Soy Andina: The Blog

Soy Andina at Dance on Camera/Jacob Burns Film Center (Westchester County, NY) May 10 & 11 -- with live dance by Cynthia Paniagua!

(click to enlarge)

Very excited about this screening, since we have many Peruvian friends in Westchester asking for Soy Andina!

And the Jacob Burns Film Center is the best theater in the county - a restored landmark dedicated to world cinema and community outreach. Even better, we're part of the renowned Dance on Camera Touring Series. Best of all -- Cynthia Paniagua is back in town, and will be performing her extraordinary dance piece "Despierta Peru" after Sunday's screening -- not to be missed.

Sat May 10, 4:30 pm and Sun May 11, 6:30 pm. Tickets and more info from the Jacob Burns Film Center

POST SCREENING UPDATE: PRESS AND REACTIONS

Post-screening dinner (after Saturday show at Burns Film Center)

Fredy Aguero, Rosanna Ramos-Velita, Hans Levin
Originally uploaded by MTeplitsky.

That's Fredy Aguero, me, Rosanna Ramos-Velita and Hans Levin, shamelessly devouring burgers (sorry, no Peruvian restaurant in walking distance).

Fredy's a Westchester County resident, but originally from Huari, just a hop, skip and a mountain peak down the road from Llamellin. We first met at an Andino festival in Pt. Chester some years back.

Fredi said the movie made him cry three times (in a good way!): "Soy Andina let us meet and share great special moments. No matter our cultural roots, Soy Andina lives inside us. Thank you!!!

And I met Rosanna and Hans just a couple months earlier at the Wharton Conference in Lima, and turns out they are my neighbors in Manhattan! I expect to be writing more about this extraordinary couple in future blogs....

Cinema Tropical: Your one-stop online source to Latin American Cinema in the USA

If you're reading this, you care about Latin American films, therefore you must subscribe to Cinema Tropical, the weekly guide to Latin American Films playing in your city.

I've known co-founder Carlos A. Gutiérrez since the late 90s, when he was working for the Mexican Cultural Institute and I for the Film Society of Lincoln Center. Carlos has been very supportive of Soy Andina since the early days, lending his dashing presence at our fundraisers, premiere, and of course, always listing our screenings in the CT newsletter.

I got a special kick out of seeing Soy Andina listed right below Vargas Llosa's La Fiesta Del Chivo this week (we're at the Jacob Burn Center, "Chivo" at Museo del Barrio), since it was just last month I met the legendary author himself at the Wharton Conference in Lima.

Carlos Guitierrez and fans
(SA Fundraiser, Peru ambassador residence, NYC, May 2004)

Mario Vargas Llosa and fan
Wharton Conference, Lima, Peru, March 2008)
Photo courtesy of Rocio Infante from Ashoka)

Need help managing your business? Meet Anne Libby

Anne and I met at one of the first New York screenings, and quickly discovered we had lots in common. We both are graduates of Wharton....enjoy movies about Peru and dance....practice yoga (she's an excellent teacher, whose mantra to "hit the deck" for cobra pose has helped guide me through life). And we both left corporate jobs to blaze our own path.

Here's Anne's: she's opened a management consulting practice, and launched a website (and newsletter) on the art of management. Check it out.

Fundraiser in Paterson for "Uchuraccay," a Peruvian film by Carmen Valdivieso

Carmen Valdivieso is a Peruvian-born, NY-based journalist who wrote a story about Soy Andina last year for the AP.

She has her own important film in progress: UCHURACCAY, about the 1983 murder of eight journalists and their guide in a remote hamlet in the Peruvian Andes.

They are having a fundraiser, sponsored by The Tiksi Group:

Thursday, May 15th 2008, 7:00 pm
Passaic County Community College Auditorium
1 College Boulevard, Paterson, NJ
Admission: $15 dollars

"Our film crew, composed mostly of journalists who were acquainted with the victims, has been filming since 2006 in a self-supported effort. Now we ask that you help us in bringing this neglected story to the world. Thank you for your support!"

