The Estela AWARDS honor talented Latino/a filmmakers who, either through a stunning debut or a steady rise in a relatively short period of time, have distinguished themselves through their work to date. This award is for filmmakers whose achievements reveal leadership, creativity, and tenacity, as well as vision and passion for their craft.
The 2008 Estela Awards are selected by a Blue Ribbon panel of professionals, and endowed by the McDonald’s Corporation. Through their commitment to excellence and Latino media, McDonald’s provides a $7,500 Filmmaker Grant to each of the Estela Award winners, one narrative and one documentary maker. McDonald’s financial contribution together with NALIP’s recognition, will support each artist’s next project, and their progress towards being a star. The 2008 Estela Awards will be presented during our national conference on Saturday March 8, 2008.
PAST WINNERS:
JUDY HECHT DUMONTET (2007)-NARRATIVE
Judy is the writer, director, and a producer of the film TORTILLA HEAVEN. Archangel Entertainment released the film in March 2007. She is a past winner of the Directors’ Guild Award for most outstanding new Latino filmmaker. Her student-produced short film THE NOVICE/LA NOVICIA premiered at Sundance and went on to win awards and accolades throughout the U.S., Latin America, and Europe.
NATALIA ALMADA (2007)-DOCUMENTARY
Natalia’s debut feature-length documentary AL OTRO LADO is about immigration, drug trafficking and Corrido music. It was nationally broadcast on PBS’ P.O.V. in August 2006 and had a special week-long engagement at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in March 2006. AL OTRO LADO was an official selection at various film festivals including The Los Angeles Film Festival, The New York Latino International Film Festival (Kodak Cultural Award), and The Puerto Rico International Film Festival (Best Documentary).
MARILYN AGRELO (2006)-DOCUMENTARY
MAD HOT BALLROOM proved to be the perfect vehicle for Marilyn. The documentary was her directorial debut. With over 15 years of experience in the world of filmmaking and production, she jumped at the chance to create this critically acclaimed film that would be a love poem to New York. Born in Cuba, Marilyn came to the U.S. at the age of 2. Growing up in New York, she explored different cultures, which contributed to her work as a filmmaker today.
RODRIGO GARCIA (2006)-NARRATIVE
Rodrigo was born in Colombia and raised in Mexico City. He has been credited as a cinematographer, writer, and director. He photographed DANZON, MI VIDA LOCA, and the television movie, GIA. He wrote a screenplay for Miramax Pictures, and directed several episodes of the HBO series, “Six Feet Under” as well as the pilots of “Carnivale” and “Big Love.” In 2005, he premiered NINE LIVES. It was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.
LATINO MUSIC SHOWCASE
Unsigned Indie Artist Ceci Bastida joined the band, Tijuana NO, as a lead vocalist, keyboardist and songwriter at age 15; becoming one of the first women to rise in the ranks of Latin rock. One of Mexico's most important ska-punk bands of the 1990s, Tijuana NO performed together for 12 years and recorded three albums. In 2000, Ceci joined Julieta Venegas as back-up vocals and playing keyboard. Ceci is now a solo artist with a 3-song EP, Front BC, on Bastida's own Agualava Records (distributed by Digital Pressure). Ceci is currently recording her full-length debut, collaborating with independent artist Davíd Garza (Fiona Apple, Jon Brion, Rhett Miller) and others.
Upground is a young vibrant East L.A. band that has developed a huge following throughout the Southwest in the four short years they have been performing live. They recently released their critically acclaimed, debut album, Feel the Vibe. Upground won the 2006 Sprint Battle of the Bands, received a publishing deal with prestigious Peer Music, they had their music played on local radio including Indie 103.1 and were profiled in Tu Ciudad magazine as "the next big thing from East L.A." Latino University magazine named them "Best College Band to See," and they were invited to perform on the nationwide cable network mun2's "VIVO show," and showcased at the Latin Alternative Music Conference in NYC.
Gustavo Albert is a singer-songwriter who lives between two countries, two languages and three cultures, American, Mexican and Mexican-American/Chicano. Influenced at a young age by his father who played guitar, Gustavo grew up listening to everything from traditional Mexican folk songs to Cat Stevens. After moving to Los Angeles, Gustavo pursued his career as a singer/song writer and teamed up with producers, Heroes and Villains (Dan Burns and Billy Mohler). The result was the EP, La Ciudad which showcases five distinct and original songs that meld the musical landscapes of latin rhythms and melodies with the sonic textures of American rock.
Abie Tobier (Mexico City) picked up his first guitar at 4, formed his first band at 16 and moved to Los Angeles at 18 to study at the Musicians Institute GIT. During his studies he formed the band, Coma. Following his break from Coma, Abie became the guitar player for the Mexican Electronic Pop Duo, Morbo. In 2004 Abie started his Music and Media label, TOCA75 and the production of his first solo album, Abie Toiber Lotus. Abie lives in Vancouver.
