Telemundo is creating a new bilingual digital production studio called Fluency Plus. Fluency Plus’s vision is to create a mixture of Spanish and English content to tap into what marketers called the “200-percenters”, which are 100 percent Latino and 100 percent American. 

Fluency Plus will produce content such as web and social-first series, miniseries, alternative, comedy and 360-degree virtual reality experiences. Fluency Plus will create two dramas called Love Clicks and Quinceañera. They will include a telenovela called Much Ado About Nada. For the foodies, they will produce Secret Salsa and Today’s Special. For those that enjoy the latest gossip and keeping up with celebrities, they will create a daily celebrity show MVTO. Lastly, for those that want to stay up-to-date with the latest in tech and innovation, Fluency Plus will produce a show that will focus on Hispanic inventors called No Inventes.

To read more about Fluency Plus, click HERE.

 Taken at the 2017 Latino Media Fest

If you attended the 2017 Latino Media Fest, hosted by NALIP, this past September, you probably got a chance to experience ‘Son of Jaguar’ in VR. If you weren't able to attend, here's your chance to experience Jorge Gutierrez’s ‘Son of Jaguar’. It was released for the HTC Vive VR headset this past Monday. You can now experience this in the comfort of your our home, on a flight, or where ever you choose to use your VR headset.

‘Son of Jaguar’ is the longest Spotlight Story piece to date, lasting between 8 and 10 minutes. Its dialogue features Jorge Gutierrez as the voiceover for the main character, and his own wife Sandra Equihua does the voiceover for the wrestler’s wife. ‘Son of Jaguar’ is about an aging Mexican wrestler who comes back from previous defeat, while losing his leg in a match, to support his family in need facing financial struggle.

If you don’t already own a VR headset, go get the HTC Vive to see and experience ‘Son of Jaguar’ for yourself. Read more HERE, for more details on ‘Son of Jaguar’.

AFI FEST 2017 presented by Audi will be held on November 9th-16th, 2017 at the Dolby Theatre, TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre, Mark Goodson Screening Room, and the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. A program of the American Film Institute, AFI FEST presented by Audi is a celebration of global cinema and today’s Hollywood, an opportunity for master filmmakers and emerging artists to come together with audiences in the movie capital of the world. AFI FEST is the only festival of its stature that is free to the public. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences recognizes AFI FEST as a qualifying festival for both Short Film categories for the annual Academy Awards®.

 NALIP will be presenting the following two films:

APRIL'S DAUGHTER (LAS HIJAS DE ABRIL)

Director: Michel Franco
Screenwriter: Michel Franco
Producer: Michel Franco, Lorenzo Vigas, Moises Zonana
Executive Producer: Tim Roth, Rodolfo Cova, David Zonana, Gabriel Ripstein
Director of Photography: Yves Cape
Editor: Jorge Weisz, Michel Franco
Cast: Emma Suárez, Ana Valeria Becerril, Enrique Arrizon, Joanna Larequi, Hernán Mendoza

Mexico, 2017
103 min.
Feature
World Cinema Section

In AFI FEST alum Michel Franco's latest feature, a domineering mother suddenly arrives to assist with her teenage daughter's pregnancy. But her true motives will soon emerge.

Seventeen-year-old Valeria is pregnant and lives with her sister Clara. She wants to keep her pregnancy a secret from her absent and domineering mother April. When Clara tells April about her sister’s condition, their mother suddenly arrives, full of loving support and promises to help Valeria through this life-changing event. But once the baby is born, April’s true intentions are revealed and it becomes clear why Valeria wanted to keep her mother away. Anchored by fantastic performances from acclaimed Spanish actress Emma Suárez (JULIETA, AFI FEST 2016) and newcomer Ana Valeria Becerril, AFI FEST alum Michel Franco crafts a tense drama that explores how the complexities of family dynamics can lead to chaos. – Jenn Murphy

More Info: http://afifest.afi.com/2017/sections/aprils-daughter



SUMMER 1993

Director: Carla Simón
Screenwriter: Carla Simón
Producer: Valérie Delpierre
Executive Producer: Maria Zamora, Valérie Delpierre
Director of Photography: Santiago Racaj
Editor: Didac Palou, Ana Pfaff
Production Designer: Mireia Graell
Music: Pau Boïgues, Ernest Pipó
Cast: Laia Artigas, Paula Robles, Bruna Cusí, David Veraguer, Fermi Reixacha

Spain, 2017
96 min.
Feature
New Auteurs Section

In this unforgettable and autobiographical debut, a six-year-old girl goes to live with her extended family in the Catalan countryside following her mother's death from an AIDS-related illness.

