HOLApanels event tomorrow at HBO as part of the NYILFF

HOLA and Screen Actors Guild present

an HOLApanels event

The Changing Face of Latinos in Media in the 21st Century

An official event of the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF).

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF), the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) in conjunction with Screen Actors Guild will present an all-star panel event where the individual experiences and perspectives of the panelists—performers at the top of their field—will trace the changing levels of inclusion and focus on the expanding range of portrayals of Latinos in entertainment, with an emphasis on the accelerated evolution over the past 10 years. Finally, it will discuss what lies ahead for the dynamic and diverse Latino community.

Panelists include Emilio Delgado (PBS' "Sesame Street"), Adrián Martínez (The Ministers; The Taking of Pelham 123), Tony Plana (ABC's "Ugly Betty"), Rogelio Douglas (Broadway's The Little Mermaid).

Moderated by Dr. Clara E. Rodríguez,
Fordham University, Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology

Dr. Rodríguez is the recipient of the American Sociological Association's 2001 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in the Field of Latina/o Studies; a Consultant to "Dora the Explorer" and "Sesame Street"; and was named one of Hispanic Business magazine’s 100 most influential Hispanics in the nation.

EVENT INFO:
Friday, July 31, 2009 @ 3pm
Home Box Office (HBO)
1100 Avenue of the Americas (at West 42nd Streets), NYC

There are a limited number of reserved seats available. If you would like to attend, please contact Marlena Fitzpatrick-García at (212) 827-1505.

MUST BRING PHOTO ID TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING

For more information about the NYILFF, please visit www.nylatinofilm.com.

HOLA Member Bochinche

Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting gigs.

Jean-Marc Berne, right, e-mailed us to let us in on his latest developments. As a composer, he wrote the music for and musically directed a workshop of Noemí de la Puente's musical Manuel vs. The Statue of Liberty. As a voiceover artist, he dubbed the voice of Javier Ruzo in the documentary The Mysterious Stone Monuments of Markawasi, Peru," voiced a movie trailer for The North Films, narrated the male Hispanic voice in an e-learning program for Knowledge Start, played the role of a Dominican illegal immigrant for a Border Patrol radio commercial. In addition, he modeled as a Hispanic executive for an Aetna diversity brochure and played the role of Sergio in The Skull Mask, a piece written by Mario Golden as part of a night of monologues at The Theater For The New City in Manhattan's East Village. Also, he (along with Mónica Delgado and Laura Patalano) had the distinct honor and pleasure to be one of the announcers of the HOLA award recipients at Repertorio Español on May 21, 2009. Finally, also behind the scenes North 40 Productions selected him to creatively direct their focus group in Phoenix, Arizona, as well as produce the Spanish radio commercials, where he worked with fellow HOLA members Mario Mattei and Sandie Luna. He booked most of these through HOLA referrals or by casting directors contacting him after seeing his headshot in the HOLA directory of talent. He writes, "Thank you HOLA for all the hard work that you do, and for all the casting notices -- now that I am also casting certain projects, I know I can trust you guys to get the best Hispanic talent... You guys rock!"

Alberto Vázquez will be seen in Wes Craven's next film titled 25/8 due for an October release. He plays Officer Ramírez in the movie. In addition, through his film company (El Catharsis Productions), he signed a on-picture deal with producer Steve Rue to write and direct a low-budget film.

If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?

Panelists and Moderator Announced for HOLApanels Event on July 31, 2009

HOLA and Screen Actors Guild present

an HOLApanels event

The Changing Face of Latinos in Media in the 21st Century

An official event of the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF).

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF), the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) in conjunction with Screen Actors Guild will present an all-star panel event where the individual experiences and perspectives of the panelists—performers at the top of their field—will trace the changing levels of inclusion and focus on the expanding range of portrayals of Latinos in entertainment, with an emphasis on the accelerated evolution over the past 10 years. Finally, it will discuss what lies ahead for the dynamic and diverse Latino community.