Wed May 14: Using Internet to fundraise and market film, with Mitch and Bud Parr

Me and web guru/amigo/office mate Bud Parr are teaming up to speak at the next New York Doculink gathering, free to all. Details below.

Peruvian restaurant to try in New York: El Pollito Dorado

El Pollito Dorado is an outstanding Peruvian restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens. Last September they catered our post-premiere party at Lincoln Center. In return I promised Javier the owner I would list their website on our links page. Somehow I forgot. But Javier kindly reminded me and now his link is included (and even better, you are reading about it right here, and getting hungry I know...)

SOY ANDE-NEWS | May 1, 2008

"I really enjoyed the film. I think it's especially great for youth audiences. Could we order to keep in our library and show to the high school kids we bring to DC every summer?"

- Ranald Woodaman, Smithsonian Latino Center, DC

(Universities, libraries, museums, high schools and non-profits will be able to order the film soon, announcement forthcoming)

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SCREENINGS - Westchester and San Francisco
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DANCE ON CAMERA | JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER
Sat/Sun, May 10 and 11
Westchester County, Pleasantville, NY

It's Mother's Day weekend -- what could be more fitting than to see a film honoring the Earth Mother? Plus the Return of Mama Cynthia Paniagua, with live Peruvian dance after Sunday's show. From NYC, Metro-North train leaves you a block away. More info

SAN FRANCISO ETHNIC DANCE FESTIVAL
Thursday, June 26
Brava Theater, San Francisco

If you missed the standing room only show in Berkeley last fall, not to worry -- we're returning to the Bay Area. Read more here.

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JOIN US SATURDAY FOR CYNTHIA'S 30 BIRTHDAY PARTY!
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Hard to believe she's turning 30. Even more surprising -- the party's NOT at Pio Pio, but here:

SON CUBANO, 405 West 14th St. in NYC

To reserve, contact Cynthia.

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CHICAGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL REPORT
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We packed two screenings at Instituto Cervantes. Even signed autographs, which stoked my ego to no end.

Nice review of the film here.

After the show our hosts Peru Profundo dance company took us out for dinner and dancing at a Peruvian restaurant.

I met Judy, the group's youngest member -- possibly the world's only 11-year old who dances festejo and ranks #1 in Hebrew School.

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AND THE WINNER OF THE CONTEST TO NAME OUR COMPANY....
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Lucuma Films! I liked "Emosha," but it proved too hard to explain. Lucuma requires 2 words: "Peruvian fruit." FYI, this topic generated the most responses ever in our blog.

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LONDON'S CALLING LEDA
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Co-producer Leda Duif is enroute to London for meetings with various institutions, as we begin negotiations to bring Soy Andina to Europe (sounds very Condi Rice-like, I know).

Thanks to David Mortara, Mr. Peru Music in London, for the introductions. Read about el David in El Comercio (spanish):

Hasta pronto -- Mitch

SOY ANDE-NEWS | March 11, 2008

Below:

* Screening this weekend in Chicago
* Screenings at Dance Fests in NY, SF
* New Movie!
* Neli reports from Lima at Racism Conference
* Latest Press (Variety and NY Times online)

"A fabulous piece of Peruvian culture. My mom is serrana and connected with Nelida's experience. I related to Cynthia as a 1st-generation American. It captivated & educated everyone in the theatre, that Latinos are not just all about "techo-cumbia."

-- June & Rosie Fonseca Munoz, California

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THIS WEEKEND! CHICAGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL
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Sat, Apr 12, 4:00pm and Mon, Apr 14, 8:30pm

Big thanks to Peru Profuno Dance Company and Consulate of Peru in Chicago for spreading the word. I'll be at both shows.

More info

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May 11 & 12: DANCE ON CAMERA | JACOB BURNS FILM CENTER
(Westchester County, NY)
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More here

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June 26: SAN FRANCISCO ETHNIC DANCE FESTIVAL
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More here

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THE NEW MOVIE IS DONE!
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Here's the scoop on "Llamellin and the Fiesta Patronal"

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SCREENING AT RACISM CONFERENCE IN LIMA
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Neli was on the panel, and files this report

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LATEST PRESS
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Variety

NY Times online
All Press
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MORE NEWS SOON ABOUT:
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- DVD release
- Report from Wharton Conference Lima
- More screenings

Hasta pronto! Thanks for reading. FORWARD TO FRIENDS!

