Nava calls for more Latino films
HELENA RAYAM
News Writer
It's time for Latino empowerment in the film industry and American culture, said Latino director and screenwriter Gregory Nava.
Nava, a Hispanic Heritage Month speaker, discussed the importance of family and values for Latinos Wednesday. He said American society can benefit from these aspects of Latino culture.
"Every group that comes to this country moves from the fringe into the mainstream of American culture," Nava said.
Nava has influenced the impact of Latinos in the film industry with his Academy Award-nominated movie "El Norte." He was also instrumental in starting Jennifer Lopez's film career by casting her in her first movie, "Mi Familia." Lopez also starred in Nava's popular film, "Selena," about the late Tejana singer.
"[Selena,] in a way, redefined beauty," said Nava, adding that both Selena and Lopez are acceptable role models because they are proud of their beauty.
"It all begins with all of you Latinos looking at yourself and saying,''Yes, I'm beautiful,'" said Nava.
In addition to stressing Latino pride, he discussed the scarcity of Latinos in Hollywood.
"There need to be more Latinos in the film business," said Nava. "It's like the chicken and the egg. How are we going to get Latino stars if we don't get the roles?"
Although Nava faced much resistance with several of his movies, he explained that he had to "be stubborn" and have an undying confidence in his work.
It took five years to make "El Norte" and six years to make "Mi Familia" because of opposition, Nava explained. Originally, he was also "Selena" should be a made-for-TV movie.
However, the director acknowledged that resistance and opposition is inevitable in any field.
"The stuff that I encountered you're going to find everywhere you go," he said.
Ultimately, Nava advised, "Find yourself and find whatever it is that you want to do."
Nava's most current film is 1998's "Why Do Fools Fall in Love?" Most recently, he sold to CBS a pilot script about a Latino family, which will air next year if CBS accepts it.
The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs sponsored Nava's lecture.
All News Stories for Thursday, September 30, 1999
