Latino Cinema in the U.S.
There are more than 50 million Latinos currently living in U.S., although less than two percent are involved in the film industry. Until recently, there were fewer than 23 Latino movie theaters in the country, which makes it almost impossible to watch movies in Spanish, much less every day.
The presence of Latino film is a minority in the United States and has very little support compared with what is received by any other producer. However, Latin American cinema currently enjoys an outstanding quality level and is starting to get more money from the big studios, though still with some reservations.
Also, now the number of co-productions with the United States is increasing, despite the fear and prejudice that exist with respect to the Latin culture. It is hard to believe that this discrimination in the culture and society of the United States is so prevailing. In the past, this happened out of ignorance because many people were unaware of cultural aspects. But now that there is a greater understanding of the culture, the continued prejudice is worse. All this has contributed to quickly improving Latino film, and the good thing is that, even at a slow pace, it has progressed. In general, many things changed and improved. Currently there are many organizations that promote and help this purpose. Here are a few of them:
There is a website that targets its programming to the public in Latin America: Cinelatino.
It is the only channel in the U.S. that offers the latest movie blockbuster from Mexico, Latin America and Spain, of which the vast majority have been winning awards at international film festivals and acclaimed by critics worldwide. Cinelatino broadcasts 24 hours a day, without commercial interruption. It has a strong commitment when it comes to promoting and encouraging Latin American cinema in the whole region.
The International Latino Film Institute (LIFI) is a nonprofit organization that sponsors the International Latino Film Festival of Los Angeles (LALIFF) whose mission is to lead, develop, promote and support Latin American filmmakers. Something very important is reflected in its mission to support the development of future school education for children of primary and secondary schools in the U.S., through visual arts. Edward James Olmos, actor and one of the most important independent filmmakers from the United States, who is also held in high esteem within the Hispanic community in Hollywood, contributed to the creation of LALIFF in 1996. He is currently the president of the organization. Hopefully everything will continue progressing and improving, so that the wonderful talent of all these prominent Latinos is recognize, as they are increasingly contributing to development of Latino cinema in the U.S.