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	<title>Patricia Riggen -</title>
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	<title>Patricia Riggen -</title>
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		<title>EXCLUSIVE: LIFE Film Festival to Honor Oscar-Winning Producer Yvette Merino and Acclaimed Director Patricia Riggen</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/exclusive-life-film-festival-to-honor-oscar-winning-producer-yvette-merino-and-acclaimed-director-patricia-riggen/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=exclusive-life-film-festival-to-honor-oscar-winning-producer-yvette-merino-and-acclaimed-director-patricia-riggen</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Latin Heat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 05 Mar 2026 04:13:41 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Cultura y Arte]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Events]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Film Festivals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LatinoWood]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Uncategorized]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cristina Nava]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Iris Almaraz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[josefina lopez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Latina Independent Film Extravaganza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[LIFE]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Lupe Pntiveros Award]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patricia Riggen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[yvette Marino]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=85531</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>The Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (LIFE) Film Festival has unveiled its 2026 honorees, announcing that Oscar-winning producer Yvette</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/exclusive-life-film-festival-to-honor-oscar-winning-producer-yvette-merino-and-acclaimed-director-patricia-riggen/">EXCLUSIVE: LIFE Film Festival to Honor Oscar-Winning Producer Yvette Merino and Acclaimed Director Patricia Riggen</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The <strong>Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (LIFE) Film Festival</strong> has unveiled its 2026 honorees, announcing that Oscar-winning producer <strong>Yvette Merino</strong> and acclaimed film and television director <strong>Patricia Riggen</strong> will be recognized at this year’s event, set for March 5–8, 2026 in Boyle Heights and Pico Rivera.</p>



<p>Now in its 13th year, the annual celebration of Latina-directed cinema will present Merino with the Lupe Ontiveros Award on Opening Night, while Riggen will receive the Maverick Award. Both honors spotlight Latina leaders whose work has reshaped representation, storytelling, and opportunity across the entertainment industry.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Yvette Merino to Receive Lupe Ontiveros Award</h3>



<p>Merino, producer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, will be honored for a career defined by artistic excellence and trailblazing achievement. The Lupe Ontiveros Award—named after the late actress who paved the way for generations of Latina performers—recognizes women whose careers demonstrate courage and a sustained commitment to expanding representation in film.</p>



<p>Merino made history as the first Latina to receive the Academy Award for Animated Feature for producing Disney’s <em>Encanto</em>. Over her 25-plus years at Disney Animation, she has served in key production roles on blockbuster titles including <em>Tangled</em>, <em>Wreck-It Ralph</em>, the Oscar-winning <em>Big Hero 6</em>, and Oscar-nominated <em>Moana</em>.</p>



<p>Following <em>Encanto</em>, Merino earned an Emmy Award for producing the short film <em>Once Upon a Studio</em> and served as producer on <em>Moana 2</em>. She is currently producing <em>Zootopia 2</em>. Beyond the screen, Merino was also instrumental in launching Voces@Disney, the studio’s first Latino employee resource group, serving as co-president for two years.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Patricia Riggen to Receive Maverick Award</h3>



<p>Riggen will be presented with the Maverick Award, honoring a filmmaker whose body of work has challenged dominant narratives while bringing underrepresented stories to global audiences with authenticity and emotional depth.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img fetchpriority="high" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIFE-women-of-LIFE-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-85533" style="width:513px;height:auto" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIFE-women-of-LIFE-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIFE-women-of-LIFE-300x300.png 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIFE-women-of-LIFE-150x150.png 150w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIFE-women-of-LIFE-768x768.png 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIFE-women-of-LIFE-1536x1536.png 1536w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/LIFE-women-of-LIFE.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>Widely regarded as one of America’s leading female directors, Riggen’s feature credits span genres and scale. Her recent action thriller <em>G20</em> stars Viola Davis, while earlier work includes Sundance breakout feature <em>Under The Same Moon</em>/<em>La Misma Luna </em>and Sony Pictures’ box-office hit<em> Miracles from Heaven </em>starring <strong>Jennifer Garner</strong>.</p>



<p>Her television directing credits include multiple episodes of the Emmy-winning limited series D<em>opesick</em> starring <strong>Michael Keaton</strong>, as well as season one of <strong>Tom Clancy&#8217;</strong>s <em>Jack Ryan</em>.</p>



<p>A graduate of Columbia University School of the Arts, Riggen’s early short film work earned a Student Academy Award, Student Emmy, and Mexican Academy Award. She later directed Lemonade Mouth, which received a Directors Guild of America nomination, and the Chilean mining drama The 33 starring Antonio Banderas and Juliette Binoche—a production that required 30 days of filming underground in active mines.</p>



