Guest commentary: Latina Voices, vision and stories

Mona AlvaradoFrazier

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By Mona AlvaradoFrazierGuest contributor

Storytelling is a part of many cultures, especially for Latinos. In Mexico and the United States, the telling of legends like La Llorona and El Cucuy were meant for our safety and for future generations. The stories scared us to the degree of the storyteller’s acting ability, their scary voices and gestures.

We love a good story and have many to tell, but there are many challenges to placing those stories, traditions, and other issues important to Latinos, in print and broadcast media. Publishing books and producing films has several challenges.

The First Annual Latina Short Film Festival (LSFF) will help spread our stories by providing the opportunity for Latinas to showcase their art through short-films. Increasing knowledge of issues important to Latinas is the mission of the LSFF.

LSFF logo is copyrighted ©2013. Created by Andrea Vargas.

Las Contemporaneas of the Museum of Ventura County will host the LSFF festival on March 7 and 8, 2014, on International Women’s Day, a global day celebrating the economic, political and social achievements of women. A keynote speaker, reception, and awards are planned.

Jan. 2, 2014 is the due date for submissions. The application, submission requirements, fees, mailing address, and  other information can be found on the Museum of Ventura County’s website http://venturamuseum.org/latina-short-film-festival/

If you have any questions please contact lsff.lascontemporaneas@gmail.com

— Mona AlvaradoFrazier is a writer. To see more of her work, visit http://www.alvaradofrazier.com

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