Transitions at Cine Las Americas: meet Gabriel Ornelas the new executive director

My name is Gabriel Ornelas and I'd like to introduce myself. In early October, the Cine Board of Directors met and I was named the new Executive Director of Cine Las Americas. As you may have heard, Jean Lauer, our former Executive Director, transitioned from the ED role with Cine to focus on her full time work as professor at Austin Community College. I, the entire Cine Las Americas Board and staff, are very grateful for Jean's tireless dedication and passion she has invested with Cine over many years in various capacities. Jean has been instrumental in Cine's success, creating partnerships that helped provide year round programming and guiding the success of the Cine Las Americas International Film Festival for several years. I am personally grateful to Jean for all she has done and the support and friendship she has generously offered through our transition and over the years. I am happy to note she will continue to be a part of Cine in an advisory role as "Program Advisor to Cine Las Americas".

I was first introduced to Cine in 2010 and served as a Board member from 2011 - 2015 before transitioning onto the Advisory Board. My involvement with Cine Las Americas has been both in the traditional Board role as well as supporting an active hands-on role with the Festival at different times. My previous work was with St. Edward's University as Director of Events and Conference Services and earlier I worked with state and city entities in tourism and festival efforts. I believe in the critical significance of Cine's mission and the role we have in the community and beyond. I am excited to serve and contribute in this role and the opportunity to work with a wonderful and talented community of dedicated staff, supporters, partners, and you, our members, who have a passion for great filmmaking and supporting the celebration of diversity through the arts for the filmmakers we represent.

Beginning this month, we have a variety of programming that begins. We have once again partnered with the Bullock Texas State History Museum as they begin another season of their Viva Cinema Series. Also this month, our friends at Sound Unseen are screening Queens Of The Revolution”, a portrait of Mejunje, a cultural center in Santa Clara that paved the road for LGBTQ+ rights in Cuba, as part of their festival. Information on both these events can be found below and on our Cine website at cinelasamericas.org.

Finally, we are excited to announce we are in the process of planning for our annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival. We are evaluating how to create the quality, entertaining and unique film festival that you have come to experience and expect as in years past. However, we are evaluating and reviewing the most appropriate outlets with the understanding that it must be within the safest protocols and city parameters that are possible under the current circumstances. We are committed to have the Festival and more details will be coming in the future. 

Thank you for your continuous support of Cine as without it none of this would be possible. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or feedback you would like to share at any time.

Sincerely,

Gabriel Ornelas