THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: GREGG BARRIOS LATINOPIA HERO, JOSÉ LUIS RUIZ ON MEXICAN AMERICAN CULTURAL EDUCATION FOUNDATION, MOCTESUMA ESPARZA ON FILMMAKER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM, AND RICARDO ROMO ON THE LEGACY OF AMERICO PAREDES.
We begin this week with an homage to veteran journalist, author and playwright Gregg Barrios who passed away on August 30 2021. Ben Olguin, along time friend of Barrios, reminds us of Gregg’s accomplishments and the legacy he leaves in this Latinopia Hero posting. GREGG BARRIOS PRESENTE!
Also this week we explore a new approach to empowering Latinos in the motion picture and entertainment industry. The Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation has created a scholarship program open to Latino graduate film students with a goal of creating a critical mass of filmmakers who can make a difference in Hollywood in the coming years. We visit with José Luis Ruiz, founder and president of the Mexican American Cultural education foundation who explains the goals of his organization. We also visit with Moctesuma Esparza, acclaimed motion picture producer and director of the Foundation’s Filmmaker Scholarship Program. Finally someone is thinking ahead and envisioning what it will take for us to brig through with more films for and about Latinos!
Ricardo Romo’s Tejano Report brings us an insightful remembrance of the life of scholar, author, musician, activist Don Americo Paredes. Don Americo was a one of a kind pioneer who opened up many doors for Latinos on multiple fronts. Americo Paredes Presente!
Enjoy your week on Latinopia!
Tia Tenopia