Henry Valdivia aka "DJ HenryV" is the owner of Djpartytogo, a mobile entertainment company that specializes in corporate and social events. Valdivia has completed the Certification Program in Radio and TV/Film Broadcasting at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Universal City and is currently working on pre and post-production project demo reels for camera operator, sound and editing.
LATINO STATE OF COMEDY SHOWCASE
Hosted by Rick Najera, LATV
CORY FERNANDEZ
Cory Fernandez is one of the hit break-out stars on this season of HBO's "Def Comedy Jam." In 2006, Cory performed on "Jamie Foxx Presents Laffapalooza" on Comedy Central and Bill Bellamy's "Who's Got Jokes" on TV One. Fresh off the road with Bruce Bruce, Cory is currently taking acting classes in New York City and continues to perform at comedy clubs and colleges across the country.
JUAN GARCIA
Juan Garcia is one of the youngest rising comedians in Los Angeles. At the age of sixteen, Garcia began his career at the World Famous Laugh Factory Comedy Camp, where he went on to be featured on hit shows such as "Loco Comedy Jam," "Latino Laugh Festival," "Diamonds in the Rough," and others. Garcia has opened for comedian greats including George Lopez, Paul Rodriguez, Carlos Mencia and Tommy Davidson.
JOEY MEDINA
Joey Medina is the star of the Morning Invasion on Latino Radio 96.3. He has starred in LATIN PALOOZA and THE ORIGINAL LATIN KINGS OF COMEDY. His first screenplay, with which he made his directorial debut, EL MATADOR, swept the 8th Annual East Los Angeles Chicano Film Festival in 2002 by winning awards for Best Film, Best Director and Best Acting.
KIKI MELENDEZ
Kiki Melendez is an actress, writer, producer, host and creator of Hot
Tamales Live!, a talent showcase that celebrates diversity in America
through performances by comediennes, sketch artists and dancers. Under
Melendez's guidance, Hot Tamales Live has enjoyed a critically acclaimed run for the past two years. Her first job was as morning hosts for two radio stations, then she successfully transitioned from a career in radio to one in television
with guest appearances on "The Tracy Ullman Show," "The Steve
Harvey Show," and "Strong Medicine."
RICK RAMOS
Rick Ramos has been seen on "Que Locos," "Latino Laugh Festival the Show," and "Loco Comedy Jam." Ramos is also a favorite at many of L.A.'s hot comedy spots including the Laugh Factory, the Ha Ha Café, the Improv and, most often, at the World Famous Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip, where he has been a regular since 2001.
SANDRA VALLS
Sandra Valls is a writer, producer and comedienne who ignites the stage in the hit comedy special, "The Original Latin Divas of Comedy." Her other television credits include "Outlaugh Festival," "One Night Stand Up," "Comic's Unleashed with Byron Allen," "Habla!" and others. More recently, Valls has been busy hosting the 2007 GLAAD Media Awards in Miami. She just returned from Vegas where she performed with Eva Longoria at the HBO Comedy Festival.
JOSE VELASQUEZ
Jose Velasquez is a regular at The Ice House in Pasadena, Hollywood Improv, and the world famous Laugh Factory. Most recently, Jose was cast in Roberto Grijalvas' upcoming film CITY STREETS, and makes appearances in two Scott Hamilton Kennedy projects: OT: OUR TOWN and BROTHER LOST. Currently, he is working on his own film entitled, LOS COMEDIANTES.
SKETCH PERFORMERS
LEILA ARIAS
Leila Arias has starred in numerous independent films including ROUNDING THIRD, RED PASSPORT and SECOND BANANA. Her television credits include a pilot called "Wize Guys." She hosts a weekly television show called "Llegamos." She has starred on both the New York and London stage, is fluent in Spanish, Persian, and French. Ms. Arias is represented by Generate Management.
ROXANN ORTEGA
Roxann Ortega has starred opposite Sandra Bullock in MISS CONGENIALITY and Steve Carell in EVAN ALMIGHTY. She has guest starred on the television shows "All of Us," "The Shield," and "Crossing Jordan." She is a natural on stage. She has starred in the one woman show, House on Mango Street and has done improv for various shows including Head Doctors, Phat Comedy Players and Underdog.
MARQUES RAY
Marques Ray has a recurring role in the MTV television shows "Nick Cannon Presents: Short Circuitz" and "Nick Cannon’s Wild'N Out." On film, he starred as the lead in LEAVING BARSTOW. He is a writer and recurring performer on Latinologues. He was trained at the Upground Citizens Brigade, is a member of Second City, and has trained at the Spotlight Theater.
Web Design by J.Tocre & D. Perez, PCTEKS ONCALL Inc.
