News

The Sundance Film Festival continues to embrace the diversity of great content being made today, with a full roster of special events programming that features established festival favorites like Jill Soloway, Rashida Jones and Gina Prince-Bythewood.

Read More: Sundance 2017 Announces New Frontier Lineup, Including 22 Vr Experiences and 11 New Installations

Making its world premiere at the fest is “I Love Dick,” Soloway’s Amazon comedy featuring Kevin Bacon as the titular Dick, a “charismatic artist” who upends the marriage of Kathryn Hanh and Griffith Dunne. In addition, the Netflix documentary “Hot Girls Wanted” gets a sequel directed by Rashida Jones; “Turned On” explores “the intersection of sex and technology,” per the official release.

Broadcast networks find themselves surprisingly well-represented in the line-up, with the ABC comedy “Downward Dog” (featuring Allison Tolman as a young woman with a special relationship with her dog) as well as the Fox limited series “Shots Fired,...

The Wire alum Jim True-Frost, Alicia Sixtos (East Los High) and Efren Ramirez (Middle School: The Worst Years Of My Life) have signed on as series regulars opposite Garret Dillahunt in Rod Lurie's post-Civil War drama pilot Monsters of God for TNT, from Brad Pitt's Plan B Entertainment. In Monsters of God, written and to be directed by Lurie, savagery and violence are the cornerstones of Colonel "Terrible" Bill Lancaster (Dillahunt)'s holy war against the Comanche in…...

[caption id="attachment_41181" align="aligncenter" width="559"] Oskar Rodriguez and Ashley Campuzano(Photo by Todd Williamson/Hulu) Scene 6.15/caption]

Hulu has renewed its original drama series, East Los High, for a fourth season of 12 episodes. East Los High features teens at a fictional inner-city high school in East Los Angeles. The series is Hulu's first original series to get a fourth season.

East Los High was Hulu's first English-language show with all-Latino cast, creators, and writers. The cast includes: Gabriel Chavarria, Danielle Vega, and Alicia Sixtos. East Los High is executive produced by Katie Elmore Mota, creators Carlos Portugal and Mauricio Mota, and Kathleen Bedoya. Read More…...

East Los High returns this summer hotter than ever with a capital 'Ever' as romance, sex, dancing and mystery once again fill the halls with a new cast of students at East Los High! Ceci (Danielle Vega) returns to coach the Bomb Squad, struggling to take the unruly dance team to state championships. Working as a single mom, Ceci faces new challenges with a hot new boyfriend who turns out to be more than meets the eye. Things get heated as mysterious turns of events make it another breathtaking year. “East Los High” was created by Carlos Portugal and Kathleen Bedoya and is produced by Prajna Productions, The Alchemists, Into Action Films, and Population Media Center. Featuring an all Latino cast introducing Vannessa Vasquez, Andrea Sixtos, Ray Diaz, Alexandra Rodriguez, Ashley Campuzano, Rick Mancia, Jeremy Chavarria & Vivian Lamoli. Along with Danielle Vega, East Los High season 2 also sees the return of fan faves Team Jacob & Maya: Gabriel Chavarria, Alicia Sixtos and resident bad girl Tracy Perez as Vanessa. The new 12 episode season will tackle issues such as domestic abuse, coming out as gay in high school and bullying, promising to bring the high school drama to a whole new level.

Alexandra Rodriguez

Alicia Sixtos

Andrea Sixtos

Ashley Campuzano

Danielle Vega

Gabriel Chavarria

Jeremy Chavarria

Jessica Meza

Ray Diaz

Rene Alvorado

Rick Mancia

Tracy Perez

Vannessa Vasquez

Vivian Lamolli

If you missed season 1 catch up to speed at: http://www.hulu.com/east-los-high & give them some love at https://www.facebook.com/EastLosHigh

Written by Juan Caceres . LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow [At]LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook .

Can't wait until Monday (Feb. 3) for the release of "The Fosters: Girls United," the web series spinoff of the ABC Family hit? Well, you're in luck.

Zap2it has the exclusive first look at the web series' first of five episodes ahead of their release. The self-contained webisode series follows the residents of the Girls United group home, where Callie's (Maia Mitchell) been ordered to stay. In this first episode, Gabi (Hayley Kiyoko) goes missing and Girls United counselor Michelle (Angela Gibbs) calls a meeting to ask if the girls know anything about where she may have run off to.

You won't have to wait long to find out what happens next. All five webisodes will be made available at once online on ABC Family's official YouTube channel on Monday at 10 p.m. Et/7 p.m. Pt immediately following an all-new episode of "The Fosters."

The webisodes also...

"The Fosters" is getting a spinoff! Well, sort of. The ABC Family drama is getting its very own web series, which will focus on the group girls' home where foster kid Callie (Maia Mitchell) is now living.

On the show, Rosie O'Donnell plays Rita, the group home leader, but she won't appear in "The Fosters: Girls United." Instead, the web series will follow Callie and the other girls in the home, played by Daffany Clark, Cherinda Kincherlow, Annamarie Kenoyer, Alicia Sixtos, Hayley Kiyoko and Angela Gibbs, when one of the girls goes missing.

"It's completely different. It's like its own pilot, almost," star Cierra Ramirez tells Zap2it of the group home scenes during a recent visit to the show's Los Angeles set.

Mitchell described her co-stars in the group home as "amazing" during an interview before the season premiere. "I don't know where they found these girls, but the acting is amazing,...

