Brownsville's Cindy Vela stars with 'General Hospital,' 'ER' actors in new movie

Desdemona, a feature length independent film starring Valley native Cindy Vela alongside a host of notable network TV actors, will screen Sunday and Monday as part of the Cinesol Film Festival.

The plot concerns two Mexican immigrant brothers who lose their father at a young age. After losing their surrogate father in adulthood, the pair tries to get money to pay for a funeral at all costs. The plan to kidnap and hold someone for ransom; however at the core of the movie is a love story.

“It was really neat, Jorge Jimenez (the director), was so amazing to watch, I sat back and learned so much from him,” said Vela.

A question and answer session with Jimenez will take place after the screening of the film.

Filmed in San Antonio and in Mexico, Desdemona stars Jorge A. Jimenez (2:22), Denton Blane Everett, Glenn Morshower (24), Brad Maule (General Hospital) and Vela as the title character Desdemona. It has premiered at about eight film festivals, including the American Film Institute festival.

Vela hails from Brownsville  and attended the University of Texas at Brownsville. She also briefly taught high school band in the Valley.

She moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in modeling and acting. She has acted in a few movies, but said Desdemona was her first feature length film.

Vela described Desdemona as sad, and unfortunate. Adding that this was one of her most difficult roles because her personality was quite different.

She is now working on a pilot and auditioning for roles in movies.

WATCH IT!
When: Sunday 11 a.m., Monday 5:30 p.m.
Where: TSTC Cultural Arts Center and UTB Student Union

Ana Villaurrutia is an intern writer for Festiva. For Fall 2009 internship opportunities, contact Sandra Gonzalez at (956) 683-4427.