Yesterday I braved the torrential downpour that nearly swallowed up the city to attend a screening of Stages, one of the many films featured in the New York International Latino Film Festival presented by HBO.
Stages is a feature-length documentary film following a group of older Puerto Rican women who are brought together with a group of inner city youths to create an original play from the stories of their lives.
Showing that life’s lessons do not stop after sixty, the film is a coming-of-age story and one about growing older intimately following each character as they learn, discover and grow through an open, guided creative theater workshop. The older latin women and urban teenagers profiled share personal stories of hardship and happiness from their past, present and hopes for the future, and in turn relate universal feelings we all -regardless of age - experience in life. It was incredible to see people transformed by exploring their own stories, and the film ultimately left me with an even greater appreciation for community arts programs, truly important experiences for people of all ages, ethnicity, income, etc.
Stages was produced by a collective of talented artists at Meerkat Media and is screening once more during the festival at 5 p.m. Friday at the School of Visual Arts Theater on 23rd St. btw. 8th and 9th Ave. Please go check it out!
Additionally, the New York International Latino Film Festival continues through August 2, 2009. See the full line-up of films here.
