Brands like McDonalds have known for years that U.S. Latinos make up a consumer market too large to ignore. According to the 2023 Latino Donor Collaborative study, U.S. Latinos currently represent the 5th largest economy in the world with a GDP of $3.2 trillion dollars a year, a consumer cohort that are brand loyal. That is one of the reasons McDonald’s USA last year launched the Spotlight Dorado Short Film initiative, a multiyear platform that seeks to showcase and advocate for Latino talent in Hollywood, because representation matters.

In it 2nd annual McDonalds once again dives into the captivating world of the latest Spotlight Dorado lineup, showcasing the talents of emerging Latino and Hispanic filmmakers. Cinephiles across the nation will have until Februaty 11th to cast their vote for their favorite short film to be selected from the latest edition of the three films selected to be part of th this year SpotlightDorado.com

This year’s films include Marissa Díaz‘s adventure-filled Mexican standoff, Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation, Kryzz Gautier‘s virtual reality romance, Chimera, and Pablo Riesgo‘s satire sci-fi, Cuando Volvimos A La Tierra. Fans can vote for their favorite film until February 11 to help determine the grand prize winner.

The short films are making their debut amid underrepresentation of Latinos in the entertainment and film industry. Recent findings from the USC Annenberg Inclusion Initiative highlight the issue remains ongoing, both behind the scenes and on-screen. Their latest research study, supported by McDonald’s Spotlight Dorado, reveals that less than 5% of directors from major motion pictures between 2007 and 2022 were Hispanic/Latino. Among this group, only five were women.

Latin Heat had the pleasure of interviewing Marissa Diaz about her entry in this competition, with her short Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation on their show Hollywood Talks.

This disparity goes beyond directors. On-screen, a mere 4.4% of lead or co-lead roles featured Hispanic/Latino actors. This latest research highlights the urgency for a more inclusive film landscape.

By supporting pivotal research and rising storytellers, McDonald’s is helping drive inclusivity while reaffirming its commitment to the diverse communities it serves.

“As part of our commitment to giving back to the diverse communities we call home, we are proud to support opportunities that help drive inclusivity and change,” said Ryan Worthy, Content and Culture Director at McDonald’s USA. “With Spotlight Dorado, McDonald’s has been able to use its scale to amplify pivotal research and create opportunities for Latino and Hispanic storytellers–and the results speak for themselves. We’re so proud of the outstanding talent showcased by this year’s Spotlight Dorado finalists. They have a bright future and we can’t wait to see what else is in store for them.”

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

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

Watch the Spotlight Dorado Short Film Trailers

• Marissa Díaz – Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation
• Kryzz Gautier – Chimera
• Pablo Riesgo – Cuando Volvimos A La Tierra

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The mission of Omni Cultural Tv Fest 2020 in Partnership with NATPE (National Association of Television Program Executives), is to connect diverse emerging independent producers with industry professionals and distributors who can buy and sell content. The success of last year’s OCTVF/NATPE has propelled this one of a kind event, to expand to one of the most prestigious locations  in Hollywood and will take place on June 14^th, 2020.

This a one of a kind, all inclusive visual expo bringing together emerging content producers with established legitimate buyers of broadcast, cable and streaming platforms at the event. A much needed platform that celebrates diversity and inclusion!

This year,  the festival has added a rapid pitching session competition. Thirty scripts will be selected to have a one-on-one pitch with network executives, production companies and studios.

The festival accepts all genres of television such as TV Pilots, Tv Sizzle Reels Scripted and Non-Scripted, Short Form Web Series, Tv Movie Trailers, Foreign Language TV Sizzle reels, Student Submissions, Animation, and Talk Shows.

The Omni Cultural TV Fest’s industry are comprised of top broadcast TV, streaming and cable platforms executives searching for fresh and exciting untold stories.  

The selected submissions will be screened by industry executives, and all attendees will be able to attend the public screenings on the day of the festival.  There will be panel Q&A’s, networking opportunities, a red carpet, and an after party.

“The 1st annual Omni Cultural TV Fest was a wonderful culmination of filmmakers, investors, and tv viewers alike. It gave my film “Badge of Honor” the opportunity to be viewed by the best in the independent market and was sold to Shorts TV, said indie producer Brandon Davis. “We are very thankful to have been apart and hope to be involved this coming year at the 2nd annual Omni Cultural TV Fest. Thank you to Kiki Melendez, her team, & especially NAPTE!!” 

Last year, the festival received a unanimous 5 star rating from festival attendees’ in the areas of: Quality, Value, Communications, Hospitality, Networking and Overall. 

“The Industry has been incredibly supportive of our innovative platform and this year more network executives, studios and production companies are taking part in our grand event as well as becoming part of the Judging panel and advisory  board,” said Kiki Melendez Festival Founder. Award winning producer Cindy Cowan (Miracle on 42nd Street) is co-founder of Omni TV Fest and a long time established industry professional.  Melendez and Cowan lead the team of 30 staff that makes the festival thrive.  

Eight submissions from last year’s Omni Cultural TV Fest were able to secure distribution deals, and many others were able to secure pitch meetings with some still in negotiations.

The impressive Blue Ribbon Panel of Judges as well as the production team can be found on the website. 

To find out all the information on how to submit or buy tickets for Omni Cultural Tv Fest 2020 please go to www.OmniCulturalTvFest.com

Early submissions are encouraged as there are limited spaces available.  

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