Ben Lopez

‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ Sets Oscars Campaign for Tonatiuh, Diego Luna and Jennifer Lopez (EXCLUSIVE) The new film adaptation of ‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ enters the Oscar race with Tonatiuh, Diego Luna and Jennifer Lopez confirming their campaigns.

‘Kiss of the Spider Woman’ Sets Oscars Campaign for #Tonatiuh , #DiegoLuna and Jennifer Lopez (EXCLUSIVE)

Via @byclaytondavis.bsky.social - Variety

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“The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us… history is literally present in all that we do.” — James Baldwin

We walk on the shoulders of people like him—people who labored, marched, sacrificed, and loved in ways that continue to shape who we are. I carry his lessons with me. I carry him with me.

We said goodbye to him in March of 2024, but his legacy lives on—through his family, and through everyone he quietly inspired with his example.

That quiet courage matters. That #labor, #love, and sacrifice—often unnoticed—are the real pillars of this country.

My father, Señor Lopez, believed in peaceful action, in standing with others, in working hard and dreaming big for the next generation.

But now, especially in these uncertain times, I return to it often. A reminder that showing up matters.

We captured this photo while I was filming a peaceful march that day. I didn’t know then how much it would come to mean to me.

He showed up for others, even when he was tired. Even when it wasn’t easy. And in doing so, he showed us—his children—how to live with dignity, integrity, and heart.

This Father’s Day weekend, I honor my father with one of my favorite images of him—a quiet but powerful moment at an #immigrantrights march. He had just come from work, still in his uniform, holding a sign that read: “Estoy aquí por mis compañeros de trabajo”— “I’m here for my coworkers.”

#GlobalTrade #HollywoodMeetsMexico #Industria #Cine #Hollywood #DiscoverMexico #Cinema #filmmaker #Film #films #L21Consulting #L21Media #filmmaking #LatinoCinema #CrossBorderCreatives #DiamondHunter #CreativeWhisperer

I left with more than new knowledge—I left with new energy. I’m already thinking about how to return… to collaborate, to learn, to build

#ProducerPerspective #producer #producerlife #LatinoRepresentation #GlobalStorytelling #CulturalConnector #CreativeDiplomacy

Grateful to #canacine, #intersectpublicaffairs, the #consuladomxla, and the American Latino Museum for creating such an intentional and inspiring experience.

Four days. Two cities. So many conversations I’ll carry forward.

From the soundstages of Churubusco Studios to the community-driven innovation, this trip wasn’t just about seeing spaces—it was about seeing systems. And the people quietly (and not-so-quietly) building the future of storytelling.

Seeing these industries come together in such a meaningful way is exactly why I do what I do.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible hosts and everyone who made this event such an inspiring space for dialogue and connection. Here’s to more bridges, more stories, and more global impact. 🎥🔥

We’ve always been dedicated to amplifying U.S. creatives while strengthening our relationships with our partners in Mexico and beyond. The stories we tell shape perceptions, create opportunities, and define cultural legacies.

Our industries are more connected than ever, and the conversations in that room reaffirmed something I’ve always believed:

US Latino talent and their IP has no borders.

The future of storytelling is global.

Collaboration is key to our growth.

Hearing Demián Bichir, Patricia Riggen, and Krizia Delgado speak about the evolving relationship between Hollywood and Mexico—especially as Netflix commits $1 billion to Mexican productions—was a powerful reminder of just how much opportunity lies ahead.

Thankful for being hosted by Amb. Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul Gen. of Mexico in LA, & Estuardo V. Rodríguez, Pres. of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino. It was Hollywood & Mexican film industry leaders, celebrating the collaboration and shared future of our industries.

¡Felicidades Zoe Saldaña! Thank you for mentioning your community. Big #oscars win! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 🔥#AcademyAward winner! Dominicanos represent 🙌🏽 #latinos @theacademyusa.bsky.social awards #zoesaldana

I truly enjoyed FREAKY TALES when it played at Sundance.

I’ve been waiting for this film to come out.

I appreciate the effort #MACRO makes in curating filmmakers with an original perspective. Keep up the amazing work.

#FreakyTalesFilm #StayMacro #TooShort #Oakland #PedroPascal

We came together not just for a #film, but for a #promisefulfilled.

Thank you to our #audience, and everyone who has supported this #film.

#PaddleOutFilm #FindYourWave #BreathIsLife #FilmCommunity

🎬 Our incredible #filmmaking team, supporters, donors, and sponsors—including O’Neill—without you, this film wouldn’t be possible.

📰 Members of the #press, #media, and #cinephiles—thank you for being here to witness and amplify a #story that deserves to be seen.

🏄‍♂️ The #surfing community—who understood, in the deepest way, that the #ocean wasn’t just water for Melissa—it was breath, it was freedom, it was home.

💜 The #cysticfibrosis community—your resilience, your fight, and your unwavering spirit remind us why stories like this need to be told.

A very special thanks to #SebiLee and Claudia Puig

I want to recognize and thank some very special people:

🌊 Melissa’s parents and #family—your love, #strength, and trust in sharing Melissa’s #story with us means more than words can express.

Some films leave you changed. After our Santa Barbara International Film Festival, #SBIFF premiere, the conversations around Paddle Out have been nothing short of incredible.
The film is just beginning its journey, but one thing is clear: Melissa’s story has already made an impact.

This is it. 🙌🏽

The moment we’ve been waiting for.

After years of dedication, storytelling, and a promise to honor Melissa’s journey, Paddle Out premieres today at #SBIFF. 🌊

If you’re here in Santa Barbara, CA, come join us:

🎟️ SBIFF Riviera Theater @ 12PM

#PaddleOutFilm #SBIFF #FindYourWave

Some stories choose you.

Paddle Out isn’t just about surfing. It’s about resilience, breath, and the ocean’s ability to heal. 🌊

Melissa’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s necessary.

Join us this week at #SBIFF for the world premiere. Feb 13 @ 12PM.
#PaddleOutFilm #FindYourWave

We’re premiering Paddle Out Documentary Film @ the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, #SBIFF, and I can’t wait to share this experience with our team and with the world.
See #PaddleOut on Feb 13 at 12PM at the SBIFF Film Center.
#FindYourWave #Film #documentary #Surfing #FilmFestival

Here are resources offered to the industry folks by the #EntertainmentCommunityFund

If you’ve lost your home or faced evacuation during the recent #California fires, financial assistance is available to cover rent, medical bills, and daily essentials.

🔗 Apply: entertainmentcommunity.org/CAFires

As the worst disaster raged around them, hired hands kept working to pay the bills Even as fire turned Santa Monica an apocalyptic shade of orange, hired hands went about their business as if it were just another day on the job. “We gotta pay bills,” said one UPS driver. “It’s not l...

Thank you to firefighters, crews and first responders working nonstop to keep us safe.

Our community is resilient. We will survive.

Let’s work together to stay safe, support each other and help rebuild our communities.

#LosAngeles
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