Actors and directors head to Mexico

Guadalajara attracts stars, Longoria and others

By JAMES YOUNG

Eva Longoria Parker

Guadalajara fest director Jorge Sanchez says his focus isn't necessarily on glamour but creating encounters between industry leaders and young talent. "We've generated an international buzz that's really helped attract actors, directors and personalities," he says.

Still, upping the glam factor is Eva Longoria Parker, who has agreed to emcee the fest's opening ceremony.

Mexican directing legend Arturo Ripstein also confirmed he'll be in attendance.

And Talent Campus, originally a Berlin Film Festival concept, returns to Guadalajara this year, delivering some boldfaced names. Thesps John Malkovich and Diego Luna will be two of some 40 campus instructors. The two are fresh off a Mexico City run of Zach Helm's play "The Good Canary" as director and lead, respectively.

Guadalajara's Talent Campus invited 60 young film talents from across the Americas to meet industry figures, including Greek helmer Theo Angolopoulos, documentary legend Albert Maysles, producer Tom Sternberg and local scribe-turned-helmer Guillermo Arriaga.

On March 22, helmer Emir Kusturica will receive the fest's International Prize for film excellence outside of Latin America. He'll then perform a concert with his band The No Smoking Orchestra.

Perhaps the fest's rowdiest moment comes on March 23. That night's Fiesta de Cine Mexicana will bow Sergio Arau's latest, "Naco es chido" (Tacky Is Cool), followed by a Mexican wrestling extravaganza and a concert by Mexican Guaca-rockers Botellita de Jerez in the classic Arena Coliseo, located in one of Guadalajara's toughest neighborhoods.