AFM 2025 Lourdes Diaz AGC Partner/CCO spills on why every indie film needs its own playbook—and how flexibility beats formula

Lourdes Diaz doesn’t do cookie-cutter. As Partner and Chief Creative Officer at AGC Studios, the former Univision Entertainment President has built a reputation for one thing: trusting filmmakers enough to break her own rules. From expanding Latino narratives across broadcast and streaming to backing auteur-driven indies like The Tinder Swindler and Hit Man, Diaz has proven that betting on vision—not templates—wins.

At AFM 2025’s “Crafting the Narrative” panel, on November 13, Diaz opened up about AGC’s unconventional approach to financing, nurturing talent, and why the best decisions often come from throwing out the playbook entirely.

All In, All the Time

Forget passive oversight. At AGC, Diaz and her team are embedded in every frame. “We’re intimately involved in every aspect of every title on this slate,” she said. “I have three kids, and you love your children equally but differently. Some need more hand-holding, others need more space, others need nothing, just a credit card.”

That parent-producer analogy is operational philosophy. “When you’re on the phone with someone from a particular project, you’re in that moment. You’ve got to be present. You can’t bring baggage from the call before or after.”

Why the intensity? “They’re trusting us with their work and they’re trusting that we’re going to help them get it to screens.”

Stay Flexible

Ask Diaz about AGC’s financing model and she’ll give you the most honest answer in Hollywood: there isn’t one. “Every script that comes through has a different set of realities—the non-negotiables, and the things that are fungible,” she revealed. “We work in that place where we’re creatively figuring out what’s the best way to get this to screens and to audiences.”

What AGC does have? Speed and candor. “One of our superpowers is that we are quick to get back to you on whether we love something or we don’t,” Diaz said. Even passes come with intel: the studio tracks projects with potential, keeping doors open as scripts develop and elements attach.

When Netflix Said No, AGC Said Yes

Nothing illustrates Diaz’s flexibility better than Hit Man. The Richard Linklater comedy came to AGC in turnaround—studio-speak for “rejected.”

“We financed it independently,” Diaz recalled. “Glenn [Powell] and Rick [Linklater] put their heart and soul into it. Adria [Arjona] was fantastic. Then it went to a different platform.”

The pivot paid off. By staying nimble, AGC found Hit Man a theatrical release and streaming home. “We remained flexible and did what was right for the movie to get to the widest number of eyeballs yet still protect Glenn and Rick’s vision.”

Actors to Auteurs: Building Careers

For Diaz, the ultimate win isn’t opening weekend—it’s career trajectories. “To move someone from one category to the next—from a writer to director, from an actor to director, from a director to getting a passion project off the ground? You’re part of their history.”

With budgets ranging from $1 million to $150 million, every AGC project shares common DNA: director-led vision. “Every single one of those people put their trust in that director and went on a mission to make the best possible thing.”

Art-Commerce Tightrope

But for Diaz, success defies spreadsheets. “People will forget the plot of a movie, but they won’t forget how they felt after watching it. That’s truly rewarding.”

As AGC continues its expansion—from Univision alum Diaz’s Latino roots to global mainstream dominance—the studio’s secret weapon remains refreshingly simple: stay present, stay flexible, and never, ever use a template.

Because in indie film, the moment you think you’ve found the formula is the moment you’ve lost the plot.

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In a film festival landscape increasingly hungry for diversity yet still falling short in its representation of Latino voices, the Mexican American Film & Television Festival and Awards (MAFTF) is emerging as a powerful and necessary force. Now in its fourth year, this groundbreaking festival is the only one in the United States focused on turning a spotlight on the Mexican-American filmmaker —a group that, despite being the largest and most economically powerful Latino demographic, remains the most stereotyped and underrepresented in American media.

In May 2025 MAFTF presented it’s 4th edition, held over two days at the iconic Harmony Gold in Hollywood and the Milagro Theaters in Norwalk California, showcased this mission in full force, with corporate support from entertainment giants like MGM, Amazon, and Regal Cinemas, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the festival’s influence.

