Heineken USA is expanding its longstanding partnership with the Tribeca Film Festival by establishing the Heineken Voces Grant in support of American Latino filmmakers. Heineken Voces is a grant under the Tribeca Film Institute Latin American Media Fund, that will carry the mission of encouraging Hispanic filmmakers to redefine, invent, explore and create visions and stories that reflect their diverse cultures. The grant will further the fund’s reach by supporting specifically American Latinos, not only Latin America-based talent.

«At Heineken, we are excited to elevate our partnership with Tribeca to honor the contributions of American Latino filmmakers and give them access to new resources,» said Carolyn Concepcion, Brand Manager of Heineken. «Whether it is through music, art or film, we are proud to develop ways to help emerging talent realize their creative journey. We know there is a need for Hispanic talent in the U.S. to be given the opportunity to showcase and perfect their artistic creations.»

The Heineken Voces grantees will be selected by the Tribeca Film Institute Latin American Media Fund selection committee made up of notable talents in the field. Grantees will receive unique one-on-one guidance and consultation from the Tribeca Film Institute, as well as funding to help their film reach completion and enter the marketplace in the best possible position. Submissions for the 2012 grant will be accepted in September 2011 via www.tribecafilminstitute.org, and the grantee will need to currently be in production of a feature length film.

«We look forward to helping the selected grantees by providing benefits that will include rough and fine cut screenings, notes session, buyer screenings and festival and distribution planning, among many other elements,» said Ryan Harrington, Director of Documentary Programming at the Tribeca Film Institute.

Heineken and the Tribeca Film Institute will announce an open call for entries within the coming months, and selection criteria will include project’s fulfillment of the mission of the program. All submitted films will be screened and reviewed by a screening committee, who will narrow the selection to ten finalists.