NALIP 25th Anniversary Celebration: Redefining Horizons and Uniting Communities

Highlighting The Latino Community’s Tenacity and Influence

NALIP, the National Association of Latino Independent Producers, is joyously commemorating its 25th anniversary since its inception. The steadfastness and impact of their community are being prominently showcased as part of this milestone celebration.

By: Angela Redding | Hollywood, CA | Hollywood Beat magazine | June 28, 2024
Images: Diana Castro/Hollywood Beat magazine

NALIP held a two-day media summit from June 27–28 at Neuehouse Hollywood to Redefine Horizons for Lations in the entertainment industry. The summit brought together icons and up-and-coming talent from the Latino community to participate in forward-thinking sessions addressing current issues and trends shaping the entertainment industry. Those in attendance had the chance to network and prepare for an evening of celebrating the long productive history of the organization.

Key figures in the Latino community shared their thoughts. Here’s their take on accelerating increased visibility of the Latino community in the entertainment industry.

“Bring others up with you. Start mentoring them. You don’t wait to see if they will develop. You start mentoring them now so that they are undeniable when the time comes.” Diana Maria Riva, Actress, Activist (Glamorous)

“There’s still a lot of things to do, but I think that one thing we have to do as a community is really embrace and consume our own content. I think that’s where the change has to start. We need to support (the work that comes from) our community.” Cristo Fernandez, Actor (Ted Lasso)

“Considering the contribution of Latinos and other people of color to our society, you would think that it is important (for the industry) to support the Latino community.” Dolores Huerta, Founder & President of the Dolores Huerta Foundation

“The most important topic to me is for us to change the negative stereotype and the perpetuating of Latinos in a negative light. Being more intentional as a community and creating an atmosphere where we are refusing doors being closed on us. We need those doors to be open to give us more opportunities.” Lisa Vidal, Actress, Activist (With Love)

Vidal also believes that the Latin community needs to continue to show up and support each other at events like the NALIP summit and celebration and know that the power is within Latin people, not outside of them.

A Milestone Celebration

Two thought-provoking days on how to impact the entertainment industry with a more noticeable Latino presence were followed by a celebration commemorating the successes and hard work of the NALIP organization over the past 25 years.

Dynamic Panel Discussions

The event brought together influential figures from the film, television, and music industries to discuss strategies for increasing diversity and representation on and off the screen. Attendees engaged in dynamic panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the Latino community.

When the event came to an end, an actual feeling of hope and resolve permeated the atmosphere, motivating participants to continue pushing for progress and creating a more equitable and varied future for the industry.