For the third time, Isabela will host a weekend of feature films, short films and international movies at the Isabela International Film Festival (IIFF), Nov. 9-12.
The festival, which began in 2021, aims to promote Latino culture and the arts through film. One of its goals is to inspire filmmakers to create and communities to appreciate Puerto Rican cinema, through events open to the general public.
The festival, which in previous years paid tribute to director Jacobo Morales and actress Ángela Meyer, will dedicate this edition to the familia Monclova, a family of actors and artists who for decades have delighted Puerto Rican audiences in theater, film and television.
Joel Dávila, talent and artist coordinator for the event, told Platea that they are dedicating this edition to the family for their contributions and for representing the creative power of a family united by art: "At Friends of Cinema, which is what makes this event possible, we believe in family values. This family represents what it means to be a family united in creating art […]. Everyone, the whole family, chose to be creators of art."
The impact of Friends of Cinema Puerto Rico
Since the IIFF began in 2021, it has drawn dozens of visitors, filmmakers and artists from every corner of the Island and beyond. It also brings in Latino filmmakers based in the United States, along with producers and directors from Latin America and Spain.
The organizers take pride in the positive reception the festival has received among filmmakers and the artistic community on the Island. The IIFF has increased visitor traffic in Isabela, particularly at the businesses that have collaborated in previous editions.
This festival is one of Friends of Cinema Puerto Rico's efforts to elevate film as an art form and encourage appreciation for it. In 2023, they organized two film nights,in Aguadilla and in Vieques,where they screened local films and brought in stars who worked on the projects to interact with the community.
Isabela Film Fest 2023 schedule and events
This year, feature films will include "Pies En La Arena," a drama directed by Gustavo Ramos Perales about a Dominican woman who flees her country and arrives in Puerto Rico to build a new life; "Pepe Gorras," a comedy and film adaptation of the book written by Tina Casanova, produced by A Quevedo Film; and the premiere of "Domirriqueños 3," the third installment in the comedy trilogy directed by Transfor Ortiz.
Opening night will be Thursday, Nov. 9, at Hotel Royal Isabela,with VIP pass required for entry,with a red carpet, drinks, entertainment and the dedication to the familia Monclova. On various nights, the festival will also feature local stars and personalities including Jason Calderón, Linette Torres, Eli Cay, René Monclova, Naymed Calzada and Mónica Pastrana.
The festival's main program will run Nov. 10 and 11, with free admission, at the Anfiteatro Justo Méndez Cabrera. Over those two days, there will be four short film blocks:
International
Made in Puerto Rico
Documentary
Horror / Thriller
There will also be brief presentations with remarks by Jason Calderón, Naymed Calzada and Marianni Segarra. Finally, the IIFF awards ceremony will take place Nov. 12 at Hotel Guajataca, overlooking the Túnel de Guajataca and its beach. VIP ticket holders will be able to enjoy a brunch with the filmmakers, the awards ceremony and a pool party on the hotel grounds.
Check the full schedule or buy VIP event tickets here.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
