The Screening Room brings Latin films to Tucson

For lots of gringos, a Latino film event is getting a box of Hot Tamales on the way into the theater.

Tucson's more internationally-aware denizens might realize that the Screening Room, 127 E. Congress St., is providing a valuable opportunity to experience authentic Latino cinema with the 5th annual Cine Latino film festival, running over the next three weekends.

"It's mainly to fill a void in the community," said Giulio Scalinger, owner of the Screening Room. "(Tucson) is an over-30 percent Spanish-speaking community, and there are hardly any films that are shown to address that community. So, (Cine Latino) has become an annual event.

"We try to bring in a collection of Latin-American films, so that the different Latin American communities can have access to some of their films - that's really the main reason."

[Read More]