Panelists include Emilio Delgado ("Sesame Street"), Adrián Martínez (The Ministers; The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3), Tony Plana (Ugly Betty), Rogelio Douglas (Broadway's The Little Mermaid).

Moderated by Dr. Clara E. Rodríguez,
Fordham University, Dept. of Sociology & Anthropology

Dr. Rodríguez is the recipient of the American Sociological Association's 2001 Award for Distinguished Contributions to Research in the Field of Latina/o Studies; a Consultant to "Dora the Explorer" and "Sesame Street"; and was named one of Hispanic Business magazine’s 100 most influential Hispanics in the nation.

Friday, July 31, 2009 @ 3pm
Home Box Office (HBO)
1100 Avenue of the Americas (at West 42nd Streets), NYC

There are a limited number of reserved seats available. If you would like to attend, please contact Marlena Fitzpatrick-García at (212) 827-1505.

MUST BRING PHOTO ID TO GAIN ENTRANCE TO THE BUILDING

For more information about the NYILFF, please visit www.nylatinofilm.com.

How are we doing? Let us know.

We need your feedback regarding this blog. Let us know what you think about El Blog de HOLA. If you have a Gmail address, you may leave a comment below this blog entry or you can just e-mail us at holagram@hellohola.org.

Also, become one of the followers to this blog. You may do so by clicking on the "Follow" button to the right of this screen.

HOLA Member Bochinche

* Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting gigs.

Joselyn Martínez, right, e-mailed us to let us know that she was happy with renewing with HOLA. A few days after renewing her membership, a casting director saw her photo on the HOLA online directory of talent and she was cast as Jennifer López's stand-in for her upcoming movie The Back-Up Plan.

A.B. Lugo booked work on a spec commercial for Sprite.

Pregones Theater is scheduled to present its 11th summer stage tour with the premiere of Cuento que me cuentan, a musical play written by the Pregones ensemble and directed by Jorge B. Merced. Featuring Sol Marina Crespo, Omar Pérez, Johary Ramos, Yaraní Del Valle Piñero and Josean Ortiz in the cast, the show is scheduled to run during the month of August in several outdoor locations in the Bronx and upper Manhattan.

If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?

Become a Friend of HOLA

What do Tony Award winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, Pulitzer Prize winner Oscar Hijuelos and casting director Elsie C. Stark have in common?

They are FRIENDS OF HOLA.

What is a Friend of HOLA?
--Actors, playwrights, screenwriters, directors, producers, media professionals, patrons of the arts, and anyone else concerned with the under representation and stereotyped portrayals that continue in the media an come together under the HOLA name and make their voices heard. Friends of HOLA will become a powerful force for media change, not just in New York, but nationally.

If I want to support HOLA, how much do I have to support?
--As much as you want. Friends of HOLA is a tiered program, with several different levels of support and varying benefits. You can become an Audience Member ($0.01-$99.99), a Scenestealer ($100.00-$149.99), a Star ($150.00-$249.99), a Legend ($250.00-$499.99) or an Icon ($500.00+). You can also donate more than $500 if you so choose. As HOLA is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, all Friends of HOLA donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

How do I support HOLA?
--You can call HOLA at (212) 253-1015, e-mail us at holagram@hellohola.org, or just charge your contribution online by clicking here and type in the keyword "Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors." It's that easy.

Support HOLA's mission. Become a Friend of HOLA.

HOLA is now on Facebook

HOLA now has a Facebook presence!!

To become a fan of HOLA's Facebook page, click here.

HOLApanels and Screen Actors Guild present The Changing Face of Latinos in Media in the 21st Century at the NY Int'l Latino Film Festival

HOLApanels and Screen Actors Guild present

The Changing Face of Latinos in Media in the 21st Century

Presented as part the New York International Latino Film Festival

In honor of the 10th anniversary of the New York International Latino Film Festival (NYILFF), the Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) in conjunction with Screen Actors Guild will present a panel event where the individual experiences and perspectives of the panelists— performers at the top of their field—will trace the changing levels of inclusion and focus on the expanding range of portrayals of Latinos in entertainment, with an emphasis on the accelerated evolution over the past 10 years. Finally, it will discuss what lies ahead for the dynamic and diverse Latino community.