Support Village Earth's projects with Indigenous Communities in Amazon

Check out Village Earth's website for inspiring news about work they are doing in the Amazon.

The organization is having a Peruvian dance/fundraiser April 23 in Colorado (but you can donate online)

Poets in English, Spanish or other language sought for Festival in NY/NJ

The Tiksi Group is looking for poets to participate in an International Poetry festival in June:

"This event will try to emulate the world acclaimed Medellín International Poetry Festival... We welcome poets of different ethnic backgrounds and multiple languages. Poets will read their own work in English, Spanish or other language...

Email Ana Maria Quispe for more info: anaq2000 AT hotmail.com

New Video "Llamellin y su Fiesta Patronal!"

Our new video is done! "Llamellin y su Fiesta Patronal" -- 8 days of the astonishing fiesta, bursting with Andean music, dance and tradition, distilled into 27 minutes for your viewing pleasure and spiritual growth.

This is the Complete Fiesta, featuring all your favorite Llamellin traditions and characters, from the guinea pig procession to the Epic Battle between the Last Inca and the Spaniards. A must-have for fans of Neli, who adds some great voice-over commentary, but mostly does what she does best -- dances!

I'm thrilled to have finally completed this. It delivers what many of you have asked for -- more footage of Neli and her world. Hopefully all our Llamellino friends will like it too. Which could mean extra-large portions of cuy for me at the next fiesta, we'll see.

As usual, I couldn't have done a thing without my talented and patient editor Diana Logreira. Thanks also to Gretchen Hildebran, for additional fine editing work....Grammy-award winning sound editor Juan Sosa...associate producer/future arts therapist/Llamellin specialist Doris Loayza...associate producer/stellar musician Bruce Markow....co-producer Leda Duif....and John Ayala, who will be designing the DVD.

"Llamellin y su Fiesta Patronal" will be available as a special bonus feature on the DVD of "Soy Andina," coming soon.

"Chicha para todos!"

New Llamellina Pallas clip from Nelida!

Direct from the source, Nelida supplies us with this recent clip from the Llamellin fiesta outside Lima (I don't know who shot it, though I imagine they had a healthy portion of chicha!)

Pallas Llamellinas & The Death of the Last Inca from Nelida Silva on Vimeo.

NYC: Sonia Peña stars in new Spanish-Language play "Las Manos de Dios"

Our friend Sonia Peña makes a cameo appearance in Soy Andina, dancing at the Llamellin Fiesta (merengue meets wayno) -- but she's become a full-blown, seductive star in the new Spanish-language play "Las Manos De Dios:"

"Las Manos de Dios"
Lehman College
250 Bedford Pk Blvd, West Bronx
Sat April 12 & Sat April 19 @ 8PM
Tickets: $20 & $25
Order directly from the star by email.

Below: Sonia's wearing the white hat in the poster...and below that, a photo of her surrounded by fans (click to enlarge)

Andean Music/Dance in NYC, April 16 & 19

Mosaicos Del Peru Andean Folklore Foundation Inc presents:

The Virgin of Candelaria from the Andes, to New York --
Folkloric Music and Dance from the Andes
(Part of New York City's Immigrant Heritage week)

Wed, April 16, 7-9:00 pm
CUNY Graduate Center, 365 Fifth Avenue at 34th street
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Sat April 19, 5:00-6:30
Queens Museum of Art, Flushing Meadows

More info here

Docuclub's work-in-progress series is back, and seeking submissions

DocuClub is back! Now under the auspices of Arts Engine, Docuclub is a New-York based film series that shows works-in-progress documentaries for moderated feedback.

Coordinator Felix Endara reports they are seeking submissions for 2008 -- namely, rough cut docs between 45-120 minutes.

