Tributes 2004

• John Leguizamo
• Alejandro González Iñárritu
• Eduardo Palomo

The San Diego Latino Film Festival is honored to celebrate the careers of the following individuals who have greatly influenced Latino Cinema and television. Please join us at this year's festival in spotlighting the important work they all have done in promoting a more positive and accurate portrayal of Latinos in front and behind the camera!

John Leguizamo

		John Leguizamo. .

Although he had previously appeared on Miami Vice in 1986 and in Brian de Palma's 1989 film Casualties of War, versatile Colombian-born actor and comedian John Leguizamo really burst onto the scene in 1991, when his scandalously funny off-Broadway show Mambo Mouth debuted to popular and critical acclaim. A hugely successful one-man show, Mambo Mouth showcased Leguizamo's signature zany humor, explosive performance style and nuanced acting ability. That year he also came to the critics' attention on the silver screen for his role in Hangin' with the Homeboys. Since then, he has appeared in more than 35 films, produced two more theatrical successes (Spic-O-Rama and Freak) and even took a swing at the small screen in the mid-90s with his TV series House of Buggin'. With memorable performances in such films as Carlito's Way, Piñero, Summer of Sam, Ice Age, Collateral Damage, Super Mario Brothers, Spawn, Moulin Rouge, 8 Mile, William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet and To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar, John Leguizamo has earned the respect of his audiences and peers.

• John Leguizamo Appearance -- Saturday, March 20, 7:30 pm

Alejandro González Iñárritu

		Alejandro González Iñárritu.

If Mexico needed a blockbuster to assure it's place at the international film table, then Alejandro González Iñárritu's first feature, Amores Perros, was it. The film was an instant success from the moment it debuted at the 2000 Cannes Film Festival, where it received the Critic's Week Grand Prix and Young Critics awards. This powerhouse work featuring multiple storylines, frenetic editing, a hip soundtrack and incredible camerawork then went on to receive awards in throughout Europe, Latin America and Japan. It also received 13 Ariel Awards in Mexico. Setting box office records and connecting with audiences worldwide, Amores Perros quickly became everyone's favorite film. And it made a superstar out of actor Gael Garcia Bernal. Not bad for a first film! As a director, Iñárritu combined the skills of his past experience as a Mexico City DJ, director of TV commercials and as artistic director for Televisa to create a powerful cinematic style that fused intimacy and vulnerability with violence and street toughness. In other words, he created a truly Mexican style. Iñárritu has subsequently directed a segment for the compilation film 11'09''01 - September 11 and also the critically-acclaimed feature 21 Grams starring Benicio del Toro, Naomi Watts and Sean Penn.

Eduardo Palomo

		Eduardo Palomo.

Mexican actor Eduardo Palomo set hearts aflutter throughout the Latin world as the green-eyed and raven haired hunk Juan del Diablo in the 1993 telenovela Corazon Salvaje. Starring with Edith Gonzalez in this legendary telenovela, Palomo infused Juan del Diablo with strength, masculinity and romance. On the silver screen, Palomo had starring roles in the Mexican films La Mujer de Benjamin (1991), Mi Querido Tom Mix (1991), Cronica de un Desayuno (1999) and El Misterio del Trinidad (2003, shown in this year's festival). Palomo's star was on the rise in the U.S. as well. He appeared as Chief Lazareno in the cable series Kingpin and had just completed shooting in the upcoming comedy A Day Without a Mexican. Palomo also appeared in 33 stage productions throughout his career and released an album, Mover el Tiempo, in 1994. Outside of the entertainment industry, Palomo also actively supported a state bill that would prevent coercive medication in schools of students identified with behavioral problems. "As a Latino," he stated, "I am particularly concerned with the number of minority children who have been labeled as mentally disordered and then drugged." Although Palomo had a long and distinguished career in television, film and theater, it is for his role as Juan del Diablo for which he was most loved. Sadly, Palomo was planning a return to the role alongside co-star Edith Gonzalez in a renewed version of Corazon Salvaje when he passed away this year at the age of 41 from a heart attack.