<p>Originally from Mexico, Riggen remains one of the few women of color to have directed top-grossing studio features in the past decade and continues to mentor emerging Latino filmmakers.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Festival Leadership and Mission</h3>



<p>LIFE is led by Festival Directors <strong>Iris Almaraz</strong> and <strong>Cristina Nava</strong>, whose shared focus on community engagement, equity, and independent film continues to define the festival’s growth. Nava, a veteran independent producer and cultural organizer, brings decades of experience championing socially conscious storytelling and grassroots arts advocacy. Together, Almaraz and Nava position LIFE as both a platform for exhibition and a space for mentorship, networking, and long-term career development.</p>



<p>Founded thirteen years ago by screenwriter and playwright <strong>Josefina López</strong> (known for writing the groundbreaking film and Broadway play<em> Real Women Have Curves</em>), the festival was built on the belief that representation matters and that diverse voices strengthen the cinematic landscape.</p>



<p>In addition to screenings, the 2026 edition will feature panels, workshops, and networking sessions connecting emerging Latina directors with industry leaders and resources. LIFE is a fiscally sponsored project of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP).</p>



<p>Tickets and full programming details are available at <a href="http://www.LIFEFilmFestLA.com">www.LIFEFilmFestLA.com</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/exclusive-life-film-festival-to-honor-oscar-winning-producer-yvette-merino-and-acclaimed-director-patricia-riggen/">EXCLUSIVE: LIFE Film Festival to Honor Oscar-Winning Producer Yvette Merino and Acclaimed Director Patricia Riggen</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>American Film Market: Quite The Comeback — Attendance, Opportunity &#038; The Rise Of AI</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/american-film-market-quite-the-comeback-attendance-opportunity-the-rise-of-ai/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=american-film-market-quite-the-comeback-attendance-opportunity-the-rise-of-ai</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Latin Heat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Tue, 02 Dec 2025 20:32:53 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Industry Resources]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[American Film Market]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Anthony Nardolillo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[films]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Mucho Mas Media]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Rafael Agustin]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Robert Munoz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[tv]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yolanda Macias]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=85278</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Latino Creators Are No Longer An Underserved Sidebar By Judi Jordan The American Film Market® staged a bold</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/american-film-market-quite-the-comeback-attendance-opportunity-the-rise-of-ai/">American Film Market: Quite The Comeback — Attendance, Opportunity & The Rise Of AI</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Latino Creators Are No Longer An Underserved Sidebar</strong></p>



<p class="has-text-align-right">By Judi Jordan</p>



<p>The American Film Market® staged a bold and forward-looking comeback this year, roaring back into Los Angeles with <strong>6,132 attendees representing 83 countries</strong> and filling every corner of the Fairmont Century Plaza with energy, opportunity, and the unmistakable sense that global independent cinema is entering a new era. With <strong>285 companies from 35 nations</strong>, the sold-out exhibition floor reaffirmed AFM’s reputation as the must-attend global marketplace — and Latin America, Spain, and U.S. Latino creators were unmistakably in the mix.</p>



<p>One of the biggest additions to AFM 2025 was the new <strong>Innovation Hub</strong>, produced in collaboration with Marché du Film / Cannes Next. The Hub brought together nine cutting-edge companies, anchoring AFM’s first-ever <strong>AI-driven programming series</strong>. These sessions tackled everything from ethical AI deployment to creative automation and distribution disruption — with panelists urging independent filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented communities, to stay ahead of the technology that’s reshaping global storytelling. For Latino creatives, this wasn’t a warning — it was a roadmap.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full is-resized"><img decoding="async" width="800" height="534" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/filmmakers-lounge.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85280" style="width:663px;height:auto" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/filmmakers-lounge.jpg 800w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/filmmakers-lounge-300x200.jpg 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/filmmakers-lounge-768x513.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/filmmakers-lounge-585x390.jpg 585w" sizes="(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sub><sup>AFM FIlmmaker Lounge</sup></sub></figcaption></figure>



<p>Another high-impact moment came with the spotlight on <strong>Navarra, Spain</strong>, presented by <strong>Arturo Cisneros</strong> and <strong>Beatriz Acinas</strong>. In one of the Market’s liveliest and most strategically important sessions, the duo introduced Navarra as Europe’s next breakout production hub, bolstered by <em>muy generoso</em> incentives, collaborative government support, and a streamlined co-production structure ideal for cross-border Spanish-language storytelling. With Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and the U.S. Latino sector increasingly expanding into prestige TV, genre, and epic drama, Navarra’s pitch resonated as more than financial — it felt like a cultural bridge. The addition of the new <strong>Creators’ Lounge</strong> provided the perfect atmosphere for these conversations to turn into collaborations on the spot.</p>



