OPENING NIGHT PRESENTATION AND PARTY
Special Opening Night Ticket includes Film, complimentary champagne and popcorn, and After-Party
This can’t-miss night begins with the Opening Night Feature Presentation of the 38th MSP International Film Festival, YULI. Directed by the Basque director Iciar Bollain, this dazzling film tells the story of Cuban ballet sensation Carlos Acosta, known as Yuli, and his captivating rise from a life on the streets of Havana to lead dancer with London’s Royal Ballet. Special guests will be in attendance. Popcorn and champagne for all.
After the film, make your way to Jefe Urban Hacienda to enjoy vibrant live music from Minneapolis’ own Salsa del Soul and a spread of Jefe’s famous street-style tacos. Mingle and dance away with fellow filmgoers and guests over handcrafted cocktails and special house-made sangrias as we celebrate the launch of MSPIFF 2019.
SYNOPSIS
Yuli is the nickname given to Cuban ballet superstar Carlos Acosta by his father Pedro (played here by renowned choreographer Santiago Alfonso) during his wild youth on the streets of a run-down neighborhood in Havana. From a young age, Yuli rebels against any kind of restraint as he dreams of soccer stardom. But Pedro knows his son has natural talent and forces him to attend Cuba's National Dance School. Despite his initial lack of discipline, Yuli ends up being captivated by the world of dance and his teachers delight in his ability.
Soon declared one of the best dancers of his generation, he becomes the first black artist to dance Romeo at the Royal Ballet in London, where he forges a legendary career as a principal dancer for 17 years. Director Iciar Bollain and writer Paul Laverty cleverly find a structure where Acosta intermittently plays himself on screen and narrates his past history through movement in between scenes of young actors recreating it.
Director Biography
Icíar Bollaín is a Spanish director, actress and screenwriter. In 1983, she was cast in the film El Sur. In 1995, she made her debut as a director with the film Hi, Are You Alone? She is known for Flowers From Another World (99), Take My Eyes (03), Even the Rain (10), and The Olive Tree (16).
Party
Thursday, April 4 | 9:00pm - Midnight
Jefe Urban Hacienda | 219 SE Main St, Minneapolis
Admission included with Opening Night Presentation Ticket
After the film, make your way to Jefe Urban Hacienda to enjoy vibrant live music from Minneapolis’ own Salsa del Soul and a spread of Jefe’s famous street-style tacos. Mingle and dance away with fellow filmgoers and guests over handcrafted cocktails and special house-made sangrias as we celebrate the launch of MSPIFF 2019.
Sponsors
