Carlos Ponce to Receive Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award at Georgia Latino Film Festival

The Georgia Latino International Film Festival will honor Carlos Ponce with the Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award during its Opening Night Gala at the Fox Theatre on October 2, 2025. The award recognizes Ponce's groundbreaking contributions to film, television, and music, his philanthropic impact, and his latest entrepreneurial venture, Minivela—the first U.S. Hispanic micro-shorts platform that is redefining Latino storytelling for the digital age.

Jose Marquez, CEO of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, stated that Ponce embodies the pioneering spirit the award celebrates. "Like Pepe Serna, he has opened doors for generations of Latino artists while remaining deeply committed to his community. With Minivela, he is not only extending his legacy but also empowering a new generation of Latino filmmakers to tell authentic stories in innovative ways."

Ponce's career spans more than three decades, establishing him as one of the most beloved Latino entertainers worldwide. He began in the early 1990s as host of the Spanish-language variety show Control and progressed to starring roles in telenovelas, Hollywood films, and hit series including Santa Diabla, Couples Retreat, 7th Heaven, and Beverly Hills, 90210. His voice acting credits include animated favorites like Rio and Ice Age: Collision Course.

As a music artist, Ponce's 1998 debut album went Double Platinum, topping the Latin Billboard charts. He has released six albums, won Best Pop Album in 1999, and recorded multiple chart-topping singles, including Disney's "Bella Notte" for Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure. Beyond entertainment, Ponce maintains a strong philanthropic presence, supporting initiatives in education, children's health, and cultural development.

The festival will showcase Ponce's Minivela platform through screenings of two productions: El Clavito, a prestige micro short gaining recognition across the festival circuit, and Cholita Takes L.A., a cultural comedy-drama blending indigenous heritage with modern urban flair. These screenings demonstrate Minivela's mission to amplify Latino voices in film while building an ecosystem for emerging creators.

Minivela represents a significant innovation in Latino media consumption. The platform produces advertiser-supported digital shorts primarily targeting Latinos aged 18-34 with content verticals featuring romantic comedies, original series, supernatural themes, and cultural narratives. Content is available free on Minivela's YouTube hub and social media channels, as well as through distribution partnerships with adtech conglomerate Numatec.

The Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award has previously honored cultural figures including comedy icon Paul Rodriguez and Pepe Serna himself, recognizing individuals who have reshaped Latino media and storytelling worldwide. Ponce's recognition highlights the growing importance of digital platforms in preserving and advancing Latino cultural narratives while creating new opportunities for content creators and filmmakers within the community.