The Museum of Ventura County presents its 2nd Annual Latina Film Festival on Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13, 2016

Actor/Writer/Producer Evelina Fernández to be honored at a reception on Saturday, March 12 at 7:00 pm

The Museum of Ventura County presents its 2nd Latina Film Festival on Saturday, March 12, and Sunday, March 13, 2016 at the museum. Saturday’s event begins at 7:00 pm with a dessert reception, followed by screenings and a tribute to actor Evelina Fernández. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased on site or in advance at the museum.  Sunday’s program begins at 2:00 pm, and costs $5 per person.

On Saturday evening, beginning at 7:00 pm, the films in competition will be shown, and actor/writer/producer Evelina Fernández will be honored in a ceremony before the screenings. Ms. Fernández is a “triple threat” who has made her mark in theater - as a founding member of the Latino Theater Company - film and television. Ms. Fernández has received two Nosotros Golden Eagle Awards, one for her portrayal of Julie in Edward James Olmos’ film American Me (1992) and for Outstanding Writer for the film Luminarias (2000).  Ms. Fernández also received the Alma Award for the TV movie Hollywood Confidential (1997).

The films being screened include:  Mi Historia, dir. by Isabel Martinez, The Unique Ladies, dir. by Gloria Moran, On The Tracks, dir. by Dulce Stein, and a trailer for Daughters of Femicide: The Juárez Uprise dir. by Karen Farfán.

Sunday’s program begins with a (repeat screening from Saturday) trailer for the film Daughters of Femicide: The Juárez Uprise dir. by Karen Farfán, followed by Homebound, a feature-length film (not in competition) written and directed by Fanny Veliz, an actor who says her true calling is “behind the camera” in 2013. Homebound tells the story of an ambitious man who leaves a successful corporate job in Los Angeles to return to his small hometown of El Campo in south Texas. He discovers his father Gilberto is dying of cancer, causing him to rethink his idea of personal happiness, feeling the bonds of home once again.

The main requirement for submitted work to the festival is that the film be directed, written or produced by a Latina; short films (30 minutes and under) and features were both acceptable.

Las Contemporáneas is a volunteer group that supports the museum’s Latino programming for Ventura County. The purpose of the Annual Latina Film Festival is to showcase Latina art through film direction, producing and writing.  The Latina Film Festival (LFF) strives to provide Latina filmmakers with the opportunity to promote and showcase their art through films which highlight issues relevant to Latinas and the community. This event fills an artistic void in Ventura County, and occupies a unique space in the cultural landscape of the region.

Winners of the Latina Film Festival will be announced on March 12, 2016 at the festival.

Proceeds from the event go to support the Museum’s educational and family programs.