From Director Matt Dunnerstick comes an award-winning tale of love, lowriders and the cloning of Christ, The Custom Mary available now on DVD, Digital Download and VOD from H770 Films. To start the weekend off right Wamg has decided to give away The Custom Mary to a few lucky readers on DVD. So, what are you waiting for? Enter the contest!

This different kind of L.A. story features newcomers Alicia Marie Sixtos (The Avengers, Quinceañera) as a benevolent young Mary navigating her way in a dream-like state through this modern age, and James Jolly (The Scenesters) as Joe, who reluctantly supports her on a tumultuous journey of piety and doubt.

This counter-culture romance seamlessly blends fantastical allegory and philosophical musings with the harsh reality of how many Americans live today. Featuring breath-taking cinematography and surreal characters, The Custom Mary is a must-have DVD for anyone who has ever wrestled with...

Last week, 'East Los High' (Elh), a project we've been tracking since last year announced that they had signed a deal to exclusively premiere the show on Hulu.com, making it the first English language show with an all Latino cast on the site. In a reality where the market has become saturated with projects that lack originality and heart, writer/director Carlos Portugal set out to create a show that realistically reflected the lives of teenagers from East L.A. that was to be told from an American Latino perspective. Portugal and his team of writers engaged organizations such as Advocates for Youth, Voto Latino and the California Family Health Council in developing this 26 episode series. Now that it's ready to premiere on June 3rd, with new episodes dropping weeknights, LatinoBuzz caught up with Carlos and actors Alicia Sixtos, Janine Larina and Jorge Diaz and invited them to share their experiences in the making of Elh.

LatinoBuzz: How did you develop these characters and story lines?

Carlos Portugal: The number one rule that I give starting writers is: "Write about what you know." I certainly took this to heart when creating Elh. Personally, I love writing women characters. Especially Latinas. Every major character (Maya, Jessie, Vanessa, Ceci, Soli, Reina, Paulina, Lupe) is either loosely based or a composite of girlfriends and/or relatives. As far as the male characters, I based Hernan (the "veterano" who owns the local taqueria) on my father: A respectful, kind-hearted man that nobody messes with.

LatinoBuzz: Tell me about your decision to use the backdrop of East La as one of the characters.

Carlos Portugal: You have no idea (or maybe you do) of how so many people, including highly educated Angelenos, are scared of traveling to East La. I even had a few crew members drop out when they found out that the show was shooting in East La. There is this preconceived notion that East La is a dangerous area populated by taggers and gang members. Of course, this is as far from the truth as you can get! It's one of the warmest places full of good restaurants and hard-working families. I try to shatter the stereotypes of Ela that people are used to seeing in movies and TV. (I made a decision early on that there would be no gang members in the show). My hope is that people from East La get to see themselves in the show portrayed as diverse human beings and not the typical Latino stereotypes we see in TV and films.

LatinoBuzz: How important was having an all Latino cast and also primarily a Latino crew?

Carlos Portugal: I don't think I would have been able to shoot this show in such a record time (67 production days) if it hadn't been for the hard work and dedication of the Latino cast and crew. We shattered the "Latinos are always late" myth once and for all. During the 67 days of shooting not one of the eighty plus actors was ever late to work! I'm truly humbled by their love, passion and dedication to this project. As far as inspiring young Latino filmmakers, seeing a show like this will hopefully excite them so that they would want to create/write/produce/direct and edit their own take on their communities

LatinoBuzz: How did you get all these organizations involved in the development of the series?

Carlos Portugal: We had a product that spoke to all of them. They saw that our hearts were in the right place. Every single person who helped us out was amazing.

Trailer: http://www.hulu.com/watch/483909

LatinoBuzz: The show centers around your character Jessie and Maya, your cousin -What is the dynamic between your characters?

Janine Larina: The dynamic between Maya and Jessie is definitely a roller coaster. A love triangle between two cousins doesn't make for anything less. It changes throughout the season as things happen and certain events come to light. They are both strong Latina young women finding themselves and going through high school. Yes, I used Latina, women and high school in one sentence. So you know there will definitely be some drama.

LatinoBuzz: What do you want people to take away from your character?

Janine Larina: This one is tough because I feel like there is so much that can be learned from Jessie and her journey. I hope that people can relate to her in some way or another and take from her a sense of encouragement to always do what is right regardless of the consequences that may come with it. To be true to who you are and stand up for your beliefs whether they are what is popular or not. Be yourself and the right people will always be there.

LatinoBuzz: It's pretty ground breaking, what do you hope the series achieves?

Janine Larina: I believe this series can achieve a lot in terms of bringing situations to light that aren't so often talked about in certain communities. Sex, drugs and relationships to name a few. Yet, in such an entertaining way. I can only hope that viewers learn from the experiences that the students of East Los High go through and are better equipped with the information they need to perhaps not follow some of the mistakes when put in similar situations.

LatinoBuzz: Tell us a little bit about your character, Jorge.

Jorge Diaz: I play "Paulie", the best friend, the goof ball, the horn-ball....he's a lot more 'talk' than he is 'walk' though. There is, however, a sincerity behind all of his jokes, inappropriate comments, and constant tail-chasing because he truly does care about his best friend Jacob, and his lady friend Soli. There's a good heart behind there somewhere. He was Alot of fun to play to say the least, and I hope that shows on screen.

LatinoBuzz: Do you feel the characters in Elh are a refreshing break from some of the stereotypes that are often perpetrated in film and television when these characters are in fact fully realized teenagers dealing with teenage problems?

