This panel series explores the portrayal of Indigenous and Latino communities within Tennessee’s media history, including film, and TV/video content, highlighting intersections of race, culture, and identity. Scholars, industry professionals, and community leaders come together to examine the accuracy and visibility of these communities' stories, delving into how intersectional factors influence narratives and public perceptions. Discussions will cover topics such as historical representation, media visibility, and challenges faced by Indigenous and Latino creatives.
"Bridging Narratives" seeks to foster inclusive dialogue, inspire change, and advocate for authentic representation in Tennessee’s media landscape.
The primary audience for Bridging Narratives includes students, educators, media professionals, and community members with a vested interest in equitable representation and historical accuracy in media. Additionally, it is intended for Indigenous and Latino communities who seek validation and visibility of their cultural narratives, as well as the broader Tennessee public interested in learning more about the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
"Bridging Narratives" seeks to foster inclusive dialogue, inspire change, and advocate for authentic representation in Tennessee’s media landscape.
The primary audience for Bridging Narratives includes students, educators, media professionals, and community members with a vested interest in equitable representation and historical accuracy in media. Additionally, it is intended for Indigenous and Latino communities who seek validation and visibility of their cultural narratives, as well as the broader Tennessee public interested in learning more about the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
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Pablo Mazariegos, Filmmaker
Pablo Mazariegos (he/him) is a Documentary Filmmaker and Director at Resilient Story, bringing a unique perspective to immigrant narratives through his lived and professional experience. His award-winning film “Un Nuevo Pasado / Someday Soon” explores the emotions and experiences of Guatemalan immigrants in the U.S., weaving themes of family separation, identity, and resilience that deeply resonate within Latino communities. Drawing from his background as a Marriage and Family Therapist serving immigrant youth and his own journey from Guatemala, Pablo crafts stories with both cultural authenticity and therapeutic insight. Beyond filmmaking, he established an annual fund supporting newcomer families, using his work to bridge storytelling and advocacy. His community contributions have earned recognition including The Footprint Foundation Award (2019) and Lookout Wild Film Festival Award (2021). Un Nuevo Pasado (Someday Soon) Resilient Story Jeffrey Brant, Writer, Director, Editor
Originally from the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation in Ontario, Canada, Jeffrey Brant is a writer, director, and editor now based in Nashville, TN. His projects include Emmy-nominated collaborations with KGV Studios, international tour videography with top 40 artists like Mike Posner, and producing feature-length documentaries and short films like “Devon’s Forest,” which centers on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. As a co-founder of IndigeNash - Nashville’s first-ever multimedia arts agency dedicated to celebrating Indigenous creativity, storytelling, and advocacy - Jeffrey is heading up the Comedy, Film, and Wellness programming as well as assisting in marketing for this new one-of-a-kind collective. He’s especially passionate about uplifting Native talents as a vital form of cultural storytelling and resilience. Devon's Forest, 2018 Albert Bender, Lawyer/Journalist
Bender is a Cherokee historian, writer, and attorney dedicated to preserving and advocating for Native American cultural and legal rights. As Chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition, he brings a vital historical lens to discussions around Indigenous narratives and representation, particularly within Tennessee’s media landscape. Bender is deeply involved in issues of Indigenous sovereignty, land restoration, and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), often serving as a consulting attorney on these subjects. He is currently working on a legal treatise about Native American sovereignty and authoring a book on U.S. war crimes against the Maya people during the Guatemalan civil war. Through his work, Bender remains a prominent voice for justice and accurate representation of Indigenous histories and struggles. Brief but Spectacular, Albert Bender People's World, Albert Bender |
Shawn Anfinson, Producer
Shawn Anfinson is Managing Senior Producer at Nashville PBS. Since arriving at the station in 2013, he has produced documentary content for various projects including American Graduate, Veterans Coming Home, Aging Matters, and Next Door Neighbors. His 2023 Arts Break, featuring Day of the Dead artist, Jose Vera, won a Public Media Award, while episodes of Next Door Neighbors, including Taste of Home and Peace of Mind, were each nominated for Mid-South Regional Emmy Awards. It’s through Next Door Neighbors that Nashville PBS has been able to learn from our city’s refugees and immigrants and explore the rich diversity of people now calling Nashville home. Next Door Neighbors, PBS Day of the Dead, Arts Break David Plazas, Opinion Editor
David Plazas is the opinion editor of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He edits guest essays from newsmakers and community members and writes columns on topics ranging from Atlanta’s growth and development to Georgia’s cultural connections, including those to Puerto Rican superstar Bad Bunny. As a new metro Atlanta resident, he’s exploring the region’s diverse history while contributing to its civic future. An award-winning journalist with nearly 50 honors from national organizations such as the Online News Association and the Society of Professional Journalists, Plazas previously led opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee and hosted the Tennessee Voices podcast. He holds degrees from Northwestern University and Florida Gulf Coast University. Outside of journalism, he enjoys reading, cooking, running, and spending time with his husband, Darren, and their two pups, Bandit and Millie Mae. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution |
Intersectionality and Historical Representation in
Tennessee's Film and Media—Indigenous and Latino Perspective
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This panel series explores the portrayal of Indigenous and Latino communities within Tennessee’s media history, including film, and TV/video content, highlighting intersections of race, culture, and identity.