Date:	Friday, July 31, 2009
Time:	3:00pm - 5:00pm
Location:	Home Box Office
Street:	1100 Avenue of the Americas (at West 42nd Street)
City:	New York City

Free admission. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVE. For more information, call NYILFF at (646) 723-1428 or HOLA at (212) 253-1015.

2009 HOLA Award Recipients

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
Silvia Brito, René Sánchez

HOLA ILKA AWARD
Sara Ramírez

RAÚL JULIÁ HOLA FOUNDERS AWARD
Julie Arenal

JOSÉ FERRER HOLA TESPIS AWARD
Luis Antonio Ramos

SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Pregones Theater for 30 years of existence
David Álvarez (of Broadway's Billy Elliot: The Musical)
Ricardo Gómez (of TV Española's "Cuéntame cómo pasó")
Univisión 41 for 41 years of serving the Latino community

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED MALE ACTOR
Mateo Gómez, Romeo and Juliet (Soñadores Productions/Teatro LA TEA)
Modesto Lacén, Requiem por Yarini (Retablo Hispanic Theater)
Jesús E. Martínez, Romeo and Juliet (Soñadores Productions/Teatro LA TEA)
William Saquicela, Don Juan por los siglos de los siglos (Thalía Spanish Theatre)

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEATURED FEMALE ACTOR
Rosie Berrido, Requiem por Yarini (Retablo Hispanic Theater)
Beatriz Córdoba, La casa de los espíritus (Repertorio Español)
Selenis Leyva, La casa de los espíritus (Repertorio Español)
Soledad López, Don Juan por los siglos de los siglos (Thalía Spanish Theatre)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN TECHNICAL PRODUCTION
Sunilda Caraballo, for her choreography of Screaming in Silence (Fantastic Experimental Latino Theater)
Ángel Gil Orrios, for his set and lighting design of Don Juan por los siglos de los siglos (Thalía Spanish Theatre)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN PLAYWRITING
Marcelo Rodríguez, Cartas a una madre (Repertorio Español)
Caridad Svich, La casa de los espíritus (Repertorio Español)

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY AN ENSEMBLE CAST
María Antonieta Duque, Luis Fernández and Mimí Lazo, Las quiero a las dos (Repertorio Español)

OUTSTANDING SOLO PERFORMANCE
Marga Gómez, Long Island Iced Latina (Puerto Rican Traveling Theater/TeatroStageFest)
Frank Rodríguez, Cosas que encontré en mi camino (I Festival de Teatro Cubano en Un Acto/Centro Cultural Cubano de Nueva York/Retablo Hispanic Theater)
María Vidal, El corazón de Antígona (Teatro IATI)

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN DIRECTION
José A. Esquea, Romeo and Juliet (Soñadores Productions/Teatro LA TEA)
Gabriel Gorcés, Requiem por Yarini (Retablo Hispanic Theater)
Jorge B. Merced, El huésped vacío (Teatro IATI)
José Zayas, La casa de los espíritus (Repertorio Español)

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A FEMALE ACTOR
Basílica Bliachas, Macbeth (E3Outlaws Productions)
Zulema Clares, La vida es sueño (Repertorio Español)
Denise Quiñones, La casa de los espíritus (Repertorio Español)
Carissa Jocétt Toro, Romeo and Juliet (Soñadores Productions/Teatro LA TEA)

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE BY A MALE ACTOR
Luis Carlos de La Lombana, La vida es sueño (Repertorio Español)
Gerardo Gudiño, El huésped vacío (Teatro IATI)
Nelson Landrieu, La casa de los espíritus (Repertorio Español)
David Ponce, Requiem por Yarini (Retablo Hispanic Theater)