To submit -- and to join the Club, which includes free admission to all events -- go to their website or email Felix.

Peruvian Peña in Queens, Sat 12 de Abril

Saturday April 12
Elmhurst Memorial Hall, Queens

GRAN PENA SHOW
with Perú Andino
Ballet Folklorico Perú
Italo Masgo
Zaida

Tickets/info: (516) 671-1768

Soy Andina in Chicago: Sat April 12 & Mon April 14, at Chicago Latino Festival

I'm thrilled to be debuting Soy Andina in Chicago at the 24th Chicago Latino Festival, one of the longest-running Latino film festivals in the nation:

Sat April 12 at 4:00 pm
Mon April 14, 8:30 pm
Instituto Cervantes | 31 W. Ohio St. (Directions here)

Tickets $10 (discounts for students and seniors), available at the theater starting one hour before showtime.

New Review from The Chicago Reader

The Chicago Latino Film Festival runs April 4-17, see the complete calendar here.

A big GRACIAS to Carmen, Kathy, Ron, Brando and everyone at Peru Profundo Dance Company in Chicago, who are helping us with outreach and more -- from airport pickup to local Peruvian restaurant guide to hosting us!

I first connected with Peru Profundo nearly three years ago, after receiving this inspiring blog response from Kathy.

They'll be selling DVDs of their shows after both screenings.

FOR PRESS RELEASE, CLICK BELOW

Soy Andina in San Francisco: Thursday June 26, at the Brava Theater (part of SF Ethnic Dance Festival)

We're returning to the Bay Area to screen as part of the prestigious San Francisco Ethnic Dance Festival:

Thursday, June 26, 7:30
Brava Theater
2781 24th St. in the Mission District

Our screening is co-presented by International Latino Film Festival (ILFF) -- thanks to artistic director Sylvia Perel and programmer Charlotte von Hemert.

This marks our second collaboration with the dynamic duo from the ILFF, following last fall's screening at La Peña in Berkeley.

And I'm pleased to let all you Bay Area Cynthia fans know that Ms. Paniagua will be returning to perform her stunning original dance piece "Despierta Peru" following the movie.

Attention filmmakers: Meet Fernanda Rossi at NYC Doculink Meet-Up, Wed April 9

As a long-time fan of both Doculink and Fernanda Rossi, I'm delighted to bring this news:
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NY DOCULINK MEET-UP with Special Guest
"Documentary Doctor" Fernanda Rossi
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Wednesday, April 9, 6:45-8:15 (doors open 6:15)
Telephone Bar & Grill (149 Second Ave, btw 9th-10th)
Free entrance (cash bar)

Meet the "Documentary Doctor" in person and bring your questions about story structure, trailers, the creative process. Hang out afterwards for a drink, conversation and music with other filmmakers.

Fernanda's brilliant work as story editor on Soy Andina was a frequent topic on this blog! See you at the Telephone Bar.

Doculink is a network of documentary filmmakers. Join for free here.

Fernanda writes, consults and leads workshops worldwide for documentary filmmakers. Read more here.

Soy Andina in Lima: Friday March 28 (part of Semana de lucha contra el racismo (series of events against racism)

I recently received an email from Jessica Ayre, project director of Tierra de Tod@s, a collective that works on Racism issues, asking if we could donate Soy Andina to screen as part of a week-long Conference about Racism (Semana de lucha contra el racismo).

The film was screened for free on Friday March 28 at the Auditorio Sánchez Carrión del Congreso de la República in Centro de Lima.

Thanks again to our friends at the US Embassy, Jose Carlos Requena and Steve Ramirez, for providing the Spanish-language version of the DVD, which they had thankfully kept from last year's tour.

Ms."Soy Andina" herself Nélida Silva was there in person, to participate on a post-screening panel about Identity and Media. Neli reports:

The forum went great! The Q&A was fun. Many questions came to me, about Llamellin, about the bull fight, about the band playing cumbia and so on. The panel was composed of a Congressman representing indigenous groups, Indigenous musican Leo Casas, an Afro-Peruvian representing Cumbaya, and myself. Everyone had something to talk about Llamellin. They mentioned your name 20 times :) The entire audience wanted to know when you'll be screening again in Lima.

