Over 25 movies and Events! Tickets to individual films are $10 General / $5 Students unless otherwise noted. A 2016 FESTIVAL PASS can be bought for $75, and includes films, parties and discounts on special events.

2016 OC Film Fiesta

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Features

Director: Jorge R. Gutiérrez (as Jorge R. Gutierrez)

In the Mexican town of San Angel, Manolo (Diego Luna), Maria (Zoë Saldana) and Joaquin (Channing Tatum) have been friends ever since childhood. Although their lives have taken different paths -- Maria was sent to Europe, Joaquin joined the military, and Manolo studied to become a bullfighter -- one thing remains the same: Manolo and Joaquin both want to marry Maria. Little does the trio know that battling husband-and-wife deities have made a high-stakes wager on the love triangle's outcome.

Dir. Ricardo Arnaiz and Mike Kunkel - 2016, USA/Mexico

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Back by popular demand, the OC Film Fiesta present an encore screening of El Americano, the family-favorite hit of last year’s festival! This animated instant classic about a young parrot named Cuco (voiced by Modern Family’s Rico Rodriguez) who must travel to Hollywood to enlist the help of his celluloid hero El Americano to save his family’s circus. Featuring Edward James Olmos, Cheech Marin, Kate del Castillo, Lisa Kudrow, Gabriel Iglesias, Adal Ramones and a children’s corrido by Los Tigres del Norte! Presented in association with Santa Ana Unified School District and the Mexican Consulate in OC.

Director: Jayro Bustamante

María, a seventeen-year-old Mayan (Kaqchikel) girl, lives on the slopes of an active volcano in Guatemala. An arranged marriage awaits her, but her suitor must first spend months working in the city. It is a world María knows nothing of, but is forced to grapple with when problems arise. On the slopes of an active volcano in Guatemala, a marriage is arranged for seventeen-year-old María by her Kaqchikel parents.

Dir. Jorge Sanjinés - 1989, Bolivia, 128 min.

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Fundación Grupo Ukamau

Regarded as the most important film in Bolivian cinema, maestro Jorge Sanjinés’ 1989 masterwork follows the journey of Sebastián Mamani, a coffin maker in La Paz who travels back to his rural village to atone his years serving as a soldier in a brutal dictatorship by doing the Dance of Death. A profound depiction at power, corruption, resistance and redemption. Winner of the Concha de Toro prize at the San Sebastian Film Festival. In Spanish and Aymara with English subtitles.

Dir. Julio Bracho - 1942, Mexico, 110 min.

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Silent movie legend Ramon Navarro stars as Juan Diego in this classic Mexican film about how the Virgen de Guadalupe inspiredevents during the Spanish Conquest and through the the War of Independence. This film features such prominent Mexican clerics as Brother Martin (played by Domingo Solar) and Father Hidalgo (Julio Villareal). Gloria Marin.

Presented in association with the Mexican Consulate in OC and Filmoteca de la UNAM

Dir. Fernando Rovzar - 2008, Mexico, 110 min.

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It’s Christmas in October at the Film Fiesta, as we present this delightful Mexican holiday film starring Mexican legend Pedro Armendariz Jr. as Santa Claus and Hector Jimenez (Nacho Libre) as the only person who can help Santa save the world from a corporate elf who wants to cancel Christmas and bring on global warming. Presented in association with the Santa Ana Unified School District and the Mexican Consulate in OC.

Dir. Jeff Zimbalist and Michael Zimbalist - 2016, USA, 107 min.

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This inspirational biopic about soccer great Pelé follows him from his childhood in the favelas of Brazil through the legendary victory of the Brazilian team in the 1958 World Cup, which transformed the 17-year old player into an international sensation. Starring Kevin de Paula as Pele and Vincent D’Onofrio. Presented in association with Santa Ana Unified School District.

SEOUL thumbSeoul, 1986. A raucous gaggle of Korean teenagers spill out of the Gimpo airport and onto buses that transport them to a location just outside the city. There, these high schoolers sent from all over the world—the U.S., Mexico, London, and Hamburg—are participating in a government-sponsored summer program to help them connect with their heritage. With a summer of partying ahead of them, they’re on a crash course to bring shame to their families, their ancestors, and their hosts—but with any luck, they might just figure out how to make friends, fall in love, and absorb some of their roots along the way.

Based on filmmaker Benson Lee’s own experience as a teenager, Seoul Searching pays homage to the John Hughes dramedies of the 1980s and adds its own flair of Korean drama to create a fresh, original film. With spot-on costuming, an '80s-infused soundtrack, and an exciting all-Asian cast just waiting to be discovered, Seoul Searching delivers an extended remix of heartfelt nostalgia, hilarity, and fun.

Dir. Carlos E. González, José Manuel Ramos and Fernando Sáyago

1917, Mexico, 90 min.

 

Silent film with original live score by Camarata Santa Ana

 

A man (Arroyo Carrillo) is sent to Europe on a diplomatic mission. The ship in which he travels is sunk by a German submarine. In Mexico, his girlfriend Lupita (Cota) receives a telegram with the news and looks for relief in La Virgen de Guadalupe, saint patron of catholic mexicans. After reading a book about the Virgin legend, Lupita falls asleep. Next morning, she receives good news, her boyfriend is alive. Together they go to La Villa del Tepeyac (a church devoted to La Virgen de Guadalupe) and thank for the miracle.

 

Presented in association with the Mexican Consulate in OC, Bowers Museum and Filmoteca de la UNAM.

Dir. Carl Theodor Dreyer - 1928, France, 110 min.

