Two of Mexico's beloved entertainers, Xavier López "Chabelo" and Carmen Salinas, are to appear at the San Diego Latino Film Festival on Wednesday night, when their movie "Cartas a Elena" is screened, along with several other world-class films.
For more than four decades López, 76, has entertained children and adults on Mexican television. His nationally broadcast contest show, "En Familia con Chabelo," is the longest running show in television anywhere in the world.
The festival is paying tribute to López, not only for keeping the character of Chabelo relevant four decades after being introduced but for his many artistic contributions.
Salinas, 78, is another pillar of Mexican entertainment. For nearly 50 years, she has been a popular actress in theater, movies and television, where she is one of the most influential performers. Her stage production of "Aventurera" has played at leading theaters across Mexico.
Wednesday's movies
4 p.m. "Naco es chido" is a comedy about the possible reuniting of the band that launched Guaca rock, "Botellita de Jerez".
7 p.m. "Cartas a Elena" is a beautifully photographed story about the adoptive son of a mailman and the community the son tries to heal. Xavier López and Carmen Salinas are part of the cast.
8 p.m. "Anita" is the tender story of how a girl with Down syndrome touches the lives around her as she learns to take care of herself.
8:30 p.m. "La vida de los peces" is a romantic production from Chile that was submitted to the Oscars in 2010.
9:45. "Todo lo que tu quieras" is about a father's unconditional love for his daughter. The young child asks her father to pretend to be her mother, following her death. He agrees, even going so far as dressing like a woman.
10:15. "Hidalgo: La historia jamás contada" explores the personal history of the Mexican hero. The movie stars two of the most popular actors in Mexican cinema, Demián Bichir and Ana de la Reguera.
[sidebar]Festival details
Xavier López "Chabelo," Carmen Salinas and other cast members of "Cartas a Elena" are to appear around 7 p.m. Wednesday at the UltraStar Cinemas in Hazard Center, as part of the San Diego Latino Film Festival.
A daily guide to the movies and other events, stories, photos, movie trailers and schedule are available in Spanish at sandiegored.com.[/sidebar]
