The volunteers at the San Diego Latino Film Festival, under way through Sunday in Mission Valley, definitely have the best seat in the house to meet the stars who come to present their movies.
Some have even developed friendships with them.
Alexandra Maal, who is one of the seven drivers, has even shared a meal with renowned Mexican actors Carmen Salinas and Demián Bichir.
"Really, the three years I have done it have been an impressive experience. I never thought I would get to eat with Carmen Salinas," said Maal, who takes days off from her work as a prison official to volunteer at the festival.
She said that Salinas is one of her favorites.
"She's an exceptional person and totally committed to her public," said Maal, smiling. "She can be a little strong on television but in person she's a delight. Generally, all the artists who I have transported have been very nice."
Annually, between 50 to 100 people join the festival's volunteer force, serving as receptionists, translators, security guards, among other jobs.
"We have been able to offer the public a leading festival thanks to our volunteers," said Ethan van Thillo, the executive director of the Media Arts Center San Diego, which organizes the event.
"It's a big job and we could not do it without the support of members of our family and the community," he added.
Maal said that being a driver to the stars is a full-time job. She picks them up at the airport, takes them to the festival, then to eat, shop and perhaps to a museum or the zoo.
"You're almost the artist's assistant," Maal said. "You have to be ready to provide what they need when they need it."
Though the job can be a bit stressful at times, she said that she definitely will be back next year.
editorial@mienlace.com
This story was published in The Union-Tribune's Latino newspaper Enlace.
[sidebar]Best in film
San Diego Latino Film Festival continues at the
UltraStar Mission Valley Cinema through March 18.
The festival, one of the best ones in the country, presents a variety of feature films and documentaries, as well as filmmakers.
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