The New York International Latino Film Fest (NYILFF) kicks off it's 13th year tonight with the premiere of Filly Brown, the story of a young L.A. hip-hop artist who "spits from the heart." Forced to make hard choices, Filly Brown, can either chase her musical dream and help her family, or stay true to the artform. Directed by Youssef Delara and Michael Olmos -- and starring newcomer Gina Rodriguez in the title role, Edward James Olmos, Lou Diamond Phillips, Jenni Rivera, Chingo Bling and Baby Bash -- this story of an "artist forced to discover her authentic voice" is the perfect opening feature for the festival.

The 13th New York International Latino Film Festival 2012 (NYILFF12) presented by HBO runs August 13-19 in New York City. The festival is presenting 29 feature length films and 33 short films, alongside panel discussions and related events. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit: www.nylatinofilm.com.

TAKE A LOOK AT THE 'FILLY BROWN' TRAILER AND SOME OF THE FILMS BEING SCREENED THIS WEEK:

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  • Filly Brown (NYILFF 2012 Opening Night Feature)

    "Majo" Tonorio, a.k.a. Filly Brown, is a raw, young Los Angeles hip-hop artist who spits from the heart. When a sleazy record producer offers her a crack at rap stardom, Majo faces some daunting choices. With an incarcerated mother, a record contract could be the ticket out for her struggling family. But taking the deal means selling out her talent and the true friends who helped her to the cusp of success. A portrait of an artist forced to discover her authentic voice, Filly Brown percolates with the raw energy of hope sprung from desperation. Directed with tenacious grit by Youssef Delara and Michael Olmos, propelled by an exceptional cast, and fused with a fierce hip-hop score, Filly Brown heralds the arrival of Gina Rodriguez in the title role. A dazzling new star, Rodriguez not only lights up the screen, but she could conquer the airwaves as well. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/fillybrown_youssefdelara_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 14, Tuesday</a>

  • Buscando A Larisa (Looking For Larisa)

    One day filmmaker Andres Pardo stumbles across 2,000 feet of Super 8 footage at a flea market. Home movies shot during the 1970s, at their center is a lovely young blond-haired girl, Larisa. Teaming up with a photographer friend, Pardon decides to investigate, uncovering the fascinating story behind the footage. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/buscandoalarisalookingforlarisa_andrspardo_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 15, Wednesday</a>

  • El Médico: The Cubatón Story

    High up in the Sierra Maestra mountains, where Castro's revolution began, "El Medico", a doctor and musician, serves the cause. When a Swedish music producer sees "El Medico" as the next big thing, Communist ideals collide with capitalist dreams, with the magic and beauty of Cuba and her music as backdrop. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/elmdicothecubatnstory_danielfridell_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 15, Wednesday</a>

  • Delusions Of Grandeur

    Lucy, an overmedicated, emotionally unstable girl, decides to go off her Prozac and start a new life in the crazy, wonderful, gender-bending city of San Francisco. With the transgendered Illusion as her sidekick, she goes in search of her mother -- and herself. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/delusionsofgrandeur_irisalmaraz_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 15, Wednesday</a>

  • Sangre De Familia (Family Blood)

    When Alejandro delves into the secret of his father's mysterious death, he comes across a family that seemingly lives forever and a beautiful young lady whom he may know from a past life. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/sangredefamiliafamilyblood_eduardorosoff_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 15, Wednesday</a>

  • La Mujer De Iván (Ivan's Woman)

    Young Natalia has lived as a prisoner in Ivan's house. Despite the disturbing situation, a strange familial connection has developed between the two, which is challenged when Natalia experiences a sexual awakening that gives her unprecedented power she's never felt before. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/lamujerdeivnivanswoman_franciscasilva_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 16, Thursday</a>

  • Zoológico (Zoo)

    In a posh suburb of Santiago de Chile, a group of Americanized teenagers are obsessed with the world that the Internet offers. As they become absorbed with sex, drugs and the promise of fame, they slowly become disassociated from their family, their culture and even morality. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/zoolgicozoo_rodrigomarin_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 16, Thursday</a>

  • Elliot Loves

    The story of Dominican-American Elliot Ayende at two stages of his life: as a 9-year-old who is side-kick and confidant to his barely-keeping-it-together single mom; and as a 21-year-old looking for love in New York City. A comedy-drama that shows you can survive anything life throws at you -just "keep it cute, papi." <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/elliotloves_terracino_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 16, Thursday</a>

  • Love, Concord

    Caught between his Latino culture and the challenges of American suburbia, Gerry, a typical high school class clown, attempts to climb the social ladder at the expense of his future. But when Melinda, the school bookworm, agrees to a date with him, his world is turned upside down. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/loveconcord_gustavoguardado_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 16, Thursday</a>

  • A Novela Das 8 (Prime Time Soap)

    Brazil. 1978. Dora, a high-class prostitute, her best friend Amanda, Vicente, a revolutionary, his brother Pedro and Caio, a teenager coming to terms with his sexuality, are caught up in disco fever and the fantasy of the prime time soap, "Dancin Days." Before long, their lives will collide. <a href="http://nylatinoff.festivalgenius.com/2012/films/anoveladas8primetimesoap_odilonrocha_nylatinoff2012#screenings" target="_hplink">Screening: August 16, Thursday</a>