<p>Latino presence wasn’t limited to the exhibitor floor — it made powerful waves onstage as well. Latino leadership also dominated the conversation onstage. The <strong>“Crafting the Narrative…”</strong> panel featured words of wisdom-getting greenlit from <strong>Lourdes Diaz (AGC Studios, former President of Entertainment at Univision)</strong>. The session <strong>“Latinos Navigating Hollywood”</strong> assembled a powerhouse panel including Director <strong>Jay Torres, </strong>TV Writer/Author<strong> Rafael Agustín, </strong>Director<strong> Patricia Riggen </strong><em>(Miracles From Heaven)</em><strong>, Producer Yolanda Macias <em>(Terrifier 3)</em>, Robert Muñoz</strong>, Their discussion was frank, incisive, and deeply reflective of the moment: despite Latinos’ massive audience share and growing critical acclaim, greenlighting power and financing still lag far behind. But every panelist emphasized momentum — not deficit.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" width="1024" height="617" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Panel-Close-up-1024x617.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-85282" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Panel-Close-up-1024x617.jpg 1024w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Panel-Close-up-300x181.jpg 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Panel-Close-up-768x463.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Panel-Close-up-1536x925.jpg 1536w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Panel-Close-up-2048x1234.jpg 2048w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Panel-Close-up-585x352.jpg 585w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sub><sup><strong>Rafael Agustin</strong>, Writer <em>(Jane the Virgin); </em><strong>Yolanda Macias</strong>, Chief Motion Pictures Officer, <em>Cineverse; </em><strong>Patricia Riggen</strong>, Director <em>(G20, Dopesick); </em><strong>Robert Munoz</strong>, President, <em>Mucho Mas Media, </em><strong>Anthony Nardolillo</strong>, Director <em>(7th &amp; Union, Chicago Med)</em></sup></sub></figcaption></figure>



<p>They spoke of rising transnational collaborations, an explosion of Latino genre and prestige storytelling, and the increasing refusal of Latino creators to wait for permission. The message was clear: the talent is here, the global Spanish-language audience is here, and Hollywood’s inaction is now costing it financially and creatively.</p>



<p>Buyers from Mexico, Brazil, Spain, Colombia, Chile, and the U.S. Latino sector fueled the marketplace, underscoring how Spanish-speaking regions are shaping global content demand across streaming, theatrical, and hybrid distribution. By the close of the Market, one truth resonated louder than any keynote: <strong>Latino creators are no longer an underserved sidebar — they are central to the future of the global indie landscape.</strong> AFM’s return to Los Angeles simply made it impossible to ignore.</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/american-film-market-quite-the-comeback-attendance-opportunity-the-rise-of-ai/">American Film Market: Quite The Comeback — Attendance, Opportunity & The Rise Of AI</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Welcome Home: The American Film Market Rebounds to Industry Relief</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/welcome-home-the-american-film-market-rebounds-to-industry-relief/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=welcome-home-the-american-film-market-rebounds-to-industry-relief</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Latin Heat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 02 Nov 2025 20:35:44 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Film News]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Spotlight]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=85167</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>By Judi Jordan Ah, the American Film Market &#8212; AFM is back in California—and the industry breathes a</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/welcome-home-the-american-film-market-rebounds-to-industry-relief/">Welcome Home: The American Film Market Rebounds to Industry Relief</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Judi Jordan</p>



<p>Ah, the American Film Market &#8212; AFM is back in California—and the industry breathes a collective sigh of relief. From November 11–16, 2025, the iconic Fairmont Century Plaza takes center stage as the new home of the American Film Market, marking a fresh chapter after two years of post-pandemic wandering in search of the perfect “sweet spot.” The move follows the extensive renovations and rebranding of the longtime Santa Monica Loews Hotel into the Regent Hotel, which left the market without its beloved base.</p>



<p>For 32 [!] years—1991 through 2023, with a brief COVID hiatus in 2020–2021—the Loews was AFM’s heart and soul. Its ocean breezes, walkable Promenade, and industry nostalgia made it more than a venue; it was a ritual. But in recent years, AFM found itself on the move, forced into back-to-back relocations: first to the cramped, dimly lit Meridien Delfina in Santa Monica, then to the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. The return to Los Angeles, then, feels like a long-overdue homecoming. Let’s be honest—many international buyers and sellers had come to count on that “winter break” by the California coast as much as the deals themselves.</p>



