‘In the Heights’ to Kick Off Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival

Jon M. Chu’s “In the Heights” will kick off the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival with a special preview screening on June 4 at Hollywood’s TCL Chinese Theatre.

The film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical will screen five days before the Tribeca Film Festival.

“We cannot wait to share this incredible film with our audience as part of this year’s festival,” said Edward James Olmos, founder of the Latino Film Institute. “’In the Heights’ celebrates the Latino culture and allows us to continue to support our mission of providing a platform of stories that are told by us and for us. We are equally excited to partner with such a renowned film festival like Tribeca and we know that this will be a partnership that will flourish over the years.”

In addition, LALIFF and Tribeca will partner as a celebration of their 20th anniversaries.

“Congratulations to LALIFF on their 20th anniversary of extraordinary storytelling for Latino filmmakers, artists and visionaries everywhere. We celebrate this incredible partnership with a shared goal, to beautifully showcase diverse and under-represented voices through the power of film,” said Robert De Niro, co-founder of the Tribeca Festival.

Miranda said, “’In the Heights’ is a story about a community. For 20 years, the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival and Edward James Olmos have been uplifting and providing a platform for Latino artists to share their own stories. It is with tremendous admiration and gratitude for those who have come before us that I am honored and humbled to have ‘In the Heights’ screen for the LALIFF community.”

The film centers on the vibrant Washington Heights community. It follows bodega owner Usnavi, played by Anthony Ramos, who dreams of a better life. Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Stephanie Beatriz, Dascha Polanco, singer Marc Anthony and Jimmy Smits also star.

Chu stated, “Making ‘In the Heights’ for the big screen and being able to bring the world that Lin-Manuel created to life in a whole new way has been an incredible journey, and it’s such a privilege to have the film be a part of this festival, which honors the very community we celebrate in the film.”

The film marks a reunion for the crew of “Crazy Rich Asians.” Production designer Nelson Coates and editor Myron Kerstein wove the movie together during lockdown. Chu also collaborated with director of photography Alice Brooks and costume designer Mitchell Travers. Miranda crafted the original songs. Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman serve as executive music producers, and choreography is by Christopher Scott.

“In the Heights” is slated to open on June 11 in theaters and on HBO Max.

LALIFF will comprise of feature films, episodics, music, XR projects and short films, including those from LALIFF’s inaugural Latinx Inclusion Fellowship Series. The program and complete schedule of events will be announced in early May.

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