Peruvian Times Goes Online -- and seeking contributors

After a 10-year hiatus, Andean Air Mail & Peruvian Times is being re-launched as a Web-based multimedia magazine, covering news and features on Peru.

The new publication, with Eleanor Griffis as the publisher, builds on a nearly 100-year tradition of excellence in English-language journalism carried on by three generations of the Griffis family, which published the West Coast Leader and the old Andean Air Mail & Peruvian Times newspapers, and later the Lima Times magazine and the Andean Report newsletter.

Sat March 1: Ballet Folklorico Peru at the Brooklyn Museum

Just found out that Ballet is dancing at the Brooklyn Museum's fantastic First Night monthly event, tomorrow night.

The show is scheduled for 6:30 -- 300 free tickets will be given away starting at 5:00 pm.

Info here

SOY ANDE-NEWS | A Prize | seeking office mate

1. Allow me to brag -- I won a cool award:

2. Now back to the grind. Anyone interested in sharing a work space in Manhattan for a mere $250/month?

Here's the deal:

I rent a desk at the Studio Guild, a collaborative space on West 27th St. off Bway. With conference room, kitchen, wireless web. I'm here usually 3 afternoons a week. Seeking someone else needs part-time desk, and could alternate days, or sometimes overlap. Best for independent solo professionals.

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NEW ON THE BLOG:
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- Soy Andina screening in Central Ohio (for educators)
- Inspiring story of Elena Tuero
- Raul Gallegos's trailer from new doc

and more....

Donate your old backpack to porters in Peru (and elsewhere)

Vermont-based yoga teacher Lisa Nigro (and former visitor to the Peruvian Andes) sent us the link to Packs for Porters, which puts used backpacks into the hands of people who can really use them.

Two River Film Festival awards Mitch Teplitsky Best Director

Originally uploaded by ledavida

I used to say "oh, awards are overrated, they don't really reflect the quality or impact of the film...."

I changed my mind.

As Nelida says in the movie:
"Chicha para todos!"  (Corn brew for everyone!)

That's Anthropogist Bill Mitchell from Monmouth University on the right. In between, Peruvian angelitos (crafted by artists from Ayacucho) guarding over us.

Ohio State's Center for Folklore Studies to screen Soy Andina

The Center for Folklore Studies at Ohio State University will screen SA at their Spring Colloquium "Urban Party Mix" on Feb 23, thanks to invites from Center director Dorothy Noyes and Spanish professor Juan Zevallos Aguilar.

I'm especially excited that Peruvian-born Professor Aguilar will be presenting a paper on Soy Andina to accompany the screening. Juan is a long-time supporter, who's hosted us at Ohio State on two previous occasions (Spanish speakers, check out his blog).

Academics, note the departments behind this event -- Soy Andina will be a great teaching tool in all:

Organized by The Center for Folklore Studies and Department of Theatre, with support from the Office of International Affairs, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Center for Latin American Studies, the Departments of Dance and Spanish and Portuguese and the Program in Ethnomusicology.

Lunes 18 de Feb en Barranco: "Hombres del Marañón," de Raúl Gallegos

Maestro de la camara Raúl Gallegos is showing his award-winning doc, the exquisite "Hombres del Marañón" in Barranco this Monday, read more at El Cinematógrafo!

Elena Tuero, Peruvian-born painter with an inspiring story

I first met Elena Tuero at a screening of Soy Andina last fall in New Jersey. She's got one amazing story.

Arriving to the US from Peru at age 13, Elena was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease at age 27. She underwent a new type of brain surgery, and started painting. And writing. And becoming a spokesperson for people with Parkinsons.

Check out:

- Elena's website to view her paintings (for sale) and essays
- This site about Parkinson's
- New York Times article about Elena.

Lumina en Lima

Aldo from Lumina Communications in Lima just sent me the link to their new website.

