Marissa Díaz, the Spotlight is on YOU!

We are thrilled to announce that Marissa Díaz’s submission, Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation, is the winner of the 2023 Spotlight Dorado short film contest.

Thank you to the outstanding finalists, filmmakers, and thousands of movie lovers who cast their votes in this year’s contest!

Go Behind the Spotlight

After a thrilling first year, Spotlight Dorado returns in 2023 to celebrate new Latino and Hispanic voices in film. Go backstage for an exclusive look at the second season of our short film competition.

Episode 4: A bag full of goodies and a room full of wisdom

Taking the first step from the vision to the big screen.

Meet the Finalists

Get to know the filmmakers who wowed our judges with their creative storytelling.

Photo of Marissa Diaz

Marissa Díaz

Pablo Riesgo Almonacid

Photo of Kryzz Gautier

Kryzz Gautier

Photo of Marissa Diaz

Meet Marissa Díaz

Writer, director, producer, Tejana. Marissa’s work has been featured on HBO, Fox Searchlight, MGM Studios, Bravo TV, Martin Scorsese’s Sikelia Productions, and more.

The Program

Spotlight Dorado is a multi-year platform created to empower and amplify aspiring Latino and Hispanic voices in film. We’re not just here to open doors, but to champion the creativity, talent and determination of Latino and Hispanic creators across the country.

Our Mentors

Spotlight Dorado finalists will receive guidance and mentorship from renowned film industry leaders as they bring their vision to life.

Headshot of Anthony Ramos

Anthony Ramos

Actor/Recording Artist

Headshot of Al Madrigal

Al Madrigal

Actor/Writer/Producer

Headshot Danay Garcia

Danay Garcia

Actress

Headshot of Carlos Lopez Estrada

Carlos López Estrada

Director

nancy

Nancy Mejía

Writer/Director

A screenshot of three filmmakers watching the surprise reveal that they were selected as finalists for the Spotlight Dorado 2022 film contest.

Spotlight on 2022

The inaugural year of Spotlight Dorado was a blockbuster success, with hundreds of talented Latino storytellers around the country submitting their short film scripts to the contest. Go behind the scenes with last year’s finalists!