LOS ANGELES, CA — December 1, 2023 — (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) — Oscar season is upon 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 actor/producer Pepe Serna.

Shura follows Shura Wallin, an eighty-four-year-old black belt in karate who leads by example and her unwavering commitment inspires 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. RSVP is a must.

“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 a 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 in attendance, David Damian Figueroa and Kayvon Derek Shanian, and executive produced by Pepe Serna and moderated by Bel Hernandez. 

SHURA - Film Trailer

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nzBLPnvsv8

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. 

About Latin Heat Media

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.

(www.latinheat.com)