The Estela AWARDS honor talented Latino/a filmmakers who, either through a stunning debut or a steady rise in a relatively short period of time, have distinguished themselves through their work to date. This award is for filmmakers whose achievements reveal leadership, creativity, and tenacity, as well as vision and passion for their craft. 
Judy is the writer, director, and a producer of the film TORTILLA HEAVEN. Archangel Entertainment released the film in March 2007. She is a past winner of the Directors’ Guild Award for most outstanding new Latino filmmaker. Her student-produced short film THE NOVICE/LA NOVICIA premiered at Sundance and went on to win awards and accolades throughout the U.S., Latin America, and Europe. 
Natalia’s debut feature-length documentary AL OTRO LADO is about immigration, drug trafficking and Corrido music. It was nationally broadcast on PBS’ P.O.V. in August 2006 and had a special week-long engagement at New York’s Museum of Modern Art in March 2006. AL OTRO LADO was an official selection at various film festivals including The Los Angeles Film Festival, The New York Latino International Film Festival (Kodak Cultural Award), and The Puerto Rico International Film Festival (Best Documentary).
MAD HOT BALLROOM proved to be the perfect vehicle for Marilyn. The documentary was her directorial debut. With over 15 years of experience in the world of filmmaking and production, she jumped at the chance to create this critically acclaimed film that would be a love poem to New York. Born in Cuba, Marilyn came to the U.S. at the age of 2. Growing up in New York, she explored different cultures, which contributed to her work as a filmmaker today. 
Rodrigo was born in Colombia and raised in Mexico City. He has been credited as a cinematographer, writer, and director. He photographed DANZON, MI VIDA LOCA, and the television movie, GIA. He wrote a screenplay for Miramax Pictures, and directed several episodes of the HBO series, “Six Feet Under” as well as the pilots of “Carnivale” and “Big Love.” In 2005, he premiered NINE LIVES. It was nominated for three Independent Spirit Awards.
Unsigned Indie Artist Ceci Bastida joined the band, Tijuana NO, as a lead vocalist, keyboardist and songwriter at age 15; becoming one of the first women to rise in the ranks of Latin rock. One of Mexico's most important ska-punk bands of the 1990s, Tijuana NO performed together for 12 years and recorded three albums. In 2000, Ceci joined Julieta Venegas as back-up vocals and playing keyboard. Ceci is now a solo artist with a 3-song EP, Front BC, on Bastida's own Agualava Records (distributed by Digital Pressure). Ceci is currently recording her full-length debut, collaborating with independent artist Davíd Garza (Fiona Apple, Jon Brion, Rhett Miller) and others.
Upground is a young vibrant East L.A. band that has developed a huge following throughout the Southwest in the four short years they have been performing live. They recently released their critically acclaimed, debut album, Feel the Vibe. Upground won the 2006 Sprint Battle of the Bands, received a publishing deal with prestigious Peer Music, they had their music played on local radio including Indie 103.1 and were profiled in Tu Ciudad magazine as "the next big thing from East L.A." Latino University magazine named them "Best College Band to See," and they were invited to perform on the nationwide cable network mun2's "VIVO show," and showcased at the Latin Alternative Music Conference in NYC.
Gustavo Albert is a singer-songwriter who lives between two countries, two languages and three cultures, American, Mexican and Mexican-American/Chicano. Influenced at a young age by his father who played guitar, Gustavo grew up listening to everything from traditional Mexican folk songs to Cat Stevens. After moving to Los Angeles, Gustavo pursued his career as a singer/song writer and teamed up with producers, Heroes and Villains (Dan Burns and Billy Mohler). The result was the EP, La Ciudad which showcases five distinct and original songs that meld the musical landscapes of latin rhythms and melodies with the sonic textures of American rock.
Abie Tobier (Mexico City) picked up his first guitar at 4, formed his first band at 16 and moved to Los Angeles at 18 to study at the Musicians Institute GIT. During his studies he formed the band, Coma. Following his break from Coma, Abie became the guitar player for the Mexican Electronic Pop Duo, Morbo. In 2004 Abie started his Music and Media label, TOCA75 and the production of his first solo album, Abie Toiber Lotus. Abie lives in Vancouver.
Henry Valdivia aka "DJ HenryV" is the owner of Djpartytogo, a mobile entertainment company that specializes in corporate and social events. Valdivia has completed the Certification Program in Radio and TV/Film Broadcasting at the Connecticut School of Broadcasting in Universal City and is currently working on pre and post-production project demo reels for camera operator, sound and editing.
CORY FERNANDEZ
JUAN GARCIA
JOEY MEDINA
RICK RAMOS
SANDRA VALLS
JOSE VELASQUEZ
LEILA ARIAS
ROXANN ORTEGA
MARQUES RAY