Reps. Cisneros, Castro Honor Hispanic and Latino Storytellers

October 6, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-31) and Congressman Joaquin Castro (TX-20) introduced a resolution to honor and celebrate the cultural impacts of Hispanics and Latinos in film, television, and streaming. Hispanics and Latinos represent 21% of the total population of the United States but Hispanics and Latinos in film, television, and streaming account for less than 7% of on-screen roles and less than 5% of off-screen roles. However, television series and films featuring Hispanic and Latino talent consistently rank among the most-watched and financially successful productions. El Cine, the Hispanic Heritage Foundation, the Latino Film Institute, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP), the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA), and the National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC) signed on as supporting organizations. “Latinos and Hispanics represent some of the biggest stars and the most important stories of the century. The time when actors like Rita Hayworth, Anthony Quinn or Martin Sheen had to change their names has given way to mainstream stars like Selma Hayek, Eva Longoria, Diego Luna, and Selena Gomez,” said Congressman Cisneros. “Hispanic and Latino storytellers have enriched our media with diverse stories, artistic excellence, and economic growth and they deserve recognition for their talent. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to celebrate and honor the success of Hispanics and Latinos in film, television, and streaming and recognize their past, present, and future contributions to the United States.” “Latino artists have helped shape American film and television for generations, and Latinos are one of the largest and fastest-growing audiences in this country,” said Congressman Castro. “Yet we are still underrepresented on screen and in the writing rooms and leadership roles where decisions are made. Latino film festivals across the country are doing important work to support Latino storytellers, and the industry should invest in that talent. I'm proud to join Congressman Cisneros in recognizing these contributions and calling for more Latino representation on and behind the big screen.” “One of the biggest dangers our culture faces is erasure,” said Mariana Da Silva, Founder of El Cine. “We are taught to hide parts of ourselves, our language, our histories, and the stories that make us who we are. At El Cine, we create space for those stories to be seen, heard, and passed on. Latin culture is American culture. We’re proud to support this resolution because recognizing our contributions also means making room for the next generation to tell their stories without having to hide who they are.” “Fifty-nine percent of Latino adults went to a movie theater last year, more than any other group,” said Juan Proaño, Chief Executive Officer of LULAC. “Latinos are the profit margin of this industry. Yet we hold just 5 percent of the roles on screen, 2.8 percent of the lead roles, and one half of one percent of the writing credits, and 44 percent of top films have no Latino speaking character at all. LULAC is proud to support Congressman Cisneros's resolution, which honors the artists who opened doors and calls on the industry to reflect the audiences who sustain it. When we tell our own stories, the whole country sees itself more clearly.” “Thirty years ago, Jimmy Smits, Sonia Braga, Esai Morales, Merel Julia and I founded the National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts (NHFA), when Latinos were one in ten Americans and almost nowhere on screen,” said Felix R. Sánchez, Chair and Co-founder of NHFA. “Today we are one in five, and we hold fewer than three of every hundred lead roles in Hollywood's top films. The country changed, the screen has not.” “Latino Americans are intertwined in the fabric of the United States – including in film, television, and streaming,” said Brenda Victoria Castillo, President and CEO of National Hispanic Media Coalition (NHMC). “With the highest per capita consumption in entertainment, representing 24% of film ticket sales, 29% of daily mobile television viewers, and 24% of streaming subscribers, it's no wonder that our stories resonate, inspire, and are central to modern American culture. NHMC thanks Congressmen Cisneros and Castro for recognizing our community and continuing to be allies to increase Latino representation in media.” “From a fifth grader's first film to a fellow's first credit to a festival premiere, Latino Film Institute is building the workforce of American film, television, and streaming,” said Axel Caballero, Chief Executive Officer of the Latino Film Institute. “And we are preparing it for what comes next: new kinds of stories, told on platforms that are still taking shape. Through YCP, our fellowships, and LALIFF, that talent is being readied and celebrated. We thank Congressman Cisneros, Congressman Castro, and all the cosponsors, and LFI is proud to support this resolution.” Read the full text of the resolution here Rep. Cisneros is a member of the House Committee on Small Business, the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Contracting and Infrastructure, and on the Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Regulations. He is a member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus and serves on its leadership team as the Freshman Representative. ###