Oscar season is upon us as Latin Heat Entertainment launches “For Your Consideration” screenings conceived to highlight Oscar-qualified Latino films, filmmakers, and entertainment professionals.  The series launches with the Oscar-qualified, Shura, the documentary short film directed by David Damian Figueroa and Kayvon Derek Shanian, and executive produced by Pepe Serna. 

The documentary short film Shura is about an eighty-four-year-old black belt in karate who leads by example and her unwavering commitment inspire hundreds of other humanitarians to provide life-saving aid to stranded migrants crossing the harsh Sonoran U.S./Mexico border near Nogales. 

The screening will take place on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at the Los Angeles Theater Center in DTLA located at 514 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.  Arrivals will be at 4:30 pm followed by opening remarks and introduction of the trailers. 

 “Latino filmmakers can easily get lost in the campaign process with limited Hollywood connections. Most lack the financial and networking resources to run a competitive Oscar campaign, including coveted reviews”, said Latin Heat Media CEO Bel Hernandez. “The screenings are intended to bring awareness to deserving films and talent and to level the playing field for Latino filmmakers”. 

A recent study conducted by the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative found that Latino representation in the film behind and front of the camera remains stagnant with no improvement in the last 16 years. Even when movies did feature Hispanic or Latino characters, the study found Latino characters were represented on-screen with depictions that were often rampant with stereotypes. 

“It is so important for filmmakers to get the visibility needed to be competitive”, Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz, President and founder of the Mexican-American Film & Television Festival and the sponsor of the FYC Screenings.  “The talent is there, the projects and films just need a chance to be seen.”

Congressman Joaquin Castro penned a recent open letter titled, “Dear Hollywood,” in Variety to film studios: “This year, stands as a testament to the vibrancy of Latino stories, showcasing a range of artistic excellence. In the face of profound barriers to entry, Latinos have shown up and taken center stage, leading or supporting beautiful storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries.”

A short Q&A will follow the screening with the subject of the documentary Shura Wallin, David Damian Figueroa and Kayvon Derek Shanian, and executive produced by Pepe Serna and moderated by Bel Hernandez.

SHURA – Film Trailer

SHURA is an eighty-four-year-old black belt in karate, who leads by example. Her infectious emphatic spirit and her unwavering commitment inspire hundreds of other humanitarians to provide life-saving aid to stranded migrants crossing the harsh Sonoran U.S./Mexico border near Nogales. 

Since 1992 Latin Heat Media, a multimedia company, has been providing media content focused on Latinos in film, television theater, publishing, and all other aspects of the entertainment industry.

SCREENING TIME:

ARRIVALS: 4:30PM REMARKS & TRALIERS: 5:30PM SCREENING OF SHURA: 6:00 pm

LOCATION:

Los Angeles Theater Center, 514 S. Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013

PARKING:

Los Angeles Garage Associate Parking Structure at 545 S. Main St., LA, CA 90013, positioned between 5th and 6th Street, just behind the theater.

RSVP: INFO@latinheat.com

The post Latin Heat Entertainment Launches “For Your Consideration” Screenings With Documentary Film Short  ‘Shura’  first appeared on .

Shura is a compelling short documentary film that transcends its brief runtime to deliver a poignant and inspiring narrative. Co-written, directed and produced by Kayvon Derak Shanian and David Damian Figueroa, this Oscar qualifying film delves into the life of a remarkable woman whose resilience, determination and love for her fellow man can, and does make a difference in the lives of the undocumented, showcasing the profound impact one individual can have on their community and beyond.

The film’s subject, Shura Wallin, who is the co-founder of the humanitarian group The Green Valley/Sahuarita Samaritans, has spent the majority of her life with a handful of volunteers to save lives on the Arizona border. Living about a mile from the Sonoran desert, Shura travels to the border to fill water tanks and patrol migrant trails on both sides of the I-19 corridor offering help to anyone that may cross her path.

Across the Mexican border in Nogales, she works out of the faith-based El Comedor center, serving meals, distributing supplies to people deported from the U.S. and others contemplating the trek north.

The film stays close to its protagonist, offering a glimpse of a day in the life of an advocate who has dedicated the last years of her life to being of service to others. A black belt in Karate, one can see how her years of training have lent a hand in not only the mental fortitude Wallin possesses, but the physical fortitude it takes to trek over hills and valleys to bring supplies to the many migrants crossing the border.

The cinematography is a standout feature, capturing the essence of Shura’s story with visually striking compositions captured, quite refreshingly, on an iPhone 13 . Co-directors’ Figueroa and Shanian’s keen eye for detail and the thoughtful use of imagery, contribute to the emotional impact of the film, enhancing the audience’s connection to the narrative. Furthermore, the pacing of the documentary is expertly handled, ensuring that each moment serves a purpose in advancing Shura’s story. The concise runtime and unorthodox camera choice does not compromise the depth of the narrative but rather enhances its accessibility, making it an ideal candidate for the short documentary category at the Oscars.

At its core, Shura serves as a testament to the power of one person’s dedication to making a difference. Shura’s unwavering commitment to her cause becomes a beacon of hope, illustrating how a single individual can catalyze change and inspire others to join the fight for justice, equality, or whatever cause they hold dear.

CAST and CREW:

Participating as themselves: Shura Wallin, Pastor Randy Mayer , Rita Henninger Danks, Jaime Brusstar, Steve Feldman and Richard Ramirez

Directors / Writers / Producers Kayvon Derak Shanian, David Damian Figueroa

Executive Producer: Pepe Serna

Running Time: 22 Minutes

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