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 .

From independent producer to Senior Vice-President and Head of Latinx Content at Confluential Films, Joel M. Gonzales is making the jump to “executive”, stepping into a new phase of producing content that makes room for stories of underrepresented filmmakers in Hollywood.

As the newest member of the team, Gonzales will work closely with Confluential Films’ founder Tommy Oliver, Executive Vice President Mel Jones, and Head of Development Jonny Paterson to find authentic, inclusive stories that share the human experience. 

“Latinx content is a major priority for our company and having someone as talented as Joel at the helm will only supercharge our efforts to deliver authentic, entertaining, and moving content,” said Oliver on Gonzales joining the team.

Growing up in Watts, now known as South Central Los Angeles, Gonzalez remembers he originally wanted to be an actor. However, his priorities changed when he became a father and married shortly after graduating high school. When he was finally able to refocus on producing, he attended the Los Angeles City College Film Program while juggling two jobs to provide for his family. That’s when Gonzales realized that what he wanted to be was a producer. 

For 12 years he has worked as an independent producer through his own production company Action Faith Media. His first film Followed Home, a horror film which he produced for $2,000 is still available as a digital download. “I knew it had a marketable appeal.  I still collect a residual check every quarter for the film,” Gonzales recalls.

Joel is also a respected advocate for Latino diversity in the entertainment industry. For the last ten years has served as President of Nosotros, the oldest Latinx arts advocacy non-profit founded by the iconic Ricardo Montalbán in 1970.

As Gonzales embarks on his new position at Confluential Films, Latin Heat wanted to know how his life has shifted, what fuels him, and how his new role might benefit Latino independent filmmakers move their projects forward.

Once you realized producing was your calling, how did you break into the industry?

My first job in pursuing my career as a producer was at Summit Entertainment as an executive assistant to the business and legal affairs executive, Trellis Hann, who took me under her wing and showed me the ins and outs of international sales and distribution.  During my time there, I participated in the sale and distribution of movies such as The Blair Witch Project, American Pie, and Momento. From there, I moved to E! Entertainment in their rights and clearances department, working on the earlier version of E! News. From E! News, I grew into a position with their international distribution department. Again taking full advantage of the access, learning the ins and outs of international distribution for television. Soon after, I began producing short films with fellow filmmakers. One of my most successful short films was The Becoming, a sci-fi thriller.

From that experience, I moved to Paley Center For Media in Beverly Hills as an associate programming director. While there, I participated in the famous Paley TV Fest and learned the ins and outs of nonprofits and fundraising. I was approached in 2009 to join the board of Nosotros in hopes that I could bring some of my experience to develop programs for Nosotros. Shortly after joining, I was asked to step in as president to help with the organization’s redeveloping. 

Before I knew it, more people brought their unique skills in to help. That wonderful group included Fanny Veliz, Reko Moreno, Natalia Ochoa, J.M. Longoria, Mariana Anaya, Natasha Galano, truly dedicated young people wanting to belong to something that meant something. I spent most of my time rebuilding Nosotros and building my career as a producer, [producing] over 16 independent films and working for Sony Latin on some of their highest ranking and award-nominated music videos. 

I mention all of the above to answer the simple question. My Education? Still, to date, I don’t have any formal college education. I took every job and every opportunity, and I leveraged it forward. 

How did you connect with Confluential Films?

I was asked to produce a project that Confluential was partnering on with Mucho Mas Media. My good friend Javier Chapa recommended me. 

During my short time there during pre-production, I got to know Tommy Oliver and Mel Jones very well. I made it a point to keep in touch with Tommy, as I was very impressed with what he was able to accomplish and the goals and mandate he set for Confluential Films. 

During Sundance 2020, representing Nosotros, I reconnected with Tommy and his team at the Latinx House. I put the bug in Tommy’s ear about him having a Latinx division at Confluential Film, and that I would be happy to suggest writers, directors, and other filmmakers to him.  

From time to time, Confluential Films would hire me to create a budget or work with them independently to some degree. In November, I was asked by Tommy to be the line producer on his next documentary for HBO. Again I took the opportunity to remind him of my suggestion. But unbeknownst to me, Tommy had other plans, he took me by surprise and asked if I would be willing to join Confluential Films as the head of that division. I gratefully accepted his offer, and here we are. 

