Author: DuranConcepts

For the first time ever in Houston, Salvadoran filmmaker Andre Guttfreund screened the documentary El Desagravio at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church in Pasadena, Texas.
The documentary written by Gianni Beretta & Patrik Soergel is about the life of the Archbishop of San Salvador, Oscar Romero, and journey to sainthood.

We want to thank Father Gerald, Mr. Lizama and Lupita Avila-Rojas for all of their support and help in coordinating this event.

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The HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month with a special screening of the Salvadoran film Cuatro Puntos Cardinales by filmmaker Javier Kafie.

This was the first time a Salvadoran film was screened at the museum and guests were treated to a welcome reception by filmmaker Javier Kafie, who traveled to Houston for the occasion. According to the U.S. Census Bureau as of 2017, there area  total of 129,000 Salvadorans in the Houston Metropolitan area. Salvadorans make up the largest group in the Central American community residing in the city.

Michelle Tovar, the Associate Director of Education – Spanish Outreach and Latin American Initiatives at the Holocaust Museum Houston opened the evening discussing the museum’s Latin Initiatives Advisory Committee (LIAC) and it’s aim to highlight untold stories promoting responsible individual behavior, cultivating civility and pursuing social justice. Through collaboration with institutions and scholars throughout Latin America, dedicated to human rights, genocide, and Holocaust education, as well as to contemporary challenges, Holocaust Museum Houston will develop curriculum and resources that will be accessible for educators throughout the United States and Latin America.

Maria Vilma Duran, LIAC member and founder of the Central American Collective (CAC), shared the vision of CAC along with a partnership with Javier Kafie for his upcoming project.

Cuatro Puntos Cardinales took the audience on a beautiful trip immersing everyone into the stories from the northern, southern, eastern and western parts of El Salvador. The film showcased the cultural, social and ecological diversity of the Central American region after the Salvadoran Civil War through the lens of the filmmaker.

Everyone enjoyed a delicious spread of Salvadoran antojitos by catering sponsor Little Casita Mexican Restaurant 2 prior to the movie.

The evening ended with a very special Q&A with filmmaker Javier where he shared stories about his life, the inspiration behind the film, and the impact it continues to have with audiences across the world.

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This event was possible thanks to:

Event Underwriter:

Holocaust Museum Houston

Community Partners:
Pan American Round Table of Houston | Consulado General de El Salvador en Houston | Consejo de Comunidades Salvadoreñas de Houston | Camara de Comercio Centroamericana 
Catering Sponsor:
Little Casita Mexican Restaurant

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Photos from the event courtesy of ATurcios & MDuran

What a night! For the first time ever in Houston, young professionals, business owners and community leaders of Central American descent gathered to celebrate their culture & art at the Central American Happy Hour.

The evening marked the kickoff of the Central American Collective (CAC), an initiative that celebrates and advocates Central American culture, art and it’s people. According to the Migration Policy Institute, in 2015 there were approximately 3.4 million Central Americans residing in the US and 213,000 of them in the Greater Houston Area. CAC’s goal is to highlight, connect and support the Central American community – artists, businesses & individuals.

The Central American Collective platform will work to facilitate funding & resources for projects by Central Americans and/or that showcase our experience.

Guests networked to the beats of 104FM KRBE’s DJ Noel On The Mix, and house DJ at Anclamar’s W. Reception Hall, while enjoying lite bites catered by Little Casita Restaurant featuring the bold flavors of Central American cuisine.

The Happy Hour featured special guest, Javier Kafie, the filmmaker of the Salvadoran film Cuatro Puntos Cardinales, who extended a special invitation to everyone to the film screening on Monday at the Holocaust Museum Houston.

Other notable guests included Consul Nancy Guevara, Consulate General of El Salvador; Judge Esmeralda Pena Garcia; Percy Pelaez, President of the Cámara de Comercio Centro Americana; and Andres Guevara, President of the Consejo de Comunidades Salvadoreñas de Houston.

This celebration took place thanks to the generous support from all of our sponsors: Toros Lifestyle Soccer – Arts District | Anclamar’s W. Reception Hall A,B,C | The Law Office of Edwin E. Reyes, PLLC | Duran Concepts | Atlantida Connect

Official event photographer Carolyn Marie Photography
Social media coverage by Leticia Hernandez

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The following photographs are by