“The Cesar Chavez Foundation has become aware of disturbing allegations that Cesar Chavez engaged in inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors during his time as President of the United Farm Workers of America (UFW).

Little by little, the news has been emerging, with articles online increasing by the hour.

The media is doing what they do best, reporting on what information they have and digging for more. But the New York Times has been working on this story for years, and that story was set to publish on Cesar’s Birthday, March 31. We are sure a lot more details on, yet again, another incident of alleged “inappropriate sexual behavior with women and minors”.

If these allegations are true, the focus should always be the victims. It is a hard time for all. It will also be hard on our community as a revered hero is taken down.

Filmmaker, Writer and Humanitarian Border Relief Volunteer, David Damian Figueroa and Latin Heat Founder, Bel Hernandez Castillo, both very active and with deep ties to the community, penned a letter addressing this news. We hope you will share the sentiment

A Path Forward with Hope and Faith

There is no doubt that this is a devastating turn of events, and is heavy on our minds and spirits. No doubt, the mainstream news, the current political climate, gossip, innuendo, and finger-pointing will be ramped up on social media and in the mainstream news. 

We must prepare. Our future will be difficult to navigate, and this news is not just any conversation; it is a pivotal moment in Chicano/Mexicano history—one that could reshape our collective future. 

We urge every Latino to create an environment that radiates kindness and respect as they move forward. Let us create spaces that are sanctuaries for truth-telling, allowing everyone to express themselves and process this devastating news while also protecting one another. 

The way forward for the Latino community will depend on our working together so that a spirit of honor and collaboration emerges from respectful dialogue. What we do now will be a defining moment for us all. The narratives we craft today will echo through time, and unity will be our greatest strength in the days to come.

Our young people will look to us—trusting that we will help carry the weight of this responsibility with grace, integrity, and forgiveness. Hope is what we need to foster, and it starts with your willingness to engage thoughtfully, compassionately, and with purpose. 

Each of us has the power to inspire and lead. Let this moment be the spark that ignites a brighter path forward with hope and faith.

David Damian Figueroa, Filmmaker, Writer and Humanitarian Border Relief Volunteer

Bel Hernandez Castillo, Founder, Latin Heat Media

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Primo TV is stepping into 2026 with momentum, unveiling a bold refresh that brings more than 500 hours of brand-new programming to its young audience. The kid- and tween-focused network (ages 6–16) is rolling out a new on-air look, an updated programming grid, and an expansive slate of fresh content spanning animation, live action, anime, and STEM-based series—reinforcing its mission to entertain, educate, and inspire.

Launching in January, Primo TV’s refreshed screen introduces a high-energy lineup of animated programming that blends fan-favorite franchises with adventure-driven storytelling. Animation remains a cornerstone of the network’s strategy, delivering fast-paced, imaginative content designed to captivate today’s curious, media-savvy kids.

The network is also doubling down on anime, strengthening a category that continues to resonate with tweens and teens. With popular titles like Bakugan joining the lineup, Primo TV underscores its commitment to offering exciting, age-appropriate anime that balances action with positive values.

Education remains central to Primo TV’s identity, particularly through its expanding slate of nature- and STEM-focused programming. Series such as Brain Buzz and Earth Science Investigators are crafted to spark curiosity and encourage discovery, using storytelling as a gateway to learning. These shows aim to make science approachable, fun, and relevant—meeting kids where they are while nudging them to explore how the world works.

That spirit of curiosity extends across the schedule. Educational wonder takes center stage with Wow! That Is Amazing, while humor and imagination shine in playful titles like Kaeloo and You’re Called What?. Together, the lineup reflects Primo TV’s edutainment philosophy: learning through laughter, adventure, and creativity.

“Our 2026 programming refresh brings together the best of animation, live action, anime, and STEM-based content,” said Doris Vogelmann, Vice President of Programming and Operations at Vme Media. “We’re proud to continue offering programming that entertains, inspires curiosity, and gives families content they can trust.”

With its updated visual identity and robust programming expansion, Primo TV continues to strengthen its position as a trusted destination for families seeking safe, engaging, and culturally relevant content. As the first English-language network targeting U.S. bicultural Hispanic Gen Z viewers, Primo TV remains committed to helping kids stay connected to their Latino roots while enjoying programming that reflects their lives and interests.

Primo TV is currently available nationally on the Comcast Xfinity platform.

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CLIKA officially premiered this weekend and with it arrived a cultural moment that feels less like a debut and more like a coronation. Produced by Jimmy Humilde—the visionary CEO behind Rancho Humilde—and released by Columbia Pictures and Sony Music Vision, the feature film represents a rare and powerful convergence of Latino music, storytelling, and studio confidence.

At a time when Latino audiences continue to drive box office results while remaining underserved in screen time, CLIKA arrives with built-in cultural capital: the sound, the artists, and the lived experience of Mexican American youth whose music has already proven its ability to mobilize millions.

From Compton to Columbia Pictures

Jimmy Humilde’s path to a Sony-backed theatrical release did not begin in Hollywood boardrooms—it began in the streets of Compton and on streaming platforms where Rancho Humilde rewrote the rules of Mexican music. As the architect of the corridos tumbados movement, Humilde transformed a once-marginalized sound into a global phenomenon, launching superstars like Fuerza Regida, Junior H, Natanael Cano, and others who now dominate charts and touring circuits.

That success did not go unnoticed.

Sony Music Latin, already deeply embedded in the evolution of Latin music, recognized that Rancho Humilde wasn’t just producing hits—it was shaping culture. With Sony Music Vision expanding into narrative storytelling, the alignment became inevitable. CLIKA is the first feature film born from that shared understanding: that Latino music is not a niche, but a mass-market force capable of driving audiences into theaters.

As Sanford Panitch, President of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, noted, Humilde’s musical impact naturally opened the door to new kinds of stories and stars. This was not a gamble—it was an expansion.

Music as the Engine, Story as the Heart

Directed by Michael Greene and executive produced by Humilde alongside partners Jose “JB” Becerra and Roque “Rocky” Venegas, CLIKA centers on an aspiring musician fighting to preserve his family’s legacy. The story mirrors the lived realities of many Rancho Humilde fans—ambition, loyalty, survival, and the tension between tradition and reinvention.

Starring Rancho Humilde artist Jay Dee, the film blurs the line between fiction and cultural truth, using music not as background but as narrative engine. This is where CLIKA holds particular power: Latino audiences already emotionally invested in the sound now see that sound reflected on screen, legitimized by a major studio release.

For Sony, the film represents a strategic bridge between music and film audiences. For Latino viewers, it’s representation rooted in authenticity rather than translation.

A Strategic Bet on Latino Buying Power

The timing of CLIKA’s release underscores a broader industry reality: Latino audiences consistently over-index in theatrical attendance, particularly for culturally resonant films. Rancho Humilde’s fan base—young, bilingual, digitally native, and fiercely loyal—represents the exact demographic Hollywood is chasing but rarely centers.

By backing CLIKA, Sony is not simply releasing a film—it is validating a business model where Latino music ecosystems can successfully migrate into film and television. As Alex Gallardo, President of Sony Music US Latin, stated, the moment Sony learned about the project, they knew they wanted in—and that Columbia Pictures was the ideal partner to bring it to life.

“We’re Leading the Conversation Now”

For Humilde, today’s premiere is both personal and political. “We’ve been grinding in the background,” he said, “but now we’re stepping into the spotlight.” His message is clear: CLIKA is not an endpoint, but the opening chapter of a larger creative pipeline for Mexican American storytellers.

With a cast that includes Cristian “Concrete” Gutierrez, DoKnow, Laura Lopez, OhGeesy, Eric Roberts, Master P, and Peter Greene, and a production team spanning film and music veterans, CLIKA positions itself as a proof of concept—one that blends commercial appeal with cultural specificity.

The Beginning of a New Lane

As CLIKA premieres today, it does so carrying more than box office expectations. It carries the weight—and promise—of a movement that has already reshaped music and is now testing Hollywood’s willingness to follow where culture leads.

If Rancho Humilde changed the sound of Mexican music, CLIKA may well signal the next evolution: Latino-led studios, Latino-driven audiences, and stories that no longer ask for permission.

And if today’s premiere is any indication, the audience is already there—waiting, listening, and ready to show up.CLIKA Premieres January 23, Marking Jimmy Humilde’s Bold Leap From Corridos to Cinema

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Nosotros and NBCUniversal are signaling a decisive shift in how Latino talent is developed and presented for the industry. With Season 5 of Ya Tú Sabes, the long-running incubator has fully transitioned from a traditional showcase model into a cinematic short-form pipeline—culminating in the crowning of The Comedian as this year’s top winner and positioning the program as a serious launchpad for writers and actors ready for film and television.

