URBANWORLD FILM FESTIVAL
September 20-24
SPEAKING TONGUES
(Somos lengua, Kyzza Terrazas, Mexico, 2016, 83 min. In Spanish with English subtitles)
East Coast Premiere
In many cities in Mexico, a big number of young people are getting devoted to the art of Rap. They live for Rap and nurture from it. Who are these Mexican rappers? What do they find in this culture that society is not giving them? How has this intense relationship with words and language transformed them and helped them survive in this country that doesn’t offer any opportunities?
AMC Empire Theater 12 – Friday, September 22, 10:30pm
QUEST
(Santiago Rizzo, USA, 2017, 85 min. In English)
Based on a true story, “Mills” is an abused 12 year old graffiti addict who is losing faith in integrity. Tim Moellering is a humble middle school teacher and football coach in Berkeley California who believes that there is no such thing as a bad kid, only a bad situation. The two form an uneasy friendship when Tim recognizes Mills unhealthy behavior is merely a cry for help. Keeping his promise, Tim is willing to sacrifice his reputation, job and relationships in order win the child’s trust. But Mills cannot trust until he learns to trust his struggle first.
AMC Empire Theater 12 - Thursday, September 21, 10pm
VARSITY PUNKS
(Anthony Solorzano, USA, 2017, 105 min. In English)
East Coast Premiere
Senior A.J. Montoya (Cody Esquivel) is his high school’s star quarterback until he breaks his hand. In desperation, AJ realizes that his only shot at athletic glory is to team up with his longtime rivals -- the cross country team, quirky misfits lead by their feisty captain, Rosie (Andy Bueno). Together, they have the potential to win big under the guidance of Coach Menlo (Efren Ramirez), a likable slacker who is chasing a big win of his own!
AMC Empire Theater 12 - Saturday, September 23, 10:15pm
SHINE
(Anthony Nardolillo, USA, 2017, In English)
World Premiere
Shine exudes the power of brotherhood, love and redemption. Ralphi Matas returns to Spanish Harlem to develop commercial real estate in the Barrio he left behind after his father Ramon passed away. Ralphi encounters his estranged brother Junior, who forces him to recognize everything he left behind. As Ralphi confronts his past, his tenacious boss Linda pursues the lucrative development deal that threatens to dismantle his beloved Barrio and childhood memories. Ralphi is determined to reclaim what he has lost as a voice echoes in his mind: “we are connected from the very first beat to the very last echo.”
