Washington, D.C., December 2, 2002 - MANA, A National Latina Organization, hosted the theatrical premier of the HBO film Real Women Have Curves on Tuesday evening, November 12, 2002. Guests included members of the press, representatives from Congressional offices, prominent leaders of national Latino organizations, University students, and members of the community. The invitation yielded a great amount of interest, which led to a full theatre and over a hundred people on the waiting list. The film received rave reviews from the audience.

Real Women Have Curves chronicles the life of a young, first-generation Latina who struggles between fulfilling her family's expectations for her future and pursuing her own goals. Lupe Ontiveros, who plays the key role of the mother in the film, was a special guest at the premier, and also interacted with guests at the reception at Ortanique Restaurant.

"As an organization for Hispanic women, MANA, A National Latina Organization, was pleased to have the opportunity to host the event and to support the film and Lupe Ontiveros. There is a close connection between the themes of the film and the issues that MANA addresses", stated Alma Morales Riojas, President and CEO of MANA, who introduced the film at the theatre.

Arch Campbell, movie critic for NBC in Washington, attended the event. His interview with Lupe Ontiveros and his positive review of the film aired on television the night of the premiere. He gave the film three and a half stars and commented, "The movie is great, in fact, it does for Hispanics what My Big Fat Greek Wedding did for Greeks- it shows life in all its pain and beauty. Real Women Have Curves, it's terrific. It's a beautiful movie."

MANA would like to express its support of Lupe Ontiveros and of Real Women Have Curves. It is a dynamic film that shows some of the realities of life for Latinas in the United States, and is a triumph of Hispanic filmmaking.

MANA, A National Latina Organization, is a nonprofit, advocacy organization headquartered in the nation's capital, Washington, D. C. With chapters across the country, it is the oldest National Latina membership organization in the United States. MANA, whose mission is to empower Latinas through leadership development, community service, and advocacy, envisions a national community of informed Latina activists working to improve the quality of life for all Hispanics. MANA also has the only national young Latina's mentoring program for girls 11 to 17, "HERMANITAS®" which brings over 100 girls to Washington DC to a summer institute that includes a briefing at the White House and a visit to the girls' Congressional representatives Information on MANA can be obtained at the web site: www.hermana.org or send an e-mail to hermana2@aol.com