About OLA FEST 2008

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is OLA FEST?
Do you accept film submissions?
Who Organizes OLA FEST?
Why is OLA FEST Important?
What Ideals does OLA FEST Promote?
What does OLA FEST Accomplish?
When is OLA FEST?
Where is OLA FEST held? (venues)
Is there Media Access?
Who makes up the Festival STAFF?

Coming to OLAFEST?
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For info about
Previous OLAFESTs
[click here]

WHAT IS OLA FEST?
OLA FEST stands for Orlando Latin-American Film and Heritage Festival. It is a four-day celebration of Art and Film talent from Latin-America, the Caribbean, as well as from the United States, whose artistic works add depth to our understanding of life, society, and culture of Latin-America and its diasporas. In short, we like to think of OLA Fest as "A Latin Wave of Art & Culture" in Greater Orlando.

DO YOU ACCEPT FILM SUBMISSIONS?
OLAFEST accepts film submissions year-round and without a submission fee.   Filmmakers interested in submitting their work are welcomed to do so.  Please follow these six rules:

1) Film must be in regular DVD. ( Blue-Ray or HD-DVD will not be accepted)
2) DVD must be accompanied by CD-ROM containing fotos, media kit, film trailer mpeg, etc.
3) Both disks must be clearly labeled  and in one double-disk case.
4) Due to volume disks cannot be returned.
5) Contact information must be fixed upon double-disk case.
6) Send submissions to:
     Nelson Betancourt - OLAFEST
     5350 E. Kaley St. 
     Orlando, FL  32812

 

WHO ORGANIZES OLA FEST?
AWAKENING/Art & Culture is a 501(C)3 non-profit organization that develops, integrates, and promotes initiatives in the arts, education, filmmaking, and sustainability. We seek to build human and social capital by fostering the artistic, civic, environmental, and economic well-being of people and community in Greater Orlando, Florida.

 

WHAT IDEALS DOES OLA FEST PROMOTE?
OLA FEST promotes:

ETHICS OVER PROFIT
VALUES OVER IMAGE
IDEALISM OVER HYPE
SUSTAINABILITY OVER WASTE

 

WHAT DOES OLA FEST ACCOMPLISH?
1. Screens Latin American films that do not typically reach the Orlando market by working directly with distributors, producers and directors
2. Maximizes the impact of Latin American documentaries
3. Promotes human welfare and the advancement of social reform by using film as an organizing tool
4. Facilitates the collaboration of local arts and community organizations
5. Aids in the development of existing venues for artists to present their work
6. Brings together different art forms and artists for maximum effect
7. Brings different cultures together
8. It's a celebration that creates community through unity
9. Addresses the cultural and aesthetic needs of an underserved population
10. Is a new source of economic development and economic empowerment for local artists
11. Creates a context for education, facilitation and the creation of a new sustainable community in Greater Orlando

 

WHEN IS OLA FEST?
OLA FEST will be held from Thursday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 17, 2008.

 

HOW DO I FIND THE OLA FEST VENUES?
Click here for more information.

 

IS THERE MEDIA ACCESS?
Members of the Media (Press/Broadcast/Online/Alternative) may request access to events and/or access to our invited speakers and performers.  Click here for more information.

 

WHO MAKES UP THE FESTIVAL STAFF?
OLA FEST 2008 is run and organized by an all volunteer staff from Central Florida and Metro-San Juan, Puerto Rico.

OLAFEST Organizational Chart

Founder & Executive Director
Nelson Betancourt
leafstormpictures@yahoo.com
Director of
Strategic
Partnerships

Michael Deliz

 Director of
Industry
Relations

Jesus Silva

 Director
Development
& Marketing

Mildred Mattos

Mr. Deliz is History Doctoral candidate at Centro de Estudios Avanzados de Puerto Rico y el Caribe. Also works as a freelance consultant. Former UCF & VCC Professor of History. A member of the OLAFEST production staff since 2005.

Mr. Silva is a digital post production specialist and imdependent producer. He is also president of the Orlando Chapter of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. A member of the OLAFEST production staff since 2007.

Ms. Mattos is a Graduate Student at Full Sail Real World Education. Ms. Mattos became a  member of the OLAFEST production staff since 2007.

 


Director of
Art & Design

Triesta Hall
Director of
Film Aquisitions

Myrna Caban


Director of
Music Performances

Dennys Mero
Director of
Special Projects

Lauren Gwynn

Ms. Hall is the Department Chair of Digital Publishing at Full Sail. A member of OLAFEST production staff since 2004.

 Ms. Caban is a experienced organizer and teacher  in Central Florida.  Her experience includes organizing and coordinating everything from local community meetings to youth programs and special events. She joined the OLAFEST staff in 2006. Mr. Mero is a known figure in Orlando's underground music and art scene. Known for organizing everything from club nights and concerts to midnight art galleries.  Mr. Mero joined the production staff of OLAFEST in 2007. Ms. Gwynn works as an events and products promoter in Central Florida and all around problem solver. She joined the OLAFEST staff in 2007.

For festival related inquiries please email us at olafestival@gmail.com