Comments on: Latino American Movies: Who’s making them and who’s not?

By: Rogelio Lobato an Ind. American Latino filmmaker

Rogelio Lobato an Ind. American Latino filmmaker — Fri, 15 May 2009 06:28:04 +0000

There was very little in Mr. Reyes’s interview that I disagreed with. The present self appointed powers that be in the Latino film community marginalize as dismiss well written and well directed films based on genre and support and promote mediocre and poorly crafted work simply for political and social reasons.
The plethora of Latino Film festivals would make one believe that there are many avenues available to showcase many American Latino voices when in reality most films in “Latino” film festivals are foreign films. Many state funded films from around the world with over seas star power and distribution in place. It is disheartening when you find out that not a single American Latino film is included in many Latino film festivals. One Latino film festival I was fortunate to get accepted to, I was the only American Latino film accepted. These are film festivals in the United States mostly run by American Latinos. The general public and Hollywood loses faith in the “Latino” film community’s ability to recognize quality filmmaking. Don’t get me wrong. I know many good Latino films get support from our film community but so many times its some slow paced sad story that belongs on the WE channel or some immigration story about some poor pathetic bastard getting their Ass kicked again. When it comes to sex or violence the “Latino” film community turns into the Harper Valley PTA. We self censor ourselves right out of the ratings or box office and killing opportunities for Latino actors to gain recognition. Network TV’s “King Pin”, a crime drama about a Mexican drug cartel, was one of the best written, timely and best opportunities to developed Latino “stars” probably ever and was killed by a myopic short sighted and small but loud segment of the “Latino” media community.
So instead we make safe politically correct films that lack the wide appeal and have limited box office success. Box office success is the only way we will develope our Latino stars and filmmakers. Clint Eastwood came from spaghetti westerns. Woody Allen came from silly little slapstick comedies. Martin Scorsese’s first film was with Roger Corman. In the week of the Nalip conference “Sin Nombre” a violent film about the world of Salvadorian street gangs and one of the best-reviewed films of the year was not mentioned by anyone in any speech or panel. The fast and Furious 3 was barely mentioned in one panel to admit that it was the number one grossing film that week. More Latinos bought tickets to the Fast and Furious 3 than any other film. I kept hearing the question “Why aren’t we as Latino’s not having more of an impact on Hollywood?” The question is disingenuous because the answer is known and ignored like the elephant in the corner with a lampshade on its head. As long as the self appointed powers that be in the “Latino” art film community pretend it’s a lamp and not an elephant we will continue to sabotage our influence on Hollywood and the general public.

By: Franc. Reyes

Franc. Reyes — Thu, 14 May 2009 05:10:03 +0000

What I referred to as “lack of representation” has nothing to do with whether we as Latinos have made films or not. Plenty of Latinos have made films. I was talking about Latino representation in Hollywood. Every film I’ve made Empire, Illegal Tender and The Ministers I’ve made with independent financing by three different financiers. I sold the film to a “studio” only after the film was made in what is called a “negative pickup deal”. Access to money for films in NYC is hard for any Latino including and especially someone from The South Bronx. Until this day not one Studio has yet to finance my films.

Peace
Franc. Reyes

By: Christina Soto

Christina Soto — Wed, 13 May 2009 20:11:08 +0000

Latinos in the movie business have no one else to blame but themselves for the lack of onscreen representation.
I don’t agree w/this statement. As a Latina filmmaker, I have worked w/many other talented Latino Filmmakers who have independently made their films since the 90’s. Maybe they haven’t been as successful as Franc Reyes but if you don’t have money or access to huge amounts of money you cannot make a film. Franc Reyes has studio backing for his films. Thats the difference between him and many other Latino filmmakers.

By: Garret

Garret — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:29:52 +0000

If a film is good, who cares who makes it?

By: admin

admin — Tue, 12 May 2009 23:30:32 +0000

That’s a good question Jory. Paul is doing a post on culture that should make for some interesting conversation…

By: Jory Klopek

Jory Klopek — Tue, 12 May 2009 16:06:57 +0000

I’m not even Latino but I found this interview quite good, especially the podcasting. I understand someones experience from within a culture gives them a unique perspective, I guess I just need to know what it means to be Latino. Is it language, race, food, music?

By: @JoselinMane

@JoselinMane — Tue, 12 May 2009 15:25:42 +0000

Great interview from multiple levels. I gained insights on the movie making process, a perspective from a Latino screen writer and director, the true value of a project, how what’s going on in society affects the release of a project, and much much more.

I look forward to seeing Franc’s upcoming projects!

@JoselinMane’s last blog post..Get discovered online! The NATPE/NEXT TV Competition

By: Topics about Latino | Latino American Movies: Franc. Reyes Interview | Latino Hispanic …

Sat, 09 May 2009 06:35:44 +0000

[...] admin placed an observative post today on Latino American Movies: Franc. Reyes Interview | Latino Hispanic …Here’s a quick excerptInspiration from a mover and shaker in the film industry. [...]