El Mariachi Gringo is a film about hope and finding a new life through the lyrics and melodies of Mexican Mariachi music. Canadian film and TV actor Shawn Ashmore is the lead actor in this film directed by Tom Gustafson. Ashmore is best known for his role as Iceman in the films X-Men, X2, and X-Men; The Last Stand. He will also appear in the new TV Drama Series The Following, starring Kevin Bacon.
Mariachi Gringo’s world premiere happened during the Miami International Film Festival this past month of March, and has since been featured in the Chicago Latino Film Festival and the Dallas International Film Festival. This September, it will be the main feature during the valleys’ own CineSol Film Festival.
The film is about a young man, Edward (Ashmore), who feels trapped living at home with his parents in a quiet town in the American Midwest. Edward meets a former mariachi guitar player, and Mexican restaurant owner, Alberto (Fernando Becerril), who becomes his mentor and friend. Edward was a former acoustic guitar player who is battling with depression and is at a crossroads in his life. After some unexpected circumstances, Edward finds himself traveling to Guadalajara, Mexico; the cradle of Mariachi music. Here he meets Lilia, (Martha Higareda), and Sofia, (Lila Downs), who help him fulfill his dream of playing with a high profile mariachi band. As simple as it sounds, this was not an easy task, for many challenges and twists of fate are involved in this story. Overall, it is a very enjoyable film, with great music performed by Grammy Award winner Lila Downs and Fernando Becerril. Also, the scenes filmed in Guadalajara’s Plaza de los Mariachis and the Degollado Theater add to the film’s charm. According to The Hollywood Reporter, the film pulled off a big upset at the Guadalajara Film Festival winning best Mexican picture, as well as best actress award for Martha Higareda.
Edward and Lilia’s relationship culminates with an unexpected surprise, and throughout the film people will find themselves craving a shot of tequila while listening to the love stricken and “painful” Mariachi lyrics accompanying Edward through his courageous journey.
There are two opportunities to enjoy this film; Saturday, September 8 in Harlingen, Texas at the TSTC Cultural Arts Center, and Saturday, September 15, at Edinburg’s Conference Center at Renaissance. Admission is $10.00. For festival discount package rates and the detailed schedule visit www.cinesol.com
Click on this link to enjoy a trailer of the movie  http://vimeo.com/38288498

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