In this episode of Lights, Camera, Latino! we sit down with award-winning Puerto Rican filmmaker Ariel Zengotita, whose work blends psychological horror with dark comedy — and whose latest project, IMAGO, was selected for Jordan Peele’s groundbreaking NO DRAMA Initiative powered by Monkeypaw, Universal, and TIFF.

We talk about Ariel’s journey from Puerto Rico to North Carolina, how his identity shapes his artistry, and what it meant to receive a $50,000 grant to bring IMAGO to life. Ariel also breaks down the art of mixing fear, humor, and heritage — and why telling Boricua stories in genre filmmaking matters now more than ever.

This conversation is all about representation, resilience, and trusting your creative voice.

🎧 Streaming now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, and all podcast platforms.

Follow @lightscameralatino for more conversations highlighting Latino excellence in film, TV, and media.

In this episode of Lights, Camera, Latino! we dive into the world of Netflix’s Boots with actor Rico Paris and writer Dominic Colón — two incredible Latino creatives bringing authenticity, heart, and representation to the screen.

We talk about their journeys into the industry, what it was like getting involved with Boots, and how the show shines a light on stories that celebrate community, resilience, and identity.

Rico shares insights into his character Santos, while Dominic breaks down what it was like to write for the show and help shape its unique voice.

This conversation is all about the importance of Latino representation in entertainment — on screen and behind the scenes — and the power of telling stories that reflect who we are.

🎧 Now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, iHeartRadio, and all podcast platforms.

Follow @lightscameralatino for more conversations highlighting Latino excellence in film, TV, and media.

In this episode of Lights, Camera, Latino!, we sit down with Pablo Segarra  (@pablosegarraesq) — Trademark Attorney, Speaker, and Reinventor — to talk about protecting your ideas, your brand, and your creative legacy.

From growing up in the Bronx and serving as an NYPD officer to becoming an Intellectual Property attorney at one of the world’s largest trademark firms, Pablo’s story is one of transformation and purpose.

He breaks down everything you need to know about trademarks — what they are, why they matter, and how creatives and entrepreneurs can safeguard their work from day one. We also dive into how trademark law connects with entertainment, the impact of AI and Web3 on intellectual property, and the importance of making legal knowledge accessible for Latino and underrepresented founders.

If you’ve ever wondered when or how to trademark your brand — this episode is a masterclass in ownership, empowerment, and reinvention.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube, and all podcast platforms.

Follow @lightscameralatino for more episodes featuring inspiring Latino creatives and innovators.

In this episode of Lights, Camera, Latino! I sit down with Ronald Hinton — a queer, Afro-Puerto Rican actor, writer, and producer reshaping what representation looks like on screen.

Ronald is the creator of NATIVES, a raw and unapologetic series following queer, native New Yorkers navigating life, love, and identity in the projects of NYC. The show has already been recognized by Native Son, Queerty, and Blavity, and screened at festivals like the New York Latino Film Festival and Out On Film Atlanta.

We dive into:

🏙️ Growing up in New York and how it shaped his storytelling

🌈 The inspiration behind NATIVES and its unapologetically authentic voice

🎥 Why representation and community-driven storytelling matter more than ever

💪 And his Seed&Spark campaign that’s raising funds to continue NATIVES Season 1

If you believe in bold, diverse, and authentic storytelling — this conversation will move you.

🎧 Listen to the new episode streaming on all podcast platforms!

And don’t forget to support the NATIVES Seed&Spark campaign — only 9 days left to help bring more episodes to life!

👉 seedandspark.com/fund/natives-season-1

Follow:

@ronaldthomashinton | @nativestheseries | @lightscameralatino

It’s our 30th episode! 🎉

In this special milestone, I sit down with the incredible Paola Hernández (@p_vhernandez)— a Puerto Rican actress and powerhouse vocalist who has performed in Rent more times than she can count!

From her first professional show in Puerto Rico to touring across the U.S. in the 20th Anniversary Tour of Rent, Paola shares what it’s really like to live life on the road, step onto iconic stages like Carnegie Hall, and chase Broadway dreams while staying true to her roots.