Founded by visionary Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz, MAFTF is more than just a celebration of culture—it’s a corrective movement aimed at challenging deeply rooted media stereotypes and amplifying authentic stories.  The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival MAFTF has grown to become the premier Los Angeles Festival, representing the 40 million Americans of Mexican descent. Its focus is projects which depict the Mexican-American community, not with the usual Hollywood stereotype, but the more real-to-life depiction of a community of hardworking Americans who contribute and have contributed endlessly to this country.

“I am  also aware that despite our shared heritage, filmmakers from Mexico and  Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers have not always collaborated as closely as we could,” said Dr. Ruiz, “This year’s festival theme was a call to action – a reminder that by working together,  we can amplify our voices, share our stories, and celebrate our rich cultural diversity”.

A Spotlight on Excellence

MAFTF is also dedicated to attract and honor some of Hollywood.s most accomplished figures. In a matter of four years, the festival has recognized some of the most accomplish filmmakers in Hollywood, including: Aademy Award-winning produer Yvett Merino, (Encanto); renowned director behind G20, Patricia Riggen (Miracles from Heaven); Frank Rodriguez, a leading executive at MGM Amazon Studios, and Moctezuma Esparza, Producer (Selena, Walkout, Milagro Beanfield War) among many.

These honorees, and many others, not only represent the heights Mexican Americans hacw reach in Hollywood but also serve as mentors and advocates for the next generation of talent. Their recognition by MAFTF serves to validate their lifelong contributions and underscore the significance of cultural representation in film and television.

Empowering the Future

While the awards bring deserved attention to established names, MAFTF’s core mission is supporting emerging filmmaker voices. Through its expanding platform, the festival has become a launchpad for filmmakers, actors, and creators. Each year, finishing grants are awarded to help filmmakers complete their projects, giving them crucial resources to bring their visions to life.

In addition to financial support, the festival offers year-round programming such as their yearly Masterclass with industry veterans, thought-provoking panels, and networking events aimed at building a sustainable ecosystem for Mexican American creatives.

A Growing Cultural Movement

More than a film event, MAFTF is the nucleus of a larger cultural awakening, highlighting the rich and diverse stories of Mexican Americans and Latinos. These stories are not only historically important but resonate deeply in a country where Latinos are the largest minority group, with Mexican Americans making up 66% of the Latino population.

With the U.S. Latino GDP now at $3.7 trillion annually, according to the Latino Donor Collaborative, the economic and cultural influence of Latinos in this country cannot be overstated. MAFTF is riding the wave of this momentum, earning national recognition and expanding its impact with each passing year. It’s a long-overdue platform for a community that has given so much to the American fabric, yet for too long, has been left out of its storytelling.

Looking Ahead

As MAFTF continues to grow in stature and relevance, its work is more crucial than ever. It is reshaping the narrative, empowering creators, and reclaiming identity—one story, one film, one celebration at a time. The message is clear: Mexican Americans are no longer waiting for Hollywood to notice them—they are building their own stage and inviting the world to see.

For the past four years, the Mexican American Film and Television Festival (MAFTF) has been committed to uplifting emerging filmmakers and their stories. This year, that mission came full circle when the festival’s founder, Dr. Ruiz, screened his own work-in-progress feature film, The Girl at the Fruit Stand, a modern Cinderella story of Xochitl, a Mexican-American street vendor offered a life-changing opportunity.

After debuting his short The First Cowboy a year before at MAFTF festival, Dr. Ruiz returned—not just as a founder, but as a filmmaker—using the festival as a platform to gather feedback and gauge audience response with his feature. His example underscores a valuable insight for all filmmakers: showcasing your film to a live audience can be a crucial final step. Testing marketability, refining based on reaction, and experiencing how the story resonates in real time can provide the finishing touch before release.

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Avenida Entertainment Group is taking center stage in the streaming landscape with its latest move: a strategic partnership between its newly launched streaming platform A+ and Nuestra.TV, the bilingual, ad-supported platform from Adsmovil. The collaboration will bring a curated selection of A+’s original English-language programming to Nuestra.TV, extending the reach of both platforms and reinforcing a shared mission—to authentically represent bicultural U.S. Latino audiences through compelling storytelling.

