By Erika Carmona
The National Association of Latino Independent Producers will be hosting the NALIP 10: A Decade of Influence Conference on April 18, honoring three media luminaries who have made remarkable contributions to the Latino film and television industry.
Among the recipients are Rafael Montañez Ortiz for the Pioneer Achievement Award, Ray Andrade for the Pioneer Achievement in Advocacy Award and Kenny Ortega for the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Ortiz is being honored as the first U.S. Latino to make a film, and his significant role in the international art movement of Destructivism, along with being the co-founder of the first Latino art museum in the United States.
Andrade is being recognized for his active role in challenging the lack of Chicano representation and their inaccurate portrayal in the media. He is also the co-creator and associate producer of the first Latino hit series “Chico and the Man.”
Ortega, who directed the “High School Musical” film series, serves as an example of continued growth and success to Latinos in the entertainment industry today.
Two other Latino filmmakers will also be recognized with 2009 Estela Awards for stunning debuts or distinguished work in a short period of time. Cruz Angeles will be awarded for his film directorial debut at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival with Don’t Let me Drown. Producer and director Hugo Perez will be honored for his feature documentary Neither Memory Nor Magic.
Each Estela Award recipient will receive a $7,500 Filmmaker Grant provided by McDonald’s.
Cruz Angeles
Hugo Perez
Raphael Montanez Ortiz
Ray Andrade
Kenny Ortega
