Tampa welcomes a new film Festival. Conga Caliente International Film Festival (CCIFF) Classic films which have received international acclaim down through history will be showcased scheduled open air screenings on Nov 5,,7, and 8th with the Conga Caliente family festival being held on Sunday, November 6th at Al Lopez Park.
Founder, Maritza Astorquiza, continues the tradition with the expansion of this year’s 8th annual event with the addition of award-winning films from Latino countries. The retrospective collection has won international recognition by receiving Academy Awardsยฎ, Golden Globesยฎ and numerous International awards such as Spain’s Goya Awards for Best Films, Best Director and Best Actors.
The official opening on November 5, 2011 will feature the 50th anniversary screening of the classic award-winning film “West Side Story” (Spanish subtitled) which will be preceded by the Florida premiere of a high-energy music video “Meetchu In Machu Picchu.” A special appearance of the music video’s director, screenwriter, dancers and actors will also be present. The opening night is being presented free to the public in Al Lopez Park compliments of Coda Sound of Tampa, Florida. Guests are encouraged to bring their blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the excitement launching this year’s Conga Caliente Festival which opens the next morning.
In addition to the showcase screenings of classic, award-winning Latino films, Conga Caliente Festival has joined forces with The National Hispanic American Educational Fund according to event founder and organizer, Maritza Astorquiza. “For those of you who have experienced the fun of our annual event in the past, I know you’ll be pleased with our expansion this year of Latino films which will give us the opportunity to experience and value their importance in film history” commented Astorquiza.
“We are also pleased to balance our cultural endeavors with this year’s association with The National Hispanic American Educational Fund. Awards will be presented to local Tampa students to further their education. These awards will be presented on Sunday, at the Conga Calientefamily festival’s main stage on November 6, in Al Lopez Park,” continued Astorquiza. Sponsors of each award will participate in each of the presentations to the local students.
CCIFF screening under the stars
Nov 5th location Al Lopez Park
Nov 6th Conga Caliente Family festival at Al Lopez Park
Nov 7th location Al Lopez Park
Nov 8th location Curtis Hixon Park
The retrospective screenings of Latino films will continue on Monday, November 7, 2011 at the Al Lopez Park. and followed by the closing, November 8 at Curtis Hixon Park, downtown Tampa. All screenings are free to the public. Information about the National Hispanic American Educational Fund and the awards being presented to local students can be seen on the web site www.congacaliente.com.
Sponsors who have joined the CCIFF event are State Farm, McDonalds, Bright House Networks, Infomas, Coda Sound, Tampa Tribune, Centro Tampa, Estrella TV The Warschaw Learning Institute’s Dental Office Management Program, Craig Prater Productions .
Sponsorship opportunities are listed on www.congacaliente.com or by contacting Martiza Astorquiza at 831-353-8151 or Martiza@CongaCaliente.com. For information on how to sponsor one of the student educational grants, contact Gerald A. Vukas of The National Hispanic American Educational Fund at Jvukas@CongaCaliente.com.
Coda Sound is an Audio Visual Production Company with services which include staging, sound and lighting, community events, sports events, press conferences and corporate events. CS Live a division is Coda Sound, which specializes in event production. CS Live specializes in Hispanic marketing.