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Actor Jones to Show New Movie in El Paso as Fundraiser Maribel Villalva Two El Paso charities will receive some financial help thanks to Oscar-winning actor Tommy Lee Jones. Jones will offer a screening of his film, "The Three Burials of Melquiades Estrada," on Feb. 1 in El Paso as a way to raise money for the El Paso Community Foundation. The foundation will then distribute the money to two nonprofit charities that deal with border issues -- Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center and the Border Institute.
Event organizer Britt Porter said the idea to screen the movie in El Paso came directly from Jones, who called friends in El Paso to organize the event. "When Tommy Lee Jones asks for a favor, you don't tell him no," Porter said. The film tells the story of a ranch foreman and the friendship he develops with an undocumented farmhand who is later killed. The film touches on many border issues. The film, which was directed by and stars Jones, was filmed in Van Horn and the Big Bend area. It will be released nationwide Feb. 3. The movie earned Best Actor and Screenplay awards for Jones from the 58th Cannes International Film Festival. In addition to seeing the film prior to its nationwide release, patrons will get the opportunity to participate in a question-and-answer session with Jones. El Pasoan Rita E. Baca said she is looking forward to the film and to hearing from Jones. "El Paso is one of the largest border cities, and the movie will offer different perspectives from both sides. That's important to me," Baca said. The screening of the film follows another major movie event -- the nationwide premiere of "Glory Road" in El Paso. Baca said Jones' choice to show the film in El Paso is more good news for the city. "All of that is just opening the doors for us," she said. Maribel Villalva may be reached at mvillalva@elpasotimes.com; 546-6129. |
