Viva el Cine Latino, a celebration of Hispanic culture organized by the Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs, kicks off tonight at the Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, with Julie Taymor's Frida (7 p.m.). The 2002 film earned Salma Hayek an Oscar nomination for her portrayal of the iron-willed Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. The festival continues through mid-October at the BMA and the Creative Alliance, 3134 Eastern Ave. Films include the Argentine/Spanish Historias Minimas (Sept. 22, BMA), Spain's Zoot Suit (Sept. 23, CA), Argentina's Valentin (Sept. 27, CA), Cuba's Guantanamera (Oct. 4, CA), Cuba's Suite Habana (Oct. 6, BMA), Spain's Flores de Otro Mundo (Oct. 11, CA) and Spain's Te Doy Mis Ojos (Oct. 13, BMA).
The films were selected by Eduardo Gonzalez, a professor of Latin American literature and cinema at the Johns Hopkins University, who says his primary goal was to showcase the diversity of Hispanic cinema - to remind audiences, for instance, that Spanish cinema is "more than just [Pedro] Almodovar." Discussions will follow each film. Information and tickets: 410-767-7425 or www.maryland hispanics.org.
Fast filmmaking
Local filmmakers with the ability to work fast may want to consider this year's CAmm Slam, set to begin at 7 tonight at the Creative Alliance at the Patterson, 3134 Eastern Ave. CAmm Slam challenges teams of moviemakers to make a short film (8 minutes or less) in 48 hours, incorporating a prop provided by event organizers. Registration for any remaining slots (the field is limited to 20) begins at 6 tonight. The cost is $65 per team. Information: 410-276-1651 or kristen@creativealliance.org. All films will be screened Sunday at the Senator, 5904 York Road, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $8; $6 for CA members.
Creative Silents
A new round of silent films with live musical accompaniment begins Thursday night at the Creative Alliance, 3144 Eastern Ave., with a screening of actor John Barrymore's 1920 version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Show times are 7 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $10. Information: 410-276-1651 or creativealliance.org.
At Bengies
Robert K. Headley, author of Motion Picture Exhibition in Baltimore: An Illustrated History and Directory of Theatres 1895--2004, will be signing copies of his book from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday at Bengies Drive-In, 3417 Eastern Blvd. Information: 410-687-5627 or www.bengies.com.
FilmTalk