 What is the mandate of your position as the SVP and Head of Latinx Content at Confluential Films?

One of the main things I humbly asked Tommy for in my position, was that I could have the ability to give opportunities to strong Latinx voices, which he agreed was important. My mandate is simple and is the one that Tommy has instilled in everyone at Confluential Films — to deliver authentic, entertaining, and moving content. 

How does a filmmaker submit their work for consideration?  

At Confluential Films, we all work together in the development process led by Tommy. I am personally taking submissions, from features, docs, to scripted and unscripted content from Latinx Filmmakers (or otherwise).  I can be emailed directly, but all that I ask is that you come with your A-game and be prepared for honest feedback, and it has to have something to say in a unique and engaging way. 

Is there a specific genre of films are you looking to produce?

We are open to every genre, film, television, scripted, unscripted, and documentaries. The main ingredient that the project must have something profound to say.  

Do you believe Latino talent and creatives are finally being hired in parity with the African American entertainment community? 

I can only speak from my own experience.  I have often found that we, as Latinos, often put ourselves in a box. I do believe there is still a lot of work to be done. I see that a lot of the networks (sometimes reluctantly) create diversity programs but often still put the Latino experience as an afterthought. We do have to speak up and forcefully make sure our voices are heard. But the only way that we’re going to do that is by doing the work. Quality work that we can stand on. 

Any final thoughts, advice you would like to share for Latinos in Hollywood?

If anything, I would reiterate that we will stop being stereotyped when we stop stereotyping ourselves.  The Latino experience is not one layer. It’s a multitude of layers from the Mexican experience to the Puerto Rican experience to the Central American experience. 

I’m just someone who stayed focused on his dream. Knowing that every bump in the road, every letdown, every disappointment, and yes, every occasional success has led me to where I am now. My journey is far from over. First and foremost, I put my faith in God, and I strive to be a blessing to all those I encounter. Be willing to share. Be willing to be humbled. Be willing to serve. Be willing to work hard for your dreams no matter what.

For more information on Joel M.Gonzales:

Twitter: @Joel_M_Gonzales

Instagram: @joel_m_gonzales   

Facebook: @JoelMGonzales   

Featured Photo: Joel Gonzales

The post A Life Well Traveled Leads to the Executive Suite first appeared on .

When: February 24, 2020
Where: Ricardo Montalban Rooftop
1615 Vine St. , Los Angeles, CA 90028
Time:  7-10 PM

In this panel, Nosotros hosts an in-depth conversation with prominent Black Producers to ask and learn how we as LatinX storytellers can do the same once and for all. Hear from esteemed producers Mel Jones (Dear White People), James Lopez (The Photograph starring Issa Rae), and Tommy Oliver (Founder of Confluential Films) on ways they have been able to surpass these challenges. 

Click R.S.V.P to the event “IMPACT TOGETHER: Insight from Black storytellers on how to take control of the Latinx narrative.”

The post Nosotros Rooftop Panel: Impact Together first appeared on .

Claim your balcony and mezzanine Comp Tickets by CLICKING HERE

Nosotros, the non-profit organization the produces the Golden Eagle Awards has a few tickets available to the star-studded evening that is the 49th Golden Eagle Awards, which happens tomorrow Thursday 9/19. Show starts at 8 pm.

Join host Ferrrnando with 3 Rs for the 49th Annual NOSOTROS Golden Eagle Awards tomorrow, Thursday, September 19, 2019, at 7:30 pm in Hollywood. Honorees include Edward James Olmos and Ozzie Areu, founder of Areu Studios – the first Latino Owned and Operated Film Studio located in Atlanta, NBCUniversal Talent Infusion Programs, Actresses Adriana Barraza Melissa Barrera and Ivonne Coll. Latina Leader Honorees: Maestra Blanca Araceli Soto, Jandiz Cardoso, and the late Margarita Martinez. Musical Performances by Multi-Grammy Award Artist include KC Porter, Ozomatli and TeCheetah Lopez Artist Page

We’ll end the night with a rooftop party for VIP Ticket holders featuring drinks, food and TeCheetah with her 10 team salsa band! Visit https://www.themontalban.com/golden-eaglefor more information.

The post Latin Heat Reader Ticket Giveaway To The 45th Golden Eagle Awards first appeared on .