<p>The Fairmont may lack beachfront suites, but what it offers in sophistication and scale more than compensates. With expansive indoor and outdoor meeting spaces designed to host over 260 exhibitors from 70 countries, the venue brings a sense of polish and professionalism back to the proceedings. Its enviable location—steps from the Westfield Century City mall and a short hop from Beverly Hills—will no doubt fuel the kind of serendipitous encounters and offsite meetings that helped make AFM legendary.</p>



<p>To ensure attendees stay focused amid the lure of LA, AFM 2025 promises a thoughtfully curated lineup. This year marks a dynamic collaboration between the American Film Market® (AFM®) and Marché du Film, spotlighting the Innovation Hub and new AI-driven programming designed to spark dialogue and discovery. Add to that a slate of AFM’s signature, information-rich conferences, and the message is clear: the market is not just back—it’s reinventing itself for the next era of global film commerce.</p>



<p><strong>Here are just a few examples, for full attendance details: &nbsp; https://americanfilmmarket.com/&nbsp;</strong></p>



<p><strong>Finance I &#8211; From Packaging to Payback: Investment, Incentives &amp; International Markets</strong></p>



<p><em>Wednesday, Nov 12 | 9:30AM – 10:30AM&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><strong>Fright Club: The Power Players Behind Modern Horror</strong></p>



<p><em>Thursday, Nov 13 | 4:30PM – 5:30PM&nbsp;</em><br>Speakers include&nbsp;<strong>Jake Carter</strong>, Agent, UTA,&nbsp;<strong>Jacob Jaffke</strong>, SVP, Oddball Entertainment&nbsp;(<em>MaXXXine</em>,&nbsp;<em>Pearl</em>);&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>J.D. Lifshitz</strong>, Founder, BoulderLight Pictures (<em>Weapons</em>,&nbsp;<em>Barbarian</em>);&nbsp;<strong>Raphael Margules</strong>, Founder, BoulderLight Pictures (<em>Weapons</em>,&nbsp;<em>Barbarian</em>).<em>&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><strong>AI in Action: The Platforms Transforming Filmmaking – From Creation to Distribution</strong></p>



<p><em>Friday, Nov 14 | 9:30 AM&nbsp;–&nbsp;10:30 AM</em></p>



<p><strong>Latinos Navigating Hollywood: Challenges and Opportunities</strong></p>



<p><em>Friday Nov 14 | 3:30PM – 4:30PM&nbsp;</em></p>



<p>Speakers include&nbsp;<strong>Rafael Agustin</strong>, Writer (<em>Jane the Virgin</em>);&nbsp;<strong>Yolanda Macias</strong>, Chief Motion Pictures Officer, Cineverse</p>



<p><strong>Robert Munoz</strong>, President,&nbsp;<em>Mucho Mas Media;&nbsp;</em><strong>Anthony Nardolillo</strong>, Director (<em>7</em><em><sup>th</sup></em><em>&nbsp;&amp; Union, Chicago Med</em>);&nbsp;<strong>Patricia Riggen</strong>, Director&nbsp;(<em>G20, Dopesick</em>)</p>



<p><strong>For more info:  https://americanfilmmarket.com/ </strong></p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/welcome-home-the-american-film-market-rebounds-to-industry-relief/">Welcome Home: The American Film Market Rebounds to Industry Relief</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Patricia Riggen:  From Guadalajara to Global Action Film Director on  &#8216;G20&#8217;</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Latin Heat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Mon, 14 Apr 2025 12:01:28 +0000</pubDate>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>By Bel Hernandez Castillo I knew I was a fan of Patricia Riggen’s work the moment I saw</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/patricia-riggen-from-guadalajara-to-global-action-film-director-on-g20/">Patricia Riggen:  From Guadalajara to Global Action Film Director on  ‘G20’</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>By Bel Hernandez Castillo</p>



<p>I knew I was a fan of <strong>Patricia Riggen</strong>’s work the moment I saw her directorial debut on the feature film, <em>Under the Same Moon</em>/<em>La Misma Luna</em> (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 <strong>Eugenio Derbez</strong> (<em>Miracles from Heaven</em>, <em>Instructions Not Included</em>), <strong>Kate del Castillo</strong> (<em>La Reina del Sur</em>, <em>Weeds</em>), and, of course, Riggen herself. Since then, she’s steadily built a powerful résumé— <em>Miracles from Heaven</em>, <em>The 33</em>, <em>Girl in Progress</em>, proving time and again that she has the vision and talent to thrive in Hollywood. Now, with <em>G20</em>, her first action thriller starring<strong> Viola Davis</strong>, Riggen steps confidently into blockbuster territory, showing the world that high-octane storytelling belongs squarely on her directing card.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="819" height="1024" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/G20-Poster-819x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-84592" style="width:505px;height:auto" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/G20-Poster-819x1024.png 819w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/G20-Poster-240x300.png 240w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/G20-Poster-768x960.png 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/G20-Poster-585x731.png 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/G20-Poster.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 819px) 100vw, 819px" /></figure>



