Washington, D.C. – Get ready to be swept away by the incredible career, creative accomplishments, and talent of Enrique “Quique” Aviles. In recognition of Quique’s career-long passion for telling stories about the lives, experiences, challenges, and triumphs of Salvadorian citizens, immigrants, and diaspora, the DC Office of Cable, Television, Film, Music & Entertainment (OCTFME) is pleased to recognize Quique as OCTFME’s Filmmaker of the Month for September 2024, which also happens to be National Hispanic Heritage Month. Originally from El Salvador, and a graduate of the Duke Ellington School for the Arts, Quique has dedicated over 40 years to leading captivating community arts projects in the Washington, DC area. Quique is not just a filmmaker; he is a community scholar, teacher, activist, poet, and performer with a deep passion for storytelling.
“Quique is a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the Salvadoran spirit. This award is a celebration for all Salvadoran artists and cultural workers who enrich our community with their creativity, passion and heritage. Thank you for your contributions and for continuing to preserve and share your stories through,” says Director LaToya Foster.
Quique’s creative journey began in 1981 when he started documenting Latino history in DC through the Latino Oral History Project. This pivotal experience ignited his lifelong love for storytelling. Over the past four decades, Quique has been committed to shining a spotlight on the stories of everyday people through poetry, monologues, performances, and film. During Quique’s long career as an artist, creator, educator and activist, he has been at the forefront of projects that engage communities in sharing their stories through the humanities. With over 15 one-person shows based on oral histories, he has captivated audiences with his solo performances. Furthermore, as a co-founder of the LatiNegro Theater Collective and Sol & Soul, he has empowered people to showcase their lives through art. Additionally, serving as the Director of Paso Nuevo, GALA Hispanic Theatre’s youth program, and as a long-time faculty member with The Theatre Lab’s Life Stories Project, his impact on the arts and culture scene is undeniable.
Quique’s most recent filmmaking project is the film “Las Muertes Más Bellas del Mundo (The Most Beautiful Deaths in the World)," a documentary celebrating the Salvadoran diaspora in Washington, DC as seen through the eyes of Salvadoran artists, singers, poets, photographers, dancers, and DJs. The film was inspired by a trip to the US/Mexican border Quique took with his friend and filmmaker Mark Perkins before the pandemic. After returning from that trip Quique decided to develop a film informed by his own immigrant experience over 40 years ago. The film, produced by the Yellow House Collective and co-directed with his collaborator on La Manplesa, Ellie Walton, Las Muertes Más Bellas del Mundo is an impactful, moving, immerse exploration into the rich tapestry of Salvadoran stories, immigrant experiences, creative inspirations, and perspectives.
“To be recognized as OCTFME's Filmmaker of the Month is a recognition not just for me but for all of my fellow Salvadoran artists and cultural workers who show us every day that we, as Salvadorans, are not just “the help” but we are thinkers, artists, creatives, and scholars. I hope that our films will preserve the legacy of how the Salvadoran diaspora has contributed to the cultural fabric of the nation’s capital.”
It is Quique’s hope that his past, current, and future creative works will preserve and amplify the legacy of how the Salvadoran diaspora has enriched the cultural landscape of the nation’s capital. “Las Muertes Más Bellas del Mundo (The Most Beautiful Deaths in the World)” premiered this month, Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at the GALA Hispanic Theatre, and will have a second screening at the University of Maryland on October 10, 2024. To learn more about the film and information about upcoming screenings you can visit: www.lasmuertesfilm.com. To learn more about Quique’s past, current and future activities, you check out: www.qqartworks.com.
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music, and Entertainment (OCTFME) launched the “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative as a vehicle for highlighting the talents and creative contributions of filmmakers that make the District of Columbia their home. The “Filmmaker of the Month” initiative is part of OCTFME’s mission to elevate the national and international profile of the District’s talented filmmakers.
About OCTFME
The Office of Cable Television, Film, Music and Entertainment (OCTFME), an award-winning District of Columbia Government agency, leads the city’s extensive efforts to build and support a sustainable film, music, and entertainment creative economy and labor market. Additionally, OCTFME serves as the city’s cable television service provider regulator and as the customer service hub for cable subscribers.
OCTFME’s extensive portfolio includes:
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The District’s government cable access channels District Council Channel (DCC), the District of Columbia Network (DCN), and the District Knowledge Network (DKN).
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DC Radio (96.3 HD4), OCTFME’s owned and operated digital radio station, in partnership with Howard University’s WHUR.
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District of Columbia Entertainment Network (DCE), OCTFME’s 24-hour streaming platform available worldwide on ROKU, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV as well as iPhone and Android mobile devices (download the DCE Network App or at DCENetwork.com).
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The handling of all of the District’s filmmaker production needs including permits, city services, and logistical support, job placement assistance, workforce development and the DC Film, Television, and Entertainment Rebate Fund (DC Rebate Fund).
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Providing additional support to the creative community through the Creative Affairs Office (CAO) and Mayor Muriel Bowser Presents: 202Creates initiative. CAO showcases and preserves the District of Columbia’s rich creative communities throughout all 8 Wards.
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