When her mother dies of an AIDS-related illness, six-year-old Frida has to leave her home in Barcelona to live with her uncle, aunt and four-year-old cousin in the Catalan countryside. Though surrounded by loving and understanding family members, with visits from her religious grandmother, the adjustment is hard for everyone. Amid the film’s striking lack of sentimentality and sun-kissed imagery that belie the heartbreak under the surface, Frida and her new family deal with the complex and contradictory emotions of an orphaned child that unpredictably arise every day. Written and directed by Carla Simón, and based on her own life story, SUMMER 1993 is an unforgettable reminder that the only certainty in life is not only death, but that life itself continues. – Sudeep Sharma

More Info: http://afifest.afi.com/2017/sections/summer-1993

Connect with AFI FEST at facebook.com/AFIFEST, twitter.com/AFIFEST (@AFIFEST),instagram.com/americanfilminstitute(@americanfilminstitute) and youtube.com/AFI.

Photo courtesy of FICG in LA

Congratulations to our NALIPsters who will be screening their films this Saturday at the Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) in Los Angeles, taking place in the TCL Chinese 6 Theaters in Hollywood.

Photo courtesy of FICG in LA

Elisa Lleras (co-producer) and Pau Brunet (producer) will be screening "Nobody's Watching" (Nadie Nos Mira).

Elisa Lleras has extensive experience both as a creative and line producer in scripted content. Having graduated from Columbia University with a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Producing, Elisa has line produced features such as Frankenstein, , Camino, and the upcoming We Are Boats. Elisa has produced for La Panda Productions and Spectrevision / Company X. 

Pau Brunet is the co-founder of LA-based La Panda Productions, and a producer with over 10 years of experience in development, international sales and production. Pau is executive producer on the films "Open Windows", "10,000KM" and "People You May Know". Pau doubles his work as a producer with the box office, marketing and development analyst in Spain and States. 

The film "Nobody's Watching" tells the story of an actor in Buenos Aires who moves to New York City for a promised role and a new start. When the project stalls he chooses menial work rather than give up on his acting dreams, a decision that puts him on the level of any other struggling undocumented immigrants, despite his whiteness and connections to the privileged. When he loses the trust of a generous friend, his life unravels, ultimately leading him to reconcile his imperfect situation back home with the harsh reality of an uncertain future in the U.S. "Nobody's Watching" will be playing on Friday, November 3, at 6:45pm. You can get tickets here. 

Photo courtesy of FICG in LA

Yelyna De Leon (writer) and Luis Iga (director) will be screening their film "Murder in the Woods", a film starring Danny Trejo. 

Yelyna De Leon is an award winning Writer, Producer and Actress. As an actress she can be seen in several television series such as Shameless, Bones, Ray Donovan, A Better Life and East Side Story. Behind the scenes Yelyna is committed and her work focuses on non-stereotypical characters for Latinos and strong female characters. Yelyna is a 16/17 NALIP, Univision writing fellow where her one hour drama, Las Fresas de East L.A. is a finalist in contention for an 85 episode order. She is also a 2015 NHMC, ABC/NBC writing fellow. You can read more about her in our #WeAreInclusion profiles here. 

Luis Iga is an award winning filmmaker born in Saltillo Mexico. Mr. Iga received an MFA in Film and Television Production from the renowned School of Cinematic Arts at USC. Mr. Iga founded the production company REZINATE Entertainment where he holds many projects in TV and Film and is in talks with productions companies and studios to make them a reality.

"Murder in the Woods" tells the story of a murder that occurred on a dark, cold night in 2006, in a cabin in the woods. The Police called it a murder suicide. The case was closed but the dark secrets surrounding this horrible incident are still very much alive in the haunted cabin to this day. Nine years later, a group of teens plan a weekend, birthday trip to the very same cabin where the murder happened. Creepy omens start to arise as soon as they leave for their trip. "Murder in the Woods", will be playing on Saturday, November 4 at 2:15pm. You can get tickets here. 