I'm quoted in the testimony section -- we worked together in Peru. It's all true.

More reasons to watch Soy Andina

From our friend Dave Schraeger:

"Soy Andina," a documentary whose title means "I am Andean," is being shown at Monmouth University on Friday, February 15th at 7:00 pm. This is a very progressive film that everyone who opposes war and racism should come and see.

Meet Steve Mendelsohn and FilmAid (upcoming Gala April 9 in NYC)

FilmAid is a remarkable non-profit that does screenings in refugee camps, and Steve Mendelsohn is it's new Executive Director. I want you to know about both.

I've known Steve for more than -- well, never mind. We met as freshman at the University of Pennsylvania, and been good friends ever since. I could write a book or documentary about Steve, which would also be a marvelous inside chronicle of New York City. (note to self: file in "Future Projects" folder).

Steve has a bio to die for -- degrees from Wharton and Harvard, leadership roles in business and non-profit media. FilmAid founder/co-chair Caroline Baron calls him "a man of great vision and deep compassion." That is true. He's also a great dancer (I feel it's my duty to add something you won't find in the official press release).

Read about FilmAid on their website, including the big Gala party April 9 in New York City.

The Ultimate Quote about Soy Andina?

From David Mortara, our British cajon player friend, who hung out with us enough in Lima and New Jersey to provide this rare, behind-the-scenes perspective (sorry can't reveal names!)

Had there been no Soy Andina there would have been no _______, no cheeky comic-book capers with _______, no late-night illicit rendezvous with the wicked maîtresse _______, _______ would not have been led so astray so often, and 99% of North Americans would still be believing that Peru is somewhere in darkest Africa, and Limeños would be calling their soya milk substitute by another brand name.

Grad Student seeks information about Peruvian Dance in Transnational Settings

Anyone want to help out Aidyn Mills? Email her here

I'm a graduate student in Anthropology from the University of Virginia doing research on the performance of Peruvian folk dance in Spain. I'm still in the pre-field stage and, as such, am trying to secure as much information as possible that will help me design my project. I've heard about your film and wanted to inquire into any leads or insights you may have to offer into this topic, the performance of Peruvian dance in transnational settings.

Peruvian dance and Cajon classes in NYC

Peruvian dancer/scholar Rosa Carhuallanqui reports that she and other members of The Peruvian Music and Dance Project are teaching Cajon, Marinera, Valses, Afro-Peruvian and Andean dance, each Saturday at Lotus Music and Dance in Manhattan (109 West 27th St.)

Hey that's across the street from the Soy Andina offices! Could be West 27th is becoming "Little Peru."

For more info/registration: (212) 697-2495 or email

Here's a video of dance classes to whet your appetite.

Ben Box from Footprint Peru

Long-time Footprint Peru editor Ben Box shares his reactions after watching Soy Andina:

¡Felicitaciones!

It made me so nostalgic for Peru, all the dances and the places. It really captured a lot of what Peru is about and I remembered several occasions when I have found myself in someone's house for a get together that turned into an impromptu music and dance session. Everyone seems to have so much music in them.

Celebs on the Scene at Santa Barbara FF

Soy Andina was there. So was Brad and Angelina. Here's the report from Indiewire.

More about Anthropologist (and award-winning dancer) Dr. Bill MItchell

As our February 15 screening at Monmouth approaches, curator Dr. Bill Mitchell reveals new talents:

I first went to Peru in 1965 for my doctoral work, and have lived there for some 6 years on and off. I lived in Ayacucho and Quinua, and then in Lima during the war.

I once won an award for the best dancer in one of the migrant places along the central highway to Huancayo! They took me up on stage, I spoke a little Quechua as well. The crowd loved it, as did I.

Of course, the award was a special category: best gringo dancer! (actually I was the only gringo.) I had a wonderful time. I love to dance the huayno and the huaylas.

Read more about Bill's academic side here

"Native Voices: Contemporary Indigenous Art" opens in Red Hook, New York

Just got this Facebook message from Amalia Amalia (National Museum of the American Indian):

"Please join us this Friday in Red Hook!"

