BETHPAGE, NY — May 1, 2000 – This May, in celebration of Cinco do mayo, and the passion for all things Latin – from Ricky Martin and Jennifer Lopez to the cha-cha to the Mambo No. 5, Romance Classics presents the “Latin Lovers” film and music festival. Hosted by actress Maria Conchita Alonso and Latin singing sensation, Julio Iglesias, Jr., the month-long event kicks off May 5, and will air every Friday night throughout the month. In conjunction with the festival, viewers will have the opportunity to sway to the salsa beat by entering an online sweepstakes at www.romanceclassics.com to win a romantic all-expense paid trip to Mexico, courtesy of 1 Travel.com.
The “Latin Lovers” Festival will feature the premiere of the exclusive documentary, “Hispanic Hollywood” along with popular films featuring today’s hottest Latin performers including Jennifer Lopez, Penelope Cruz, Rosie Perez, Antonio Banderas, Andy Garcia and Raul Julia. The Latin Music festival will feature music videos by contemporary superstars including Marc Anthony, Ricky Martin, Julio Iglesias, Jr., Chayanne, Elvis Crespo, Jackie Valasquez, Melina Leon and Barrio Boys.
On May 5, the “Latin Lovers” celebration kicks off with the premiere of Hispanic Hollywood, a one-hour documentary (10:00 p.m., eastern) which unveils the history of Hispanic entertainers on the silver screen. Some of the careers of today’s hottest Hispanic actors such as Antonio Banderas, Andy Garcia, and Salma Hayek are profiled from their earliest struggles to their remarkable successes. Hispanic Hollywood explores the lives and contributions of some of movie history’s most legendary performers, spanning from the early Latin Lovers of the 20’s & 30’s to today’s superstars.
The month-long festival continues every Friday night with popular romantic films including Trading Hearts with Raul Julia, Untamed Heart with Rosie Perez, My Little Girl with Jennifer Lopez, Kissing Miranda with Alex Meneses and Chick Vennera and Belle Epoque with Penelope Cruz.
Maria Conchita Alonso, born in Cuba and raised in Venezuela, made her Broadway debut in Kiss of the Spider Woman in 1997. Her film credits include Moscow on the Hudson, Colors and Caught. An accomplished singer, she has also recorded 11 albums, earning her three Grammy nominations.
Julio Iglesias, Jr. was born in Madrid in 1973, and raised in the social, musical melting pot of modern Miami. Instead of simply following in illustrious family footsteps, Julio resolutely built a musical career on his own terms. Fueled by inspiration and determination, he worked in relative isolation until he was satisfied enough to allow family, friends, and the music industry to hear what he had created. The result is his debut album, Under My Eyes, to be released in Summer 2000.
Romance Classics provides an oasis of entertainment for women 24 hours a day. It is “Time Out TV” that helps women reconnect, refocus and rediscover the issues that are most important to them: family, relationships, well being and new experiences.
Contact:
Jennifer Geisser
Annmarie Volz
516-803-4347
Lynn Weiss
Fenot Tekle
310-998-9308