The world premiere of a feature length film Buena Gente will be this Friday November 13, 2009 at 9pm at the 7th Annual Queens Film Festival in NYC. The festival begins today and has an amazing lineup of films.

Buena Gente tells the story of a young Dominican man named Chris, performed by Nick Talentino, who lies to his female partner Desiree, performed by Yomaris Maldonado, about infecting her with a sexually transmitted infection. Desiree ends their relationship and as Chris begins to try to rebuild their partnership he discovers that Desiree is caught in a violent situation that threatens her life. Directed by Dominican-American New Yorker Fabián Báez, this “coming of age” film is Báez’s first feature length film. Baez has an amazing cast in Buena Gente and features Altagracia Guzmán of Raising Victor Vargas fame; ITS HIM, a NYC-based performer and musician; and the multi-talented Raidirys Rivas. Read full cast bio’s here. Below is the trailer:

An email that was sent to me announces 30 (free) screening passes for Friday’s event. If you are interested in a free pass please email Fabián directly at fabian_baez@yahoo.com. You may also purchase tickets at the festival for $10 here.

I’m extremely sad I will not be able to see this film because it addresses so many of the topics I teach. Yet, I am hopeful this will not be the last time this film will be screened in the area. If you can please show your support!

Below is a Q & A with director Fabián Báez where he answers questions with an audience of students of Color.