Event: "Native Voices: Contemporary Indigenous Art" (Feb. 8-March 23, 2008)
When: Friday, February 8 at 6:00pm.
What: Opening
Where: Kentler International Drawing Space

To see more details and RSVP, follow the link

"Chihuallo" -- Llamellin Carnival in Lima

Another Peruvian fiesta in the Llamellin tradition:

La Asociación Llamellina Llapantzi y los Padrinos: Srta. Yanet Pérez Sánchez y Sr. Juan Pinedo Blas tienen el honor de invitar a usted y familia a la celebración de nuestro carnaval llamellino.

Reactions to latest screening (Santa Barbara Film Festival)

"A wonderfully uplifting story...a great film"
-- Candace Schermerhorn, programmer, Santa Barbara International Film Festival

Report from Edward -- good evidence of Soy Andina's broad-based appeal, and how different audiences relate to each character. Immigrants and Peruvians identify more with Nelida, the immigrant; Americans more with Cynthia, the Peruvian-American:

Screening was good. About 75 people in (I'm guessing) 100 seat theater. Mostly older (50s and 60s)upper middle class, traveled, white crowd. 80% women.

The comments and mood afterward were very positive. My impression is that they were completely enchanted with being able to accompany these characters on their journeys, even more than the cultural introduction which became more the pretext of the story rather than the reason for it. By far the strongest connection the audience had was with Cynthia. Looking at the audience's eyes, so many women seemed to be touched as if remembering there own coming of age journey (backpacking through Europe, India, the Andes, etc.) it was definetly that kind of crowd.

Congradulations, very touching story. I was struck with alot of de ja vu identity moments and empathy throughout the film.

Peruvians in NYC: Encounters with the Queen of Lando Eva Allyon, jazz virtuoso Gabriel Allegria, and blogger (and champion salsa dancer) Javier L. Orellana

Two weeks ago I got an email from Javier Orellana, co-writer of the terrific blog Tempo Expresso ("a Double Shot of Latino Life"), asking me to spread the word about upcoming Afro-Peruvian jazz shows with Gabriel Alegria and Eva Allyon.

So I did. But wasn't sure I'd make it.

Then the next week Carlos Quiroz raved about Gabriel's appearance in Washington, DC. That clinched it, I had to go.

So on Monday I headed down to NYU's Steinhardt School for a Peruvian Descarga for jazz and Peruvian musicians. Eva performed with Gabriel's incredible Afro-Peruvian jazz band. An amazing night. Especially in such an intimate setting.

Afterwards, a lot of us headed around the block to the jazz club Cachaca, where the musicians kept on jamming.

Here's a photo.

Gabriel's touring other cities in the USA, and leading a Jazz Tour of Peru in August.

Peruvian-American filmmaker Edward Hermoza Kramer

Keep an eye out for Edward Hermoza Kramer, the son of Peruvian immigrants. We connected through the Santa Barbara Film Festival, where a film he co-produced/shot/edited (Thinking Grande!) appears.

I keep gravitating towards music docs and the communities that surround them....Check out the my last doc Community Band. I am working on a new documentary where the Cajon is the main character, using it to reveal Afro Peruvian culture.

Behind the Scenes with Skylight Pictures

We've mentioned Pamela Yates, Paco de Onis and Peter Kinoy from Skylight Pictures frequently in this blog, for good reason: their film State of Fear is a must-view for anyone interested in Peru.

There's another reason to toast these filmmakers however -- they throw parties that nearly rival the Llamellin Fiesta Patronal in spirit and fun (if not guinea pigs):

Marinera Mania

This week's issue of Living in Peru has a nice article about the Marinera and the upcoming National Marinera Trujillo Competition (The Super Bowl of Marinera....speaking of which, go Giants!)

Screening: West Long Branch, NJ | Feb 15, 2008 | Two Rivers Film Festival

I'm excited that Soy Andina is a part of "LatinAmerican Realities," a serious month-long program of events (Jan 22-Feb 22) that explore the art, people and culture of Peru and Brazil. It's being presented by Monmouth University in partnership with the Two River Film Festival.

