The NLCC is a nonprofit media arts production resource center dedicated to creating access for and providing funding support to Latino media artists in public broadcasting.
The NLCC supports producers of Latino programs suitable for national public broadcast--including projects in drama, documentary, performance and cultural affairs programming.
Through its Program Development fund, support is available for research and development, scripting, pre-production, post-production, completion, packaging and community outreach. The goal of the NLCC’s support for film and video makers is the national television broadcast and distribution of their works. Funds are also available for professional development support and for special projects and studies designed to expand and institutionalize opportunities for Latinos in the media arts.
In 1989, the NLCC began to directly fund Latino film and video makers to develop projects for national broadcast on public television. Over sixty projects have been funded, including projects aimed at expanding distribution and dissemination opportunities for Latino programming.
In the past few years, several programs provided funding by the NLCC were broadcast on the national PBS schedule. Luis Valdez' "La Pastorela" and Culture Clash's "A Bowl of Beings" were presented on Great Performances. "La Carpa", directed by emerging filmmaker Carlos Avila, was presented on American Playhouse. "Power, Politics and Latinos" was broadcast on PBS as an election `92 special.
The NLCC has recently completed production of Chicano! History of the Mexican American Civil Rights Movement, a four part documentary series for public television. Chicano! chronicles the Mexican American community’s struggle for social and legal equality, its cultural affirmation, and its efforts to achieve full participation in the American political process. The series airs in April, 1996.