Photo courtesy of FICG in LA

Laura Plancarte (director) will be screening "Siblings" (Hermanos).

Laura Plancarte has worked in a diverse range of mediums including; film, performance and video installation creating interdisciplinary live projects displayed in Museums and cultural spaces in Mexico City, Barcelona, Florence and London. In 2006 and 2007 she was awarded a grant from BNP Paribas and she has also been sponsored by the Mexican cultural institutions: La Colección Jumex, La Fundación del Centro Histórico, UNAM and Secretaría de Cultura del Estado de Jalisco. Today her main working medium is film.

The film tells in parallel narrative the story of two Mexican brothers that want to return to the US after being deported and the story of an American woman who lost her house due to the worldwide economical crisis and believes she can get it back through Trump’s promises. Both journeys lead them to their past and relatives who they believe can help them achieve their american dream. Immigration has been shown in many ways, but it has never been presented through the lives of Mexicans and Americans who live similar situations due to poverty and lack of family structure. "Siblings" will be playing on Saturday, November 4, at 2pm. You can get tickets here. 

Photo courtesy of Fondazione Prada

Mexican director Alejandro G. Iñárritu's virtual reality installation, “Carne y Arena (Virtually Present, Physically Invisible)” will be receiving a special oscar from the Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences at the 9th annual Governor's Awards on November 11. 

Iñárritu is best known for his recent Oscar wins in 2015 for "Birdman" and in 2016 for "Revenant". The Academy doesn't often give special oscars, with the last being given to Pixar's "Toy Story" over 20 years ago. Many of the special awards are given to visual effects artists throughout the years who have introduced technological innovations that change the way filmmaking can be done and experienced. 

The 6-minute installation can be viewed at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) until January 15, 2018. The installation is based on true accounts, and puts audiences in the experience of being a refugee crossing the US-Mexico border. 

You can read more at Variety. 

Mariah Carrillo for NALIP

Dozens of Hollywood’s leading Latino figures, from independent film producers to trailblazing actors, gathered Saturday night to celebrate the milestones achieved within the industry over the past year. The first of its kind since the presidential election, the ceremony not-so-subtly teemed with political references and inspiring communal support.

“I’m going to use this to smash all the walls they build around us,” said The Book of Life director Jorge Gutierrez, referring to his award for Tech Arts Innovator. Gutierrez, among others, praised the recent yet incremental wave of Latino visibility in the media, which he attributes to a stronger generational desire to be represented onscreen.

One of the main honorees, Zoe Saldana, who received the Outstanding Achievement in Film award for her roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avatar and Star Trek, among others, gave an emotional speech that silenced an otherwise animated atmosphere, stressing the importance of surpassing race and ethnicity when it comes to talent.

“For any person of color that looks in a TV and doesn’t see a positive reflection of who they are, I want them to feel like they don’t have to be singled out because they're exotic or ethnic, but because they're powerful,” she said.

Along similar lines were remarks made by Kate Del Castillo, who won the award for Outstanding Achievement in Television, as she called out the business for limiting Latina roles to stereotyped or sexualized characters. Castillo’s public decrial of the Mexican government, as well as her controversial correspondence with kingpin El Chapo, notably brokering an interview with Sean Penn in October 2015, placed her under high scrutiny and surveillance, ultimately preventing her from returning to the country.

Despite the outcome, Castillo’s candor and appreciable conviction left no doubt regarding her intentions to continue using her fame and success as a political platform, appearing to broaden her scope of criticism.

“It is no time to be silent; we must fight against any administration that manipulates and tries to distance us all from our humanity,” she said as the crowd erupted in cheers.

Another salient theme throughout the evening was the celebration of a gradual induction of Latino actors into traditionally white-dominated roles. From the beloved butler in Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel to the geeky teen in Dope, and now Flash Thompson in Marvel’s up-and-coming Spider-Man: Homecoming, Tony Revolori has been paving a path for young Latino actors by broadening and diversifying casting opportunities.

“I'm playing a traditionally 6'2" blue-eyed white guy, and there's not a single line of exposition in this Marvel movie to explain why that is — and that's amazing,” he said of his new role.

Revolori was awarded the Lupe Ontiveros award, honoring his efforts to expand the character landscape for Latino actors.

Ben Lopez, executive director of NALIP, made note of the same phenomenon across major blockbusters.

