Report on PRIME LATINO MEDIA SALÓN (October 2016) - Celebrating Latin American Culture and Artistry

To celebrate what would otherwise be called Columbus Day officially, PRIME LATINO MEDIA Salón on Wednesday October 12, 2016 at The Green Room at New World Stages and turned it around and paid respect to El Día de la Raza by kicking off the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival (IPRHFF), which is set to screen in New York City from Wednesday, November 9, 2016 through Sunday, November 13, 2016.

But more than anything, it was about celebrating Latin American culture and artistry by featuring individuals whose projects will roll out at the IPRHFF.

The first interview was with Christopher López, director/writer who will have his world premiere at the Festival for his first feature film, Adrift. The second interview showcased Aris Mejías, who is the lead actress in the feature film, The Vessel, alongside Martin Sheen and Lucas Quintana that was shot completely in Puerto Rico, in English and then scenes repeated in Spanish with a 90% Puerto Rican cast. She is also starring in the short film After.

The third interview, which is always a “Salón Unplugged” unique musical foray, included an interview with both Mireya I. Ramos and Shae Fiol, from New York’s first, all-female multicultural mariachi band, Mariachi Flor de Toloache. They were joined by two other members for a musical performance that absolutely kicked the ball out of the park with a stellar performance that mesmerized everyone in the audience as they performed three songs that shifted from a smooth and silky, soulful ballad to a traditional mariachi song with their own twist that borrowed from diverse musical influences. A magical night, once again, filled with networking, insightful interviews and unique music featuring the best in New York’s multimedia-making, acting and musical independent scene.

[Photos courtesy of Tío Louie. To see more photos of the event, click here.]