THE Latin American Film Festival (LAFF) is finally here in Penang and movie buffs should not miss the chance to watch some of the best movies for free.
Latin American and Caribbean movies from Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Uruguay and guest country Canada will be screened at the Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) Gurney Plaza from Dec 5 to 8.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said Penang was excited to host the festival for the first time in the state.
“The festival provides a platform for the local movie-goers to learn about the Latin American and Caribbean culture.
“People are able to study and understand the way of life and the culture of a particular society through movies.
“I believe that this festival is one of the best ways to forge closer ties with the Latin American counterparts.
“We hope that this festival will be the start of many more engagements between the state and the ambassadors,” Chow said during the LAFF launching ceremony at GSC Gurney Plaza on Dec 3.
The LAFF is now in its 18th edition and has been successful in Kuala Lumpur.
A film on the famous Brazilian bantam and featherweight world champion Eder Jofre, entitled ’10 Segundos para Vencer’ (Ten Seconds to Victory)’, was premiered at the launch.
The Brazilian ambassador to Malaysia Carlos Martins Ceglia said Penang was chosen because of its uniqueness.
“Penang is home to a Unesco World Heritage site and is a vital economic powerhouse,” he said.
He thanked Brazil honorary-consul in Penang Datuk Annie Chin for making the festival a success.
Also present were state Tourism Development, Heritage, Culture and Arts Committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, ambassadors to Malaysia Manuel Jose Balaguer Salas (Argentina), Guido Felipe Loyza Devescovi (Peru), Juan Andres (chargé d’affaires of Uruguay) and Chin.
The LAFF is organised by the Latin American and Caribbean Embassies in Malaysia and the ticket redemption starts from Dec 3 on a first come first served basis.
For updated screening schedules, synopsis and further details visit www.gsc.com.my and www.facebook.com/LatinAmericaFilmFestivalInMalaysia.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Law Suun Ting