Jorge Diaz: Besides adding to the authenticity of an actual East Los Angeles high school, having East Los High consist of an entire Latino cast gives a group of Latinos a chance to tell their stories! It's a chance to show that stories of young people from East La are just as important, interesting and relatable as those from teens in Beverly Hills, Orange County, or any other American story for that matter; because that's exactly what they are: American stories. I was actually surprised to find out that a show like this had never done before, considering Latinos make up about 35 percent of the population. We've somehow subconsciously been taught through television that young, rich Caucasian kids represent what it means to be a teenager in the United States. Being an adolescent is a Human experience and anyone can relate to it, you just might see a few more brown faces in this particular one :)

LatinoBuzz:As an actor how was being part of an ensemble?

Jorge Diaz: Being a part of an ensemble with such a loving group of actors is something I'll never forget. I personally connected to this project because I have always wanted to be a teacher at heart and this project allowed us the unique opportunity to combine our love for the craft of acting and be able to bring up certain issues in a fun, non-preachy way. No kid ever wants to be preached to, or Any person for that matter, but if we are somehow able to see ourselves in another person and be able to fully relate to him/her in a certain circumstance, that right there is what allows a space to grow and be entertained all at the same time. I dig that.

LatinoBuzz: What attracted you to the character of Maya?

Alicia Sixtos: Maya's a really strong girl. A thinker. Listens more than she speaks and cries more than she'd like. People say I'm a bit like her. I think we attracted each other.

LatinoBuzz: How important do you think a project like this is to a community like East Los Angeles?

Alicia Sixtos: I think that if it gets out to cities like East La, the Sf Bay Area (where I'm from), Texas, New Mexico, New York, Central and South America, it could be really different and useful. The underlying story is how to deal with a lot of the issues that teens and young adults find themselves face to face with but the issue is that a lot of adults don't talk about these major issues with teen because its uncomfortable and made taboo.

LatinoBuzz: When you read the whole series did you get a sense that this could be something different?

Alicia Sixtos: Not initially. When I read the series all I could think was; “did I really just read 540 script pages in one sitting?” I have a lot of trouble reading a lot of these 95 page scripts. Point is the story is really compelling. Thinking on it after the fact, I see the potential it has in being very influential for a lot of people. I can't think of a show like this one with its picture and story quality and featuring so many Latino actors. Latinos in America in particular have telenovelas and Disney shows. That's what kids and parents watch now a days, apart or together. Elh could possibly be the bridge in the gap for a lot of families and young people who don't have a path to follow. I'm hoping that it will be. The only way to really make that happen is by word of mouth. So anyone who's reading this make sure you check out East Los High on Hulu.com on June 3rd and check us on Facebook and Twitter: @eastloshighshow. Thank you for the support Juan, Latinobuzz & IndieWire.

Written by Juan Caceres and Vanessa Erazo, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow @LatinoBuzz on Twitter and Facebook.

Valentine's Day is here! For some, it's a day full of joy and hubris, where cherubs are your local baristas complete with handle-bar mustaches. It's a day you ride unicorns to work and nothing will get in the way of you delivering those flowers you fought for like “This is Sparta”. This day your wildest dreams will be exceeded and you may even get a marriage proposal! Nothing can top this feeling of euphoria – not even Luther Vandross singing 'Always and Forever’ to a bunch of dolphins can top that sh*t... And then there's those for whom the day is abhorrent and full of rue. It's like a herpes breakout - an embarrassing reminder that somewhere you went wrong (like the time you proposed on Valentines Day). A catalog of memories of past failed romances, all accumulating in one day. You wish you had been 'catfished', so you would have never met them at all... Anyways, LatinoBuzz got to chop it up with young Latino Hollywood about their most romantic films, their cine-crush and in the spirit of los haters de San Valentin: their worst date!

“I think I'll have to say Natalie Portman in 'Garden State'. 'Love her in that. Maybe minus the helmet and epilepsy but I think I'd be able to deal with it. Something about a beautiful woman that can make me laugh. My favorite romantic film has to be Charlie Chaplin's 'City Lights' - Beautiful! One of my favorite movies ever, and not a word is spoken. I remember seeing it at the age of 16 for the first time and it made my heart explode. And 'Pretty in Pink' always makes me feel like I'm 'Duckie' at heart” - Jorge Diaz, 'Love, Concord', 'Filly Brown'

“My worst Valentine's date was when my ex-boyfriend spent the day with his best friend instead of me because his best friend's birthday is on Valentine's Day. He tried to make up for this by scheduling our date for February 13th instead of the 14th. He had a nice dinner date and a movie planned but his best friend (the birthday boy) and his other friends crashed our entire date and took over. Dinner was awkward and the birthday boy joined us after and even chose the movie. The worst was what happened during the movie, I decided to lay my head on his shoulder and because I was wearing a hat he couldn't see my eyes and he thought that I had fallen asleep. His phone received a text message from a girl that read "Happy Valentines baby! Miss you and care about you. You're very special, I hope your girl knows what she got". And that's when I found out he had been cheating on me!!!” - Francia Raisa, 'Chastity Bites'.

