(Released November 13, 2009)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Coachella Valley Latino International Film Festival
The Coachella Valley Latino International Film Festival Announces “Latinos Write Now” Special Event- Seminar Sponsored by The WGA

Multi-Award Winning Writer, Villalobos to Participate in Writer’s Seminar

Writers Guild of America member, Writer/Producer, Ligiah Villalobos – is a multi-award winning writer and is also the Writer and Executive Producer of the feature film, “Under The Same Moon, (La Misma Luna)” The film was an Official Selection at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival, was made for under $2M, and has earned over 23M world-wide. Her other credits include HBO films, “Dancing In September” and “Walkout” and as staff writer for NBC’s Ed, head writer on Nic Jr. series, Go Diego! Go! And has developed projects for ABC Family F/X, Showtime and NBC. She also has projects in development for Salma Hayek’s production company and Will Smith’s production company. Before becoming a writer/producer, Villalobos held several positions at the studios, networks and companies such as Buena Vista Productions, Disney Records, Touchstone Television, Warner Bros Network and Esparza/Katz Prods. Ms. Villalobos was named, “One of 25 Most Powerful and Talented Hispanic Women In The Entertainment Industry” by The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard Magazine in 2007 and was honored in 2008 with the “Norman Lear Writers Award” at the Imagen Awards.

Ms. Villalobos joins Writer / Director, Christian Sesma – from Palm Springs, Ca. who has written and co-written eleven (11) plus produced screenplays including his recent, new film screening at this year’s Film Festival, “I’M Not Like That No More”. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Cultural Anthropology, from San Diego State University and currently has three screenplays in development.

Moderator, Florence Ren Figueroa – Is a Writer/Director/ Producer and is the Co-Writer of the documentary, “This Is Cuba”, Writer of the Documentary Feature Film, “Under One Sky” and is also a published author of the book, “Eat By Color: Foods, Colors and The Chakras”. Ms. Figueroa comes from an extensive background in the entertainment industry having been a Casting Director for major film studios, independent production companies, television networks and as the Director of Development to Producer, Mark R. Harris’ The Harris Company – Academy Award winner for the films, “Crash and God’s and Monsters”

The Coachella Valley Latino International Film Festival will be held on December 4-6, 2009 at the Indio Performing Arts Center in Indio, California. The event will be a fundraiser to benefit the Non-Profit, Indio Performing Arts Center. The international Latino films and documentaries, Special Events, with the participation from Latino filmmakers and entertainers will be a part of the 3-day event, with a Special Guest presenting the Audience Favorite Award, decided upon the Festival’s attending audience on Sunday evening, the close of the film festival. The complete line-up of the film schedule has been announced and reservations to purchase tickets are strongly recommended. The box office opens November 30th. IPAC is located at 45-175 Fargo Street, Indio, CA 92201. For complete information on the Coachella Valley Latino International Film Festival please visit the Website: www.cvliff.com.

Press Release - November 13, 2009