By Scott Marks

The ambitious Latino Film Festival kicks off their annual four month showcase of new Latin American, Mexican and Spanish cinema with the San Diego premiere of Issa López’ “Casi Divas.”

The musical comedy follows four determined and beautiful young women from different parts of Mexico as they begin their journeys on the road to fame when Alejandro Mateos (Julio Bracho), a powerful producer, dreams up a nationwide talent search to cast the lead in his next big picture. The only problem is Mateos’ fickle lover, played by Patricia Llaca, assumes that the part was hers.

Ethan Van Thillo, founder and director of the festival said, “It’s an honor to bring back Issa Lopez’ work, who we had at our festival with ‘Efectos Secundarious.’ Audiences will also be excited to see past festival guests Julio Bracho, Maya Zapata and Ana Layevska in this fun Mexican hit.” The film was among Mexico’s top five grossing films of 2008.

The Cinema en tu Idioma series runs for four months at the UltraStar Mission Valley Cinemas. “Casi Divas,” the festival’s August selection plays for one week only. For more information visit www.mediaartscenter.org.