Chico & Rita to open ttff/11

Chico & Rita, an animated tale of star-crossed lovers set to a Cuban beat, will be the opening night feature film of the trinidad+tobago film festival/11.

The film will screen at the ttff/11 opening night gala, which takes place on 21 September at Queen’s Hall in St Ann’s.

Directed by the award-winning Spanish filmmakers Fernando Trueba and Javier Mariscal, and with a score by renowned Cuban musician Bebo Valdés, Chico & Rita tells the story of an ambitious bandleader, Chico, and a gifted singer, Rita, who chase their dreams—and each other—across the globe and over many years. Music and romantic desire unite them, but—as in the tradition of the Latin ballad, the bolero—their love also brings heartache and torment.

Preceding Chico & Rita will be a short film from Trinidad & Tobago, Pashan of the Froot, a mock documentary about a dancehall singer written and directed by Nadissa Haynes.

Before the films are screened from 7.30pm, there will be a cocktail reception beginning at 6.00pm. A party at the Carlton Savannah is scheduled to follow the films.

Limited tickets for the gala are available at a cost of $150.00 each. Call 621-0709 to purchase.