ElCuentro Film Festival

EL ENCUENTRO: THE LATINO FILM EXPERIENCE

October 13, 14, 2023 at 7:00 PM

The Richard and Nancy Donahue Theater

At Middlesex Community College
240 Central St, Lowell, MA

 

Wow! A year goes by so quickly! Last year’s El Encuentro Film Festival was an incredible success, featuring 24 original short films from all over the US and Puerto Rico, to huge audiences, as we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month.

But we are NOT resting on our laurels. This year, our submissions reached an unbelievable tally of 266! Our diverse and talented team of judges had a lot on their plate as we have chosen the Best of the Best in drama, comedy, documentaries, and animated films.

That’s not all… how about adding a Salsa Dance performance with live music before each show?

Each evening will consist of 90 minutes of original films by an underrepresented group of filmmakers who deserve to be heard.

“Art Is the Handmaid of Human Good” is on the Seal of the City of Lowell, a city that is teeming with artists, poets, actors, and musicians. Come to our fair city and play with us. Enjoy our museums, our restaurants, and see our amazing new films. With the Writer’s Strike going on, it’s more important than ever to showcase these talented screenwriters, directors, actors and filmmakers.

Tickets for this exciting event are $15, and $10 for MCC Students

See you at the show!

Jerry, Michelle, Deborah

 

Online ticket sales will cease at 12PM on the day of the show.

We will hold a limited amount of tickets at the door.

Some Stills – 2023 Festival 

DReam Carriers by Esmeralda Hernandez
Dream Carriers by Esmeralda Hernandez
Belonging by Lucia Ortega Toledo
Belonging by Lucia Ortega Toledo
Thanks so much to Middlesex Community College, The City of Lowell, and all the people who came to see our first “El Encuentro Festival” 2022.  We were overwhelmed by the audience size and the incredible vibe created by these wonderful films. Next year will be even better, featuring live Salsa performers before each viewing,and an even greater reach into the Latino Community to showcase the incredible talent that exists in our country, so sadly overlooked by Hollywood.

Meet Our Judges and Staff

Jerry Bisantz

Jerry Bisantz

Festival Co-Producer
click image for bio
ALBERTO VASALLO III TELEMUNDO BOSTON

Michelle Rivera

Festival Co-Producer
click image for bio
Alessandra Fisher

Alessandria Fisher

Festival Judge
click image for bio
Jerry Bisantz

Ahmos Diaz

Festival Judge
click image for bio
ALBERTO VASALLO III TELEMUNDO BOSTON

Cristina Rivera

Festival Judge
click image for bio
Deborah Belanger

Deborah Belanger

Business Manager
click image for bio
 

Online ticket sales will cease at 12PM on the day of the show.

We will hold a limited amount of tickets at the door.