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By Simone Hilliard

Listen up Latino Filmmakers! In honor of the Tribeca Film Festival, Heineken USA is expanding it's long standing tradition with indie movies by establishing the Heineken Voces Grant in support of American Latino moviemakers.

The mission of the $10, 000 grant is to encourage U.S. Latino filmmakers to create unique stories reflective of their diverse and complex cultures.

Ryan Harrington, Director of Documentary Programming at the Tribeca Film Institute, released the following statement earlier this week:

"At the Tribeca Film Institute we pride ourselves in creating strong relationships with filmmakers. Through this partnership with Heineken we are able to address the needs of the thriving and talented community of American Latino filmmakers."

Carolyn Concepcion, Brand Manager of Heineken added:

"Whether it is through music, art or film, we are proud to develop ways to help emerging talent realize their creative journey. We know there is a need for Hispanic talent in the U.S. to be given the opportunity to showcase and perfect their artistic creations."

While the Heineken Voces program has existed for some time to Latin-American based filmmakers, this is the first year the fund has supported American Latinos.

To apply for the grant,  the grantee will need to currently be in production of a feature length film. In addition to funding, grantees will receive unique one-on-one guidance and consultation from the Tribeca Film Institute.

Ryan Harrington shared:

"We look forward to helping the selected grantees by providing benefits that will include rough and fine cut screenings, notes session, buyer screenings and festival and distribution planning, among many other elements."

Submissions for the 2012 grant will be accepted this September at www.tribecafilminstitute.org.

Will you apply? Let us know below, or @MTV3.

Tags Heineken Voces Grant, Tribeca Film Festival

By Michael Lopez

It’s hard to believe that the Tribeca Film Festival is nearly 10 years old. Created by actor Robert De Niro and several partners to help revitalize New York after the 9/11 attacks, it has now become a Mecca for aspiring filmmakers (and a major moneymaker for the city). This year, several Latin American directors are getting some well-deserved attention for their eye-opening works.

Paco Cabezas (pictured here) is showing that Spain’s cinema offerings are still top notch, with his feature Neon Flesh. A straight-ahead crime flick, it’s got big guns, fistfights, and a cast of colorful prostitutes! But, as the trailer illustrates, it’s all in good fun and definitely a great throwback to the fast-paced stylings of Quentin Tarantino.

Julio Jorquera’s My Last Round has been building a ton of buzz in the blog world for its bold tones and gritty realism. Described as a cross between The Wrestler and Brokeback Mountain, the Chilean drama follows the life of a burnt out boxer and his struggles to come to terms with his inner feelings.

Yulene Olaizola’s Artificial Paradises also touches on some dark subject matter, but does so beautifully. Following the life a young female heroin addict, this Mexican character study soon introduces her to a colorful local who will change her life forever.

On the American side, the Like Water documentary is getting rave reviews for its no-holds-barred expose of mixed martial arts. Helmed by Venezuelan-born commercial director Pablo Croce, it follows the life of fighter Anderson Silva as he trains and struggles to take the UFC crown.

Who is your favorite Latino director? Sound off in the comments or @MTV3.

Tags Cultura, Film Festivals, Hot Stuff, Julio Jorquera, Movies & CineMás, pablo croce, paco cabezas, Robert De Niro, Tribeca Film Festival, Yulene Olaizola