Film Hopes To Change Latino Stereotypes In Media

Miguel Picker was tired of working in the media and film industry for more than two decades and continually seeing Latinos being depicted negatively, and not enough in the important roles they play in real life. So he, and a small crew, decided to take matters in their own hands and make their own film. A little more than two years later, and “Latinos Beyond Reel” has been distributed, by Media Education Foundation, to universities, high schools and libraries in more than 40 states across the country. The film has recently had two screenings in New York City — with plans for more.

“We decided to make this film to understand who we are,” says Picker, the Chilean-born Emmy-winning filmmaker. “It is something I hope opens us as Latinos and can open a discussion of how we can change the media landscape — like a kick in the butt.”

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