Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB), a non-profit organization funded by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, announces eleven newly funded programs as part of its 2015 Public Media Content Fund. The initiative invites independent producers to submit proposals on Latino-themed programs or series for funding consideration.

Every year LPB invites independent filmmakers to submit proposals in various stages, from research and development, to production, post-production and new media. All proposals are reviewed by a group of public media professionals, station programmers, independent filmmakers, academics, and executives from funding organizations.

Congratulations to all the recipients, especially our long standing NALIPsters below! 

Research and Development

Salvadoran American Civil Rights Documentary Project
Director/Producer: Nina Alvarez, Zócalo Media 
1 Episode/60 Minutes

In the 1980s, Salvadoran refugees fled from repressive military regimes and death squads in El Salvador and sought asylum in the United States. However, unlike refugees from other countries, many Salvadoran refugees were denied asylum and were placed in detention centers suffering civil rights abuses in the country they hoped would be their adopted home. This documentary will explore an unknown chapter in American civil rights history told through two landmark lawsuits against the U.S. federal government, Orantes v. Smith and American Baptist Churches v. Thornburgh which resulted in sweeping changes to U.S. immigration policy.

Broadcast

Coming Out of the Dark: The Times of Gloria Estefan (w.t.)
Producer: John J. Valadez
Category: Production: 1 Episode/60 Minutes

This documentary explores the extraordinary life and music of Gloria Estefan, from a refugee fleeing communist Cuba to her extraordinary rise to the top of the pop charts. Through her journey, Estefan re-defined American popular music, and opened the way for a new generation of artists. 

Empowering the People: The Willie Velasquez Story (w.t)
Director/Producer: Hector Galán, Galán Productions, Inc. 
Category: Production; 1 Episode 60 Minutes

Through Willie Velasquez's journey from radical student activist to respected statesman, this documentary will examine the history of the Latino vote, the barriers Latinos had to overcome to obtain representation, the contemporary issues facing Latinos today and the role of the Latino vote in the upcoming 2016 election. 

Memories of a Penitent Heart
Director/Co-Producer: Cecilia Aldarondo 
Category: Post-Production; 1 Episode/60 Minutes

Memories of a Penitent Heart follows a filmmaker's journey of discovering the truth about her uncle's life 25 years after his death from AIDS as told through the contradictions of family members, open secrets, and shifting memories. Her investigation uncovers his life as a gay man in New York City, unacceptance of his lifestyle by his mother in Puerto Rico, and the struggle for legitimacy in a religious Latino family.

New Media

Millennials in Miniature: The Latino Americans of New York City
Director/Producer: William D. Caballero
10 Episodes/1 Minute

Through the art of 3D printing and miniature reenactments, this video series explores the creative process amongst ten innovative and unique Latino filmmakers, artists, musicians, poets, and dancers.