A+ (Avenida Plus), the brainchild of Avenida Entertainment Group, is carving out space in a media environment where Latino voices are often underrepresented or misrepresented. The platform delivers a carefully crafted slate of original series, docuseries, talk shows, and films that speak directly to the U.S. Latino experience—particularly bicultural and multigenerational viewers who toggle seamlessly between English and Spanish in their daily lives.

Among the standout A+ titles now featured on Nuestra.TV are Illegally Brown, Immigrant Voices of America, Baldo, Pinkafé Unfiltered, Barrio Chino, and Rated V. These stories span genres and formats, but all center Latino perspectives with authenticity, humor, and heart.

“This partnership between Avenida Entertainment Group and Nuestra.TV signifies a powerful alignment of innovation, cultural authenticity, and audience engagement,” said Fanny Grande, CEO of Avenida Entertainment Group. “By joining forces with Nuestra.TV and our streaming platform A+, we’re creating an unparalleled streaming experience that truly represents multicultural audiences. We’re also empowering a new generation of diverse creatives to share narratives that resonate deeply with viewers.”

The collaboration also amplifies the reach of A+, giving it access to Nuestra.TV’s expansive distribution across Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Android and iOS devices. Nuestra.TV has grown significantly since its 2020 launch, now offering over 10,000 hours of on-demand content and more than 20 FAST channels from the U.S., Latin America, and Spain.

Alberto Pardo, Co-founder and CEO of Nuestra.TV, echoed Grande’s enthusiasm. “Collaborating with A+ allows us to expand the bilingual experience we offer—while also creating new value for advertisers and content owners interested in reaching this high-growth audience,” he said.

With A+ programming now integrated into the Nuestra.TV ecosystem, the partnership stands as a major step forward in the evolution of Hispanic-targeted streaming. It also sets the stage for new co-marketing initiatives across AVOD (ad-supported video on demand) and FAST (free ad-supported streaming TV) environments.

By putting Avenida Entertainment Group and its A+ platform in the spotlight, this collaboration reaffirms the demand for Latino-driven content that doesn’t compromise on quality, language, or cultural nuance.

To explore A+ programming on Nuestra.TV, visit www.nuestra.tv, and learn more about A+ at www.aplusstreaming.com. Follow @watchaplustv on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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I knew I was a fan of Patricia Riggen’s work the moment I saw her directorial debut on the feature film, Under the Same Moon/La Misma Luna (2007). It resonated with me deeply—an emotionally charged immigrant story and a heartfelt Mexico/U.S. co-production that helped launch the U.S. careers of Eugenio Derbez (Miracles from Heaven, Instructions Not Included), Kate del Castillo (La Reina del Sur, Weeds), and, of course, Riggen herself. Since then, she’s steadily built a powerful résumé— Miracles from Heaven, The 33, Girl in Progress, proving time and again that she has the vision and talent to thrive in Hollywood. Now, with G20, her first action thriller starring Viola Davis, Riggen steps confidently into blockbuster territory, showing the world that high-octane storytelling belongs squarely on her directing card.

Patricia Riggen has long been celebrated as one of the most versatile and emotionally astute directors working in film and television today. Known for her humanistic storytelling and global perspective, the Mexican-born filmmaker has steadily built a career marked by empathy, authenticity, and bold vision. With the release of G20—a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled action thriller starring Viola Davis—Riggen stakes her claim in a genre traditionally dominated by male directors, proving once again that she is a creative force to be reckoned with.

As one of the few Latina directors in Hollywood to helm such a large-scale action feature, Riggen’s role behind the camera is more than symbolic—it’s transformative. G20 isn’t just a gripping movie; it’s a cultural milestone. It presents a female president who is both fierce and maternal, and it’s directed by a woman who has carved out space in one of cinema’s most testosterone-driven genres.

“Movies are culture changers,” Riggen said. “I set out to make a hugely entertaining film, but also to deliver a character that would inspire women all over the world to think big.”

Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Riggen began her career in journalism and documentary filmmaking before transitioning into narrative storytelling. Her breakout feature, La Misma Luna (Under the Same Moon, 2007), earned critical acclaim for its tender portrayal of a young boy’s journey across the U.S.-Mexico border to reunite with his mother. It was a deeply personal film that introduced Riggen’s signature style: heartfelt stories rooted in realism and told from underrepresented perspectives.

She followed that success with Girl in Progress (2012), a coming-of-age tale starring Eva Mendes, and then delivered the powerful Chilean mining drama The 33 (2015), based on the true story of 33 miners trapped underground for 69 days. The film showcased her ability to handle large-scale productions while preserving the intimacy of human emotion, something that would serve her well in the years to come.

Expanding Her Canvas: From Drama to Action

Riggen’s foray into television further broadened her scope. She directed several high-profile episodes of the hit Amazon series Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan, diving into political intrigue and military tactics with a steady, assured hand. Her work on Hulu’s Dopesick—the critically acclaimed limited series starring Michael Keaton—garnered accolades for its powerful critique of America’s opioid crisis, cementing her status as a director capable of merging entertainment with social commentary.

But G20 marks a new chapter in Riggen’s career: an all-out, edge-of-your-seat action spectacle with a rich geopolitical core and an emotionally grounded heroine at its heart.

In G20, Riggen directs Academy Award winner Davis who plays U.S. President Danielle Sutton—a former combat veteran and mother of two, who finds herself leading a daring counteroffensive when heavily armed mercenaries attack the annual G20 summit in Cape Town, South Africa. As world leaders are taken hostage and the global economy is pushed to the brink through high-tech manipulation, Sutton must rely on her wits, her training, and her grit to restore order and save lives.

Ramón Rodríguez plays Agent Manny Ruiz, a key figure in the efforts to thwart a terrorist takeover at the G20 summit in Cape Town, alongside Davis.

“G20 is the kind of film I’ve always wanted to make,” Riggen said in a recent interview. “A smart, international action thriller with a female lead who is strong, vulnerable, and deeply human. I saw the potential to say something meaningful while keeping audiences on the edge of their seats.”

The film, written by Caitlin Parrish & Erica Weiss and Logan & Noah Miller, balances explosive action set pieces with moments of levity and emotional depth—a duality that Riggen handles with dexterity. Her collaboration with Davis, who also produced the film through her company JuVee Productions alongside husband Julius Tennon, was a creative match made in heaven.

“Patricia is really good at what she does,” Davis remarked. “She’s had a very specific journey as a director that allows her to bring a world perspective. That is absolute gold for an artist.”

Riggen brought her trademark authenticity to G20, grounding even the most high-octane moments in real-world research. She worked closely with military and technical advisors to ensure the depiction of the summit, the tactical operations, and the deep-fake digital threats were all rooted in plausible reality. Her goal was not only to entertain but also to inform and inspire.

In 2024 I interviewed her on the occasion of her receiving the Trailblazer in Directing award from the Mexican American Film & Television Festival & Awards.

Patricia Riggen’s G20 is now streaming globally on Prime Video. With this film, she doesn’t just direct an action movie—she directs a statement. And with her at the helm, it’s loud, clear, and thrilling from start to finish.

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And The Oscar Goes To…

All the signs are there pointing to a big night for Emilia Pérez, beginning with the Venice Film Festival where the three lead actresses, Karla Sofía Gascòn (El Senior de los cielos), Zoe Saldaña (Avatar, Lioness) and Selena Gomez (Only Murders in the Building), all share the Best Actress Award, afirst for that prestigious film festival.

At the Golden Globes, Saldaña’s show stopping singing and dancing performance of El Mal, won for Best Song, The genre busting, musical, drama, crime story, gender bending saga of physical, spiritual change and search for redemption, also won Best Film from France, as well as Best Motion Picture.

Legendary blockbuster filmmaker / director, James Cameron (Titanic, Avatar) said; “Emilia Pérez is just not like any other film that’s ever been made. It’s bold, daring, a vision.” And that daring and vision has resulted in 13 Oscar nominations including for: Best Adapted Screenplay, Original Score, International Feature, Supporting Actress, Actress, Director and Picture.