“How do you engage an audience that’s typically seen you as the maid, the gangster, the gardener? Now we’re looking at a badass like Zoe battling monsters in space, or Diego Luna as a a rebel leader in Rogue One,” he added, “All doors are starting to open; a woman heroine just saved an entire franchise.”

Check out this article at Hollywoodreporter.com

NALIP is proud to announce the finalists for the Shorts Film Program of the second annual Latino Lens Festival and Showcase taking place October 30th at the Avalon Hollywood. After hundreds of submissions and much consideration, NALIP has chosen the four films to be featured during our Shorts Presentation. They are: 'Toyed' by Jorge "Jokes" Yanes, 'Mosca' by Lizette Barrera, 'Disco Inferno' by Alice Waddington and 'Blast Beat' by Esteban Arango.

In 'Toyed' a young graffiti artist in Miami circa 1991 risks it all to compete against a mysterious new rival in Jorge "Jokes" Yanes' film. Yanes is a writer and Emmy-winning editor, specializing in music videos, narratives and documentary form. 'Toyed' was written by Yanes and J. Bishop.

Lizette Barrera's 'Mosca' tells the story of a wayward teen who revisits her hometown to reconnect with her cousin, despite her aunt's wishes. Barrera co-wrote the script with Renier Murrillo and the film is produced by Jazmin Diaz and Rebecca Jackson.'Mosca' was featured in the 23rd Annual Austin Film Festival and was an official selection of the Women in Texas Film Festival 2016 where Barrera won the Filmmakers to Watch award.

A weary hell minion is on a mission to rescue her boss. But the Devil is not ready to get back to her daily routine in Alice Waddington’s ‘Disco Inferno.’Writer-Director Alice Waddington’s profoundly vivid vision pours itself into her creations and evidently so in ‘Disco Inferno’. The film is making the rounds at festivals around the world.

Two Colombian immigrant brothers, Carly and Mateo, try to tackle the culture shock of the United States, a family member's deportation and their mother's affair in 'Blast Beat.' Esteban Arango cowrote the film with Erick Castrillon. The short was an official selection for The International Competition at Clermont-Ferrand Short Film Festival 2016.

The Latino Lens Festival & Showcase aims to display a wide range of voices and narratives that are crafted by Latino content creators, in the hopes of advancing the exposure and accessibility of Latino-crafted cinema, television and art forms. This year the event will feature workshops, panels and screenings aimed to prepare content creators for the future of entertainment.

NALIP and The Producers Guild of America are proud to present this year's Producers' Master Class, a continuation of our master class series, led by powerhouse industry experts, Mike Medavoy (producer, Phoenix Pictures) and Sergio Aguero (producer, Campanario) and new addition Vice President of Theatrical Motion Pictures, David Friendly.

Jairo Alvarado Manager/Producer at Circle of Confusion, will be on hand at the event to introduce and moderate the LLFS Producer’s Master Class. The master class will focus on producing within the industry and the lessons these professionals have learned along the way.

If you've seen it chances are he's produced it. Mike Medavoy has worked on over 300 feature films, seven of which have won Best Picture Oscars. Joining International Famous Agency as vice president in charge of the motion picture department in 1971, he worked with such prestigious clients as Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola, Terrence Malick, just to name a few. As chairman and co-founder of Phoenix Pictures, Medavoy has brought films such as “The People vs. Larry Flynt,” “The Mirror Has Two Faces,” “All the King’s Men,” “Zodiac,” and more to the big screen. He is currently working on an eight-part mini-series for National Geographic, “The Long Road Home,” about the battle of Sadr City in Iraq on April 4th, 2004.

Sergio Aguero is coming off the FOX series “Red Band Society” which he executive produced. He has produced/exec-produced studio and indie movies that have grossed $180 million worldwide, such as “Y Tu Mama Tambien” and Warner Brother’s “No Reservations”. He is currently working on a family dramedy based on a Spanish hit series at Twentieth Fox Television.

David Friendly, is executive producer of USA’s new drama “Queen of the South,” he is an Academy Award-nominated producer who has produced over twenty-five films to date and worked with some of the most prestigious directors including Ron Howard, Ed Zwick and the team of Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris.