Scholars, industry professionals, and community leaders come together to examine the accuracy and visibility of these communities' stories, delving into how intersectional factors influence narratives and public perceptions. Discussions will cover topics such as historical representation, media visibility, and challenges faced by Indigenous and Latino creatives.
Guest Panelists/Invitados:
Albert Bender, Journalist/Activist; Ted Parks, Lipscomb University; John Partipilo, Photo/Video Journalist; Marisa Munoz, Casting Director; Robert Rodriguez, Producer/Financier. |
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"Bridging Narratives" seeks to foster inclusive dialogue, inspire change, and advocate for authentic representation in Tennessee’s media landscape.
The primary audience for Bridging Narratives includes students, educators, media professionals, and community members with a vested interest in equitable representation and historical accuracy in media. Additionally, it is intended for Indigenous and Latino communities who seek validation and visibility of their cultural narratives, as well as the broader Tennessee public interested in learning more about the region’s diverse cultural heritage. |
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Albert Bender, Lawyer/Journalist
Bender is a Cherokee historian, writer, and attorney dedicated to preserving and advocating for Native American cultural and legal rights. As Chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition, he brings a vital historical lens to discussions around Indigenous narratives and representation, particularly within Tennessee’s media landscape. Bender is deeply involved in issues of Indigenous sovereignty, land restoration, and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), often serving as a consulting attorney on these subjects. He is currently working on a legal treatise about Native American sovereignty and authoring a book on U.S. war crimes against the Maya people during the Guatemalan civil war. Through his work, Bender remains a prominent voice for justice and accurate representation of Indigenous histories and struggles.
Ted Parks, Ph.D, Lipscomb University
Parks is an Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of English and Modern Languages, bringing a rich blend of cultural and scholarly expertise to his work. With extensive teaching experience at all levels of Spanish at Lipscomb University, Parks joined the faculty in 2004 after teaching at Pepperdine University. His academic background includes a Bachelor's degree from Lipscomb, a Master's in Bible from Harding University Graduate School of Religion, and both a Master's and Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Texas at Austin. Parks’ scholarly interests are rooted in Spanish Golden Age literature and Hispanic cinema, areas in which he bridges linguistic and cultural insights to deepen students' understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. His bilingual and bicultural perspective allows him to connect students with the profound literary and cinematic traditions of Spain and Latin America. Each year, he also leads Lipscomb's Maymester in Oviedo, a language immersion program in northern Spain that provides students with direct cultural and linguistic engagement. Parks’ work reflects his commitment to fostering a scholarly appreciation for the richness of the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures.
Bender is a Cherokee historian, writer, and attorney dedicated to preserving and advocating for Native American cultural and legal rights. As Chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition, he brings a vital historical lens to discussions around Indigenous narratives and representation, particularly within Tennessee’s media landscape. Bender is deeply involved in issues of Indigenous sovereignty, land restoration, and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), often serving as a consulting attorney on these subjects. He is currently working on a legal treatise about Native American sovereignty and authoring a book on U.S. war crimes against the Maya people during the Guatemalan civil war. Through his work, Bender remains a prominent voice for justice and accurate representation of Indigenous histories and struggles.
Ted Parks, Ph.D, Lipscomb University
Parks is an Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of English and Modern Languages, bringing a rich blend of cultural and scholarly expertise to his work. With extensive teaching experience at all levels of Spanish at Lipscomb University, Parks joined the faculty in 2004 after teaching at Pepperdine University. His academic background includes a Bachelor's degree from Lipscomb, a Master's in Bible from Harding University Graduate School of Religion, and both a Master's and Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Texas at Austin. Parks’ scholarly interests are rooted in Spanish Golden Age literature and Hispanic cinema, areas in which he bridges linguistic and cultural insights to deepen students' understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. His bilingual and bicultural perspective allows him to connect students with the profound literary and cinematic traditions of Spain and Latin America. Each year, he also leads Lipscomb's Maymester in Oviedo, a language immersion program in northern Spain that provides students with direct cultural and linguistic engagement. Parks’ work reflects his commitment to fostering a scholarly appreciation for the richness of the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures.
