrounded by strangers who become familiar via our shared love of this great art form, and the celebration of it all!” Says founder and director of HMFF about this year’s Hola México Film Festival, Samuel Douek.
The festival comprises the following sections: México Ahora, Documental, El Otro México, and Nocturno. México Ahora features the best of Mexican films released in recent years, covering every genre. Documental includes notable non-fiction films made by Mexican filmmakers. El Otro Mexico highlights the experiences of Mexicans rarely portrayed on screen, skillfully presenting perceptive narratives that challenge the status quo. The Nocturno section offers offbeat stories and horror films.
For its 8th edition, Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today (TFT), a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering the growth of emerging Latine filmmakers, continues its annual partnership with Hola Mexico Film Festival. TFT selects and showcases 20 exceptional Latine filmmakers and their short films during the festival.
The 10-day program not only provides a platform for these talented individuals but also offers an immersive professional development experience. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with both esteemed Mexican filmmakers and renowned industry professionals based in the U.S., opening doors and expanding networks crucial for their career advancement.
The screenings will be held at the Regal Cinemas LA Live during the duration of the festival. The closing night of the festival will take place on September 27 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes.