The Handy Foundation, a California Film Commission certified non-profit, has joined forces with The LatinXorcists, a burgeoning group of Latine screenwriters to develop its first program supporting diversity and inclusion in above-the-line roles within the horror genre.
LOS ANGELES, Oct. 13, 2023 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- In a significant stride towards diversifying Hollywood's entertainment industry, The Handy Foundation, a California Film Commission certified non-profit, has joined forces with The LatinXorcists, a burgeoning group of Latine screenwriters. Together, they are rewriting the narrative of the horror genre, infusing it with fresh perspectives and cultural richness.
Over the past year, LatinXorcists have meticulously honed their craft, workshopping scripts that have earned prestigious spots on the BlackList's LatinXList and secured accolades at esteemed competitions such as Screencraft and the Nicholl Fellowship. The exceptional talent within the group has opened doors for members to join the staff of major television shows, with one member successfully producing their first feature film.
Co-Founder Ricardo Martinez emphasized, "New POC screenwriters struggle enough as it is to get noticed, but when your script is bloody or scary, it's even harder." Founder Jose Chavez added, "So we created a group where Latinos could pass around our horror scripts and give each other honest, constructive criticism—for free." Co-Founder Alfredo Hernandez emphasized, "We get better as writers by reading each other, and we organically built a community for marginalized voices in the process. We have a lot of real-life experiences to draw from." Co-founder Ricardo Martinez concluded, "The times are scary enough, aren't they? The joy of this group is that we come together to talk about two things we love: horror scripts and screenwriting. Anybody who is Latino, Latine, or Hispanic can join, and it's free to get read."
This groundbreaking partnership aligns with The Handy Foundation's dedication to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry, and is the first collaboration supporting above-the-line tradecraft. Handy Foundation Founder Ri-Karlo Handy stated, "We are excited to embark on this journey with The LatinXorcists. Their dedication to pushing boundaries in the horror genre aligns perfectly with our mission to champion the diversity of talent in this industry."
The LatinXorcists invite supporters to watch their launch video, crafted as a collaboration with the Handy Foundation and their Virtual Production Training Program.
Media Contact
Tosha Whitten, The Handy Foundation, 1 2022467875, tosha@frontpagefirm.com, www.handyfoundation.org
SOURCE The Handy Foundation
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