U.S. Latino Filmmakers Gain Support From Heineken, Tribeca

U.S. Latino filmmakers are set to gain access to capital to make films after Heineken and the Tribeca Film Institute have partnered to create a grant program to encourage their work. Heineken Voces is a grant program through the Tribeca Film Institute Latin American Media Fund whose mission is to encourage Latino filmmakers to “redefine, invent, explore and create visions and stories that reflect their diverse cultures. The grant will further the fund’s reach by supporting specifically American Latinos, not only Latin America-based talent.” A press release notes:

The Heineken Voces grantees will be selected by the Tribeca Film Institute Latin American Media Fund selection committee made up of notable talents in the field. Grantees will receive unique one-on-one guidance and consultation from the Tribeca Film Institute, as well as funding to help their film reach completion and enter the marketplace in the best possible position. Submissions for the 2012 grant will be accepted in September 2011 via www.tribecafilminstitute.org, and the grantee will need to currently be in production of a feature length film…

Heineken and the Tribeca Film Institute will announce an open call for entries within the coming months. Selection criteria will include project’s fulfillment of the mission of the program. All submitted films will be screened and reviewed by a screening committee, who will narrow the selection to ten finalists.

This is exciting news, as we’ve previously written that Latino filmmakers feel left out of the main Hollywood production infrastructure, and so turn to social media avenues as a way to fundraise to make their films.

Follow Sara Inés Calderón on Twitter @SaraChicaD