“Favorite Romantic Film: 'The Umbrellas of Cherbourg' is probably the most romantic story I have ever seen. This film moves me in a way no other film has. No matter how many times I see it I always cry and that to me is wonderful. It is a story of impossible love accompanied by the most beautiful music and color. Although the main characters do not end up together, the film shows their early stages of love and courtship so beautifully. One can be so lucky to experience such hope and blissfulness, even for just a moment. It is anything but predictable just the way life and love really is” - Diane Guerrero, 'Emoticon'

“Lou Diamond Philips as Richie Valens in 'La Bamba'. I dreamt of him serenading me to "Oh Donna" when I was younger. I still swoon at the thought of it. Lou is so young, handsome, and hopeful and "Richie Valens" is such a tragic hero. To have a man write and sing you songs, I mean come on, it doesn't get anymore dreamy than that. I married a poet and he writes me poems, I guess I made my dream come true!” -Julia Grob, 'East WillyB'

“I was once set up on the worst blind date ever. It was like eating dinner with Dr. Jekyll and Mrs Hyde. One minute she was trying to wine and dine me and the next she was throwing every insult you can imagine my way. It was very confusing” - Roberto Aguirre, 'Struck By Lightning'

“My crush would be Salma Hayek... Come on now, do I really need to say any more? She's perfection” - Joseph Julian Soria, 'Army Wives', 'Mission Park'

“My favorite romantic movie is 'True Romance'. Always. A reckless love story. When two unlikely lovers cross paths and fall madly in love in record time and he fights to the death for her freedom from her pimp so they can run away together with millions of dollars worth of drug money!? Oh! My heart melts” - Alicia Sixtos, 'East Los High'

“My perfect cine girlfriend would have to be Kate Winslet! She is not only stunning, but also ridiculously talented and the British accent doesn't hurt either. She had me at Titanic! And 'King Kong' is the most romantic film of all time! There is nothing more touching that the love of a giant gorilla and Jessica Lange. Lol! Seriously, 'Out of Africa' is my favorite romantic film. How can you beat Robert Redford and Meryl Streep, and the music by Stephan Grimes really punctuates a beautiful true story” - Jeremy Ray Valdez, 'Mission Park', 'H.O.M.E'

“Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Just a great film! We all wish we could forget that someone who may have caused us pain. It's a bitter sweet movie and bitter sweet is what love is all about”- Rayniel Rufino, 'Trouble in the Heights'

“Lisa Bonet circa late 80's early 90's, hands down! I think she's just gorgeous. Everything about her screams Take Me On A Date Ej! I have an agreement with my girlfriend. I'm allowed to cheat on her with early 90s Bonet” - E.J . Bonilla, 'Four', 'The House That Jack Built'

“My favorite film is 'Big Fish' by Tim Burton and although it's not a traditional romantic film, it definitely showcases “Love” the way I like to think it truly is. That movie inspires me every time I watch it. Ewan McGregor is the perfect leading man in this film and it makes me believe in love at first sight. My worst date ever would have to include too much Pda. There is nothing more unattractive than two people in public doing what should be done in private. I also would be tortured if I went on a date with someone who smells bad and talked only about themselves haha!” - Denise Bidot, 'Curvy Girls', 'Habla'

“Matt Bomer!!! Oh wait, I'm barking up the wrong tree aren't I? But goodness, look at that face! My fave romantic film is definitely Dirty Dancing. It's actually my favorite movie, period. I don't care if I sound cheesy or corny, I've loved that movie ever since I can remember. Yes, I watched it as a kid and my mom would make me close my eyes during certain parts. It's nice to be able to watch the full movie now, even though I still feel like someone's telling me "cover your eyes" sometimes haha.” - Janine Larina, 'East Los High'

“I can say, best boyfriend from any era of film would have to be the dude from the movie 'The Princess Bride'! What's that dudes name? Oh, he was so delicious and heroic! Chivalry at its best! I don't admire men often but when I do it's the dude from 'The Princess Bride'. Omg Worst Date Ever was with this dude about 2 years ago! I want to say his name only for the small, minute, almost impossible possibility that he would read this because he should know how awful it was! But alas I won't! He took me to this bar, Village Idiot, for dinner and if tossing his car keys to the valet while he walked in the joint (keys that were definitely not caught by valet) wasn't obnoxious enough, he then told the hostess "best table, they know me here" except No they didn't! We proceed to sit down and he goes on this rant about how much money he has, who he knows and why he is the ultimate La bachelor! As I sit there stirring in my contempt for this over the top ridiculous man, he stops and says "Well it's not ladylike to look so ugly, smile at least!" I wanted to stab him with my fork! I respond "Well I usually smile when I'm happy, entertained, excited and I'm none of those right now. I would like to leave...now" and with that I dropped cash on the table and walked right out. Worst date ever! Gina Rodriguez, 'Filly Brown', 'Sleeping with the Fishes'

“It'd have to be January Jones and of course, in the Mad Men era. What is that, the 60's right? I love the show but also hate it because Don Driver gets to come home to her. There's something about how patient and loving she is. Such a soothing voice. I'd let her talk my ear off”- Walter Perez, 'Mission Park'

“My favorite romantic film would definitely be 'Amelie', because it's about a young girl on a journey fueled by love, the love of helping others selflessly and in the midst of it all, she falls in love with a quirky guy who collects photo booth pictures. It's a sweet little unique story, not to mention it was such a musical inspiration for me, I can play majority of the songs from it on the piano - Just so lovely!!! I'd highly suggest adding it to your movie list”– Andrea Sixtos, 'Sunset Stories'

“The Wedding Planner, because they were going down different paths but still ended up together. For awhile after I watched the movie I would only eat the brown M&Ms haha! And worst date, one Valentines Day I was supposed go out with my boyfriend, he picked me up and when we got in the car we had a huge fight and broke up. So the date just made it to the drive way” - Chelsea Rendon, 'A Better Life', 'Kill Kapone'

