Event produced by
Latinos Progresando
spotlights culture
and contributions
of Mexico and
Mexican-Americans
Latinos Progresando — a Chicago community development organization working on the issues of immigration, peace, health, and education — yesterday presented MEX talks, an exciting speaker showcase featuring a panel of Mexican-American filmmakers, authors, politicians, activists, and media personalities who delivered moving and personal stories about their lives.
The title sponsor of the event was Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, the second-largest film studio in the country.
Angelica Aragón Performer, director, social activist | Alfredo Corchado Author, Journalist and Correspondent for the Dallas Morning News | Adriana Gallardo Engagement Reporter at ProPublica | Nancy Garcia Loza Playwright | Omar Ramos Radio personality, sportscaster and reporter
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Community and cultural celebration
“MEX talks are our positive contribution to the national conversation — it is a celebration of our people and our culture,” explained Luis Gutierrez, CEO of Latinos Progresando.
The speakers participating in MEX talks work in a variety of media, performance art, television and film, and more. Much of their work draws from the experience of being an immigrant, as well as traditional and contemporary Mexican and Mexican-American culture.
President and CEO of Cincespace Chicago Film Studios, Alex Pissios, welcomed the standing room only crowd of supporters to MEX talks 2019.
“We’re so proud to be here with you for this very special, one-of-a-kind program, shining light on the contributions of Mexican-Americans to media and entertainment in the United States. These contributions reflect the essential American values of freedom of expression and the free exchange of ideas.
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Cinespace works to bring jobs to Little Village
Cinespace Chicago Film Studio hopes to expand its presence into the Little Village neighborhood this year. By growing its base for creative productions in this neighborhood, Cinespace anticipates developing an additional 300-400 labor jobs and increasing participation from the Latino community in its internship program. In addition to sound stages, Cinespace has proposed developing space in Little Village for educational/vocational training, as well as further space for DePaul’s thriving Film School.
ALSO READ: Cinespace announces 2019 production lineup
Partners and sponsors
Latinos Progresando partnered with title sponsor Cinespace Chicago Film Studios, presenting sponsor Esperanza Health Centers, Valdez Vilim & Wunrow, LLP, Constellation Brands, and BMO Harris Bank among others for the 7th annual MEX talks at Chicago’s Venue SIX10. Latinos Progresando is an impactful and multi-faceted organization that provides immigration legal services, educational programming, and arts and cultural events for Chicago’s Latino and immigrant communities.
Individuals and families who are in need of immigration-related services should contact Latinos Progresando at 773-542-7077 ext.10. For more information on programs filming at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios or for information on CineCares Foundation, please visit ChicagoFilmStudios.com or CineCaresFoundation.org.
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Pictured above Jim Ryan, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Constellation Brands; Representative Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago, 21st District); Luis Gutierrez, CEO of Latinos Progresando; Alex Pissios, President and CEO of Cinespace Chicago Film Studios
About Cinespace Chicago Film Studios
Cinespace Chicago Film Studios is a family-owned company specializing in the development, management, and operation of studio space and support facilities for the film, television, and digital media production industry. With 31 sound stages on its 1.45 million square foot main campus in Chicago’s North Lawndale neighborhood, and additional studios currently under construction at 31st and Kedzie, Cinespace is the largest film studio outside of California. Since opening in 2011, Cinespace has helped bring more than 16,000 new jobs to the area.
About CineCares Foundation
As part of Cinespace’s commitment to the neighborhood, the family established CineCares Foundation to train and employ area residents through education and job training in TV & Film. The CineCare’s Foundation Mirkopoulos Internship Program partners with FOX, HBO, NBCUniversal, Wolf Films and Studio Mechanics Union Local 476.
Key Cinespace tenants
In addition to film production, the campus is home to Stage 18 Chicago, a 501(c) 3 organization and incubator established to retain and grow talent in Chicago. Key tenants at Cinespace include 312 Fast Draw, AbelCine, Cinelease, DePaul FilmSchool, Keslow Camera, Lagunitas and Periscope Post & Audio. For more information or to contract studio or business space at Cinespace, visit the website at ChicagoFilmStudios.com.
Send your production updates to Reel Chicago Editor Dan Patton, dan@reelchicago.com.