<p>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 <em>G20</em>—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.</p>



<p>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. <em>G20</em> 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.</p>



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<p>“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.”</p>
</blockquote>



<p>Born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Riggen began her career in journalism and documentary filmmaking before transitioning into narrative storytelling. Her breakout feature, <em>La Misma Luna</em> (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.</p>



<p>She followed that success with <em>Girl in Progress</em> (2012), a coming-of-age tale starring <strong>Eva Mendes</strong>, and then delivered the powerful Chilean mining drama <em>The 33</em> (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.</p>



<p><strong>Expanding Her Canvas: From Drama to Action</strong></p>



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



<p>But<em> G20</em> 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.</p>



<p>In<em> G20</em>, 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 <em>G20</em> 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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="683" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramon-Rodriguez-Viola-1024x683.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-84601" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramon-Rodriguez-Viola-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramon-Rodriguez-Viola-300x200.jpg 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramon-Rodriguez-Viola-768x512.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramon-Rodriguez-Viola-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramon-Rodriguez-Viola-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramon-Rodriguez-Viola-585x390.jpg 585w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sub><strong>Ramon Rodriguez</strong> as Manny Ruiz protects the President of the United States (<strong>Viola Davis</strong>) in <em>G20</em></sub> <sub>(Photo Credit Ilze Kitshoff © Amazon Content Svcs)</sub></figcaption></figure>



<p><strong>Ramón Rodríguez </strong>plays&nbsp;Agent Manny Ruiz, a key figure in the efforts to thwart a terrorist takeover at the <em>G20 </em>summit in Cape Town, alongside Davis.</p>



<p>“<em>G20</em> 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.”</p>



<p>The film, written by<strong> Caitlin Parrish</strong> &amp; <strong>Erica Weiss </strong>and <strong>Logan &amp; Noah Miller</strong>, 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 <strong>Julius Tennon</strong>, was a creative match made in heaven.</p>



<p>“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.”</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="Director Patricia Riggen Started her Career By Winning an Academy Award" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lmjoFlZr4Mg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div></figure>



<p>Riggen brought her trademark authenticity to <em>G20</em>, 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.</p>



<p>In 2024 I interviewed her on the occasion of her receiving the Trailblazer in Directing award from the Mexican American Film &amp; Television Festival &amp; Awards. </p>



<p>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.</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/patricia-riggen-from-guadalajara-to-global-action-film-director-on-g20/">Patricia Riggen:  From Guadalajara to Global Action Film Director on  ‘G20’</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Spotlight On The Chicana/Mexican-American Filmmaker</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/spotlight-on-the-chicana-mexican-american-filmmaker/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=spotlight-on-the-chicana-mexican-american-filmmaker</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mina Briseño]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 20 Apr 2024 00:57:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Film]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bel Hernandez Castillo]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Disney]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Esperanza Esparza]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[josefina lopez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Mexican-American Film & Television Festival]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Patricia Riggen]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yvette Merino]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=83513</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>By Mina Briseño The 3rd Annual Mexican Film &#38; Television Festival (MAFTF) is doing something that is long</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/spotlight-on-the-chicana-mexican-american-filmmaker/">Spotlight On The Chicana/Mexican-American Filmmaker</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="has-text-align-right">By Mina Briseño</p>



<p>The 3rd Annual Mexican Film &amp; Television Festival (MAFTF) is doing something that is long overdue “Celebrating the Mexican-Amerian/Chicana Filmmaker”. The celebration will be the culmination of their two day film festival that which takes place on Saturday 20 and the 21 at Harmony Gold in Hollywood with the Illustrious Awards closing the festival the evening of April 21.</p>



<p>“Mexican-American woman have always been in the forefront of the progress of our community, including film,” said Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz, President of the Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation, the entity that produces the MAFTF.&nbsp; “I felt it was time to thank and recognize this effort”.</p>



<p>Noted filmmaker <strong><a href="https://www.lourdesportillo.com/" title="">Lourdes Portillo</a>, </strong>a documentarian originally form Chihuahua, Mexico is epitome of the Chicana Filmmaker.  Although her first films were focused on the experience of a Nicaraguan refugee of the <em>1972 Managua earthquake</em> and the  Argentinian story of <em>The Mothers of Plaza de Mayo</em>, her work has been dedicated to documenting the stories of the Chicano/Mexican-American experience. Her projects have won Oscar and Emmy nominations and Special Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival among other accolades.  A true pioneer in filmmaking and someone whose work cannot be forgotten for lack of attention.</p>