NALIP is pleased to have the support and participation of the PGA during our long fought battle for diversity in entertainment. NALIP’s Latino Lens Festival and Showcase aims to display a wide range of voices and narratives that are crafted by Latino content creators, in the hopes of advancing the exposure and accessibility of Latino-crafted cinema, television and art forms.

We invite you, directors, writers, cinematographers and all content creators, especially the producers to #CreateWithUs and learn from masters of this industry.

Co-presenting the awards ceremony this year are Sandra Vergara and Carlos Yorvick best known for his work as Juan Gabriel in the TV series Hasta que te conocí. These two incredibly talented and young visionaries will join NALIP as we celebrate amazing Latino artists and their accomplishments.

At age 17, Sandra Vergara moved from Colombia to Los Angeles with her cousin, Modern Family actress Sofia Vergara. She studied FX make-up design and theatre, though it was the latter that captured her heart. In addition to numerous hosting appearances, she has appeared on shows like CSI: Las Vegas, NIP/TUCK and The Bold and the Beautiful. Most recently, Sandra co-hosted a show on E! with RuPaul called Good Work. She has also done several films, including starring opposite Colin Farrell in the Dreamworks’ feature Fright Night.

Carlos Yorvick is a Mexican actor best known for his recent work on the bio-series Hasta que te conoci, where he portrays a young Juan Gabriel, "El Divo de Juarez." Yorvick has also worked on commercials, music videos, theater productions as well as films such as 21 Outs, Black Water and Angela's Mask. He is currently working on his first album under the direction of music producer Toby Sandoval who's worked with other talented artists like The Black Eyed Peas, Paulina Rubio and Pedro Fernandez.

Be sure to catch these talented presenters in action at this year's Latino Lens Festival and Showcase, Oct. 30th at the Avalon Hollywood!

The Cross Cultural Video Summit is a special half-day event presented by NGL Media and the Disney ABC Television Group taking place Thursday, Nov. 10th on the Walt Disney Studio Lot. Co-founded by actor, John Leguizamo, NGL Media is focused on creating premium video content and innovative multicultural video marketing solutions since it's inception.

The summit will focus on how multicultural Gen-Zr’s and Millennials are influencing media, marketing and entertainment through video, and will bring together a unique set of attendees and panelists consisting of TV and web show producers, digital video content distributors, new mainstream media companies, Fortune 500 advertisers, media and entertainment companies, and celebrities and influencers. Melissa Fumero ('Brooklyn 99'), Danay Garcia ('The Walking Dead') and NALIP's Executive Director, Axel Caballero, are among the featured speakers at this year's Summit.

Click here for more information and to RSVP!

Director Pablo Larraín to Accept Best Latin American Film for NERUDA and Filmmaker of the Year Award.

App available on Apple iOS and Google Android

Get the NALIP Events app and take all your 2016 Latino Lens Festival & Showcase information on the go. The app has everything you need to know about our event and is designed to enhance your experience at the Fest & Showcase. It’s super easy to use! Below are some tips to get you started.

1. Make a Profile

Making a profile allows you to make a schedule and game plan for the event, as well as see who else is attending! It’s a great way to ensure you don’t miss any sessions and be on the lookout for familiar faces during all the commotion and excitement.

Once you open the app, click on “Latino Lens Showcase”. From there, select the hamburger menu at the top left hand corner and press “Login” at the very top. Fill out all your information and select “Submit.” You’ll get a notification saying an email is being sent to create a password, don’t worry too much about it (it’s optional!). 

2. Explore

 Now that your profile is set up you can check everything out. The hamburger menu features sessions, speakers, exhibitors and venue map. Make sure to get familiar with the information and email membership@nalip.com for any questions.  

3. Schedule Your Day

We are presenting master classes, screenings and interactive booths, make sure to strategize and be efficient with your time! We recommend going through the event and adding your favorites to your in-app schedule or personal calendar, both options are listed at the top of each session.

4. Edit Your NALIP Business Card 

Afraid you’ll run out of business cards at the event? We have you covered! Under the hamburger menu, click “Contacts” then “My Card” and customize yours! Now you can exchange digital business cards with other attendees, just press the plus sign on the top right corner.

You're all set! Check back on the app during the 2016 Latino Lens Fest & Showcase for pictures, videos, and social media updates. We’ll see you at the Avalon Hollywood NALIPsters!