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Join us for an eclectic evening of art, music and Film Noir at the Bowers Museum. We will be screening the 1928 silent film 'La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc' with a live score mix of chant, string quartet and electronic percussion. Before the performance begins, catch a pre-show lecture about the making of the film and explore our special exhibition Virgin of Guadalupe: Images in Colonial Mexico. Enjoy a delicious dinner presented by Tangata or just sip on some wine! It’s Halloween weekend so, Film Noir costumes are welcomed and encouraged!

This critically acclaimed 1928 silent film by Carl Dreyer is brought to life with a haunting new score, which re-imagines this classic with a modern urgency. Combining electronic music with strings, sacred chant by members of L.A. Master Chorale, composer George Sarah has crafted an unforgettable visual and auditory experience.

After being commissioned by Los Angeles Grand Performances in 2010 to compose and perform a live score for "The Passion of Joan of Arc," George Sarah and his string and voice ensembles are in the process of booking live performances of this film score throughout North America and Europe.

PROGRAM

  • 5:30 PM: Pre-show lecture presented by Jean Drum, co-author of "My Only Great Passion: The Life and Films of Carl Th. Dreyer"
  • 6:30 PM: Dinner is served
  • 7:30 PM: Performance begins

Location: Norma Kershaw Auditorium & John M. Lee Court

Prices:

Performance Only: Member $15 | Non-Member $20

Dinner & Performace: Member $65 | Non-Member $75 (pre-registration is required by Wednesday, October 26 at 6 PM)

PURCHASE TICKETS

TICKETS: Online or onsite. Questions? E-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 714.567.3677. Proceeds benefit Bowers Museum Education Programs. Tickets are non-refundable.

For Tickets, visit the Bowers Museum Website

Dir. Jorge Sanjinés - 1966, Bolivia, 74 min.

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This powerful human drama set on the banks of Lake Titicaca launched Jorge Sanjinés and Bolivia onto the internal cinema scene when it screened at the 1967 Cannes Film Festival. Lauded by the directors of the French New Wave, this debut feature by Sanjines is the first film to be shot in Aymara. Featuring stunning cinematography and compassion for indigenous people, Ukamau launched a revolution in Bolivian cinema that continues to this day.

Presented in association with Fundación Grupo Ukamau

Dir. José María Velasco Maidana - 1930, Bolivia, 67 min.

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Don't miss this special OC Film Fiesta screening of Bolivia's sole surviving silent-era film. This timeless love story set during the Spanish conquest was thought lost for decades, but was rediscovered in 1989 and restored over the course of a decade. This fascinating film was written and directed by Jose Maria Velasco Maidana, an influential Bolivian filmmaker, composer, conductor and artist who was married to American painter Dorothy Hood; and stars important members of La Paz's early 20th Century artistic community including master painter Arturo Borda as an indigenous priest, avant-garde poet Guillermo Viscarra Fabre as an Inca leader and renowned sculptor Marina Nuñez del Prado as a young Quechua princess. Presented by Media Arts Santa Ana (MASA) in association with the Bowers Museum and the Cinemateca Boliviana.

Dir. Jorge Sanjinés - 1969, Bolivia, 70 min.

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This powerful guerrilla-style film about an indigenous community that discovers a foreign aid group is sterilizing its women is credited with sparking the expulsion of the Peace Corps from Bolivia in 1971 for allegedly conducting illegal sterilization of Quechua women. A must-see for students of world and guerrilla fillmmmaking and the impact of 1960s world health programs on indigenous communities.

Dir. Teresa Suarez - 2014, Mexico, 88 min.

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OC FILM FIESTA OPENING NIGHT!The 7th OC Film Fiesta presents a special Opening Night screening of ¿Que le dijiste a Dios? at the Bowers Museum featuring a tribute to Mexican music legend Juan Gabriel! Special guests include director TERESA SUAREZ and actor CARLOS YORVICK, star of the Juan Gabriel miniseries Hasta que te conocí.

¿Que le dijiste a Diós? is a musical comedy in the vein of Mama Mia that features the songs of Juan Gabriel and includes a special onscreen appearance by the music legend. This delightful film stars Erika de la Rosa (Eva La Trailera), Mark Tacher (Abismo de Pasión), Mar Contreras (High School Musical: El Desafio Mexicano) and recording star Victor Garcia.

Before the film, OC Film Fiesta teams up with Bowers' Thirsty Thursday to present a celebration featuring Happy Hour at Tangata, live music, art-making, tequila and wine tasting and access to the museum's new special exhibtion, Virgin of Guadalupe: Images in Colonial Mexico!

 

 

Actor CARLOS YORVICK and director TERESA SUAREZ In Person! 

OC FILM FIESTA FESTIVAL PASS

2016 Film Fiesta Festival Passes are $75, and gain entry and priority seating to films and festival parties, as well as discounts to special events, local restaurants and more.  Festival passes are available for purchase via EventBrite or at www.ocfilmfiesta.org.

INDIVIDUAL TICKETS AND THIRSTY THURSDAY HAPPY HOUR @ BOWERS

Individual Tickets to the Opening Night screening are $10 General for the film only.
Click Here to visit bowers.org to purchase individual tickets to the screening

Thirsty Thursday: Valle de Guadalupe Wine, tequila Tasting, Art & OC Film Fiesta Opening Night!
5p-8pm @ Tangata

Ticket Info for Thirsty Thursday:
$30 General
$20 Members
$10 Festival Pass Holders, Students & Santa Ana Residents (w/ ID). 18 and over.

Click Here to visit bowers.org to purchase Thirsty Thursday tickets, which include the Happy Hour, Virgen de Guadalupe Exhibit and the 8pm screening.


8pm Screening in the  Norma Kershaw Audiitorium

9:30pm-Midnight. Afterparty at the Green Parrot Villa (across the street from the Bowers). Included with Festival Pass. $10 at the door.

*Student tickets must be purchased in person at the Bowers or by phone at 714.567.3677. Santa Ana residents must purchase tickets in person.