The New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) celebrates its 10th Anniversary as the premier Latino film festival in the country, unspooling in New York City from Monday, July 27 to Sunday, August 2, 2009.

Major stars that will be igniting the screens this year's festival are Benjamin Bratt, John Leguizamo, Calle 13, Ruben Blades, Vin Diesel, Christina Milian, Andy Garcia, Ray Liotta, Jim Jones, Kerry Washington, Brandon Routh, Illeana Douglas, Shannyn Sossamon, Lara Flynn Boyle, Easi Morales, Ericka Alexander, Voltio, Tego Calderon, Gilberto Santa Rosa, Victor Rasuk, Kuno Becker, Ana de la Reguera and Al Sharpton.

NYILFF Executive Director Calixto Chinchilla says they are very excited to be celebrating the 10th Anniversary.

"The NYILFF began as a dream to showcase our talent and to empower Latinos. We've been fortunate to have grown in size and stature. This year, we have everything; highly anticipated Hollywood premieres to independent films from filmmakers across the globe, industry forums, music showcases and free outdoor events for everyone."

And festival co-director Elizabeth Gardner says the 10th Anniversary is a testament to the strong support the festival has received from their corporate partners and the community, at large

"The NYILFF has come a long way since 1999, and we continue to break ground as the number 1 showcase for Latino and Urban films and filmmakers."

The New York International Latino Film Festival opens on Tuesday, July 28, with the New York premiere of La Mission, starring Benjamin Bratt, Jesse Borrego, Erika Alexander, Jeremy Ray Valdez and Talisa Soto Bratt. La Mission is writer-director Peter Bratt's rich and powerful story of a man's journey toward redemption through his struggle with violence and homophobia. The film is produced by Benjamin Bratt, Alpita Patel and Peter Bratt.

Another festival feature is a tribute to Hollywood actor John Leguizamo, a long-time supporter of NYILFF. Leguizamo will be honoured with the Tres Generaciones COA Award, a special award created by the brand to recognise outstanding achievements in Latino filmmaking.

About The NYILFF

Launched in 1999, the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF) is now the premier Urban Latino film event in the country. The NYILFF's mission is to showcase the works of the hottest emerging Latino filmmaking talent in the U.S. and Latin America, offer expansive images of the Latino experience, and celebrate the diversity and spirit of the Latino community. Programming includes the flagship film festival in NYC, new music and art showcases, family and community events, scholarships for aspiring filmmakers, and a nationally recognized short film competition in partnership with HBO. The NYILFF is the only film event to have had the endorsement of Mayor Michael Bloomberg's NYC Latin Media and Entertainment Commission since its formation in 2003.

Venues For This Years NYILFF

THEATRES

Clearview Chelsea Cinemas
260 W. 23rd St.
(Between 7th & 8th Avenues)

The SVA Theater
333 W. 23rd St.
(Between 8th & 9th Avenues)

DOMINICAN NIGHT

Columbia Alumni Hall
168th Street at Fort Washington Avenue

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS

New York Restoration Project 103rd Street Community Garden
105 East 103rd Street
(Between Lexington and Park Avenues)

St. Nicholas Park
135th Street and St. Nicholas

PANELS

HBO
1100 Avenue of the Americas
(42nd and 43nd Streets)

Showbiz Software
19 West 21st Street
(Between Broadway & 6th Avenues)

REGISTRATION

Roosevelt Hotel
45 East 45th Street at Madison Avenue
 

You can follow the NYILFF on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/LatinoFilmFest