Aurora man featured in movie

"Silent Shame," a film featuring Aurora resident David Blancas, will be screened at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 20, in Aurora University's Perry Theatre in the Aurora Foundation Center at 1305 Kenilworth Place in Aurora.

The public is invited. Admission is free. The sponsor is the Latin American Student Organization.

Blancas, 21, a 2009 AU graduate and an after-school program coordinator for Family Focus in Aurora, is expected to attend and see the film for the first time.

Dalia Tapia, the film's director and producer, will lead a discussion after the screening.

Blancas, formerly of Streamwood, made his movie-acting debut in April 2008 when the film was screened at Landmark's Century Centre Cinema as part of the 2009 Latino Film Festival.

"Shame" depicts a newly married couple attempting to meet the expectations of their conservative families. A twist of fate forces them to confront their true selves. Years later, their only son discovers how his mother was infected with HIV.

Tapia said her film and television productions promote social, political, and economic changes.

"Shame addresses current problematic, yet often ignored, contemporary issues," Tapia said.

Acting has been a driving passion for Blancas. He starred in several productions presented by AU's Theater Department.

Blancas said, "The transition from stage to the movie set was somewhat awkward and uncomfortable at times. But the crew was very professional and this helped make the transition much easier for me."

For information, call (630) 844-6259 or visit silentshame.com.