“Andy Garcia in 'When a man loves a woman' and the worst date ever was the time when this guy took me out and tried to get me drunk so he could hit it. He left me stranded on 6th Street in Austin Texas” - Corina Calderon, 'All She Can', 'End of Watch'

“I had two horrible dates with the same person. The first date we went to a karaoke bar and he got sexually molested by his ex-girlfriend. He told me about it and he felt really uncomfortable. He wanted to leave and I wanted to confront her. So we stayed and I took her outside and she and I exchanged words. We agreed to be civil, but I missed my turn and never got to sing. The second horrible date happened a couple months into our relationship. We went to 'Lucky Strike' for a birthday party and ran into another ex-girlfriend who swore they were meant to be together and that he shouldn't be bringing me into her work. Long story short, I laughed and asked her to get me a coke. I never got the coke. After all that drama, we are still together and It only took him a over 1000 good dates to make up for those two” - Veronica Diaz-Carranza, 'Blaze You Out', 'Taco Shop'

Written by Juan Caceres and Vanessa Erazo, LatinoBuzz is a weekly feature on SydneysBuzz that highlights Latino indie talent and upcoming trends in Latino film with the specific objective of presenting a broad range of Latino voices. Follow @LatinoBuzz on twitter and www.facebook.com/latinobuzz...

The Custom Mary is a controversial film set on the dangerous streets of East Los Angeles. Here, a rogue scientist experiments with two drops of Jesus Christ's blood. A clone from his DNA is then inserted into the young Mary (Alicia Sixtos), but her new pregnancy does not go as she hopes. This award winning film (Best Cutting Edge Film) will debut on DVD and video-on-demand January 1st, 2013. Fans of the strange and surreal will want to check out this title with actor Bill McKinney (Deliverance) making his last film appearance. Janina Gavankar ("True Blood") also stars with prolific actor Dave Vescio (Hick). The release details and trailer for the film are listed below. Release Date: January 1st, 2013 (DVD, VOD). Director/writer: Matt Dunnerstick Cast: Alicia Sixtos, James Jolly, Travis Hammer, Henry LeBlanc, Spencer Scott, and Dave Vescio. The official trailer for The Custom Mary: The film's fan page...

From Anchor Bay Films, Sneak Peek a restricted Red Band trailer supporting director John Stalberg Jr.'s 2010 'stoner' comedy "High School", now available on Blu-ray and DVD.

The film stars Colin Hanks, Adhir Kalyan, Yeardley Smith, Alicia Sixtos, Michael Vartan, Matt Bush, Sean Marquette, Michael Chiklis, Curtis Armstrong, Luis Chavez and Adrien Brody :

"...the day after soon-to-be valedictorian 'Henry Burke' (Bush) takes a hit of the 'chronic' for the first time, his school principal (Chiklis) institutes a zero tolerance drug policy and administers a mandatory drug test for all students. Henry has two options: fail and lose his college scholarship, or team up with his stoner friend 'Breaux' (Marquette) to beat the system.

"They steal a high powered 'ganja' from law student-turned-drug-dealer 'Psycho Ed' (Brody) and spike the school’s bake sale brownies, getting the whole school—faculty included—completely stoned out of their minds. But with the student...

Chicago – In the latest HollywoodChicago.com Hookup: Film with our unique social giveaway technology, we have 25 admit-two movie passes up for grabs to the advance screening of “High School” starring Adrien Brody!

“High School,” which opens in Chicago on June 1, 2012, also stars Matt Bush (“Adventureland,” “Piranha 3Dd”), Michael Chiklis, Colin Hanks, Sean Marquette, Adhir Kalyan, Cody Longo, Mykelti Williamson, Yeardley Smith, Michael Vartan, Curtis Armstrong, Luis Chávez, Alicia Sixtos, Max Van Ville and Mary Birdsong from writer and director John Stalberg and writer Erik Linthorst.

To win your free passes to “High School” courtesy of HollywoodChicago.com, get interactive with our unique Hookup technology directly below. That’s it! This advance movie screening is on Wednesday, May 30, 2012 at 7 p.m. in downtown Chicago. The more social actions you complete below, the higher yours odds of winning!

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How many siblings get to boast they are both each in superhero flicks? Alicia Sixtos makes a cameo in mega-smash, 'The Avengers' (Isa:Disney) and sister Andrea will be seen in 'The Amazing Spider-Man' this coming summer. Alicia Sixtos first graced our screens in the 2006 Sundance hit ‘Quinceañera’. She's doing the festival rounds with the award winning indie, ‘The Custom Mary’(Isa:Circus Road Films). Next up she will be seen in the stoner flick, ‘High School’ (Isa: K5 Int'l) starring Adrien Brody and Michael Chiklis set for release on June 1st.

When she is not acting the Bay Area native with an infectious laughter spends time zipping around on her pink scooter, shooting guns, making mixtapes… and doing hella crazy stuff like camping and fishing...

LatinoBuzz:What or Who inspires you?

Alicia:"My sisters, my mom and pop. Real people who know who they are and have their priorities and mind sending them in an upward direction. Music. The moon. Srf. Peace. Love. Michelle Rodriguez, Rosario Dawson, Vanessa Ferlito. Just to skim the top.”

LatinoBuzz: What does being a Latina in the industry mean to you? And personally, what does being a Latina mean to you?