NAHCC Foundation's program "Bridging Narratives: Intersectionality and Historical Representation in Tennessee's Film & Media - Indigenous and Latino Perspective", is funded in part by a grant from Humanities Tennessee, an independent affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
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John Partipilo, Photo/Video Journalist
John is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photojournalist and fine art photographer of Native American Indigenous heritage, with a distinguished career spanning over 40 years. A two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, Partipilo has been recognized globally, including numerous honors from the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and a Best of Photojournalism award for his powerful essay on gang life in Tennessee. His Native American heritage deeply informs his approach to photography, allowing him to connect with his subjects and capture authentic, humanizing images that resonate with viewers across cultures. As a storyteller at heart, Partipilo draws from a rich cultural understanding that emphasizes respect, resilience, and tradition, lending depth and perspective to his work.
This background allows him to build trust with his subjects, resulting in poignant, impactful images that highlight Indigenous perspectives within the broader narrative of American photojournalism. Partipilo’s work continues to be a compelling voice in both documentary and fine art photography, capturing the essence of human experiences with an unmatched sense of authenticity and empathy.
Marisa Munoz, Casting Director
Marisa is a seasoned Casting Director, Talent Manager, Consultant, and Creator. She is the founder and CEO of M Casting Worldwide, a women-owned, minority-owned company with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville, serving clients globally for over 20 years. Munoz and her team are dedicated to diversity and equality in casting, with expertise spanning commercials, print campaigns, beauty and fashion, music videos, and film. Marisa's impressive client list includes Amazon, Apple, Clinique, Disney, Ray-Ban, Target, Nike, Doritos, Reese's, Dial, Old Navy, Garnier, Pantene, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Samsung, Under Armour, and many others.
Robert Rodriguez, Producer/Financier
Robert is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in film production and media finance. In the entertainment industry, he has developed media funds alongside notable figures like Ronald Shusett Productions (known for Alien and Minority Report), Tom Sherek (former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), and Bill Mechanic (former CEO and President of Fox Films). As Chief Investment Officer at Aldamisa Entertainment, he oversaw films like Chef, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, and Machete Kills.
Additional films include: Confessions of a Pit Fighter, Lake Dead, Hotel California, Farm House, La Linea, Across the Line: The Exodus of Charlie Wright, Path of Souls, Back to the Sea, Stag, Fish N Chips: The Movie, Bullet, The High Schooler's Guide to College Parties.
Moderated by: Yuri Cunza, Program Director
John is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photojournalist and fine art photographer of Native American Indigenous heritage, with a distinguished career spanning over 40 years. A two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, Partipilo has been recognized globally, including numerous honors from the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and a Best of Photojournalism award for his powerful essay on gang life in Tennessee. His Native American heritage deeply informs his approach to photography, allowing him to connect with his subjects and capture authentic, humanizing images that resonate with viewers across cultures. As a storyteller at heart, Partipilo draws from a rich cultural understanding that emphasizes respect, resilience, and tradition, lending depth and perspective to his work.
This background allows him to build trust with his subjects, resulting in poignant, impactful images that highlight Indigenous perspectives within the broader narrative of American photojournalism. Partipilo’s work continues to be a compelling voice in both documentary and fine art photography, capturing the essence of human experiences with an unmatched sense of authenticity and empathy.
Marisa Munoz, Casting Director
Marisa is a seasoned Casting Director, Talent Manager, Consultant, and Creator. She is the founder and CEO of M Casting Worldwide, a women-owned, minority-owned company with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville, serving clients globally for over 20 years. Munoz and her team are dedicated to diversity and equality in casting, with expertise spanning commercials, print campaigns, beauty and fashion, music videos, and film. Marisa's impressive client list includes Amazon, Apple, Clinique, Disney, Ray-Ban, Target, Nike, Doritos, Reese's, Dial, Old Navy, Garnier, Pantene, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Samsung, Under Armour, and many others.
Robert Rodriguez, Producer/Financier
Robert is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in film production and media finance. In the entertainment industry, he has developed media funds alongside notable figures like Ronald Shusett Productions (known for Alien and Minority Report), Tom Sherek (former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), and Bill Mechanic (former CEO and President of Fox Films). As Chief Investment Officer at Aldamisa Entertainment, he oversaw films like Chef, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, and Machete Kills.
Additional films include: Confessions of a Pit Fighter, Lake Dead, Hotel California, Farm House, La Linea, Across the Line: The Exodus of Charlie Wright, Path of Souls, Back to the Sea, Stag, Fish N Chips: The Movie, Bullet, The High Schooler's Guide to College Parties.
Moderated by: Yuri Cunza, Program Director
Celebrating Culture, Creating Opportunity, Strengthening Communities
NAHCC Foundation
PO Box 40541
Nashville, TN 37204
PO Box 40541
Nashville, TN 37204
