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)

New Documentary has video teaser

There is a new video teaser for the documentary "El Duque" up on La Quinceañeras website www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com unders Trailers. "El Duque" is the story of Joan Soriano, a Bachata Musician from the Dominican Republic, as he struggles to reach his goal of a hit CD and success as a musician. It is also the story of his large extended family living in the rural countryside of Monte Plata as they dream along with him, hoping that his success will improve their economic situation and quality of life. As a child, Joan's hands were protected by his father from the dangers of agricultural work after it was discovered that he had a talent for the guitar. Immediately upon this discovery, Joan, along with his siblings and other neighborhood kids formed a musical group and began performing for neighbors. Improvising with found object instruments such as homemade guitars, tin can maracas, glass bottles bass, and plastic bucket tamboras, they entertained others with merengues and bachatas that are native to the their country the Dominican Republic.

Joan is now 35 and lives with his girlfriend and son 20 minutes from Monte Plata in the barrio of Villa Mella that abuts Santo Domingo. Villa Mella has a strong Congolese influence and Joan's bachata, merengue, and salsa, draws heavily upon the Afro-Dominican tradition that flourishes in this barrio. Joan has been featured on the "Rough Guide to the Bachata" and on the documentary "Santo Domingo Blues" as well as performed and recorded with big name bachata musicians such as Joe Veras and Zacarias Ferreira. However, at 35 he has not had his own hit and he feels his time running out. At times, he battles with desperation and depression but continues forward with his music and dream. Within the last few years, a music producer named Benjamin de Menil from IASO Records has begun recording a CD of Joan's music. If Joan is going to make it the time is now.

In "El Duque" the rythms of life are played out and the story of a family is written. Saturated with music, Dominican culture, intimate portraits, and the dreams of Joan and his family, "El Duque" provides an emotionally an intellectually satisfying story to those hungry for documentary content.

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

La Quinceañera family update

Throughout the past few weeks I have been in touch, by phone and e-mail, with the family who appears in "La Quinceañera"documentary that I produced. It was great to talk to Ana Maria, Lili, and Teresa on the phone. the latest correspondence started a few weeks ago when Ana Maria sent me an e-mail saying that she had found a very nice van in good condition and was wanting to purchase it. During my last visit in August I had told the family that a portion of all festival prize money and DVD sales was going into an account for Ana Maria and the family. Ana Maria asked if she could use some of this money to help buy the van. Well the family now has a van that holds them all which I hope will make life more convenient and help them save money on daily taxis and such. Ana Maria is really the only one of the girls that drives so we joked that her job will now be Chauffeur to the family.

For More information on "La Quinceañera" Visit www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com

Santa Fe Film Festival

I spent 5 days at the Santa Fe Film Festival last week and had a great time. La Quinceañera screened twice at the Museum of Indian Art and Culture and was partnered with the film "Lost and Found in Mexico. The theater held around 100 people and it was sold out both shows. One of the highlights of the festival for me was meeting filmmakers and staff from the National Geographic All Roads Film Project. I met some wonderful people and saw some very good films because of that program. The All Roads Film Project helps indigenous filmmakers tell their stories.

"All Roads is a National Geographic initiative created to provide an international platform for indigenous and underrepresented minority-culture artists to share their cultures, stories, and perspectives through the power of film and photography. All Roads is an exciting, groundbreaking film festival, photography program, and film grant program rolled into one."

A few of the films that I saw that I recommend are-

"Daf" A documentary set in Kurdistan about a family that makes a type of Iranian Tamporine called the Daf.
"Enemies of Happiness" Documentary about a women in Afghanistan running for parliment.
"Horse you See" Film by Mellisa Henry about a Navajo horse that talks and sings
"The Bands Visit" Israeli film that follows an Eygptian Orchaestras visit to Israel

Hope you have a chance to check these films out!

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.

Winner Best Documenatry at Angelus Student Film Festival

I received some great news this weekend. La Quinceañera won best documentary at the Angelus Student Film Festival in LA. My friend Gabriel Nelson was there at the awards ceremony in my place and accepted the award on my behalf. The winners of the festival will screen oct. 27th at 5:30 at the DGA theater on Sunset blvd. I'm very excited to go to the screening and meet other filmmakers and industry professionals. Before the screening in L.A. I will go down to Tijuana for a couple days and visit the family and catch up with them. I am really looking forward to that as I have not seen them in about a year now.

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

Heard Museum Film Festival

La Quinceanera Documentary was invited to the Heard Museum Film Festival Oct. 12th-14th. The following is a short description of the festival.

"The Heard Museum Film Festival offers a must-see line up of original and award-winning films by and about indigenous peoples around the globe. Unique among film festivals, this year’s offerings meld art, culture and innovation in an unparalleled, thought-provoking experience. "

http://www.heard.org/NETCOMMUNITY/Page.aspx?&pid=508&srcid=600

www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com

La Quinceanera video Finalist in Angelus Student Film Fest

I recently found out that La Quinceañera is a finalist in the Angleus Student Film Festival and will be screened in LA in late october as part of the festival. 5 other documentarys will also be screened as part of the festival, 3 of them coming from grad students from the Stanford documentary program and the others from NYU and City College of New York. The following is taken from the Angelus website and describes what kind of films they look for.