NALIP Events app is available on Apple iOS and Google Android. For more information, go to LatinoLensFest&showcase.

Last week NALIP announced the short films that will be screened at this year’s Latino Lens Festival and Showcase on October 30th at the Avalon Hollywood. This week we bring you a closer look into the minds of directors, Lizette Barrera 'MOSCA', Esteban Arango 'BLAST BEAT' and Jorge “Jokes” Yanes 'TOYED', in an exclusive interview. We asked these content creators about their short films and the obstacles attached to being a short film director, the importance of organizations like NALIP and what the future holds.

NALIP: What did you hope to accomplish with this short? Why this movie? Why now?

Lizette Barrera (LB): “In MOSCA, I try to tell a complex and nonjudgmental story of Kari, who is a teenager trying to figure out her sexuality...What’s important about MOSCA is that is blends the usage of (mainly) English and Spanish. It depicts acculturated Latin@ in Texas. The film crew also consisted a majority of people of color and LGBT individuals. So why this movie? Not only is it personal for me, but as to everyone who worked on the film. MOSCA is a way for us to identify with others stuck in ‘The Borderlands’ and give ourselves a way to make our voices heard.”

Esteban Arango (EA): “With BLAST BEAT I wanted to capture the feelings of a generation that I haven’t seen on screen in an entertaining, hollywood-style narrative. The feelings of a generation of immigrants who stand on a blurry line of identity as Americans and Latinos.”

Jorge “Jokes” Yanes (JY): “It became my mission to bring it [TOYED] to the screen when one day, when I was moving from one home to another, I found the original story tucked in an old binder. From that point on my writing partner J.Bishop and I have been relentless to bring this story about a group of underdog kid artists fighting to be recognized, while being lumped in with the gang culture of the early 90’s.”

Lizette Barrera director of 'MOSCA'

NALIP: What are some challenges you’ve faced?

LB: “Being a Latina and – young – woman, I’ve always had to push harder for people to believe in my work, especially when my work deals with Latinx families and don’t carry the ‘stereotypical’ facade.”

EA: “I uprooted my whole life in Miami to relocate to LA last year in pursuit of my dream of making films. I knew it had to start with my short BLAST BEAT. We faced so many challenges to get that production together, all while adapting to a new environment in a new city. It was humbling from the beginning, doing the Kickstarter campaign to raise the funds, getting the attention of our actors to come and join our project, and shooting in LA, which can get so expensive, fast!”

JY: “I grew up in a turbulent time when nobody I knew ever made it out my neighborhood.  It took a lot of will and some really great influences to break out of that mold. But specifically for the film the biggest obstacles we faced were finding locations that still had that 90’s feel, and casting the great kid actors with a very limited amount of time. Besides that we faced the mountain of obstacles that comes with every production and made it to the other side with something we are proud of.”

Esteban Arango director of 'BLAST BEAT'

NALIP: What are some of the challenges shorts filmmakers face these days in general?

LB: “Noticeability. Accessibility has gotten easier for short filmmakers, but finding distribution deals, credibility, and/or financing is tough.”

EA: “As a diverse filmmaker I feel lucky to be working during a time where finally the space has opened up for our stories. With that opportunity comes the challenge of creating work that is compelling, fresh, and that keeps pushing the boundaries of what is possible in filmmaking. If filmmakers are able to do this today, then more opportunities will come up.”

JY: “I think shorts are challenging because it is rarely a commercial endeavor so it requires a gathering of like-minded individuals to pool their limited resources and create. Although I do believe it is an incredible time to be a filmmaker. Today, you can make shorts that can actually capture an audience outside of just festivals. So testing the waters with a story and characters is easier than ever, but the financing is going to be skin in the game.”

Jorge "Jokes" Yanes director of 'TOYED'

NALIP: Why do you think organizations like NALIP are important?

LB: “Organizations like NALIP are extremely imperative for Latinx filmmakers to get their voices heard and get their work shown.  We need these hubs to have as a support system, build alliances with one another, and become a familia, especially when we live in a world that generally doesn’t support voices from people of color.”

EA: “Organizations like NALIP are instrumental, I would say essential, for the industry because they safeguard upcoming talent and give them valuable exposure. But also because they unite a community of like-minded creators to keep pushing our message out as Latinos at the forefront of the new wave of multicultural cinema.”