We dive deep into:

🎭 The spark that ignited her love for musical theatre

🚐 Behind-the-scenes life of a touring show

🌎 Representation and the Latino presence on Broadway

💫 The lessons she’s learned along the way

Whether you’re a theatre lover, performer, or simply someone chasing a dream — this conversation will inspire you to keep going, no matter how many auditions, rejections, or curtain calls come your way.

🎧 Listen to “Lights, Camera, Rent: The Musical Journey of Paola Hernández” — now streaming on all podcast platforms!

🎬 En este episodio de Lights, Camera, Latino: The Podcast!, hablamos con el talentoso cineasta Gilberto David Vázquez Gómez sobre su trayectoria y su más reciente corto, La Dama del Bosque. Desde el proceso creativo hasta los desafíos detrás de la producción, Gilberto nos comparte cómo transforma sus ideas en historias que conectan con la audiencia.

✨ Además, conversamos sobre otros proyectos de su carrera y cómo su pasión por el cine lo ha llevado a nuevos horizontes.

📅 No te pierdas la proyección de La Dama del Bosque este viernes 10 de octubre en el Conservatorio de Música de Puerto Rico.

🎟 Consigue tus boletos en: www.gilbertodavidvazquezgomez.com

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🎬 On this episode of Lights, Camera, Latino: The Podcast!, we chat with filmmaker Gilberto David Vázquez Gómez about his journey and his latest short film, La Dama del Bosque. From creative process to production challenges, Gilberto shares how he turns ideas into compelling stories.

✨ We also talk about his other projects and how his passion for film has led him to new horizons.

📅 Don’t miss the screening of La Dama del Bosque on Friday, October 10th at the Conservatory of Music of Puerto Rico.

🎟 Get your tickets at: www.gilbertodavidvazquezgomez.com

🔊 Listen to the full episode on all podcast streaming platforms now! 

In this episode of Lights, Camera, Latino! we sit down with Marco Medina, Head of Acquisitions at Lumexx Media and a passionate advocate for authentic Latino storytelling.

Marco shares what inspired him to create Lumexx Media, how his company helps independent filmmakers navigate the complicated world of distribution, and what he looks for when acquiring new projects. We also dive into the importance of representation in film and media, the types of Latino stories audiences are connecting with today, and what the future holds for creators looking to get their work seen worldwide.

If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you finish your film or how to get your story in front of global audiences, this conversation is full of insight and inspiration.

In this episode of Lights, Camera, Latino! I sit down with actors Jacqueline Guillén and Jared Machado to talk about their artistic journeys, their move to NYC, and their roles in the production of Torera.

We dive into what Torera is all about—a coming-of-age story set in Mexico that explores family, culture, and the challenges of bullfighting through a powerful, boundary-breaking lens. Jacqueline shares her experience of bringing Elena to life from the very first reading, while Jared opens up about embodying Tanok and the themes of identity and resilience that resonate deeply with audiences.

We also talk about heritage, representation, and what they hope audiences will take away from the show.

🎭 Torera is running from September 20 – October 19, 2025 at the WP Theater in NYC, co-produced with The Sol Project, Long Wharf Theatre, and Latinx Playwrights Circle. Don’t miss your chance to see this epic family drama live on stage!

In this episode of Lights, Camera, Latino! we sit down with filmmaker Scott Cummings, editor of acclaimed films like Never Rarely Sometimes Always and Wendy, and now director of his feature documentary debut, The Realm of Satan.

We talk about Scott’s journey from experimental short films to collaborating with the Church of Satan, what drew him to this misunderstood community, and how the documentary balances everyday life, ritual, and the humor within the unexpected. Scott also shares his thoughts on counterculture, representation in film, and what audiences can expect when they enter The Realm of Satan.

This conversation goes beyond religion — it’s about art, identity, and telling stories that live in the shadows but shape the culture around us.

Follow us on IG as @lightscameralatino

In this episode, I sit down with Benett Sullivan — actor, writer, director, and founder of Golden Century Films. We dive into his story of resilience, growing up half Puerto Rican and navigating questions of belonging, and how his battle with Leukemia shaped his love for storytelling.

Benett also opens up about his production company’s mission to bridge art and social change, and his latest fan project Spider-Man: Alone — a reimagined origin story that blends the heart of coming-of-age drama with the grit of superhero storytelling.

This conversation is about identity, purpose, and the power of film to heal and connect us.