‘Sin Limites,’ The National Association of Latino Independent Producers Examines Surprising Trends in Pan-Latino Cinema

The National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) and HBO(R) announce the 9th NALIP National Conference, co-chaired by producer Frida Torresblanco (PAN’S LABYRINTH) and playwright Elaine Romero (Secret Things). The Conference will be held March 7-9 in Dana Point, California. Online registration is available now at http://www.nalip.org/conference2008.

The theme for the 2008 Conference is “Sin Limites: Trends in Pan-Latino Cinema.” NALIP will bring together the best in Latino entertainment to spotlight the remarkable growth in cross-boundary and cross-cultural creations that have developed in the Latino media landscape. The box office success of PAN’S LABRYRINTH made in Spain by a Mexican filmmaker now living in the U.S., the 2007 Sundance breakaway film LA MISMA LUNA and LADRON QUE ROBA A LADRON, the high-grossing Spanish language release by U.S. Latino filmmaker Joe Menendez and Miami-based producers Panamax, combined with the export of “Betty La Fea” from Columbia in ABC’s “Ugly Betty” and the Cuban/Cuban-American experience examined in CBS’s “Cane” have drawn attention to the emergence of a true Pan-Latino aesthetic with global appeal. “The moment has arrived when barriers are being broken and art is becoming truly universal,” states co-chair Frida Torresblanco. “It’s exciting that the industry has truly put its eye on Latin talent. The cross-over is traveling in both directions: major filmmakers are curious to experience shooting in other countries, and foreign creators for the first time are seriously considered an important part of the industry.”

NALIP Conference 9 kicks off with a welcome cocktail reception hosted by HBO, followed by a screening of the Fox Searchlight film LA MISMA LUNA which is due out in theaters March 2008. The Conference program includes three days of engaging case studies, workshops and plenary on film, television and documentaries that have broken barriers, crossed borders and combined financial and cultural elements from Latino communities around the globe. The Conference will also showcase top Latino comedy, acting and music talents, feature prominent keynote speakers, and announce the 2008 ESTELA Awards cash grants which are endowed by the McDonalds Corporation and given to two filmmakers who are ascending quickly in the field.

Executives from HBO, Universal, SAG, CPB, Warner Bros., CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS and many others are scheduled to attend and participate. These professionals, who are interested in fostering independent Latina/o talent, represent the areas of producing, development and representation, funding, distribution and broadcasting. “Our national Conference every year is a wild ride for Latino filmmakers, “says co-chair Elaine Romero. “It’s kind of like, ‘get your business cards ready because you cannot network fast enough.’ NALIP gives Latino filmmakers and content producers the lift they need to soar quickly to higher levels in their professional work. Our programs instantaneously connect top leaders in the film and television industry with NALIP members at all stages of their careers. One of the most exciting things that happen at the Conference is that people find their teams, their future collaborators. Matches are made. Projects are born. NALIP stands by year-round like the mid- wife! The help does not end at the end of the Conference.” For a complete list of additional speakers, panels and keynotes please visit www.nalip.org/conference2008.

Concurrent with Conference 9 and with the support of the National Endowment for the Arts, NALIP presents the fourth Latino Media Market(TM). Thirty-two select feature production and development projects, documentary works-in-progress and reality television series ideas have been accepted to participate in a special executive meeting series. The Latino Media Market is designed to boost each producer’s project, so that producers can arrange financing and attract broadcast licenses. Live at the Conference, SiTV will give participants an opportunity to get their first break into the industry as the exclusive non-scripted television channel, hearing series and concept pitches. SiTV will award a $2,000 prize, plus a 4-month development option to the strongest series concept pitched at the Market.

NALIP will also hold a Loteria raffle with all of the proceeds going to one lucky Conference attendee in order to advance their project. “Everyone needs some cash to invest in a project or finish a short film, pay an editor or buy that piece of equipment,” says NALIP Executive Director Kathryn F. Galan. “This Loteria gives everyone in the community a chance to chip in and help a Latino filmmaker advance, plus you might be the lucky winner!” Second and third place prizes of software and equipment are also included.

About NALIP:

Founded in 1999 by a group of Latino producers, educators and media activists, NALIP’s mission is to promote the advancement, development and funding of Latino and Latina film and media arts in all genres. For the latest information about NALIP Conference 9, or to register online, go to www.nalip.org/conference2008. All those interested in exhibiting, please contact Conference Director, Octavio Marin at 310.395.8880.
The National Association of Latino Independent Producers”

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