Special Preview of Director Jon M. Chu and Creator Lin-Manuel Miranda's Feature Film In The Heights at Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) on Friday, June 4

LALIFF AND THE TRIBECA FESTIVAL TO PARTNER IN CELEBRATION OF THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARIES

LOS ANGELES, CA – April 30, 2021 – Academy Award®-nominated actor Edward James Olmos, founder of the Latino Film Institute, announced today that the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) will host a Special Preview Screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ upcoming In the Heights, the highly-anticipated film adaptation of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s hit Broadway musical from director Jon M. Chu, on Friday June 4th 2021. In addition, LALIFF and the Tribeca Festival will partner as a celebration of their 20th anniversaries.

“We cannot wait to share this incredible film with our audience as part of this year’s festival,” says Edward James Olmos. “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.”

“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, Actor and Co-Founder of the Tribeca Festival.

“In the Heights is a story about a community,” said Lin-Manuel Miranda. “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.” 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 preview of In the Heights will take place one week before the film premieres in theaters and on HBO Max and will be held at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre. In the Heights will be one of several in-person screenings held during this year’s LALIFF.

The film is directed by Jon M. Chu and centers around the vibrant Washington Heights community and a bodega owner named Usnavi, who dreams about a better life. The film stars Anthony Ramos, Corey Hawkins, Leslie Grace, Melissa Barrera, Olga Merediz, Daphne Rubin-Vega, Gregory Diaz IV, Stephanie Biatriz, Dascha Polanco, singer Marc Anthony and Jimmy Smits.

Chu directed the film from a screenplay by Quiara Alegría Hudes, based on the musical stage play, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, book by Quiara Alegría Hudes and concept by Miranda. Miranda, Hudes, Scott Sanders, Anthony Bregman and Mara Jacobs produced the film, with David Nicksay and Kevin McCormick serving as executive producers.

Behind the camera, Chu reunited with his Crazy Rich Asians production designer, Nelson Coates, and editor, Myron Kerstein. He also collaborated with director of photography Alice Brooks and costume designer Mitchell Travers. Original songs by Miranda. Alex Lacamoire and Bill Sherman served as executive music producers. The choreography is by Christopher Scott.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents a 5000 Broadway / Barrio Grrrl! / Likely Story / SGS Pictures Production, A Jon M. Chu Film, In the Heights. Slated to open on June 11, 2021 in theaters and on HBO Max, the film will be distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures. It will be available on HBO Max for 31 days from theatrical release. It is rated PG-13 for some language and suggestive references.

This year’s full program will be comprised 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.

For additional information please visit www.latinofilm.org.

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About LALIFF

The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is a premiere international event dedicated to showcasing the entirety of human experience from the Latino perspective, whether through film, television, digital, music, art, or any other vehicle, regardless of platform. LALIFF is presented by the Latino Film Institute (LFI), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization with the mission to showcase, strengthen, and celebrate the richness of Latino lives through the audio-visual event. LFI develops, activates, and supports artists, creators, and executives through pathways and platforms for the expression and appreciation of their work.

For more information and updates on LALIFF visit www.latinofilm.org.

Follow LALIFF on social media:

● Instagram: @laliff_
● Twitter: @laliff
● Facebook: facebook.com/laliff

About the Tribeca Festival

The Tribeca Festival, presented by AT&T, brings artists and diverse audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, VR, gaming, music, and online work. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is a platform for creative expression and immersive entertainment. Tribeca champions emerging and established voices; discovers award-winning filmmakers and creators; curates innovative experiences; and introduces new technology and ideas through premieres, exhibitions, talks, and live performances. The Festival was founded by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff in 2001 to spur the economic and cultural revitalization of lower Manhattan following the attacks on the World Trade Center. Tribeca will celebrate its 20th year June 9 – 20, 2021.  www.tribecafilm.com/festival

In 2019,  James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems, a private investment company with locations in New York and Mumbai, bought a majority stake in Tribeca Enterprises, bringing together Rosenthal, De Niro, and Murdoch to grow the enterprise.

Media contacts

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