MUMBAI: Underscoring its commitment to producing quality filmed entertainment with an emphasis on Latino stories and characters, Ventanazul, the film label recently created by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) and Salma Hayek, has made new senior level appointments.
Producer Annie Stewart (Leaving Las Vegas, Cold Creek Manor) has been named vice president of development; Lumumba Mosquera will head the company’s legal and business affairs; and Juan Davila joins in the role of director of development. The announcements were made by Ventanazul president of production Jose Tamez.
“Development and legal and business affairs are the critical positions in spearheading Ventanazul’s production commitment. We’re eager to ramp up our production development and acquisitions, and with Annie, Lumumba and Juan on board, we look forward to announcing some exciting new projects for Ventanazul shortly,” said Tamez.
Heading Ventanazul’s development team, Stewart will be charged with bringing two to four film projects to market per year under the Ventanazul film label, with MGM handling worldwide marketing and distribution. Over the past 10 years, Stewart and her former partner Mike Figgis, have produced feature films including Leaving Las Vegas, Cold Creek Manner and Timecode, among others. Stewart was also the recipient of a 1996 Independent Spirit Award (with Lila Cazès) for Best Feature for Leaving Las Vegas.
Davila, as director of development, will identify and develop feature film projects that have both worldwide appeal and Hispanic elements. Davila, founder of management company Davila & Co, has represented emerging Hispanic writers, actors and filmmakers. Prior to forming Davila & Co, he served as an executive with the A&E Television Networks.
As Head of Business & Legal Affairs, Mosquera will negotiate development and production contracts and other legal agreements on behalf of Ventanazul. Mosquera joins Ventanazul from The Weinstein Company, where he has served as senior vice president of business affairs for the company’s Dimension Films division.
MGM entered into a partnership with producer/director and Academy Award nominated actress Salma Hayek and her partner Jose Tamez this past April, with an eye toward developing, producing and acquiring filmed entertainment that has worldwide market appeal and draws on Latin themes and/or features Hispanic talent, both in front and behind the camera.