What began in 2020 as a challenge from NBCUniversal Launch to rethink the traditional actor showcase has evolved into a fully realized creative pipeline. Initially launched as the Ya Tú Sabes Monologue Slam, the program emphasized original writing and live performance. Over time, it expanded into fully produced stand-alone scenes selected through a competitive process, under a new name, Ya Tú Sabes Monologue Shorts.

Nosotros and NBCUniversal have marked that evolution and raised the bar once again with the explosive fifth season of Ya Tú Sabes, unveiling a bold new evolution of the long-running Latino talent incubator—one that trades the traditional stage showcase for cinematic pieces designed to reflect the professional readiness of Latino talent when given meaningful resources and production value.

“In a year shaped by a difficult national climate for Latinos, support for arts programs like this was far from guaranteed,” said Joel M. Gonzales, President of Nosotros. “We’re deeply grateful to NBCUniversal and the NBC Launch program for standing with us when sponsorships were tight. What Season 5 represents is how much this program has grown over the past five years—and how Latino artists continue to create opportunity, break through, and tell our own stories on our own terms.”

Emerging as Season 5’s creative breakthrough and top winner with judges and audiences alike, is The Comedian, written by stand-up comic José Maestas and powerfully performed by actor Richard Eick. This piece amplifies the Ya Tú Sabes’ core mission: spotlighting Latino writers and actors through original work rooted in universal themes—while steadily expanding the scale and seriousness of the platform.

A sharply observed and emotionally layered piece, The Comedian draws directly from Maestas’ personal experience to explore the duality of life on and off the stage—the persona versus the person. Its resonance was immediate, quickly becoming one of the most talked-about monologue shorts of the season for its depth, honesty, and cinematic execution.

“Across a lineup of powerful shorts, one of the strongest examples was the winner, The Comedian,” said Gonazlez, adding “The writing and performance stood out immediately and reflect the level of depth and readiness that exists in our community when the opportunity is real.”

The Ya Tu Sabes Monolouge Shorts premiered live at the Ricardo Montalbán Theatre this past December, streaming simultaneously on the Nosotros YouTube channel, with Audience Choice voting closing on December 31 declaring writer Cristal González Ávila and actor Mariana Belén as the  Audience Choice winners for Ropa Sucia.

Industry-Level Execution

Season 5’s six monologue shorts were led creatively by Hector Felix, who served as director, editor, and cinematographer, establishing a cohesive visual language across the entire showcase. The project was produced by Gonzales and co-produced by Nosotros Creative Director Juan Munevar, with creative collaboration from Joaquin F. Palma, writer/director of the program’s first three seasons—bridging the initiative’s roots with its cinematic future.

This year’s highly noted celebrity ambassador judges underscored the program’s industry credibility, include Julian Works (The Long Game, Jimmy), actor/producer Nicholas Gonzalez (La Brea, The Good Doctor), producer/director Ben DeJesus (Leguizamo Does America), actor/director Jon Huertas (This Is Us), and Larry Laboe, Executive Director of NewFilmmakers LA. They were joined by NBCUniversal executives and a broad cross-section of casting directors, agents, managers, publicists, and industry professionals.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, the Season 5 monologue shorts—led by The Comedian and Ropa Sucia—will be submitted as stand-alone short films to film festivals, extending their life well beyond the showcase and expanding visibility for the participating writers and actors across the festival and industry landscape.

Winners will receive cash prizes and sponsored access to key industry leaders, including NBCUniversal executives, casting directors, agencies, and senior writers and producers—solidifying Ya Tú Sabes not just as a showcase, but as a tangible bridge to career advancement.

With Season 5, Nosotros and NBCUniversal have made a clear statement: when Latino artists are given space, resources, and respect, the results are not just promising—they’re cinematic.

The post EXCLUSIVE: Nosotros and NBCUniversal Crown Season 5 ‘Ya Tú Sabes’ Winner as Program Goes Fully Cinematic first appeared on .

In the upcoming season, a death in Ecomoda compels Betty to make amends with her former coworkers and with her separated but still married husband, Armando. Additionally, she meets up with her daughter Mila again; Mila has been studying fashion in New York and comes back wanting to work in Hugo’s studio. Betty will have to mend fences with Armando, who would stop at nothing to gain her back, and decide whether to make critical decisions that will affect her profession in addition to trying to mend her connection with her daughter.

