As Hispanic Heritage Month begins, the New York Latino Film Festival, founded by Calixto Chinchilla, celebrates its growth over 25 years in promoting Latino cinema and cultural contributions. Chinchilla reflects on the festival's impact on the Latino community, stating its necessity as representation has evolved since the festival's inception in 2000. Additionally, actress Summer Rose Castillo emphasizes the importance of representation in media, particularly through her role in 'Alma's Way,' which features Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to inspire young viewers. The significance of Hispanic representation extends to discussions around media and culture, as highlighted by statistics showing that the Hispanic population constitutes nearly 20% of the U.S. but often faces stereotyping in portrayal. The complexities of Hispanic identity and representation in film and media are further explored, noting historical issues with stereotyping and the evolution of Latino actors in Hollywood. Overall, these events and discussions underline the vital role of media in shaping perceptions and fostering acceptance of diverse cultures.