Alicia:"When I think of my Latina side, I imagine family barbecues with carne asada, rice, beans, tortillas and a jalapeno on my plate along with ‘Vicente Fernandez’ blaring out the speakers. Spicy food. Salsa. Tamales. Family. Being Latina means I have culture I guess. We party together, cry together, and cook together. Or at least my family does as much as we can. We know where we’re from and we have a certain kind of rhythm and understanding. Togetherness. As I get older it becomes more apparent that there is a community in this industry that is working together to rise up and fight against the misinterpretation of Hispanic and what it means to be a Latino-American nowadays… We have some very determined serious Latino artists that are tired of garbage and refuse to do the exhausted stereotypical roles. Unless of course its Michael Pena (Eastbound and Down, Tower Heist) who makes it so funny. Love him. But anyway, My boy Jesse Garcia (Quinceañera, Sons Of Anarchy) said it perfectly in a facebook/twitter post a few weeks ago. It went a little something like this… “Dear entertainment industry, when writing or casting a part for a Latino, giving them an accent and sprinkling in Spanish isn’t necessary to prove they are Latino. We don’t all have an accent and speak Spanglish. There’s a whole world outside of your ignorant box…” Gotta love the Latino fire.”

LatinoBuzz:You just popped up in The Avengers - what power would you like to have? And it can't be for good!

Alicia:"A power that can't be used for good? Like a bad girl power? I wouldn't mind being clairvoyant, but I wouldn't want it if I couldn't use it for good. Peace and love, man. Peace and love."

LatinoBuzz:Your favorite journey?

Alicia:"This year has been amazing. A lot of growing up has happened in the last few months for me and it's been a series of many beautiful journeys of breakdown to rebuild so far in my life, 2012."

LatinoBuzz: Who would best interpret you in a painting, Salvador Dali or Claude Monet?

Alicia:“I think Dali for sure. His work is obscure, but real enough to explore the captivating landscape and bizarrely shaped subjects as if they were really that way when he painted them. I’ve been told I’m bizarre… somewhat off the hinges but real enough to take seriously.”

LatinoBuzz: What is bliss to you?

Alicia: “I’ll list a few things that send me there; having my family healthy and close, watching the clouds become illuminated by the sensual colors of the sun as it kisses us goodnight, howling at a full moon with my sisters and coming home to find my nephews playing together, singing loudly while riding my vespa, watching a phenomenal film and sharing my excitement, watching other people have blissful moments. I try to be aware of the life that surrounds me as much as my mind permits me. It’s the only time I have new blissful moments, and I love bliss.”

LatinoBuzz: Last character from a book you identified with?

Alicia: “The book I’m reading right now is called ‘Borderline Personalities - A New Generation of Latinas Dish on Sex, Sass, & Culture Shifting’. It’s a book of essays written by several Latina writers and edited by Robyn Moreno and Michelle Herrera Mulligan. The last story I read was called ‘Aint Dishin” by Maria Hinojosa. It’s mainly about dishing your sex and romantic life to family, friends, lovers. To do or not to do is the topic. Maria grew up with a family who looked at sexual relations as taboo. Her fam never talked about the deed or their personal life to people. My parents were pretty closed off about that sort of thing for the most part. I guess I share Maria’s fascination with those who share their sexual experiences and I also agree with her choice to keep certain things private. I can’t be telling people all my business. That’s why I have a journal. To avoid trouble. I’m pretty sure that’s what she did too”.

LatinoBuzz: California always has disasters like Wildfires, Earthquakes, The Lakers— What’s the most treasured possession you would take hold of first?

Alicia: “My box of photos, letters and journals. You can’t buy memories back”.

LatinoBuzz:At the end of the film that is your life, what’s the theme song?

Alicia: “Easy. ‘If You Wanna Sing Out, Sing Out’ by Cat Stevens”.

LatinoBuzz: Who best describes you as a girlfriend? a: Annie from ‘Misery’. b: Sandy from ‘Grease’. c: Loana from ‘One Million Years B.C’. d: Dorothy from ‘Tootsie’ or e: Kelly from ‘From Justin to Kelly’

Alicia:“Annie? Really? I may be crazy but I’d never smash someone’s ankles in because I loved them so much. Compassion runs deep in my blood… So does crazy, but fun crazy like Maude in ‘Harold and Maude’. Loana. That’s so funny. Talk about exploiting an impeccably well put together female. Man, well Loana knows what she wants and goes for it. I love that. I do that. The only other one that I may be considering, but not really is Kelly. I don’t want to say I’m anything like Kelly. So I wont. I’m going with Loana because she’s self reliant and aggressive with what she wants. And because she’s smoking hot”.

LatinoBuzz:Do you have any plans to write or direct?

Alicia:"Yes, of course. I am really inspired by strong, badass, female characters. I would start with a revenge film, then ease into stories of badass everyday woman who make a difference in their own life for the better of people and environment around them. Stories of self realization. I love independent film making. So much real love and passion go into them and you can feel it while you watch. As for my career, I don't want to be famous. I just want to be a part of as many beautiful, crazy, unique films as possible."

For more on Alicia “Like” her at https://www.facebook.com/Actress.Alicia.Sixtosand for screening times and locations for 'High school' spark it up at http://www.highschool-themovie.com/showtimes.html...

 The Avengers (2012) Film Review, a movie directed by Joss Whedon and starring Scarlett Johansson, Clark Gregg, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Mark Ruffalo, Samuel L. Jackson, Cobie Smulders, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgård, Lou Ferrigno, Jenny Agutter, Gwyneth Paltrow,Paul Bettany, Alicia Sixtos, Frank Powers, Darren Kendrick, and Joseph M. Abbott. The beginning of The Avengers is far [...]

