I was intrigued by the LALIFF’s promise of a rarely-seen and newly-preserved gem, Jacobo Morales’ 1979 Dios los cria (…and God created them/Façade). Puerto Rico’s cinema is neither extensive nor widely known; all the more cause for celebration, therefore, that this title should have been chosen by the Academy for its meticulous preservation treatment, and that it should prove so fully deserving.

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Fresh from commercial and critical success in its native Argentina, Felicitas was introduced at the LALIFF by Edward James Olmos (it’s his festival) as a real treat, one which he had forborne from watching on his fancy home video system in favour of the sort of environment in which it was meant to be seen, the luxurious confines of the Egyptian Theater*.

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Last week Feel Good, this week The LA Latino International Film Festival sets up in Hollywood. The opening gala is on Thursday 19^th at 7.00pm at the Chinese, Venezuelan soccer/family/revenge drama Hermano. The festival runs to the middle of next week at the Egyptian and the Mann Chinese 6 across the street, and there’s a good wide spread of national representation – Latin American cinema is on a roll these days. Also, seminars, panels and a free screening of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice. I don’t know why.

For one reason or another, my eye has been caught by:

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