Zoe Saldaña is a shoo-in to win Best Supporting Actress. She’s already taken honors at the Golden Globes, Critic’s Choice and BAFTA award shows. All that’s missing is a Nobel Peace Prize and Baseball’s MVP Award. Look for Zoe to bring down the house when she performs El Mal.  Zoe has shown herself to be a topflight action/adventure star in Avatar, Guardians of the Universe and my favorite TV series; Lioness. But as the morally conflicted lawyer, Rita Mora Castro, Zoe Saldaña brings her acting, singing and dancing talents in full, brilliant display that will surely garner her Best Supporting Actress honors.

Karla Sofía Gascón is the first trans person ever nominated for an Academy Award. As the arch criminal, drug cartel kingpin, Manitas, who is surgically transformed into Emalia Pérez, Gascón’s portrayal is eerie, chilling, disturbing, but ultimately sympathetic and one colored with humanity. Manitas is an evil dude who through his metamorphosis into Emilia, tries valiantly to cleanse his soul and find ultimate redemption as a human being…as a woman.

Right now, Gascón is the betting favorite to win best Actress, but she faces stiff sentimental competition from Demi Moore in The Substance. However, Gascón’s nomination has been plagued over a controversy revolving around some seemingly racist remarks she made on social media. Hollywood immediately responded by essentially blackballing her. She was excluded from Netflix’s marketing campaign for the film. Even some of her co—stars and director of the movie expressed extreme disappointment in her perceived racist remarks and distanced themselves from her.

Initially, Netflix refused to pay for Gascón to attend the Oscars but have since reversed themselves and are paying for her to attend the ceremonies. Could it be Netflix senses (as this writer does) Emilia Pérez is going to win a boatload of Oscars and it will be a huge feather in Netflix’s streaming platform cap?

This controversy also raises the question: Do we punish artists for offensive behavior or remarks outside of their art? I think not. Mel Gibson said awful things about Jewish people. He was not blackballed and went on to make Hacksaw Ridge and Apocalypto  to critical praise. Gibson subsequently apologized for the remarks and so has Karla Sofía Gascón for her unfortunate social media posts.

Hopefully, the dark cloud of controversy over the nomination of Karla Sofía Gascón will dissipate, and the Academy will judge her solely for her groundbreaking performance in Emilia Pérez. 

That performance by this talented trans person has cultural and social significance because in this current political climate where homophobia, and hatred of the LGBTQ+ community has been validated in Executive Orders signed in bold Magic Marker scrawls, a Best Actress Oscar for Gascón would send a much-needed ray of hope and light in these uncertain times.

Selena Gomez did not receive an Oscar nomination for her role as Jessi del Monte, the troubled wife of Manitas. She did receive acting nods from BAFTA and the Golden Globes and this often award snubbed actress who has grown from a tiny tyke on Barney, the Purple Dinosaur, to a teen star on the Disney Channel’s The Wizards of Waverly Place, to an international pop singing sensation to currently being the pillar in the acting trio of Steve Martin and Martin Short on Only Murders in the Building, has proven in her tough, dark performance in Emilia Pérez,she is more than ready to take on serious, demanding  dramatic roles and will be a force to be reckoned with in the future.

The Oscars are right around the corner, and it looks like a battle between Wicked and Emilia Pérez to take top honors. Will this be the year Latino Hollywood can at long last finally celebrate by grabbing the brass ring? Well, I echo Manitas’ cooly confident affirmation: “Bingo!”
The Academy Awards, hosted by Conan O’Brien, air on Sunday, March 3, on ABC and stream on Hulu.

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Submission Deadline: Until January 15

The Mexican-American Cultural Foundation, a U.S. based non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the Latino image in film and and television, will hold the 4th Edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival  & Awards (MAFTF)  Saturday, April 19th and Sunday 20th, 2025, returning to its homebase at the Harmony Gold Theater in the heart of Hollywood. 