Continue reading: Film Review: The Avengers (2012): Joss Whedon, Robert Downey Jr....

The Avengers Trailer 2. Josh Whedon‘s The Avengers (2012) movie trailer 2 stars Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, and Jeremy Renner. The Avengers‘ plot synopsis: “When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety an security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins…superheroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.”

We previously posted The Avengers (2012) Movie Trailer and The Avengers (2012) German Movie Trailer.

The most exciting The Avengers trailer to date. Great action but there does not seem to be that much depth to the film. Then again, this film was not designed for that.

The Avengers Super Bowl Commercial. Josh Whedon‘s The Avengers (2012) Super Bowl 46 (Xlvi) TV commercial stars Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, and Chris Evans. The Avengers‘ plot synopsis: “When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety an security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins…superheroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.”

We previously posted The Avengers (2012) Movie Trailer and The Avengers (2012) German Movie Trailer.

More on The Avengers:

Robert Downey, Jr. (Iron Man, Iron Man 2) returns as the iconic Tony Stark/Iron Man along with Chris Hemsworth (Thor) as Thor,...

The Avengers, Black Widow Empire Magazine March 2012 Cover. The Scarlett Johansson as Black Widow March 2012 cover for Empire Magazine features The Avengers star holding her sidearm while looking at the viewer. The Josh Whedon directed film is also spoke of in the issue by those involved in the film’s production.

The Avengers, Black Widow, Empire Magazine Cover March 2012:

Scarlett Johansson, The Avengers, Black Widow, Empire Magazine Cover March 2012

Kevin Feige had this to say:

“Who said they were aliens?” he teases. Beings from the Nine Realms, then, ventures Empire? “Closer…It’s not Skrulls, I’ve been clear about that. Beyond that, we want to hide it. The identity of the alien race is not impactful. It exists in the comic books, but we’re not setting up the Kree-Skrull war or anything like that.”

Feige also talked the possibility of seeing Red Skull in the May 4th...

It looks like Joss Whedon’s The Avengers just might end up featuring a vampire! The highly-anticipated film is currently in post production, and the full credits have been released on IMDb. Nuke The Fridge noticed the inclusion of a vampire among the cast, which makes us wonder how a vampire fits into the story? Could Whedon be giving an amusing nod to Buffy the Vampire Slayer?

There has been some speculation that the vampire could actually be Marvel’s “The Living Vampire”, the anti-hero/villain Morbius. If this is true, does that mean that Morbius will be a ally or an adversary? Since the character will be showing up in the end credits, does that mean the character will appear in the likely sequel?

The vamp will be played by actor/stuntman J.J. Perry. He has worked with Whedon on Angel, Serenity, and Firefly. I am interested in seeing this movie even more now.

The Avengers German Trailer. Josh Whedon‘s The Avengers (2012) German movie trailer stars Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, and Chris Hemsworth. The Avengers‘ plot synopsis: “When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins…superheroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.”

Since this is the German trailer for The Avengers, here is the synopsis in German:

Als ein unerwarteter Feind den Weltfrieden und die globale Sicherheit bedroht, sieht sich Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson), führender Kopf der mächtigen internationalen Friedensorganisation S.H.I.E.L.D., gezwungen, das eine Team zusammenzustellen,...

The Avengers Trailer. Josh Whedon‘s The Avengers (2012) movie trailer stars Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, and Chris Evans. The Avengers‘ plot synopsis: “When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins…superheroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.”

I am really starting to get excited by the prospect of an The Avengers movie. The tone at the beginning of The Avengers movie trailer was excellent with the narration by Loki (Tom Hiddleston). I also like that there is animosity Tony Stark and Steve Rogers.

The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 Photos and Article. The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 photos and article feature Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Josh Whedon. The photos as never-before-seen glimpses of The Avengers (2012) and the article is about the shooting of the film, the actors experiences on set, and filming frivolities.

We previously posted The Avengers: Entertainment Weekly October 2011 Cover and The Avengers (2012): Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson Photos.

The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 photos and article (click to enlarge and read the article):

Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, The Avengers

The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 article

The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 article

The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 article

The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 article

The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 article

In case you do not feel like reading the article pictures, here are excerpts from the Entertainment Weekly...

Entertainment Weekly October 2011 The Avengers Cover. The Avengers Entertainment Weekly October 2011 cover feature Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo. This looks like part good photo, part a terrible cut and paste job. Parts of the cover look as bad as the first X-Men: First Class group photo (featured here: X-Men: First Class: Kevin Bacon, January Jones, Michael Fassbender Photos) released.

I am not the only one that thinks this way about The Avenger Entertainment Weekly cover: “Chris Hemsworth’s Thor is gazing off into the distance as Black Widow points a gun to his head. It looks as if they took Scarlett Johansson’s features and grafted them onto the head of Nicole Kidman.” Another person had this to say about the cover: “It’s not the best magazine cover design, just a quickly slapped together bad photoshop job, but it should...

The Avengers Team, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard Set Photos. The Avengers (2012) Team, Tom Hiddleston, Stellan Skarsgard set photos also feature Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, and director Joss Whedon. The Avengers‘ plot synopsis: “Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, Marvel’s The Avengers brings together the mightiest super hero characters as they all assemble together on screen for the first time. Continuing the epic big-screen adventures started in Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger, Marvel’s The Avengers is the super hero team up of a lifetime. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.”

We previously...

