About the Board of Cine Las Americas
As a local non-profit organization, Cine Las Americas’ programs and operations depend on the involvement of talented individuals who volunteer time and resources to fulfill its mission. The organization’s programs are supported by the invaluable work of community leaders, industry professionals, and talented artists who serve in its Executive Board of Directors and Advisory Board.
Executive Board
Board President JOHN ESTRADA is an Austin-based filmmaker, having won various awards including the 2009 HBO/New York International Latino Film Festival Short Film Competition and the PBS/POV WGBH Election 2008. He currently works for the Round Rock Police Department as a Multimedia Specialist, where his Open Carry PSA went viral, and ended up on ABC World News and the Daily Show. A graduate of The University of Texas, he holds both a bachelor’s degree in Radio-Television-Film as well as Government. In his spare time, you can find him trying to break the story on a fresh idea, watching the San Antonio Spurs, or looking for a great slice of moist brisket.
ENRIQUE DURAN II is a Senior Accountant at TOPO and a graduate of Texas State University. He sits on the Board of Directors for The Trail of Lights Foundation and The Bingham Group Foundation in addition to Cine Las Americas’.
FRANCISCO GARCIA has extensive experience in collaborating with nonprofit organizations, film festivals, and art exhibits. Currently, he manages Nepantla, USA with Claudia Aparicio-Gamundi, an experimental space that collaborates with printmakers, designers, and visual artists in striving to reflect the diversity of Austin, Texas.
DAVID GIL began his career working in film and television production with A SCANNER DARKLY and AMERICAN IDOL among his list of credits. He transitioned into film programming for various festivals in 2009, including for ActionFest (the world’s first film festival dedicated to action films) and Austin Film Festival (overseeing six film competitions, two of which are recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences as Academy qualifiers). Currently, David is the Director of Marketing & Programming for both Violet Crown Cinemas and Sky Cinemas. He holds a BA in Mass Communication from Texas State University and an MS in Entertainment Business from Full Sail University.
JEANNELLE RAMIREZ is a Dominican-Cuban-American cultural producer, writer, researcher, and multimedia artist from NJ/NYC, now based in Austin, TX. She is the founder and director of Future Traditions Fest, a platform for experimental Latinx multimedia and performance. She currently works as a program manager for Texas Folklife, a statewide public folklore organization, and is a Ph.D. candidate in Ethnomusicology at the University of Texas at Austin. She holds a M.M. in Ethnomusicology from UT and a BA/BFA in Jazz Performance and Arts in Context from The New School.
CASSANDRA SANCHEZ-BARRERA is a seasoned professional dedicated to advancing meaningful causes. She is a proud alumna of St. Edward’s University with over 15 years of communications experience within the nonprofit sector and with Texas associations. In 2021, Cassandra graduated from the Hispanic Austin Leadership program, showcasing her dedication to leadership development and community engagement. Her diverse background in communications includes her current position as a Senior Marketing Specialist, handling marketing and communication for statewide signature events. A passionate advocate for effective communication and community empowerment, Cassandra brings a unique blend of experience, education, and a commitment to making a positive difference.
Advisory Board
Sergio Alcocer, Rest of the World
Cynthia Benitez, Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian
Charles Ramirez Berg, The University of Texas at Austin
Jason Borge, The University of Texas at Austin
Christine Davila, Creative Executive at Warner Bros. Digital Network’s Stage 13
Stephen E. Jackson, Blue 62 Entertainment
AJ Johnson, Nettie Lee Benson Latin American Collection, The University of Texas at Austin
Chale Nafus, Austin Film Society (ret.)
Daniel Northway-Frank, Northway-Frank Consulting
Tracy Rector, Longhouse Media/Clearwater Film
David Rice, Author, Lecturer, Film Producer
Patricia Vonne, Musician and Filmmaker