The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) concluded its 16th event with the US premiere of one of Mexico’s most successful films, “NOSOTROS LOS NOBLES,” directed, co-written and co-produced by Gaz Alazraki (“Volver, Volver”, and “Respete la Señales”). The Closing Night Gala Celebration was held on Monday, October 14th, 2013 at the Orpheum Theatre in Downtown, Los Angeles.

The festival’s biggest winners were also announced at the Closing Night Awards Ceremony sponsored by Cine Latino and Pantelion Films. “ESTHER EN ALGUNA PARTE” directed by Gerardo Chijona took home the Rita Award as Best Film. “JUSTICE FOR MY SISTER” won the award for Best Documentary and “PRINCESAS ROJAS” for Best Opera Prima. Lastly, “EL COCODRILO” won the prize for Best Short Film. See the complete list of winners below.

LALIFF Executive Director, Programmer and Co-Founder Marlene Dermer quoted Abraham Lincoln saying, "Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other."

The festival featured 62 films, including 28 features, 11 documentaries and 23 shorts. In addition to the film screenings, the festival hosted filmmaker panels on Saturday, October 12th and Sunday, October 13th with Closing Night Gala after-party presented by Cine Latino. LALIFF’s highlights included, Pablo Ferro, 16th GABI Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition to his contribution to the entertainment industry in the Hispanic filmmaking community; more than 80 film and television shows, during his 40 year career. “The greatest feeling in the world is when something has been created that no one has ever seen before. And you're the one who is seeing it for the first time,” said Pablo Ferro.

Winners of the 16th Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival:

Best Feature Film (RITA AWARD): Esther en Alguna Parte
Director: Gerardo Chijon
Country: Cuba

Best Documentary: Justice for My Sister
Director: Kimberly Bautista
Country: United States/Guatemala

Best Opera Prima: Princesas Rojas
Director: Laura Astorga
Country: Costa Rica
Honorable Mention: Water & Power

Best Short Film: El Cocodrilo
Director: Steve Acevedo
Country: US

Audience Choice Award: Ponchao
Director: Josh Crook
Country: Dominican Republic

Best Director: Miriam Kruishoop for Greencard Warrior
Country: USA
Best Script: Esther en Alguna Parte
Country: Cuba
Honorable Mention: Amor Cronico

Visit http://www.latinofilm.org for more information.

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