Filmmakers wishing to showcase their work at MAFTF are invited to submit now through our website  (www.MAFTF.org) where they can also find submission requirements. The final deadline for  submission is January 15^th , 2025. 

This year MAFTF continues its mission of amplifying the voices of Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers with its theme Bridging Generations By Our Shared Roots: Somos De  Aquí Y Somos De Allá, which furthers their mission. The aim is to bridge the diverse experiences of Mexican born filmmakers and the Mexican-American/Chicano-born filmmakers, in an effort to showcase the nuanced difference and similarities which will foster communication, cultural awareness, and  shared identity through their projects.

The reality is, being Mexican-American fosters an opportunity to benefit from two rich cultures, shared experiences, and access to more perspectives that differ from one single  culture mindset. We are united, fierce, and resilient. 

MAFTF is a two day event with screenings of short films, features, and television content, culminating with the yearly Illustrious Award ceremony on April 20, 2025.  

“As we proudly announce the 2025 edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival, I am reminded of the incredible success of our past three editions,” said MAFTF Director Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz. “However, I am  also aware that despite our shared heritage, filmmakers from Mexico and  Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers have not always collaborated as closely as we could. This year’s festival theme is a call to action – a reminder that by working together,  we can amplify our voices, share our stories, and celebrate our rich cultural diversity.

Dr. Ruiz, adds, “I am  excited to see the amazing work that will emerge from this collaboration and I invite all  filmmakers to join us on this journey.” 

MAFTF enlists a panel of judges consisting of Hollywood industry professionals who will be judging the submissions in the following categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Short Film, Best TV Series, Best Male Actor, Best  Female Actress, Best Screenplay For Film, and Best Screenplay For TV.  

Our Illustrious awards honor Industry leaders and honor those in the industry pushing to change the narrative and how they go  above and beyond. Our past honorees have included producer Yvett Merino (Encanto), directors Patricia Riggen (G20, Miracles from Heaven), Writer/Director Luis Valdez (La Bamba/Zoot Suit), Frank Rodriguez, Head of Distribution at Amazon (MGM), and Producer Moctesuma Esparza (Selena).

Tickets will be available for purchase in early 2025.  Check our website at www.MAFTF.org

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The nine minutes standing ovation of French director Jacques Audiard’s latest film Emilia Perez at the Cannes Film Festival is a tribute to the Audiard’s vision and the three leads Karla Sofia Gascòn, Zoe Saldaña, and Selena Gomez who not only act in Spanish, but also dance and sing – it is a musical after all.

Emilia Perez is a film about cartel drug kingpin Juan “Manitas” del Monte’s  gender transformation into an elegant Spanish lady. It deals with heady topics like drugs, violence and psychology issues and at the end of the day, what money can, or cannot buy.  Saldaña plays Rita Moro Castro, a lawyer who is tasked with handling the legal matters of Manitas’ big shift from cartel kingpin to the women he has always been.  Selena Gomez plays Manitas’ wife Jessi, who after all is said and done, rekindles a relationship with a shady character, Gustavo (Édgar Ramirez) which just might unravel Emilia’s carefully laid family arrangements.

Gascòn, like her character in the film, is Spanish and also a trans woman in real life. This is the first film she has starred in as an actress after announcing her transition in 2018. Before that, she had a long career as a male actor.

Jacques Audiard was inspired for the idea of the musical from a chapter in a novel he read during the pandemic about a drug trafficker who yearns to change his identity.

Saldaña in the role of the lawyer gets to go back to one of her first artistic art forms of expression, dance. She has several dance numbers she performs in Emilia Perez as well as singing a couple of songs.  As for acting in Spanish, she is she is fluent. Although born in Passaic, New Jersey, when she was 10 years old her family moved back to the Dominican Republic for seven years.

Gomez, on the other hand told Vanity Fair in a recent interview, that the “Scariest thing was speaking in Spanish, for sure,” but what she ended up realizing, while singing in Spanish in the film, is that she sings better in Spanish than speaking it.