JY: “They are important because they highlight voices that need to be shared and as Latinos in America we have an important voice. People should have access to them. NALIP is one of the few organizations that is listening and going to bat for us Latino’s, and every year it’s track record speaks for itself.”

NALIP: Where do you see yourself in five years?

LB: “I see myself having made my first feature, MOSCA. I would like to be working in the Casting Department to help change the game plan as well as making documentaries that urge for justice/reflection to individuals. I also hope to be a lecturer at a university to help minorities in film.”

EA: “I’d like to be creatively active, directing films and television. On a personal level, I could see myself as a dad… But I don’t know, that’s a scary thought right now.”

JY: “In five years I hope to be consistently delivering new and unique creative content filled with integrity on various platforms, from series to theatrical features, and raising a family as well as being a positive force in my community.”

Join us for a chance to meet and hear more from these short film directors, and other creators, at the Latino Lens Festival and Showcase on Oct. 30th at the Avalon Hollywood.

NALIP and the Producers Guild of America (PGA) are proud to announce that this year's Producer's Master Class will be led by powerhouse industry experts, Mike Medavoy (Producer, Phoenix Pictures), Sergio Agüero (Producer, Campanario) and David T. Friendly (Producer, Imagine, Friendly Productions). This will be a continuation and part of our master class series. All three panelists have produced Oscar nominated films and will share their knowledge with our NALIP members at the Latino Lens Festival & Showcase. This master class will focus on producing within the industry and the lessons they have learned along the way. We invite you, directors, writers, cinematographers and all content creators, especially the producers to #CreateWithUs and learn from masters of this industry. Jairo Alvarado (Producer, Circle of Confusion) will be on hand to present and moderate this session.

Joins us at the Latino Lens Festival & Showcase!

Learn more about each of these award winning producers below:

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) is seeking highly-motivated, creative, and can-do volunteers for the upcoming Latino Lens Festival & Showcase, to be held on October 30 at the Avalon Hollywood.

We’re looking to build an exceptional team of volunteers to make the Latino Lens Festival & Showcase a remarkable experience for all those interested in celebrating Latinos across all media!  Get involved, meet new people, and discover all the Latino talent that surrounds you.

We have different areas you can contribute when joining our team:

• Registration

• Logistics

• Digital Production

• Communications and PR

• Stage management

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: opps@nalip.org. The subject headline must include your name and Latino Lens Fest VOLUNTEER.

According to the Indian Country Today Media Network, Alex Zacarias’ new documentary, “Taino Daca (I Am),” reveals “new truths about the history, survival and identity of the Taino people, the first indigenous contact for Christopher Columbus.” Zacarias’ 10-year project will be released this fall and, as Zacarias explains, has a universal story for many tribes, not just for Taino. “The intent of the documentary is to bring awareness of our Taino story that we might be able to engage with government,” he says.

The Puerto Rican director faced many challenges making the film but as the Network reports, “one of the biggest challenges Zacarias faced was documenting the story over a decade and following the documentary’s main character, Roberto Mukaro Borrero.” Borrero was a consultant on the film and says, “the film shares the reality that Taino are still here.”

“Sands of Silence” will be featured at the Awareness Film Fest 2016 this weekend. NALIP member Chelo Alvarez-Stehle’s film takes us on a 15 year journey to uncover the underworld of sexual exploitation and trafficking throughout Asia and the Americas. “The making of ‘Sands of Silence’ pushed me into a new journey of introspection,” says Alvarez-Stehle, “As I set to tell the story of our main subject, Virginia, who struggles to break the cycle of sexual exploitation in her family and her life.

“I saw my own story - in a very small way - in hers.”

The film will make it’s west coast premiere on Sunday, Oct. 16th at the L.A. Live Regal Cinemas in Downtown L.A. NALIP members can save on tickets using the code: 8675309. For tickets visit awarenessfestival.org.

Also featured at the Awareness Film Festival is Marisol Gonzalez’s “Children Behind the Wall.” The film exposes the cruel effects of the drug epidemic among children and young adults in Tijuana, Mexico. Gonzalez, who serves as the film’s producer and director, called upon accomplished Director of Photography Rachel Morrison, who lensed films like “Dope,” “Cake,” and “Fruitvale Station.”

