Showtime 3rd Annual Latino Filmmaker Showcase Winner.

As part of a continuing commitment to develop and support up-and-coming Latino filmmakers, Showtime Networks Inc. is
proud to announce that Gustavo Mercado is the winner of SHOWTIME’s 3rd Annual Latino Filmmaker Showcase. Gustavo Mercado, who directed the short film SENSITIVE, will receive a $30,000 grant to use towards the production of a 15-30 minute short film, which will have its exclusive world premiere on SHOWTIME.

In addition, Gusatavo Mercado’s film SENSITIVE will be the highlight of the SHOWTIME Latino Filmmaker Showcase, which will air on the network during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15). In addition to Mercado’s film, the Latino Filmmaker Showcase will also feature four additional films which received finalist status.

A blue ribbon panel comprised of Tony Plana (Resurrection Blvd.); Ada Maris (Brothers Garcia); Dennis Leoni (Creator, Resurrection Blvd.); Adam Fierro (Writer, Resurrection Blvd.) and Bob Orci (Writer, Alias) selected the four finalists as well as the winning film.

FILM SYNOPSES
SENSITIVE, directed by Gustavo Mercado
This film follows a woman who, feeling the frustrations and futility of her job, tries to make a difference in a young boy’s life.

FIRST DAYS, directed by Lidia Estrada
On a little girl’s first day of school, she teaches the jaded teacher an important lesson.

LEARNING TO SWIM, directed by Christopher Olness
After witnessing his young brother’s accidental drowning, a Latino teenager overcomes his fear of the water to save the life of a bully.

DE COLORES, directed by Peter Barbosa and Garrett Lenoir
This documentary follows how Latino families and communities learn to deal with their gay sons and daughters.

TRAUCO’S DAUGHTER, directed by Francisca Fuenzalida
A young woman has an affair with the boss’s son and claims that the mythical creature Trauco is the father of her love child.