Press Release

Jan 14, 2021 (Morgan Hill, CA)

FESTIVAL TO HONOR LEGENDARY MEXICAN AMERICAN BAND LOS TIGRES DEL NORTE AND CHICANO AWARD-WINNING PLAYWRIGHT, DIRECTOR AND ACTOR LUIS VALDEZ WITH ICON AWARDS ON MEXICO DAY

The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival (PJIFF) announced today that the 2021 edition will run from Wednesday, April 7 through Tuesday, April 20, 2020 and will be virtual. PJIFF 2021 will include feature films, short films, panel discussions, and musical performances. Additionally, this year’s festival will host China day on April 10 and Mexico day on April 11.

PJIFF will host China Day on April 10^th where it will feature films, short films, panel discussions and musical performances. The films include featuresGo with Your Gutand Unnamed Junior,and short films“Pills and Joy,”“Family of Wusho,”“Left Behind Children,”“Underdog,” and “Angel’s Mirror.” All films will befollowed by Q&As with the filmmakers. Musical performances will include internationally recognized Chinese harpist Jieyin Wu as well as a Cheongsam fashion show showcasing traditional Chinese dress from Manchu Origin.

As part of Mexico Day, the festival will also award the legendary Mexican American band Los Tigres del Norte with its Icon Award during a special celebration. The band which started in San Jose, California in the 1960s is one of the most popular bands in Norteño Music on both sides of the border. “La Puerta Negra,” “Golpes en el Corazón,” “De Paisano a Paisano” are just a few of their hits songs that have resonated with audiences across the United States and Mexico.

In addition, the festival will also honor Luis Valdez known as the father of Chicano film and theater for his work in film and theater. Luis Valdez is best known for his play “Zoot Suit” and his unforgettable and world-renown film La Bamba.

Muralist and local visual artists, José Ortiz will also be honored with an Icon Award for his work and positive impact he has had in the local community.

“We are thrilled to present a festival for our audience this year,” said Festival Director Mattie Scariot, “as we feel more than ever it is important for the film community to support one another.We look forward to showcasing the diversity of storytelling to an even broader audience this year.”

Tickets will be available on PJIFF website and people from across the United States will be able to watch the films.

About Poppy Jasper International Film Festival

The Poppy Jasper International Film Festival is an award-winning regional festival in Morgan Hill, San Martin, Gilroy, Hollister and San Juan Bautista, Ca.  The mission of PJIFF is to promote inclusion, diversity and women empowerment through film, music, and art by inviting independent filmmakers from all cultures to explore major issues of the day through the power of film.  We encourage, engage, and educate filmmakers and our community members of all ages through our 8 educational film programs so that everyone can “find their voice through film.”

For more information and updates please visit PJIFF website here.

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Media contact:

Johanna Calderón-Dakin

johanna@themesulamgroup.com

310.699.8903