Local Montclair High School seniors Diego Persico, Lucas Fichter, Yda Zamora and Erika Bjerkley will present the seventh season of the Latino Film Series at the Montclair Public Library, celebrating Latino Heritage Month (Sept. 15 through Oct. 15). The film series is free and open to the entire community.
This acclaimed student-run film series addresses Latino themes, stereotypes, reality, culture and entertainment. Each film is introduced by a prominent member of the Latino community in areas such as diplomacy, communication, business, education, entertainment, medicine and law. After the introduction, the film is screened and discussed.
Chief of UN Radio (Latin America Division) Laura Kwiatkowski opens the Series on Sunday, Sept. 28, by introducing and screening "Live-in Maid," an award-winning film about two women, their relationship over 30 years, and the class structure in Argentina.
The following Sunday, Oct. 5, U.N. Program Management Officer Maria Carreño, will introduce "The Bridge of San Luis Rey," a complex Thorton Wilder drama with an all-star cast set in Lima, Peru, during the 18th century.
The Series concludes the following Sunday, Oct. 12, when chairperson of Montclair State University’s Spanish and Italian departments, Diana Guermarez-Cruz, introduces "Bella." This film is about two lost souls who find solace in each other as their lives become unpredictably linked throughout the course of one incredible day — an uplifting story of love, hope and forgiveness.
The films "Bella" and "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" are in English (with Spanish subtitles available) while "Live-In Maid" is in Spanish (with English subtitles). All programs start at 1:30 p.m. at the Montclair Public Library, 50 South Fullerton Ave. Free popcorn and soda is served at each screening.
For more information on the Latino Film Series, call the Youth Services Department at the Main Library at 973-744-0500, ext. 2236; or student organizer Diego Persico at 973-744-2612, e-mail: fsdpersico@comcast.net.