Our screening takes place Friday, February 15, 7:30 p.m. at the Pollak Theatre. (Directions here).

The other Peruvian films include the acclaimed feature Dias de Santiago; Hands of God, a doc about Afro-Peruvian percussionist Julio “Chocolate” Algendones; and "State of Fear: The Truth About Terrorism" by our friends Pam Yates and Paco de Onis.

And anchoring the entire program is Afro-Peruvian dance by Peru Negro, described on the site as the "Official Ambassadors of Peruvian Culture" (actually I'd propose that title be shared with our Nelida Silva -- but hey, I'm biased.)

Our screening and all the events (with the exception of Peru Negro) are free.

Thanks to Professor/Anthropologist Dr. Bill Mitchell for inviting us after finding our website. His book about life in the Andes, Voices from the Global Margin, won the 2007 LASA Peru Flora Tristan Award for best book published in any language on Peru.

UPDATE ABOUT BILL:

More buzz about the Program:

Two River Film Festival

The Independent

Monmouth University News

Dave Shraeger

Meet Carolina Huaranca: Wall Street investment banker turned education entrepreneur, who's helping bring Soy Andina to schools

I've lost count of how many amazing people have found us through the internet. Here's another. I asked Carolina to write her own story, below. She will attend the Wharton Global Conference in Lima this March with me, where we'll be seeking underwriters to develop study guides and distribute Soy Andina in schools.

While scouring the Internet for Marinera classes, Carolina Huaranca, a former Wall Street investment banker turned education entrepreneur, came upon the Soy Andina weblog and became instantly captivated by the documentary.

"This film fully embraces Peru's culture, traditions, and ethnic diversity. It not only helps re-ignite cultural pride amongst Peruvians-Americans from all walks of life, it encourages dialogue across all cultures."

Ms. Huaranca was just as fascinated with the online community that developed around the documentary.

"I was amazed at just how many people felt as passionately as I did about this film. After meeting Mitch I was inspired to spearhead an effort to introduce Soy Andina to U.S. schools."

Today's U.S. youth are living in a global society. It's imperative they develop a strong understanding of other cultures. Teaching cultural awareness is difficult, especially when students find what they read about challenging to identify with. This is even more problematic for children attending schools in low-income urban areas. The main challenge many educators face is finding a way to present social science materials in a way that can be easily understood and relatable.

According to Ms. Huaranca: "A film like Soy Andina is the perfect teaching tool to facilitate this. The Soy Andina team aims to create an engaging yet rigorous curriculum to be used along with the film in schools. Our ultimate goal is to elevate cultural understanding, enhance learning, and increase student engagement."

Kuyayky, a superb Andean music group

They live in North Miami, but their music and hearts are rooted in the Andes.

Meet Kuyayky. Music group, family, and foundation. On a mission to promote Peruvian culture and bridge worlds.

And if the timing works out, collaborators with Soy Andina. We are plotting a show with them for April. More info soon.

Meantime: catch them them live on Friday Feb 8, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale, FL

Seth Godin and my editors

Marketing Guru Seth Godin writes:

Turns out that for the last seventeen twenty-seven years, every single movie that managed to win the Oscar for best picture was also nominated for best editing.

Great products, amazing services and stories worth talking about get edited along the way. Most of the time, the editing makes them pallid, mediocre and boring. Sometimes, a great editor will push the remarkable stuff. That's his job.

The easy thing for an editor to do is make things safe. You avoid trouble that way. Alas, it also means you avoid success.

Who's doing your editing?

My Answers: here and here.

Pachamama Peruvian Arts presents "El Nino," an original musical: Friday, Feb 1, in Jackson Heights

From Gabrielle Hamilton and Rosa Carhuallanqui:

The Center for Traditional Music and Dance and the Pachamama Organizing Committee are pleased to present El Niño, an original musical based on a Peruvian folk narrative.

Complete press release in Spanish and English, below: