“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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

#GlobalTrade #HollywoodMeetsMexico #Industria #Cine #Hollywood #DiscoverMexico #Cinema #filmmaker #Film #films #L21Consulting #L21Media #filmmaking #LatinoCinema #CrossBorderCreatives #DiamondHunter #CreativeWhisperer

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

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

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. 🎥🔥

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.

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.

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

🎬 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.

🏄‍♂️ 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.

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.