Movie Screening: The Two Escobars
Colombia-U.S./2010/Spanish+English/Color and b&w/100 min.
Conversation with film director and refreshments

May 4, 2011
6:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Hojel Hall of the Americas Auditorium, Institute of the Americas | Get Directions
No charge to attend. Register

Synopsis: While the narco cartels were fighting on the streets and the murder rate was becoming the highest in the world, the Colombian national soccer team made a startling ascend thanks to two men with the last name of Escobar: Andres, the team’s captain, and Pablo, the head of the narcotraffickers who started the phenomenon called “narco-soccer.” When Colombia was expected to win the World Cup 1994 and clean-up its international image, the murder of Andrea crushes the country’s hope. The Two Escobars shows the link between delinquency and sports and reveals the surprising connections between the murders of Andres and Pablo. AMBULANTE is a private non-profit organization focused on the production … Read more

In collaboration with

Business Leadership in the Americas Award

Tequila Tasting and Presentation

May 10, 2011
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Institute of the Americas Complex | Get Directions
Register

The Institute of the Americas’ Business Leadership in the Americas Award will be presented to Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal, President of Jose Cuervo S.A. de C.V. The award ceremony and Mr. Beckmann’s presentation on Branding Mexico: Jose Cuervo’s Experience and Vision of the Future will be followed by a tequila tasting. Reservations are necessary. Must be at least 21 years old to attend.

Juan Francisco Beckmann Vidal received the reigns of Casa Cuervo in 1972 when he was 32. His first challenge was to professionalize and internationalize the company. He succeeded not only in this challenge but in turning Jose Cuervo into a symbol of distinction in Mexico and globally. The company today produces and markets Jose Cuervo tequilas and distributes other spirits worldwide. Juan Beckmann’s talents extend beyond this transformation. He says his is a rural industry, and he dreams of integrating the 30 million Mexicans who live in rural areas into the global economy. Beckman is considered a formidable promoter of the agave-producing region (the Tequila Route is among the 10 most important tourist destinations in Mexico), of philanthropic activities, and of Mexico in the world arena. He will share how he and Jose Cuervo succeeded in the world stage and his vision of Mexico’s competitiveness in the future.