‘In the Heights’ Director Jon M. Chu on Film’s In-Person Laliff Screening: ‘Like I’m Waking Up From Some Crazy Dream’

“It’s going to be Washington Heights that is going to show the world how to get up again,” declared director Jon M.

Chu as he addressed the audience ahead of the special preview screening of Warner Bros.’ “In the Heights.” “Because it showed me how to get up again.”Chu’s sentiments reflected the overall atmosphere of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (Laliff), held Thursday night at the Tcl Chinese Theater in Hollywood.

At times, the screening felt like being transported back to a pre-covid-19 past, or more hopefully, toward a post-pandemic near future.

All attendees were required to present either a vaccination card dated more than two weeks prior to the event or negative test results from within 24 hours upon entry, but once inside, the crowded venue was bustling with activity.Though audience members outside of their immediate parties were spaced one seat away from each other,

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