<p>Not many film festival dedicate space to Chicano filmmakers.  The two that come to mind are the Chicano International Film Festival which has been around for 20 years in Los Angeles and the Xicano Independent Filmmakers Festival in Denver.  However, neither have dedicated a whole festival to the Mexican-American filmmakers and in particular Chicana filmmakers.</p>



<p>Indeed, MAFTF decided it was time to shine a bright light on Mexican-American filmmakers and the stories they tell, to document their excellence and inform and showcase their work that will live on through generations.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="768" height="1024" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IVette-Merino-oscar-UC-Santa-Barbara-Magazine-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-83519" style="width:375px;height:auto" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IVette-Merino-oscar-UC-Santa-Barbara-Magazine-768x1024.jpg 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IVette-Merino-oscar-UC-Santa-Barbara-Magazine-225x300.jpg 225w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IVette-Merino-oscar-UC-Santa-Barbara-Magazine-1152x1536.jpg 1152w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IVette-Merino-oscar-UC-Santa-Barbara-Magazine-1536x2048.jpg 1536w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IVette-Merino-oscar-UC-Santa-Barbara-Magazine-110x147.jpg 110w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IVette-Merino-oscar-UC-Santa-Barbara-Magazine-585x780.jpg 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/IVette-Merino-oscar-UC-Santa-Barbara-Magazine.jpg 1650w" sizes="(max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" /></figure>



<p>It was with this in mind that MAFTF selected their 2024 Mexican-American/Chicana filmmaker honorees to recognize their artistry with the Illustrious Award.  The Honorees are, Academy Award winning producer <strong>Yvette Merino</strong> for her work as a producer for Disney’s  hit film <em>Encanto</em>, <strong>Patricia Riggen</strong> (<em>Miracles From Heaven, Under the Same Moon</em>)who started her career by winning a student Academy Award, has two major box office hit movies and just wrapped her  film G20 in South Africa. <em>Real Women Have Curves</em> playwright and screenwriter <strong>Josefina Lopez</strong>, whose play is on the way to Broadway as I write this.  <strong>Esperanza Esparza</strong> will receive the Pioneer award in recognition of her film work in the 70’s, and Academy Award nominated short documentary, <em>Agueda Martinez: Our People, Our Country.  </em>The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to<strong> Bel Hernandez Castillo</strong> (Latin Heat Magazine) for providing media coverage and documenting the expansion of Latinos in Hollywood for over 30 years.</p>



<p>Looking towards the future, there is a wave of upcoming Latina storytellers, directors, producers and writers.  One of those new directors is Academy Award nominee <strong>America Ferrera</strong> who is currently in pre-production to direct her first film, <em>I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter</em>.  <strong>Eva Longoria’s</strong> first time out directing resulted in last year’s hit film <em>Flamin’ Hot</em>.  <strong>Gigi Saul Guerrero</strong> another Mexican American via Canada, is fast becoming a talent in the horror genre.  Selected as a filmmaker to watch by Variety Magazine, she directed the film <em>Bingo Hel</em>l and various episodes of TV shows <em>The Purge</em> and Into the Dark. <strong>Linda Yvette Chavez</strong>’s writing career is on the fast track.  Having co-written and produced the hit TV show <em>Gentefied</em>, she then went on to co-write the hit film <em>Flamin’ Hot</em> and just finished penning Ferrera’s directorial film.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<iframe title="Director Patricia Riggen Started her Career By Winning an Academy Award" width="640" height="360" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/lmjoFlZr4Mg?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><sup>An insightful interview on being a Latina/Mexican American filmmaker in Hollywood with Director <strong>Patricia Riggen</strong> </sup></figcaption></figure>



<p>The group of Latina filmmakers continues to grow and this year, over a dozen Latina directors, producers, writers whose projects are screening at this year at MAFTF.  Among them, we are sure, are the filmmaking start of tomorrow. </p>



