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“The great force of history comes from the fact that we carry it within us… history is literally present in all that we do.” — James Baldwin

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We walk on the shoulders of people like him—people who labored, marched, sacrificed, and loved in ways that continue to shape who we are. I carry his lessons with me. I carry him with me.

We said goodbye to him in March of 2024, but his legacy lives on—through his family, and through everyone he quietly inspired with his example.

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That quiet courage matters. That #labor, #love, and sacrifice—often unnoticed—are the real pillars of this country. My father, Señor Lopez, believed in peaceful action, in standing with others, in working hard and dreaming big for the next generation.

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But now, especially in these uncertain times, I return to it often. A reminder that showing up matters.

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We captured this photo while I was filming a peaceful march that day. I didn’t know then how much it would come to mean to me.

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He showed up for others, even when he was tired. Even when it wasn’t easy. And in doing so, he showed us—his children—how to live with dignity, integrity, and heart.

Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

This Father’s Day weekend, I honor my father with one of my favorite images of him—a quiet but powerful moment at an #immigrantrights march. He had just come from work, still in his uniform, holding a sign that read: “Estoy aquí por mis compañeros de trabajo”— “I’m here for my coworkers.”

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I left with more than new knowledge—I left with new energy. I’m already thinking about how to return… to collaborate, to learn, to build #ProducerPerspective #producer #producerlife #LatinoRepresentation #GlobalStorytelling #CulturalConnector #CreativeDiplomacy

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Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Grateful to #canacine, #intersectpublicaffairs, the #consuladomxla, and the American Latino Museum for creating such an intentional and inspiring experience.

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Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

Four days. Two cities. So many conversations I’ll carry forward. From the soundstages of Churubusco Studios to the community-driven innovation, this trip wasn’t just about seeing spaces—it was about seeing systems. And the people quietly (and not-so-quietly) building the future of storytelling.

Seeing these industries come together in such a meaningful way is exactly why I do what I do. A heartfelt thank you to our incredible hosts and everyone who made this event such an inspiring space for dialogue and connection. Here’s to more bridges, more stories, and more global impact. 🎥🔥

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We’ve always been dedicated to amplifying U.S. creatives while strengthening our relationships with our partners in Mexico and beyond. The stories we tell shape perceptions, create opportunities, and define cultural legacies.

Our industries are more connected than ever, and the conversations in that room reaffirmed something I’ve always believed: US Latino talent and their IP has no borders. The future of storytelling is global. Collaboration is key to our growth.

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Hearing Demián Bichir, Patricia Riggen, and Krizia Delgado speak about the evolving relationship between Hollywood and Mexico—especially as Netflix commits $1 billion to Mexican productions—was a powerful reminder of just how much opportunity lies ahead.

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Thankful for being hosted by Amb. Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul Gen. of Mexico in LA, & Estuardo V. Rodríguez, Pres. of the Friends of the National Museum of the American Latino. It was Hollywood & Mexican film industry leaders, celebrating the collaboration and shared future of our industries.

Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

¡Felicidades Zoe Saldaña! Thank you for mentioning your community. Big #oscars win! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 🔥#AcademyAward winner! Dominicanos represent 🙌🏽 #latinos @theacademyusa.bsky.social awards #zoesaldana

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Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 19/02/2025

I truly enjoyed FREAKY TALES when it played at Sundance. I’ve been waiting for this film to come out. I appreciate the effort #MACRO makes in curating filmmakers with an original perspective. Keep up the amazing work. #FreakyTalesFilm #StayMacro #TooShort #Oakland #PedroPascal

We came together not just for a #film, but for a #promisefulfilled. Thank you to our #audience, and everyone who has supported this #film. #PaddleOutFilm #FindYourWave #BreathIsLife #FilmCommunity

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🎬 Our incredible #filmmaking team, supporters, donors, and sponsors—including O’Neill—without you, this film wouldn’t be possible. 📰 Members of the #press, #media, and #cinephiles—thank you for being here to witness and amplify a #story that deserves to be seen.

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🏄‍♂️ The #surfing community—who understood, in the deepest way, that the #ocean wasn’t just water for Melissa—it was breath, it was freedom, it was home. 💜 The #cysticfibrosis community—your resilience, your fight, and your unwavering spirit remind us why stories like this need to be told.

