Watsonville celebrates their 12th annual film festival

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION)- Watsonville celebrates their 12th annual film festival celebrating women’s international day.

At the festival they showcased 2 special programs featuring films about and made by women. 

Many people started pulling up to the event and while they walked inside they were greeted with a red carpet to honor women being in front and behind the camera. 

People gathered around to support local talent and creativity through films, art, and music. Many individuals here are highlighting the importance of Latina women being represented in the film industry. 

“In the film industry in general, very few latinos are represented and especially women," Consuelo Alba at the Watsonville film festival. "Latina women are a very, very small minority, but the talent is there, the stories are there and that’s what we’re celebrating.”

The event will continue to bring their talent and stories onto the screen. Throughout this event, they have an incredible lineup and many filmmakers will take the stage.

Also at the event they celebrated lowrider culture. They had over 40 short films that challenged the stereotypes and reflect on the diversity of the Latino experience.

This feature film this year was La Mission which is about Lowriders and male identity.

At the exhibits there were cars showcased all around. Which inspired the art exhibit to be titled, “More Than Cars: Celebrating Lowrider Culture.”

“We tend to see a lot of stereotypes in mainstream media and it's really important to really listen and see what the community says about ourselves and how we see ourselves represented, it's a very powerful experience to see yourself on the big screen in a way that you resonate with in a deep way," Alba said.

This Sunday they are opening an exhibit here in Watsonville to celebrate with the community.

“We partnered with Pajaro Valley Arts gallery to present “More Than Cars,” an exhibit which reflects how Lowrider culture is a symbol of pride and ingenuity. It’s art on wheels,” Alba said.

This festival came right in time, after the ban on cruising was lifted on January 1st.