Some names of difference-makers will become recognizable, but the vast majority will not. This is why we find ourselves rooting for someone unknown to the masses whose story inspires and captivates, and speaks to our sense of humanity. Someone like Edgar "Shoboy" Sotelo.
It gives me great pride to think that a major network has given a group of young people largely from Washington Heights a platform to represent their community, our community. What's even more promising is that the show's focus is on following these youngsters on their quest to achieve their dreams, not a Jersey Shore-esque showcase of buffoonery, sex, alcohol, arrested development and saccharine infused issues.
The AFI Fest wrapped up on November 8th in Hollywood. The 40th annual festival revealed itself again as one of the globe's superior events for accessing works by both veteran and emerging voices in Latino and Latin American film.
The American Film Institutes AFI Festhas long been lauded as one of the United States' most prestigious film festivals to launch filmmakers' careers via the short film program. The 2012 edition doesn't fail to impress.
I recently had a magical experience at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., courtesy of Gato Barbieri, the legendary Argentine jazz saxophonist.
The studios, these powerful behemoths that control the message and the images fed to global audiences, get to define the parameters of what is an American Latino story and while they are at it, what is the meaning and value of being a Latino in the U.S.
At lectures, I'm often asked by teachers to recommend course materials in Latino Studies. One strategy that worked for me was to use films. Here are ten titles that worked for me.
It shouldn't have been so hard for somebody of Lupe's immense talents to be recognized and embraced. The fleeting moment of doubt that I had about Lupe's talents all those years ago is one of the reasons I do what I do today.
If you want proof that the growing Hispanic population and its impact will change the way people experience popular culture in a colossal and immediate way - look no further than the big changes happening at the nation's biggest media players.
At the very least there should have been a sign outside, a courtesy warning in giant neon letters, announcing, however preposterously, "No Se Habla Español. English-Only-Salsa-Night." It might have spared me some psychological damage to know that's what I was in for.
Matt Piedmont makes his feature directorial debut with the Will Ferrell, Diego Luna and Gael García Bernal-starrer 'Casa de mi Padre,' opening March 16th, 2012, in select theaters.
The Bandito Brothers' co-directing team Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Scott Waugh "go big" with action this Friday when their patriotic film 'Act of Valor' opens wide in theaters.
In Una Hora Por Favora, it seems the theme of gender stereotypes is turned on its head at the same time as the ethnic one.
This year's short films represented by Latinos and Hispanics offer a wide array of unique subjects and characters--from challenged love relations in the digital age to sisters battling grief through relieving a plugged milk duct.
New Latino voices. Rising talent. A directorial vision from a co-directing team of complementary talents. It could just be the recipe for a movie that packs a punch...or in the least, a really cool rhyme.
Guerrero's voice represents the complexity of the immigrant. Her identity is what she titles "Xicana Urban," a result of being born in San Francisco, raised in the East Bay Area, and maintaining a tight connection with her Mexican heritage.