By: Ashmar Mandou

Recently, the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago named Jorge Pomareda, a Chicago-based art director, illustrator, and designer at Leo Burnett, the winner of its poster contest for the Chicago Latino Film Festival. “I am honored to be named the winner because I believe in the work of the Chicago Latino Film Festival,” said Pomareda, who was also named winner a few years ago. “I enjoy creating a symbol that represents the Chicago Latino Film Festival. In this case, the poster represents passion, love, and perseverance. Love is the universal language and what drives film.”

Pomareda, who is of Mexican-Peruvian descent, grew up in Costa Rica, where he began his career in graphic design and advertising. For 15 years, Pomareda has worked for advertising agencies in the US, Latin America, and Europe. “What I enjoy most is having an idea and communicating my idea through visual arts,” said Pomareda. The winning poster will be featured in print newspapers, program books, program books, and the Festival’s website. This year’s 31st Chicago Latino Film Festival will take place April 9th through 23rd at the AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. For more information, visit www.latinoculturalcenter.org.