<p>MAFTF&#8217;s celebration of the Chicana/Mexican-American filmmaker, was long overdue.  It’s an exciting time for women filmmakers, Latina filmmakers, Chicana/Mexican-American filmmakers…!Que Viva La Mujer! </p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/spotlight-on-the-chicana-mexican-american-filmmaker/">Spotlight On The Chicana/Mexican-American Filmmaker</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>The Mexican-American Film &#038; Television Festival Honors Mexican-American/Chicana Filmmakers in its 3rd Edition</title>
		<link>https://latinheat.com/the-mexican-american-film-television-festival-honors-mexican-american-chicana-filmmakers-in-its-3rd-edition/?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-mexican-american-film-television-festival-honors-mexican-american-chicana-filmmakers-in-its-3rd-edition</link>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Mina Briseño]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Thu, 25 Jan 2024 14:42:18 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Film Festivals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Film News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bel Hernandez Castillo]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[eva longoria]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Patricia Riggen]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://latinheat.com/?p=83356</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>3rd edition of the Mexican-American Film &#038; 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"</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/the-mexican-american-film-television-festival-honors-mexican-american-chicana-filmmakers-in-its-3rd-edition/">The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival Honors Mexican-American/Chicana Filmmakers in its 3rd Edition</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p class="has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size"><strong>April 20 &#8211; 21, 2024 at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood</strong></p>



<p>The Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF), a 501c3 organization, proudly announces the upcoming 3rd edition of the Mexican-American Film &amp; 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.</p>



<p>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:</p>



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



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-2023--1024x576.png" alt="" class="wp-image-83360" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-2023--1024x576.png 1024w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-2023--300x169.png 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-2023--768x432.png 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-2023--1536x864.png 1536w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-2023--1200x675.png 1200w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-2023--585x329.png 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-2023-.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO-1024x1024.png" alt="" class="wp-image-83361" style="width:358px;height:auto" srcset="https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO-1024x1024.png 1024w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO-300x300.png 300w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO-150x150.png 150w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO-768x768.png 768w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO-585x585.png 585w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO-220x220.png 220w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO-80x80.png 80w, https://latinheat.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MAFTF-LOGO.png 1080w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>



<p>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.</p>



<p>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.”</p>



<p>The festival will honor its distinguished recipients, Patricia Riggen, Josefina Lopez, with retrospective screenings of their impactful projects,&nbsp;<em>Under The Same Moon and Real Women Have Curves&nbsp;</em>respectively. As in previous years&nbsp; MAFTF prestigious panels of judges lead by Festival Awards Director<strong>&nbsp;Jerry Velasco</strong>&nbsp;and award-winning film and television director,&nbsp;<strong>Jesus Trevino&nbsp;</strong>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.</p>



<p>The two day festival will culminate with the star studded, red-carpet and Oscar styled&nbsp; “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.</p>



<p>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<a href="http://www.mexamcef.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;www.MexAmCEF.org</a>.</p>



<p>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,&nbsp;<a href="http://www.mexamcef.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">www.MexAmCEF.org</a>.</p><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/the-mexican-american-film-television-festival-honors-mexican-american-chicana-filmmakers-in-its-3rd-edition/">The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival Honors Mexican-American/Chicana Filmmakers in its 3rd Edition</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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		<title>Director Patricia Riggen Nominated for an Imagen Award For Apple&#8217;s &#8216;Little America&#8217;</title>
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		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Latin Heat]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Wed, 29 Nov 2023 01:53:29 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Awards]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Patricia Riggen]]></category>
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					<description><![CDATA[<p>Patricia Riggen is currently in production on her new film &#8220;G20&#8221; starring Academy Award winner Viola Davis has</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/director-patricia-riggen-nominated-for-an-imagen-award-for-apples-little-america/">Director Patricia Riggen Nominated for an Imagen Award For Apple’s ‘Little America’</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p><strong><em>Patricia Riggen is currently in production on her new film &#8220;G20&#8221; starring Academy Award winner Viola Davis has been nominated for Best Director &#8211; Television for &#8220;Little America&#8221; on Apple TV</em></strong></p>



<p>The acclaimed Mexican director and producer<strong> Patricia Riggen</strong> has a body of work as a  director and producer that is enviable.  This year the Imagen Awards have nominated Riggen for the 38th Annual Imagen Award for Best Director &#8211; Television for her moving work on the critically acclaimed streaming series <em>Little America</em> on Apple TV. The Imagen Award will take place in Los Angeles on Sunday, December 3rd at the Millennium Biltmore Hotel. This is Riggen’s 4th Imagen Award nomination for a Best Director and has previously won for the feature films <em>Under the Same Moon</em> (2008), <em>Girl in Progress</em> (2012), and <em>The 33</em> (2016).</p>



<p>The Imagen Awards recognize excellence in Latine representation in the entertainment industry, and have chosen Riggen as a finalist in the Best Director category this year for her exceptional contributions in television. <em>Little America</em> has garnered widespread acclaim for its compelling storytelling that explores the diverse and inspiring stories of immigrants in the United States, offering a unique perspective on the American experience. </p>



