The Costa Rican film El Camino (The Path) paved its way through Buffalo at the 2009 International Women's Film Festival.
Winner of both the FIPRESCI International Critics' prize and the Special Jury Award at the Guatelajaran Film Festival in 2008, El Camino is the first feature film produced by a woman in Central America.
Directed by Ishtar Yasin, the film documents the lives of two abandoned Nicaraguan children on their journey to Costa Rica to find their mother.
Incredibly, most of the actors in this film are not professionals, chosen solely because of their real-life experiences.
Twelve-year-old Saslaya (Sherlyn Paola Velasquez) and her younger, mute brother Dario (Marcos Ulises Jimene) flee their grandfather's house in Nicaragua, traveling across Central America on a mission to find their mother.
The children make their journey with no concrete plan of transportation and survival. Whether they walk along volcanic areas or stumble upon a departing boat, Saslaya and Dario manage to make their way with a little bit of fortunate luck and charity.
When they finally arrive at their destination, Saslaya and her brother are separated when a gathering crowd scatters as shots are heard being fired in the air. Unable to locate Dario, Saslaya must travel by herself to find her family.
The International Women's Film Festival is currently celebrating its 13th year, sponsored by UB's Institute for Research and Education on Women and Gender.
Co-Chairwoman of the festival and UB English professor Barbara Bono explained that the festival's mission as emphasized by international gender discrepancies.
"[These films] highlight women and gender issues from around the world, predominately by women directors," Bono said.
Bono agrees the type of films revealed are "inspirational, unusual and expand viewing and cultural understanding." Although they showcase women, Bono believes it is important for both genders to view the films addressing common issues.
Another standout film in this series is winner of Best Canadian First Feature Award at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2008, Before Tomorrow.
A 19th century tale involving two Inuits and their dramatic reunion after years of separation will play for audiences Thursday at the Market Arcade Film & Arts Centre.
La Nuit de la Verite (A Night of Truth) will play on Feb. 19, directed by Fanta Regina Nacro. Winner of the Best Screenplay award at the San Sebastian International Film festival in 2004, the film portrays two wary people trying to bring peace to their opposing African nations.
The following week, producer Lisa Thrasher will introduce Itty Bitty Titty Committee, directed by Jamie Babbit. This film is a true "girl power" flick, recognizing a young woman as a revolutionary who must battle oppression against her gender.
A few short works by Western New York women will be featured on March 5 to culminate the festival. Packed with truth, heart and empowerment, these films not only address situations women have been battling for years, but also explore issues affecting both genders.
The International Women's Film Festival promises intriguing conversation and phenomenal films at the Market Arcade Film and Arts Center downtown. Students can attend for $6.50 with a valid UB ID.