The plot and show are a celebration of women’s emancipation. A quarter of a century ago, when Betty was initially shown to the public, there was debate over what constitutes beauty. “Betty” came to symbolize the underdog who dared to dream and challenge the standards of beauty throughout its growth and numerous iterations.

The series reunites the lead actors Ana María Orozco and Jorge Enrique Abello from the original series that ran from 1991 – 2001. They reprise their roles of Betty and Armando Mendoza Sánez respectively. Other cast members include along Julián Arango, Natalia Ramírez, Lorna Cepeda, Julio Cesar Herrera, and Luces Velásquez, who are just a handful of the large cast. bringing this series back to life.

“We at Prime Video are honored to be resurrecting this legendary series about the courage and tenacity of women who want to break stereotypes in the workplace and in their personal lives,” stated Maria Isabel Figueroa, Head of Prime Video Emerging LATAM. This series pays homage to those tales that transcend boundaries and unite people because Betty has found a home with viewers everywhere.

Yo soy Betty, la Fea, which has been dubbed into 15 languages and broadcast in 180 countries, is regarded by Guinness World Records as the most successful telenovela in history. It has also been adapted into up to 28 territories, including South Africa, the United States, and India.

Visit About Amazon for more information on how to watch Betty La Fea when it premieres in July.

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The Greatest Love Story Never Told follows Latina icon Jennifer Lopez as she embarks on her most daring and personal project – the creation of a new album and an original cinematic piece titled “This Is Me…Now.” The narrative takes the audience through her twenty-year career, exploring the highs and lows, triumphs, and challenges she faced. Unveiling her journey towards self-love, the film is a testament to Lopez’s determination to reclaim her narrative.

“The Greatest Love Story Never Told” grants unflinching access to Jennifer Lopez’s most personal moments. Through intimate interviews with her inner circle, including producing partners and longtime collaborators, the documentary paints a vulnerable portrait of an icon who puts it all on the line. Candid home moments showcase the real Jennifer Lopez, allowing audiences to witness her authenticity and resilience.

Directed by Jason Bergh and produced by team including Courtney Baxter, Gillian Brown, Lindsay Utz, and Stephan Bielecki, “The Greatest Love Story Never Told” is an Artists Equity production. Executive producers are Dani Bernfield and Jason Bergh, along with co-producers Caitlin Alba-Rothstein and Eliza Comer.

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When and Where to Watch:

• Date and Time: Sunday, February 18, starting at 2 PM/1c.
• Channel: Telemundo.
• Additional Airings: Don’t forget to tune in for new episodes every Monday through Friday at 10 PM/9c.

Who’s Who in the Cast:

• Rafael Amaya: Charismatic star portraying Aurelio Casillas.
• Carmen Aub: Rutila Casillas.
• Ivan Arana: Ismael Casillas.
• Isabella Castillo: Diana Ahumada.
• Africa Zavala: Mercedes “Mecha” de la Cruz.
• Robinson Diaz: Milton Jimenez “El Cabo.”
• Itati Cantoral: New addition as Belen San Roman.
• Arturo Peniche: Special appearance.

The post ‘El Señor de los Cielos’ Season 9 on Telemundo first appeared on .

Nell Serrano, played by Rodriguez, is a broke and newly single disaster. Five years after leaving her life and career behind, Nell finds herself on a quest to restart both. The twist in her story comes when she lands a seemingly mundane job – writing obituaries. Little does she know that this job, which she initially considers a dead-end (pun intended), becomes the source of unexpected life advice from the most unlikely places. It is adapted by from the pages of “Confessions of a 40-something F**k Up” by Alexandra Potter

Rounding out the cast is including Hannah Simone as Sam, Lauren Ash as Lexi, Rick Glassman as Edward, Joshua Banday as Dennis, and Angela Gibbs as Cricket, adds layers of complexity and humor to the narrative. The chemistry among the cast members is palpable, contributing to the show’s undeniable appeal.

Casey Johnson and David Windsor, the creative minds steering the ship, not only serve as creators but also as executive producers. The series boasts an impressive lineup of executive producers, including Gina Rodriguez, Dean Holland, and Wonderland Sound and Vision’s McG, Mary Viola, and Corey Marsh. The series is produced by 20th Television, a part of Disney Television Studios.