OUTSTANDING VISITING PRODUCTION
¡Ábrete sésamo! (Caleidoscopio Teatro/TeatroStageFest)
Diciembre (Teatro en el Blanco/TeatroStageFest)
La noche de Eva (I Festival de Teatro Cubano en Un Acto/Instituto Cultural René Ariza de Miami/Retablo Hispanic Theater)

OUTSTANDING MUSICAL
Amor latino (Latino Love Story) (Thalía Spanish Theatre)
Puro TANGO (Thalía Spanish Theatre)

OUTSTANDING PLAY
El huésped vacío (Teatro IATI)
La casa de los espíritus (Repertorio Español)
La vida es sueño (Repertorio Español)

The HOLA Awards will take place on Monday, October 26, 2009 at The Players, 16 Gramercy Park South, NYC. For more information, call (212) 253-1015 or go to www.hellohola.org.

# # # #

HOLA Awards Announced Soon!!

PRESS RELEASE
For immediate release, please
Contact: Manny Alfaro/A.B. Lugo (212) 253-1015 holagram@hellohola.org

HISPANIC ORGANIZATION OF LATIN ACTORS (HOLA)
TO ANNOUNCE 2009 HOLA AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 4pm at Repertorio Español, 138 East 27th Street, NYC
Free admission. Light refreshments will be served.

New York, New York — The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) will announce the awardees of the Tenth Annual HOLA Awards on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 4pm at Repertorio Español, 138 East 27th Street (off Lexington Avenue) in Manhattan. Light refreshments will be served.

The HOLA Awards honors the best in Latino entertainment and communication media as well as outstanding work in New York Latino theater.

The HOLA Awards Announcement Ceremony is free to the public. No reservations required. Light refreshments will be served. For more info, e-mail holagram@hellohola.org. The HOLA The Tenth Annual HOLA Awards will take place Monday, October 26, 2009 at The Players, America’s oldest theatrical club located on Gramercy Park South in New York.

The Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 arts service organization founded in 1975 to expand the presence of Hispanic actors in both the Latino and mainstream entertainment and communications media by facilitating industry access to employing professional and emerging Hispanic actors. HOLA members represent the full spectrum of Latino cultures, reflecting the nation's growing Hispanic population.

In expanding job opportunities for Hispanic actors, HOLA strengthens and supports the available talent pool through its professional educational services and awards for excellence in theater. Ultimately, HOLA strives for an accurate, informed and non-stereotyped portrayal of Hispanic culture, people and heritage in theatre, film, television, radio and commercials.

Find out who will be honored at the 2009 HOLA Awards by attending the HOLA Awards Announcement Ceremony on Tuesday, July 21, 2009 at 4pm at Repertorio Español, 138 East 27th Street in Manhattan.

# # # #

Thoughts on Sonia Sotomayor and Other "Wise Latina Women" Courtesy of Rick Sánchez and CNN Commentators

HOLA Member Bochinche

* Bochinche refers to "gossip." In this sense, we use it to mention HOLA members who are getting acting gigs.

Caborca Theater presented its inaugural production, Barceloneta, de noche. Written and directed by Javierantonio González, the play was featured at Teatro IATI's 2nd Annual Performing Arts Marathon at its eponymous theater in Manhattan's East Village and featured Yaremis Félix, Luis Alberto Gonzales, Ricardo J. Hinoa, Jorge Luna, Tania Molina, David Skeist and Marcos Toledo in the cast.

Publish Post

Also in Teatro IATI's Performing Arts Marathon (see above) is Patricia Becker's multimedia theater-dance piece Fragments, directed by René Migliaccio, in which she examines women's objectification in patriarchal social conditions through the literary characters of Klytemnestra (Aeschylus), Medea (Euripides), Lady Macbeth (Shakespeare), Ophelia (Shakespeare) and Miss Julie (Strindberg).

Actor-singer Mara Sánchez is scheduled to have her CD release party for her new collection of music entitled Open Windows/Ventanas abiertas in August at the Milk Lounge at the Chimney BBWRestaurant in Manhattan's El Barrio neighborhood. For more information, go to www.marasanchezmusic.com.

