Moctesuma Esparza, producer of such films as Selena, The Milagro Beanfield War, Gettysburg (1993), and Gods and Generals (2003), founder of Maya Pictures will spend the next six months identifying directors and scripts about the contemporary American Latino experience. These projects will represent a wide variety of genres, including comedy, drama, and thrillers. Production is scheduled to start in early 2004. Latino directors from a wide variety of backgrounds, including independent film, music videos, commercials and television series are being tapped for the films. In addition, actors, writers and other film professionals will be offered opportunities for transitioning into directing.

Mr. Esparza is a multi-talented, award-winning filmmaker, producer, and entertainment industry executive. He has received over 100 honors including an Academy Award nomination, an Emmy, a Clio Award, and a Cine Golden Eagle Award. Esparza and Robert Katz are partners at Esparza/Katz Productions. His production credits include The Milagro Beanfield War (1988), directed by Robert Redford; The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez (1982), a feature length theatrical film produced for PBS; and Selena (1997), directed by Gregory Nava.

Born in Los Angeles, California. Moctesuma Esparza received a B.A. of Theatre Arts-Motion Pictures, Television in 1971 and a M.F.A. of Theatre Arts-Motion Pictures, TV in 1973 from the University California Los Angeles.