Host of SABADO GIGANTE Don Francisco to Speak at Museum of the Moving Image, 10/2

Museum of the Moving Image and Univision Communications, Inc., present an evening of conversation with Don Francisco, the legendary star of Univision's Sabado Gigante (Giant Saturday). In this rare New York appearance, Don Francisco, a.k.a. Mario Kreutzberger, will talk about his 50 years as host of the longest-running variety show in television history, entertaining audiences around the world since it went on the air in 1962. Highlights from the show will be presented as part of the program, which will be hosted by Laura Martinez, a New York-based journalist who writes about television, and followed by a reception.

"We are very pleased to partner with Univision on what should be an outstanding evening of conversation with legendary television star Don Francisco," said Carl Goodman, the Museum's Executive Director. "We hope audiences in New York will join us in welcoming Don Francisco during National Hispanic Heritage Month to celebrate 50 years of the show's success."

"It is truly an honor to have my career recognized by the Museum of the Moving Image," said honoree Mario Kreutzberger. "This 'job' has brought me such joy for the past 50 years, and it's a genuine thrill to be able to look back at Sabado Gigante with my beloved fans who've made the whole journey possible."

With its distinct mix of live entertainment, contests, and human interest stories, Sabado Gigante is one of the most successful programs ever aired on Spanish-language television. Mario Kreutzberger has been on the show from the beginning, as creator and host of more than 2,600 episodes. Born in Chile, the son of German Jewish immigrants who escaped the country during turbulent times preceding World War II, Kreutzberger is a distinguished television presenter and producer, entrepreneur, composer, and author who has been involved in virtually every aspect of the entertainment industry for five decades. He was inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame this March. Sabado Gigante can still be seen on Univision from 8:00 p.m.– 11:00 p.m. every Saturday night. The show will air a special 50th anniversary episode on Saturday, October 27 with a 7:00 p.m. red carpet special followed by a three-hour programming celebration.

"An Evening with Don Francisco: Celebrating 50 Years of Sabado Gigante" takes place on Tuesday, October 2, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. at the Museum in Astoria (36-01 35 Avenue). Tickets to the program are $25 public / $18 Museum members / Free for Silver Screen members and above. For advance tickets, visit http://movingimage.us or call 718 777 6800.

Univision Communications Inc. (UCI) is the leading media company serving Hispanic America. Its assets include Univision Network, one of the top five networks in the U.S. regardless of language and the most-watched Spanish-language broadcast television network in the country reaching 96% of U.S. Hispanic households; TeleFutura Network, a general-interest Spanish-language broadcast television network reaching 88% of U.S. Hispanic households; Univision Cable Networks, including Galavisión, the country's leading Spanish-language cable network, as well as Univision tlnovelas, a new 24-hour cable network dedicated to novelas, Univision Deportes Network, a new 24-hour cable network dedicated to sports, ForoTV, a new 24-hour Spanish-language cable network dedicated to news, and an additional suite of six cable offerings - De Película, De Película Clásico, Bandamax, Ritmoson, Telehit and Clásico TV; Univision Studios, which produces and co-produces reality shows, dramatic series and other programming formats for The company's platforms; Univision Television Group, which owns and/or operates 62 television stations in major U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Radio, the leading Hispanic radio group which owns and/or operates 69 radio stations in 16 of the top 25 U.S. Hispanic markets and Puerto Rico; Univision Interactive Media, a network of national and local online and mobile sites including Univision.com, which continues to be the #1 most-visited Spanish-language website among U.S. online Hispanics, Univision Móvil, a longstanding industry-leader with unique, relevant mobile products and services, and Univision Partner Group, a specialized advertising and publisher network. Headquartered in New York City, UCI has television network operations in Miami and television and radio stations and sales offices in major cities throughout the United States. For more information, please visit Univision.net.

Museum of the Moving Image (movingimage.us) advances the understanding, enjoyment, and appreciation of the art, history, technique, and technology of film, television, and digital media. In January 2011, the Museum reopened after a major expansion and renovation that nearly doubled its size. Accessible, innovative, and forward-looking, the Museum presents exhibitions, education programs, significant moving-image works, and interpretive programs, and maintains a collection of moving-image related artifacts.

Museum Info

Hours: Tuesday-Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Friday, 10:30 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday-Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Closed Monday except for select holiday openings
Film Screenings: Friday evenings, Saturdays and Sundays, and as scheduled. Unless otherwise noted, screenings are included with Museum admission.
Museum Admission: $12.00 for adults; $9.00 for students and persons over 65; $6.00 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 and Museum members are admitted free. Admission to the galleries is free on Fridays, 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tickets for special screenings and events may be purchased in advance by phone at 718 777 6800 or online.
Location: 36-01 35 Avenue (at 37 Street) in Astoria.
Subway: M (weekdays only) or R to Steinway Street. Q (weekdays only) or N to 36 Avenue.
Program Information: Telephone: 718 777 6888; Website: movingimage.us
Membership: 718 777 6877, members@movingimage.us

The Museum is housed in a building owned by the City of New York and its operations are made possible in part by public funds provided through the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, the New York City Economic Development Corporation, the New York State Council on the Arts, the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and the Natural Heritage Trust (administered by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation). The Museum also receives generous support from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals. For more information, please visit movingimage.us.