<p>Riggen&#8217;s nomination is a testament to her talent and consistent dedication to bringing these powerful Latino/e/x narratives to the screen.  She masterfully directed the 2nd season finale episode (episode 8) of the Apple TV produced series. </p>



<p>The <em>Little America</em> episode, entitled &#8216;<em>The Indoor Arm’</em>, tells the true story of Celia (played by <strong>Victoria Canal</strong>), an El Salvadorian arm amputee who struggles to adjust to her new life after immigrating to America to be with her sister Marianna (played by <strong>Teresa Ruiz</strong>). This very important episode shines a light on the struggles, triumphs and self-acceptance of an immigrant in the U.S who also deals with daily physical challenges. Both Latina actresses in this episode are also nominated for an Imagen Award. Actress Victoria Canal is nominated for Best Actress &#8211; Comedy (Television) in her first acting role ever and the wonderful Teresa Ruiz for Best Supporting Actress &#8211; Comedy (Television). The episode also features moving performances by Academy Award nominee <strong>June Squibb</strong> (Mrs. Danforth) and award-winning actor <strong>James Saito</strong> (Ray).</p>



<p><em>“I’m honored to have been nominated once again for an Imagen Award. The support and encouragement that <strong>Helen Hernandez</strong> and the Imagen Foundation has given me throughout my career is truly humbling.&nbsp;Filming this episode of the &#8220;Little America&#8221; series holds a very special place in my heart. Having the opportunity to tell a true story about the struggles immigrants in the U.S. have always faced but with the added element of showing the struggles and triumphs of individuals with different abilities was so important to me.&nbsp; We rarely see stories like this on screen.”&nbsp;</em>&#8211; shared Patricia Riggen.</p>



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<p>Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Riggen is no stranger to accolades, having previously received numerous awards for her work as a director and producer.  Riggen gained widespread acclaim with her feature film <em>La Misma Luna</em> (<em>Under the Same Moon</em>), which was acquired in an unprecedented sale by Fox Searchlight at the Sundance Film Festival in 2008 and became one of the first&nbsp; Spanish-language box office sensations in the United States. Riggen’s remarkable career includes receiving a Student Academy Award for her short film, <em>La Milpa</em> (<em>The Cornfield</em>) and earning the Jury Prize at the Sundance for her documentary <em>Family Portrait.</em></p>



<p>Her filmography includes the features <em>Girl in Progress </em>and the Disney Channel hit <em>Lemonade Mouth</em>, recognized with a DGA Award nomination. In 2015, Patricia helmed <em>The 33</em>, a film recounting the Chilean mining accident in 2010, followed by the successful Sony Pictures feature film <em>Miracles from Heaven</em>, which grossed over $73 million at the box office. Her versatility extends to directing both streaming and network episodic television, where she has excelled with series such as Amazon’s <em>Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan </em>and most recently Hulu’s <em>Dopesick</em>. Currently, Riggen is working on her sixth feature film project, <em>G20</em>, an action-packed thriller featuring Oscar winner <strong>Viola Davis</strong>, scheduled for release in 2024. </p>



<p><strong>For more information about Little America <a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2020/01/apples-critically-acclaimed-anthology-series-little-america-now-streaming/#:~:text=%E2%80%9C%5BLittle%20America%20is%5D%20a,to%20make%20America%20their%20home.%E2%80%9D" title="">CLICK HERE</a>.</strong></p>



<p><strong>For more information about the 38th Annual Imagen Awards:&nbsp;</strong></p>



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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="R0sb8A8zYj"><a href="https://www.imagen.org/2023/11/nominees-announced-for-the-38th-annual-imagen-awards-celebrating-latino-excellence/">Nominees Announced for the 38th Annual Imagen Awards Celebrating Latino Excellence</a></blockquote><iframe class="wp-embedded-content" sandbox="allow-scripts" security="restricted"  title="&#8220;Nominees Announced for the 38th Annual Imagen Awards Celebrating Latino Excellence&#8221; &#8212; Imagen Foundation" src="https://www.imagen.org/2023/11/nominees-announced-for-the-38th-annual-imagen-awards-celebrating-latino-excellence/embed/#?secret=bps4tlgCL2#?secret=R0sb8A8zYj" data-secret="R0sb8A8zYj" width="600" height="338" frameborder="0" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no"></iframe>
</div></figure><p>The post <a href="https://latinheat.com/director-patricia-riggen-nominated-for-an-imagen-award-for-apples-little-america/">Director Patricia Riggen Nominated for an Imagen Award For Apple’s ‘Little America’</a> first appeared on <a href="https://latinheat.com"></a>.</p>]]></content:encoded>
					
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