Emmanuelle Bordas and Celia Cambara performed their musical project Out of Isla. Described as a musical fusion between the blues, African music, Celtic music, Latin rhythms, jazz, rock, French chanson, musical theater and classical music, it is scheduled to be performed at 353 Studios in the theater district of midtown Manhattan.

If you are an HOLA member and want to submit a bochinche item, send us an e-mail at holagram@hellohola.org. If you are not an HOLA member, why not join?

Wendy Curiel Explains the "Business of the Business" to HOLA Members

Wendy Curiel, talent agent and long-time HOLA associate, offered her knowledge to members in an HOLAfábrica Business of the Business seminar last Thursday, June 18th, 2009. She started her discussion with a thoughtful introduction explaining that she was a “one stop shop” when it came to finding talent for commercial gigs. She also emphasized that this talk was informal, so all attendees should feel comfortable asking her questions throughout the seminar. That being said, the questions began.

One of the first topics was about unionization. Since I am also new to this business, I benefited from this conversation. Wendy explained how to join a union, what to do once you’re in, and the benefits. She told actors that they needed to “be informed” and stay informed about union procedures, rules, and regulations. I think one of her most important points was that this business requires a huge amount of responsibility for the individual actor. No one is going to lead an actor by hand, one has to educate oneself and take on the responsibility for one’s own career.

Another important point Wendy discussed was the fact that no one can ask an actor what his or her ethnicity or nationality is. It is against the law to ask, and if this happens, answer politely that it is private information, or (especially if one booked the gig), respond with “talk to my agent.” This is important because, unfortunately, discrimination can follow. Wendy advised to always “be on your toes” when it comes to private information and one’s career.

Wendy presented the business in a very no nonsense manner. She explained that acting is a business, it is a job and it should be treated as such. Do not burn bridges with agents by not returning phone calls or by blowing off an audition. That is akin to not showing up for work or ignoring an assignment. It’s okay to have fun at one’s profession, but it is still a profession. After the seminar she collected headshots and resumes from those in attendance.

I want to thank Wendy for being so loyal to HOLA and providing her expertise to our members. Wendy also sang the praises of HOLA, remarking that all those in attendance who weren't members of HOLA should join and that she looks at the HOLA directory every day for potential talent. Spending almost two hours with her gave me more information about the business of acting than any website, book, or magazine could provide. So members, keep an eye out for other workshops with Wendy Curiel; it could be the best move for your career.

...Dahlia Valle Peterson

[Photo credits: All above photos except that of Ms. Valle Peterson taken by A.B. Lugo. Photo of Ms. Valle Peterson courtesy of the author.]

HOLA Community Welcome New Additions

Baby news!! HOLA members Frank Rodríguez and Wanda Arriaga just welcomed their second child into the world on June 24, 2009. The child, a son, is named Gabriel Rodríguez Arriaga and joins older brother Andrés Rodríguez Arriaga as the two greatest collaborations between Frank and Wanda. Mother, father, baby and older brother are doing just fine. (Photos courtesy of the Rodríguez-Arriaga family).

In addition, director, producer and Friend of HOLA José A. Esquea, along with his wife, costume designer Tracy McLair, welcomed their son Bryan Ernesto Esquea into the world on June 15, 2009. Bryan joins an older sister in the Esquea-McLair family. Mother, father, baby and older sister are doing great.

WELCOME NEW AND RETURNING MEMBERS - MAY AND JUNE 2009

Below is a list of new (and returning) HOLA members who joined between May 1, 2009 and June 30, 2009. (Note that "returning members" refer those members who have returned to HOLA after having their memberships expire for some time and do not include renewing members.)

(Top row, left to right): Moisés Acevedo, Raúl Dedos; (second row, left to right): Anna Estrada, Ruth Haliga; (third row, left to right): Miguel Ángel Juan, Katherine Leyva Marichal; (fourth row, left to right): Lorraine Rodríguez, Antonio Rubio; (bottom row, left to right): Juan Carlos Ruiz, Ura Yoana Sánchez.