It wasn’t long ago that MATT.org profiled Adriana Garza, a bicultural, bilingual Mexican-American actress who lives and works in Los Angeles.

The stunning beauty has had no trouble landing roles on Spanish TV, but the English market has not been so kind-- despite the fact that she speaks the language perfectly. The problem, she has been told, is a failure to look "ethnic enough".  Frustrated, Garza decided to write about her experiences, documenting her innermost feelings and struggles in what eventually became the "Art of Being"-- a play she conceived, produced, directed, and now stars in, along with eight other actors. Each voice their own struggles in dramatic, heartfelt monologues.

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 09:46 PM| Comentar

A USA Today review looks at  best-selling author Julia Alvarez’s Once Upon a Quinceañera, a book which examines Latinas growing up in the U.S. today.  Alvarez uses the traditional Quinceañera-- a celebration that marks a girl’s passage into womanhood on her 15th birthday-- as the focal point with which to address a multitude of issues facing young Latinas.

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 09:19 PM| Comentar

On Saturday, August 25,  a new 20’ X 70’ foot mural entitled "Brighter Days" was unveiled in San Antonio, Texas with a spiritual dedication ceremony.

The vibrant public artwork, undertaken by lead artist Adriana Garza,  graces the outer wall of the Westside Mental Health Clinic on Zarzamora Street.  It is a fitting place for a mural that represents those struggling with mental illnesses such as depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.

Paid for by the non-profit San Anto Cultural Arts Center,
the stunning work is a new high point for the predominantly- Hispanic West side, one of the city’s most impoverished communities. But where money may be scarce, there is without a doubt an abundance of  heart, talent, and compassion.

Read more about the mural in the San Antonio Express News.

Read more about the mural in the San Antonio Express News.

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 09:54 PM| Comentar

Last week, the Mexican Film academy chose eight films it would like to represent Mexico in the Oscars. They include:

Eréndira Ikikunari, (director Juan Mora)
La misma luna/ The Same Moon (director Patricia Riggen)
Malos hábitos/ Bad Habits (director Simón Bross)
Morirse en domingo/  To Die on Sunday (director Daniel Gruener)
Morirse está en hebreo/ To Die in Hebrew (director Alejandro Springball)
Párpados azules/ Blue Eyelids (director Ernesto Contreras)
Luz silenciosa/ Silent Light (director Carlos Reygadas)
¿Y tú cuánto cuestas?/ And You, How Much Do You Cost? (director Olallo Rubio)

These eight films will now face the U.S. academy selection process before being considered for the 80th academy awards next year.

Click here to read the article in the Spanish-language newspaper El Universal.

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 09:46 AM| Comentar

Comedian Carlos Mencia will host the Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 8, during which Emmys in 75 categories, including art direction, costume design, and makeup will be awarded. It will air September 15 on the E! cable channel, a day before the Primetime Emmy Awards air on Fox.

Mencia, host of Comedy Central’s "MInd of Mencia", was born in Honduras and raised in East Los Angeles by his aunt and uncle. His mother, Magdalena Mencia, is from Mexico.

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 08:17 AM| Comentar

miércoles, agosto 29, 2007
Americans Loving Latino Food Even More

When former food critic and editor in chief of Gourmet magazine Ruth Reichl decided to dedicate an entire issue to Latino food in September, her 5 million readers reacted, big time. Some praised the magazine as the best they’d ever read, others thought it disgusting.

But more and more, Americans from all parts of the country, from Nebraska to North Carololina, are willing to try new things. And that’s a good thing.

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 10:00 AM| Comentar

miércoles, agosto 29, 2007
Latin Grammy Nominees Announced Today

 
The  Dominican Republic's Juan Luis Guerra, Puerto Rico's Ricky Martin and Spain's Miguel Bosé dominated the top categories in nominations for the eighth Latin Grammy Awards announced today.

Bosé's duet with Paulina Rubio, entitled "Nena," was also nominated for record of the year, as was Beyoncé's and Shakira's "Bello Embustero (Beautiful Liar)."

The eight annual Latin Grammy Awards will be broadcast live from Las Vegas on November 8.

Click here to read about it in the International Herald Tribune.

The Grammy's official web site announcement is here.

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 10:55 AM| Comentar

With its beautiful beaches and climate,  welcoming people, and affordable real estate, it’s no wonder that more and more Americans are buying up vacation properties in Mexico.

But what to do when they want to furnish and decorate their beautiful abodes? For many Americans, especially those who don’t speak Spanish, the prospect of getting their new home beautiful can be a daunting one.

In come gringofurniture.com to the rescue. The attractive web site promises complete solutions, promising to "decorate your vacation home with ease, simplicity and convenience."

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 11:41 AM| Comentar

The NBC television show "Friday Night Lights" is looking for Hispanic extras for upcoming episodes set to film in Brownsville and South Padre Island on September 10 through 12. The popular TV drama centers around a a high school football team in the fictional small town of Dillon, Texas, and was inspired by the book of the same title (which was also turned into a feature film starring Billy Bob Thorton in 2004.)

Casting call details:

What: Extras needed for NBC’s "Friday Night Lights"

When: Thursday, Sept 6, Noon to 8 p.m.,

Where: Sunrise Mall Food Court, Brownsville, TX

Applicants will be photographed and can submit a photo of their vehicle to be used on the show.

Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 11:09 AM| Comentar

What happens when a talented mix of Latin American filmmakers and actors get together to make a movie in Los Angeles?

According to a USA Today review, the answer is something close to magic.

Ladron que Roba a Ladron (A Thief Who Robs a Thief), which opens in select cities today, is the story of two thieves who partner to rob an even bigger criminal- hence the title. As we watch their complicated plan to rob a vault unfold, we are introduced to all sorts of interesting characters, from a sleazy salesman, to a valet, a mechanic and a Cuban refugee, to name a few.

If you see the movie, tell us what you think by posting a comment. And for the undecided, here’s a sneak peek:



Escrito PorCristina Noriegaa las 12:52 PM| Comentar


 
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