The Comedy "Food Stamps" Opening Film At 8th Annual Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival

The RRAFF is the only film festival spotlighting films by and about US Latinos. End Quote

(1888PressRelease) May 13, 2011 - The 8th Annual Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival announces the world premiere of Food Stamps, written and directed by American Latino filmmaker Alfredo Ramos (Road Dogz) with Danny Trejo (Machete) on May 13th, 2011 at 8:00 PM at the Regency Academy 6 Theatres (1003 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena, CA). Following the screening, a private reception will be held for guests, filmmakers and festival sponsors in celebration of the festivals opening night.

Food Stamps follows the coming-of-age trials and tribulations of a mild-mannered box boy who is forced to live at home because he hasn't "earned parole" from his over-protective mother and no nonsense construction worker father. Food Stamps is a comedy that in addition to Danny Trejo, stars Emilio Rivera (Anarchy) Dyana Ortelli, Noel Gugliemi and comedian Joey Medina.

This year, the festival will also feature 10 film programs consisting of over 20 Latino-produced and/or themed films. Included in this year's lineup is a Documentary Shorts program featuring Bernardino, an inspiring portrait of strength and dignity in the face of physical challenge. The festival is proud to introduce the first public theatrical showcase of Jesús Salvador Treviño's much anticipated and extensive web portal for Latino arts and culture, Latinopia. Horror buffs are sure to enjoy the festival's late Saturday night horror films with a twist of Latino, curated by horror film writer Antonio 'Tyger' Olivas. Back by popular demand, is the Web Series program - Reel Rasquache is one of the first and few Latino film festivals that include Latino-themed web projects. The Youth Filmmakers' program carries on the festival's commitment to recognizing young and promising filmmaking talent.

The 2011 Youth Filmmakers' Program is a curated selection of short films produced by local youth in such genres as documentary, drama, music video, and experimental. The youth in this year's program are from Bell High School, the Echo Park Film Center, Locke High School, and Sylmar High School. The film program includes award presentations and will be followed by a youth filmmakers' reception. Admission to the Youth Showcase program and reception are free.

Also making its world premiere at Reel Rasquache is Revenge of the Bimbot Zombie Killers. Directed by Joe Camareno, produced by Joe Camareno and Stephanie Wiand, and written by Stephanie Wiand, Jeff Folschinsky, Tyler Tanner & Joe Camareno, this Sci-Fi Comedy is sure to thrill fans of Get Smart and Young Frankenstein. When evil Dr. Agatha Von Krahpenpantz attempts to create a zombie army to take over the world with her sidekick, Elmore Leonard, it is up to down-on-his-luck Dr. Warren Oedi of secret agency Department Gamma, to save the world.

The Sunday, May 15 line up opens with a stirring program on questions of spirit and faith, featuring the Los Angeles Premiere of The Calling directed by David Ranghelli. Transporting viewers to distant lands and into deep regions of the human soul, The Calling reveals the joys and anxieties of those drawn to religious life. Also Sunday is the program, Lives, In Short, which spotlights five dramatic short films on topics ranging from bullying and youth violence, international and domestic human costs of war, and, of course, love and its discontents.

Closing the festival this year is the Los Angeles Premiere of The Myth of Time, introducing a new technique of cinema referred to as "Caleidismo," the combination of spoken and written poetry with audio-visual symbolism, breaking the barriers of language and culture. The Myth of Time has been compared to the films of Terrence Malick, in terms of its epic historical scope and visual majesty. The Myth of Time, filmed over the course of five years entirely in Guatemala with cast and crew spanning three continents from London, New York, Mexico, to Guatemala and El Salvador, narrates the unwritten chapter of the Popol Vuh (Mayan Book of Advice), told through a child's journey into manhood after the world has ended. The Myth of Time is written and directed by Jaguar X and produced by Scorpion Hernandez.

The three-day Reel Rasquache Art & Film Festival will also include Directors' Roundtable, a session not to be missed. Hear straight from as many as fifteen of the 2011 festival's showcased directors, all about the making of their films in this special Q&A session. Directors' Roundtable attendance is free and open to all festival goers.

To purchase tickets in advance, please go to: www.eventbrite.com/event/1657346167

Ticket prices are as follows:
General Admission: $9 per program
Opening Night Film and Reception: $25
Closing Film w/Awards & Gala Reception: $30

Weekend Pass (incl. Sunday Gala Reception): $ 90
Saturday Pass: $35
Sunday Pass w/Awards & Gala Reception: $40
Group Rates: $7 each for 10 or more tickets sold as a group at the same time by 5 PM on May 12

Students, seniors, and military personnel receive 50% discount on all above prices at the box office only with proper identification during Festival weekend.

50% discount on full General Admission with proof of MTA public transportation to the festival.

For additional RRAFF information, please visit: www.reelrasquache.org.

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