IFC Films

New York Int’l Children’s Film Festival Presents: Viva Cuba!

A NEW FILM BY JUAN CARLOS CREMATTA MALBERTI

Winner! Cannes Film Festival Junior

Official Selection London Film Festival

Official Selction Toronto Film Festival

Official Cuban Entry to 2006 Academy Awards

Exlusive New York Appearance Sat & Sun, June 3 & 4 – 11:00am – IFC Center, 323 Sixth Ave (At West Third) Recommended Ages 7-14 www.gkids.com 212-349-0330

New York International Children’s Film Festival (NYICFF) presents the exclusive New York appearance of the award winning new film VIVA CUBA! playing at 11:00 am on Saturday & Sunday, June 3 & 4, at the IFC Center, 323 Sixth Avenue (at West Third). VIVA CUBA! was an official selection at the prestigious Toronto, London, and San Francisco Film Festivals, was the winner of Cannes Junior, and was Cuba’s official entry to the 2006 Academy Awards.

Juan Carlos Cremata Malberti’s lightning-paced, road-movie, fairy-tale follows the adventures of two young runaways, Malu (Malu Tarrau Broche) and Jorgito (Jorgito Milo Avila), as they embark on a rollicking odyssey from the streets and schools of Havana across the length of the island by train, bus, car, motorcycle, oxcart, and on foot, in search of Malu’s father. VIVA CUBA!, Malberti’s second feature, is brimming with Amelie style whimsy, visual humor, and charm. But beneath the surface appeal of quick edits and the stunning rural landscapes, the film resonates with warmth and sincerity and offers a rare window into the complex social and political landscape of Cuba as viewed through the eyes of a child. Running time is 80 minutes. In Spanish with English subtitles.

VIVA CUBA! will be preceded by the multi-award winning short film THE BOY, THE SLUM, AND THE PAN’S LID, which was a top prize winner at the first New York International Children’s Film Festival in 1997. The film is set in the Favela de Paraisopolis section of Sao Paulo and features the music of Bate-Lata (Tin-Spanking Band) who use scrap materials to make their instruments.

For information and tickets visit www.gkids.com or call 212-349-0330. Tickets are 10.75 adult, 7:00 children and seniors.

NYICFF @ IFC

In March 2006, NYICFF launched the nation’s first ongoing, year-round series of independent and international films for children and teens. Screenings take place the first weekend of every month at the IFC Center.

“NYICFF is lining up a truly extraordinary slate of films at the IFC Center this year, from major feature premieres to our unprecedented lineup of brilliant animated, live action and experimental shorts. These works stand on their own as great films-not just great ‘kids movies’ but great films period,” says NYICFF founder and director, Eric Beckman. “IFC was our first choice of venues to launch our indie-for-kids series. They are 100% dedicated to independent film and the facility is immaculate.”

“NYICFF and IFC was an obvious fit.” says IFC Center VP and general manager, John Vanco. “We like that NYICFF is pushing the boundaries and giving young audiences a richer cinematic experience than what Hollywood has to offer. Together we’re helping bring up the next generation of young cinephiles.”

About NYICFF – Defining a New ” Film for Kids “

NYICFF was founded in 1997 to promote intelligent, passionate, innovative works for ages 3-18 to help define a new, more compelling film for kids. The event has grown to become the largest festival for children and teens in North America, with an annual audience of over 20,000. NYICFF sets itself apart from other children’s events by premiering a highly selective slate of top-caliber films more at home at festivals such as Berlin, Toronto, Cannes and Venice than at typical children’s events. The NYICFF Jury includes Susan Sarandon, James Schamus, Gus Van Sant, Peter Lord and Adam Gopnik. The next city-wide festival takes place March 2007 and will mark the festival’s 10 year anniversary.

About IFC Center

The IFC Center, opened on the site of the historic Waverly Theater, is the ultimate entertainment space for New Yorkers seeking the best in independent film. The new complex features:

  • Three state-of-the-art cinemas with luxurious seating, and High-Def digital and 35mm projection
  • New independent, foreign, and documentary features
  • Weekend Classics – weekends at noon
  • Waverly Midnights – cult movies every Friday and Saturday at midnight
  • Short Attention Span Cinema – short films screening before every feature
  • The Waverly at IFC Center – an all-day restaurant with a full bar
  • Posteritati Gallery at IFC Center – exhibitions of vintage movie posters from around the globe
    and NO commercials on our screens

For more information on the IFC Center, visit www.ifccenter.com

Press Contacts

  • NYICFF:
    Eric Beckman
    212-528-0500
    eric@gkids.com

    IFC Center:
    Harris Dew
    212-924-6789
    hdew@ifccenter.com