La Quinceañera Reviews

Wanted to share a review the film got in a library Journal.

La Quinceañera ***1/2
(2007) 41 min. In Spanish w/English subtitles. DVD: individuals: $24.50, institutions: $79.95 (w/PPR). Adam Taub (web: www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com).
In 2003, filmmaker Adam Taub traveled to the Xico colony in Mexico to record the Quince Años—or 15th birthday celebration—of Ana Maria, the youngest of five daughters (including twins) in a struggling single-parent household. Combining family interviews, scenes of daily activities and preparations, and archival clips from previous parties, La Quinceañera presents an overview of this longstanding tradition from an entirely personal perspective. From the Saturday lessons Ana Maria must attend (during which an instructor outlines adult responsibilities and explains the differences between physical and emotional love) to the history of la familia (mother Lili has been sick, and her absent husband is shunned by the clan due to nonsupport, making oldest son Oscar the patriarch), the film covers the big day from all sides: practicing with footmen for the party waltz; first eyebrow pluckings and pierced ears; the makeup, hair, and dress that transform Ana Maria into a “grown” woman; and the church mass (with a surprise guest) and revelry after. A heartwarming portrait (a scene in which Oscar and the older women serenade Ana Maria on the morning of her quinceañera beautifully captures the family’s devotion), this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Williams-Wood)

Lyric Cinema Cafe shows local films

I screened "La Quinceañera" on Jan. 22nd at the Lyric Cinema Cafe in Fort Collins along with fellow Boulder filmmakers and friends John Tweedy and Beret Strong who showed their film "Saya: Dance and Survival in an Afro-Bolivian."

The Lyric Cinema is a great little independent theater that screens great films in Fort Collins in a fun and intimate atmosphere. Run by Ben and Josh, Patrons can buy food, drink, beer, and wine at the venue and the theaters themselves are equipted with theater style seating as well as comfy couches. One of the great things the theater offers is Screenings with local filmmakers on a monthly basis. The relationship between local theaters and filmmakers is an important part in build a film community in a region. This is a great situation for the filmmaker to screen work in fun setting. the film looked and sounded great and they allowed us to sell our DVDs as well. We were in the small theater which held about 45 people and had about 35 come to the screening. It was a diverse mix of people, independent film buffs, anthropologists from CSU and UNC, friends, family, Folks from Bolivia and Mexico and many others. After the film we had a short Q&A and then were able to talk one on one with many of the guests which is a real highlight.


For more info on La Quinceañera visit- www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com
For more info on Saya visit- http://www.landlockedfilms.com/index.htm

Visited the Family in Tijuana

I just returned from a trip out to California and Tijuana. Approaching the San Diego airport we could see thick clouds of smoke to the left and right of the plane from the wild fires that were ravaging Southern California. Upon landing in smelled of spoke and wood. I made my way to Tijuana by trolley and crossed the border on foot. It was snowing ash at the border but after I reached the Colonia Xico higher up in the hills by taxi the air improved. I had a great visit with the family although too short. Karinas daughter Karely continues to grow and is so cute. There is a new little one in the family by the name of Joseline, Janeth's first daughter. I talked to Oscar by phone and he is in Mexicali finishing the seminary to be a catholic priest. Maggie has graduated highschool and is saving for college. Ana Maria is in her last year of highschool and is planning on going to the university next year. Teresa is expecting a marraige proposal from her boyfriend sometime in December and Lili and Charlie are dating and have a good relationship. The girls relationship with their dad has improved a lot so that is great. It is not perfect but much better. Lili's health is of some concern but she is visiting the doctor this week and we await word.

Colorado Screening! Broomfield film series

I will be screening La Quinceañera at the Broomfield Film Series on Sept. 12th 2007. Doors open at 6:30 and film starts at 7. I am so excited because a number of people who helped on the film will be present. My mom, who is executive producer of the project will be present. She supported the project in so many ways, emotionally , with ideas, and financially. Others in attendence will be Matt Thomas, my friend who gave me valuable feedback on the edit from the very beginning, my grandma, my cousin Eric and I hope many more. More than anything I want to have a screening for those that helped with the project so that I can thank them for their support.

http://www.broomfieldfilm.org/Welcome.html

www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com

Type of Camera and Mic used in documentary

For this post I thought I would discuss the camera I used to shoot La Quinceañera. When I first considered creating a documentary on Ana Maria's Quince Años celebration in 2003, my dream camera was the Sony PD 150. It was out of may price range so instead I bought the Sony PDx10 from Denver film/video. It had the ability to shoot DVCAM and 16:9 (although the CCDs are not true 16:9) which I liked. It also had XLR audio inputs so I was able to use a Sennheiser ME-66 shotgun mic for sound. That was it! I shot the story over the course of 2 months with 1 camera, 1 mic and about 70 tapes. I was shooting DVCAM so I got 42 minutes per tape. I really liked the little camera. It's tough! It is 4 years old and has never needed a repair despite months in TJ, the dominican republic and use as my deck. The image is good and it is small and mobile enough to shoot in a lot of places without standing out to people. Actually the shotgun mic mounted is what makes the camera stand out to people. I was also happy with the sound considering I only had one camera mounted mic. I am currently preparing to go to the Domincan Republic for preproduction on another documentary and will take the PDx10 with me during the initial trip. Best wishes shooting stories!