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A very special thanks to #SebiLee and Claudia Puig I want to recognize and thank some very special people: 🌊 Melissa’s parents and #family—your love, #strength, and trust in sharing Melissa’s #story with us means more than words can express.

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Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Some films leave you changed. After our Santa Barbara International Film Festival, #SBIFF premiere, the conversations around Paddle Out have been nothing short of incredible. The film is just beginning its journey, but one thing is clear: Melissa’s story has already made an impact.

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This is it. 🙌🏽 The moment we’ve been waiting for. After years of dedication, storytelling, and a promise to honor Melissa’s journey, Paddle Out premieres today at #SBIFF. 🌊 If you’re here in Santa Barbara, CA, come join us:  🎟️ SBIFF Riviera Theater @ 12PM #PaddleOutFilm #SBIFF #FindYourWave

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Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Some stories choose you. Paddle Out isn’t just about surfing. It’s about resilience, breath, and the ocean’s ability to heal. 🌊 Melissa’s story isn’t just inspiring—it’s necessary. Join us this week at #SBIFF for the world premiere. Feb 13 @ 12PM. #PaddleOutFilm #FindYourWave

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Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

We’re premiering Paddle Out Documentary Film @ the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, #SBIFF, and I can’t wait to share this experience with our team and with the world. See #PaddleOut on Feb 13 at 12PM at the SBIFF Film Center. #FindYourWave #Film #documentary #Surfing #FilmFestival

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Ben Lopez @benvientofuego.bsky.social · 24/01/2025

Here are resources offered to the industry folks by the #EntertainmentCommunityFund If you’ve lost your home or faced evacuation during the recent #California fires, financial assistance is available to cover rent, medical bills, and daily essentials. 🔗 Apply: entertainmentcommunity.org/CAFires

entertainmentcommunity.org

Southern California Wildfires: How to Get Help and Give Help

The Entertainment Community Fund is here to help those in the entertainment industry affected by the Southern California Wildfires.

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We will continue to immerse in captivating stories, connect w/ industry visionaries, and continue to support #indie #filmmakers. Here's to continued exploration, growth, and the unwavering belief in the transformative power of media.

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As Liliana Espinoza and I proudly rep #L21Consulting, we carry forward the commitment to amplifying voices and pushing the boundaries of #storytelling.

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Congrats to the entire team of #Didi #film for winning #Sundance’s US #DramaticCompetition. What a thrill to see this #film succeed. Cheers to #SeanWang and #CarlosLopezEstrada’s #AntigravityAcademy

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Huge kudos to the amazing cast and crew of the #InTheSummers for winning #Sundance Grand Jury Prize. I’ve supported this #film since its inception and seeing them #triumph fills my heart with joy! The film is an incredible achievement that truly deserves to be seen by a wider #audience.

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Huge kudos to the amazing cast and crew of the #InTheSummers for winning #Sundance Grand Jury Prize. I’ve supported this #film since its inception and seeing them #triumph fills my heart with joy! The #film is an incredible achievement that truly deserves to be seen by a wider audience.

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The films we encountered were not merely stories on screen; they were windows into diverse perspectives, particularly those championing biopic narratives and amplifying the Latine and #BIPOC experience.

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From thought-provoking discussions at Variety, #AAFCA, Adobe, Warner Bros. Discovery, #MACRO Lodge, #LatinxHouse and #GoldHouse, to strategic collaborations, every encounter added a layer to our understanding of the dynamic forces shaping our #industry.

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The festival allowed us to witness the evolving landscape of #media, emphasizing the need for authentic storytelling and the amplification of #underrepresented voices, including the vibrant and rich narratives of the #Latine community.

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Engaging with #industry #visionaries, we delved into the intersection of #creativity and #business, acknowledging the importance of fostering an #inclusive environment.

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Sundance provided a platform to immerse ourselves in groundbreaking narratives, particularly via #stories with an authentic POV. Witnessing the exploration of untold stories and the celebration of diverse voices, we were reminded of the vital role media plays in shaping our collective understanding.

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This #Sundance film festival has been more than a showcase of films; it's a testament to the power of #storytelling and the resilience of the creative spirit. At L21, we hold a deep belief in the transformative impact of #film and #media, emphasizing the importance of authentic #representation.

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