Audiard (winner of the Palme d’Or with Dheepan in 2015) started writing the film during the pandemic, after being inspired from a chapter in a novel about a drug trafficker who yearns to change his identity. The film has emerged as one of Cannes 2024’s biggest hits among critics and audiences alike.

Emilia Perez takes place in Mexico but was filmed mostly in France with a few location shoots in Mexico.  The film is set to release August 28, 2024

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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.

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The Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF), a 501c3 organization, proudly announces the upcoming 3rd edition of the Mexican-American Film & Television Festival (MAFTF) slated for April 20 – 21, 2024, at the prestigious Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood. Marking 2024 as the “Year of the Mexican-American/Chicana Filmmaker,” MAFTF will honor accomplished individuals whose groundbreaking contributions have significantly impacted the entertainment industry.

In a dedicated effort to celebrate diversity and inclusivity within the cinematic landscape, MAFTF will pay tribute to four remarkable women during this year’s festival:

• Ivett Merino: Renowned producer, and Oscar Winner for the Academy Award winning film Encanto. Will received the Prestigious MACEf’s President Award.
• Eva Longoria: Her feature film directorial debut of Flamin’ Hot became the highest streaming movie from Searchlight ever and she made the Hollywood Reporter’s Forces for Change Power List for 2023.
• Patricia Riggen: Esteemed director, will be honored with the Trailblazer in Directing Award, known for her work on “Miracles From Heaven.”
• Josefina Lopez: Celebrated playwright and screenwriter, will be honored with the Excellence in Writing Award.
• Bel Hernandez Castillo: Noteworthy journalist and publisher, recognized for documenting the Latino Hollywood success in her publication, Latin Heat.

While embracing the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry, MAFTF seeks to acknowledge the vital role that Chicanas have played in shaping cinematic narratives. Despite Mexican-Americans constituting nearly 70% of all Latinos in the U.S., their contributions have often gone untold and unrecognized.

The festival’s mission is to provide a platform for Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers to showcase, promote, and celebrate their creative talents. By fostering an environment of networking and support, MAFTF aims to bridge the gap between filmmakers and Hollywood executives, fostering opportunities beyond stereotypes.

The demand for the festival is evident, with over 150 submissions, including feature films, shorts, documentaries, and TV projects, reflecting a diverse range of themes. These stories address identity, high school angst, love, animation, relationships, immigration, marriage, and more, contributing to a vibrant showcase either in-person or virtually over the two-day event.

Statistics from the 2022 Latino Donor Collaborative Media Report emphasize the underrepresentation of Latinos on screen, despite their significant contribution as avid TV consumers and high movie ticket purchases. MAFTF provides a platform for Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers to share stories that resonate with their communities.

With only 6% of speaking characters on screen being Latino, as reported by USC’s 2023 Annenberg Inclusion Initiative study, MAFTF stands as a crucial initiative in amplifying diverse voices in the film industry.

MACEF President and Founder, Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz, emphasizes the importance of representation, stating, “Our goal is to turn this trend around. This will not change unless we create the change.”

The festival will honor its distinguished recipients, Patricia Riggen, Josefina Lopez, with retrospective screenings of their impactful projects, Under The Same Moon and Real Women Have Curves respectively. As in previous years  MAFTF prestigious panels of judges lead by Festival Awards Director Jerry Velasco and award-winning film and television director, Jesus Trevino will choose among the 150 submission the best in 10 competition categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Short Film, Best TV Series, Best Male Actor, Best Female Actress, Best Screenplay for Film, Best Musical, and Best Screenplay for TV.

The two day festival will culminate with the star studded, red-carpet and Oscar styled  “Illustrious Award”, where winners and honorees will receive their awards in front of 350 colleagues and movie lovers, taking place on April 21st at 6 PM, capping the festivities.

Film submissions are still being accepted, with a deadline of January 31, 2024. For more information about the 2024 MAFTF, and to purchase tickets, visit www.MexAmCEF.org.

Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation’s mission is to change the negative narrative of Americans of Mexican descent by highlighting their stories and their positive contribution to the U.S. For more information about the 2023 MACEF Film Festival, www.MexAmCEF.org.

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