Season 2 Premieres Wednesday, Feb. 7, at 8:30 p.m. EST

Follow “Not Dead Yet” (#NotDeadYet) on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.

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Known for celebrating diversity in the entertainment industry, LEJA commended Barraza for her humorously engaging and emotionally moving portrayal of Nana, the feisty and loving Mexican grandmother to Jaime Reyes (Blue Beetle). Her scene-stealing performance resonated with audiences globally. The LEJA nomination not only recognizes Barraza’s exceptional talent but also acknowledges her significant impact as a Latina actress, paving the way for the Latino community in Hollywood.

The winners of the LEJA Awards will be announced virtually on Monday, February 12.

Barraza reflected on her nomination, stating, “I’m truly honored and thankful that the LEJA Awards have recognized me with this distinguished nomination. Being nominated is already a win for any actor, but to receive the nomination for this character of Nana, which I loved playing, means even more. My most important goal was to represent this beautiful part of the Latino community in the U.S., the brave women who immigrate to our beautiful country but work tirelessly to honor their roots.”

Adriana Barraza’s illustrious career has been marked by compelling performances, earning her accolades, including Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations in 2006 for Best Supporting Actress in “Babel.” In addition to her role in “Blue Beetle,” Barraza starred in a heartwarming supporting role in the film “Monica” alongside Trace Lysette and Academy Award nominee Patricia Clarkson. The film premiered at the 79th Venice International Film Festival, receiving an 11-minute standing ovation. Barraza also captivated audiences in the lead role of Maestra Georgina in the Netflix original Mexican feature film “El Ultimo Vagón,” directed by Ernesto Contreras. The film achieved significant success on Netflix, holding the position of the #1 Spanish-language movie worldwide for six consecutive weeks and standing out as one of the most successful Netflix films of 2023. Barraza’s dedication to her craft and her ability to breathe life into unforgettable characters solidify her as a formidable presence in the entertainment industry.

The post Adriana Barraza Nominated for Best Supporting Actress at the 2024 Latino Entertainment Journalists Association Awards first appeared on .

Get ready to vote for the latest short films from emerging Latino and Hispanic filmmakers in the Spotlight Dorado lineup. Starting today, you can check out three diverse projects from the latest edition of the short film contest at SpotlightDorado.com. The films include Marissa Díaz‘s action-packed “Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation,” Kryzz Gautier‘s virtual reality romance, “Chimera,” and Pablo Riesgo‘s satire sci-fi, “Cuando Volvimos A La Tierra.” Voting for your favorite film is open until February 11 to help determine the grand prize winner.

The short films are launching at a time when there’s a notable lack of representation for Latinos and Hispanics in the entertainment and film industry. Recent research from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative, supported by McDonald’s Spotlight Dorado, reveals that less than 5% of directors of major motion pictures from 2007 to 2022 were Hispanic/Latino. Among them, only five were women.

This inequality extends beyond directors, with a mere 4.4% of lead or co-lead roles featuring Hispanic/Latino actors. This research underscores the pressing need for a more inclusive film landscape.

McDonald’s is addressing this issue by supporting important research and upcoming storytellers, contributing to inclusivity and demonstrating its commitment to diverse communities.

Ryan Worthy, Content and Culture Director at McDonald’s USA, stated, “As part of our commitment to giving back to the diverse communities we call home, we are proud to support opportunities that help drive inclusivity and change. With Spotlight Dorado, McDonald’s has been able to use its scale to amplify pivotal research and create opportunities for Latino and Hispanic storytellers. We’re proud of the outstanding talent showcased by this year’s Spotlight Dorado finalists, and we look forward to seeing what else is in store for them.”

After being selected as the top three finalists last summer, McDonald’s provided the filmmakers with a combined budget of $225,000 to produce their short films. Each filmmaker also received personalized mentorship from industry leaders, including Grammy®-winning artist, Golden Globe® and Emmy® nominated actor Anthony Ramos, actress Danay Garcia, comedian, writer, actor, and producer Al Madrigal, director Carlos López Estrada, and writer-director Nancy Mejía.

The grand prize winner of this year’s program will be announced in March. For more information on the program, and to cast your vote visit www.spotlightdorado.com.

The post McDonald’s Spotlight Dorado Champions Hispanic Representation in Film by Unveiling Top Three Finalist Short Films first appeared on .