MEET THE JUDGES: ANA LLORENTE

Professor at Otis College of Art and Design

Corinna Mantlo had my immediate attention with three nouns, and then my wholehearted commitment after these nouns formed the phrase “Motorcycle Film Festival”.

Motorcycles…I can still hear and see the buzzing masses of motorcyclists always dominating freeways and streets in Caracas, the city where I grew up. Coming home after school I was always left wanting to feel the buzz myself. One day, in a moment of courageousness, I asked my conservative Cuban parents for permission to go on a ride. The firm ‘no’ meant nothing; I defy their wishes and went anyways. Years later, still exhilarated by the experience and identifying with the South American rider’s excitement and pride of riding, I decided to one day learn how to ride. So here I am; an avid rider; a founding member of ESMB, a women’s vintage motorcycle club in Los Angeles; and part of amazing and supportive motorcycle communities in Los Angeles, San Francisco and beyond.

Films…films were at least 1, sometimes 2 years old when they arrived in my home town. But even so the excitement was still high, my 13 year old self waiting for sappy Hollywood releases while my parents gently steered me into documentaries and Classics. Later, while in College, History of Cinema classes fulfilled my parents wish to expose me to the likes of Citizen Kane, Un ChienAndalou, and Dr Strangelove. My current love of the moving image spills into every aspect of my life: one of my classes at Otis College of Art and Design—where I am a full time professor—asks students to curate and design a film festival that deals with contemporary urgent issues and personal interests.

And finally festivals…This word simply conjures celebration, an occasion to honorpassion, for communities with shared interests to come together and create something that symbolizes their sub-identities and welcomes others to join. I am honored, excited, and ready to be a part of the 2013 Motorcycle Film Festival.