"The Angelus Student Film Festival cultivates and honors future filmmakers as they explore and create works that respect the dignity of the human person. Angelus Award winning films reflect values such as REDEMPTION, SPIRTUALITY, DIGNITY, TOLERANCE, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, HOPE and TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT."

http://www.angelus.org/about-introduction.html

www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com

Film Fest News

I recently found out that La Quinceañera is a finalist in the Angleus Student Film Festival and will be screened in LA in late october as part of the festival. 5 other documentarys will also be screened as part of the festival, 3 of them coming from grad students from the Stanford documentary program and the others from NYU and City College of New York. The following is taken from the Angelus website and describes what kind of films they look for.

"The Angelus Student Film Festival cultivates and honors future filmmakers as they explore and create works that respect the dignity of the human person. Angelus Award winning films reflect values such as REDEMPTION, SPIRTUALITY, DIGNITY, TOLERANCE, EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, HOPE and TRIUMPH OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT."

http://www.angelus.org/about-introduction.html

www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com

La Quinceanera invited to the Cinesol film festival

La Quinceanera was invited to be shown at the Cinesol film fest in South Padre Island in Texas. The festival runs over Labor day weekend. It looks like a great fit for the documentary as I saw they had Mexican conjunto music for entertainment on one of the nights. I will make another post when I find out more details about the festival, times etc.

Leaving for the Dominican Republic

Just an update. I will be leaving the country for a month to travel to the Dominican Republic on August 7th. There I will begin work and research on a new documentary that will be a personal portrait of a bachata musician. I will also shoot a bachata dance instruction video while there. After that I will return to attend a couple of film festivals with "La Quinceañera."

Greeley Tribune Article on "La Quinceanera"

In Friday the 13th's edition of the Greeley Tribune, Dan England did a very nice story on me and and my film 'La Quinceañera"
I am trying to link to the acual article but in the meantime here is the text for it. Also if you would like to visit my website go to www.laquinceaneradocumentary.com

"Documenting a Special Day"

As Adam Taub watched the beginning preparations for a quinceañera for the youngest of five Mexican daughters, it suddenly occurred to him that it would make a good documentary.
The only problem was, he knew nothing about how to film one.
He took photography all through high school, but he had no digital video experience, no knowledge on how to use a program like Apple’s final Cut Pro and no experience on any kind of a documentary, other then watching a few. The documentary that inspired him the most, ironically, was “American Movie” about a clueless filmmaker attempting to make his first full-length feature.
He did even own a video camera.
“It was a spur of the moment thing, really,” Taub said. “But I loved talking to people and hearing people’s stories. Everybody has a documentary that could be made about them.”
But Taub, who graduated from Greeley Central in 1994, wasn’t a fool with a dream. After a stint with massage therapy, he was going to school at the University of Colorado for a degree in cultural anthropology and digital art and a minor in technical arts. He was the son of Marsha Taub-Edmunds, who along with her husband, Ed Edmunds, owned Distortions. Taub-Edmunds agreed to act as executive producer and knew a thing or two about art, performance and production, given the success of the creepy costume, special effects and high-end haunted house supplies business (the place that, among other things, helped create Brutal Planet haunted houses for Six Flags).
Finally, he knew the family well. He first met everyone in 1998 while volunteering in Tijuana with a spring break group, after the family took in the 15-person group when housing fell through. He remembers skating with the subject of the film, Ana, at a rink when she was 10 and felt connected to the family despite the brief visit.
He continued to stay with them on visits to Tijuana while working with a friend who delivered supplies and donations from San Diego to orphanages and families. When another daughter had a quinceañera, he would agree to sponsor the dresses, while others in the community sponsored drinks and other aspects of the dance.
So he read tons of books, learned how to use Final Cut Pro and, finally, he got a camera and sot the film during a two-month period. He managed to work with that friend from San Diego and work on another documentary on him while he did this. He survived on the family’s good cooking (He helped pay for food) and excitement over the quinceañera.
This was in 2003. A tape was 42 minutes. He shot 70 of them.
And then the real work began.
That’s a lot of footage to edit, and for the next four years, Taub struggled to get it done.
“I never wanted to give up, but you start to wonder when it will be done,” he said. It’s like a relationship with someone, almost.”
But he was encouraged from others in a filmmakers group in Boulder, where Taub continues to live. The group was made up of doctors, lawyers and other professionals who had no intention, and no money, to work on their movies full time.
“Its fairly common for a project to take years,” Taub said. “There’s a lot of People trying to do documentaries, but can’t spend their whole lives doing them.”
He knew he was getting close when he took the rough cut to the family last year. Everyone approved, and so he got it down to 42 minutes and finally called it good in April.
“There has to be an ending point.” Taub said. “I felt I couldn’t shoot anything else until I finished it.”
He’s done, but the work isn’t over. Now just getting it seen is taking a lot of time. He wants to show it around libraries and, of course, at film festivals in Colorado and the region. He’s also selling it on his web site.
He knows now he wants to shoot documentaries full time in between editing video projects to make a living. His next, a film on the Dominican Republic, focuses on the music and dance in the area.
He’s now grateful he didn’t know much, or anything, really, about filming a documentary when he started. It led to what he hopes is a full career.
In this case, ignorance was definitely bliss.
It was one of those things that you wouldn’t start if you knew what was coming,” he said. “But I’m glad I did it now.”