The Avengers, Captain America, Thor Fight Scene Set Videos, Photos. The Avengers (2012), Captain America, Thor fight scene set videos, photos feature Chris Evans (Captain America) and Chris Hemsworth (Thor) in a Joss Whedon directed film fighting off a congress of louts in a alley. The Avengers‘ plot synopsis: “Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, Marvel’s The Avengers brings together the mightiest super hero characters as they all assemble together on screen for the first time. Continuing the epic big-screen adventures started in Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger, Marvel’s The Avengers is the super hero team up of a lifetime. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.

The Avengers Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson Photos. The Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Scarlett Johansson photos from Joss Whedon‘s The Avengers (2012) also feature Robert Downey Jr, Chris Evans, and Mark Ruffalo. The Avengers‘ plot synopsis: “Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, Marvel’s The Avengers brings together the mightiest super hero characters as they all assemble together on screen for the first time. Continuing the epic big-screen adventures started in Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger, Marvel’s The Avengers is the super hero team up of a lifetime. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.”

I both like and hate this...

The Avengers Teaser Trailer Bootleg. Joss Whedon‘s The Avengers (2012) teaser trailer bootleg stars Chris Evans, Robert Downey Jr, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, and Amanda Righetti. The Avengers‘ plot synopsis: “Based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series, first published in 1963, Marvel’s The Avengers brings together the mightiest super hero characters as they all assemble together on screen for the first time. Continuing the epic big-screen adventures started in Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Iron Man 2, Thor, and Captain America: The First Avenger, Marvel’s The Avengers is the super hero team up of a lifetime. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster.”

This trailer is very spoiler-ladden (much like these pics: Captain America: The First Avenger...

PARK CITY-- For many people living in Los Angeles, the Latino culture of Echo Park is so foreign to them that it may as well be another planet. Two white male directors, Richard Glatzer and Wash Westmoreland, were so taken with the neighborhood where they live that they wanted to change that. The result is "Quinceanera", a loving look at the rituals surrounding a girl's fifteenth birthday. Life-affirming without being saccharine and enormously entertaining, film could be one of those rare specialty pictures that crossover to a mainstream audience.

Film is book-ended by two celebrations symbolizing a young girl's arrival at womanhood, and a lot happens in between. The first Quincenera is for Eileen (Alicia Sixtos), a well-off, popular and pretty Mexican-American girl. It's a joyous occasion, similar to a coming out party or a sweet 16, but with religious as well as secular meaning. Food, dance and family are the main ingredients and things are going splendidly until the arrival of Eileen's black-sheep brother Carlos (Jesse Garcia).

His 213 tattoo on the nape of his neck tells us he's a Bad Boy, but what has he done to cause his own father to violently throw him out of the party? Turns out he's committed a cardinal sin in this macho Catholic culture--he's gay.

Magdalena (Emily Rios), Eileen's poorer cousin and the daughter of a storefront preacher (Jesus Castanos-Chima), is next up for her celebration and all she can think about is the hummer limo she wants for the big day. But the best laid plans fall apart when she becomes pregnant. But it's not what you think, nor is it quite a miracle.

Seems she engaged in some heavy petting one time with her boyfriend Herman (J.R. Cruz) and the semen leaked on her leg and swam upstream all the way to her fertile eggs. Bizarre but true.

However, her father doesn't want to hear any of it and she runs off to live with her kindly great uncle Tomas (Chalo Gonzalez), where the banished Carlos has also found a home. Gonzalez, who made his movie debut in "The Wild Bunch", gives one of the great late-in-life performances that just light up the screen with its warmth and life experience. So this odd trio, living in Tomas' apartment with a large garden, forms an outsider family within the larger extended family.

Although bad things happen--Tomas gets evicted by a gentrifying gay couple, Magdalena's boyfriend moves away--the view of life here is fairly benign. Even Carlos, who is presumably a gang member and a bit of a Loose Cannon, doesn't seem dangerous. But it doesn't feel as if Glatzer and Westmoreland have sanitized the hood, it's just that they've chosen to focus their attention on positive things.

"Quinceanera" is indeed a neighborhood affair. Many of the actors are local non-professionals who just happen to have a great presence on camera. Rios, making her feature debut, has a wonderful naturalness, and Garcia, who has appeared in a number of national commercials and TV shows, brings a smoldering intensity to his role.

Shot with a HD camera, mostly hand-held, by Eric Steelberg, film has a remarkable vibrancy, as does the infectious traditional and contemporary music supplied by Micko Westmoreland and Victor Bock. "Quinceanera" proves once again that filmmakers can make movies about anything--even things outside their realm of experience--if they do it with respect.

QUINCEANERA

Kitchen Sink Entertainment

Credits:

Directors: Richard Glatzer, Wash Westmoreland

Writers: Glatzer, Westmoreland

Producer: Anne Clements

Executive producers: Todd Haynes, Nicholas T. Boyias, Mihail Koulakis, Avi Raccah

Director of photography: Eric Steelberg

Production designers: Denise Hudson, Jonah Markowitz

Music: Micko, Victor Bock

Costume designers: Jessica Flaherty, Andrew Salazar

Editors: Robin Katz, Clay Zimmerman

Cast:

Magdalena: Emily Rios

Carlos: Jesse Garcia

Tio Tomas: Chalo Gonzalez

Herman: J.R. Cruz

Maria: Araceli Guzman-Rico

Ernesto: Jesus Castanos-Chima

Gray: David W. Ross

No MPAA rating

Running time -- 90 minutes...