For nine days, New York becomes a mosaic of cultures, languages and diverse looks with the 12th edition of The Americas Film Festival New York (Taffny), which starts on Thursday, June 12 at the Cervantes Institute and concludes on Friday 20 at the National Museum of the American Indian. More than a film festival, Taffny is a free invitation and open to the public to immerse himself in the complexities and beauties of the American continent through the big screen.
This year, the festival presents nine feature films and more than 25 short films from 17 countries, in a program that highlights issues such as female resilience, mental health, LGBTQ+ communities and historical memory.
The opening night will feature the premiere in New York of Becoming Vera, directed by Sergio Vizuete. Set in Miami, the film tells the story of a young pianist who, when leaving the reception system, finds her voice in Latin Jazz. A story about identity, talent and hope that promises to excite the public.
“The Americas are a vibrant mosaic of cultures – complement, illuminating and deeply human – and Taffny’s mission is to bring these stories to the screen so that New Yorkers can experience them, reflect and connect. And the best thing: everything is free and is full of joy,” says Diana Vargas, artistic director of Toffny.
Among the jewels of this edition, SO Surreal stands out: Behind The Mask, closing documentary directed by Neil Diamond (CREE) and Joanne Robertson, which tracks the journey of stolen indigenous masks, from North America to Europe, and explores its impact on surrealism and modern art. The film, which will have its New York premiere on June 20, will be accompanied by a conversation with the directors and representatives of Smithsonian.
In addition to the premieres, the festival includes The Americas Short Films Competition, with works by young filmmakers who address social realities from animation, documentary, fiction and experimental. Juries include renowned artists, academics and experts such as Miguel Rueda, Ana María Hernández and Annelise Hagen.
Taffny is an initiative of the Center for the Education of the Workers of the City College of New York (CUNY), with the support of institutions such as the Cervantes Institute, the American Indian Museum, the Bildner Center and the Colombian Consulate in New York.
“By celebrating our twelfth edition, we proudly reaffirm our role as a cultural lighthouse within the diverse and vibrant artistic fabric of the city,” says Dr. Juan Carlos Mercado, co -founder of the festival. “This year’s selection seeks to give voice to stories frequently ignored by conventional media and highlight countries that rarely have a presence in the great festivals, in full line with the mission of Cuny and the City College.”
The projections will be carried out in different venues in the city, including the Cervantes Institute, the City College Downtown, the MNN, the Consulate of Colombia and the Graduate Center of Cuny.
Check the complete programming at www.taffny.com or Signs on Instagram @taffny03.