“I’ve made it my mission to bring awareness about the harms of drugs from the perspective of children fending for themselves,” says Gonzalez. “We need to be compassionate and understand that people who use drugs are not monsters; they are our children, our parents, our cousins, our best friends.”

The film will be screened on Sunday, Oct. 16th at the L.A. Live Regal cinemas in Downtown L.A. There will be a Q&A following the film with the director. For tickets visit awarenessfestival.org.

In a conversation tackling the diversity problem in Hollywood, Wilmer Valderrama and Adam Rodriguez dove deep into their own careers to give a more personal point of view and insight on what it means to be Latino in the industry. In an intimate setting on Thursday night, hosted by CBS and moderated by NALIP’s Projects Director Ben Lopez, the two talented actors came together to talk about their roles in CBS’s leading drama series, NCIS, and Criminal Minds. They provided anecdotes, advice and hardships they encountered throughout their careers and the place of Latino content creators and artist in the future.

When it comes to rejection, Valderrama, who co-stars with Ashton Kutcher on Netflix's "The Ranch," finds the positive in it and “keep[s] it moving” something he credits to being Latino.  He came to the U.S. at a young age without knowing to speak english but he worked, was persistent and patient. Both men grew up without having someone to relate to on TV “no one that looked like me” mentions Rodriguez, which made it more difficult to consider acting but “you just don’t quit” he says. Change is happening now, with actors out there on different TV series and in film, it has taken over 20 years but “these conversations use to happen outside of auditions for gangster #1” jokes Rodriguez and now they happen in studios and the hope is there “won’t be a need for these diversity discussion in the future”. It takes patience, but the work is being done, and as things are changing what we need to do is keep these conversations going, and “support one another” as both of these men do, Wilmer considers himself to be Rodriguez’s biggest fan. When asked by Ben Lopez about roles or characters writers should create both agree it should be about the story and Rodriguez looks for “characters [he] can root for”, irregardless of the ethnicity. Wilmer argues that Latinos live in the same world as everyone else therefore there is no need to make those characters so different, “it’s a lot more simple than what they make it”.

The themes of the night were inclusion, persistence, patience, community and support. Wrapping up the night with an insightful Q&A where the audience, touched on the issue of diversity including a 12 year old boy, who asked why studios always cast Anglo actors, to which both Rodriguez and Valderrama responded “we’re working on that”. Ben Lopez concluded the night by thanking the networks that are opening these doors and giving equal opportunities and reminding everyone that it is about the mentoring and promoting CBS’s #eachoneteachone. The important take away of the night for Valderrama was, “we are not alone”, both actors expressed how proud they were to be present in the dialogue and to represent Latinos.

Photo Courtesy of Variety

While Netflix reduces their dependence on acquisitions and doubles down on their Latino and LATAM original content strategy, others such as Sony networks are also investing in Latinos, a key creative community and demographic.

Oscar-nominated cinematographer, Cesar Charlone (“City of God”), directs Netflix’s “3%” that’s set to launch Nov. 25th. Variety reports the series is a futuristic thriller set in a dystopic near-future Brazil. This is Netflix’s first original production “completely shot, produced and acted by Brazilians.” Created by Pedro Aguilera, the project stars Joao Miguel, Bianca Comparator, and Zeze Motta.

Netflix also announced a 13-episode series from Mexican filmmaker Manolo Caro. Caro’s dark comedy remains untitled but will begin shooting early next year. The show centers around a family full of “dysfunctional secrets” and “explores the need to protect and forgive loved ones, no matter how uncomfortable.”

Mexico’s Televisa partnered with Sony Pictures Television to co-produce 65 episodes of “Blue Demon,” a TV drama based on the life of Mexican wrestler Alejandro Munoz Moreno. Earlier this year, Variety reported NBCUniversal’s Telemundo has “long followed a strategy of co-producing with major content companies over the years, including Mexico’s Argos, Disney, Fox, and Sony Pictures TV Latin America.”

Both projects are part of Netflix’s Latin American original productions that also includes “Narcos,” and will be available to all Netflix’s subscribers.

As more and more networks follow in the steps of Telemundo, Televisa and Sony, the real winners of this Latino and LATAM content are the viewers, who will see the diversity surge they’ve been calling for. Now, the only question is when will this diversity make the jump from steady play on streaming services to a returning audience on the silver screen.