The industry has certainly come a long way since Anthony first got his start … The question is — has it come far enough? According to Anthony, we still have quite a ways to go. “For me, it was, it was difficult coming up. It was very hard to get a lead role, let alone any role,” Anthony shared.

It’s for this reason, Anthony said, that he teamed up with McDonald’s for Spotlight Dorado, an annual film competition that champions Latinx filmmakers.

Distractify talked to the 2022 winner of Spotlight Dorado, Lucha Noir director Jesus Celaya, who dropped a few tips for those who want to apply.

“Be ready,” Jesus said. “We can't ask for these opportunities and then stutter step. [We’ve] got to be in running position as soon as that green light hits.”

“Even if it's preliminary, it's okay. Do everything that you possibly can, so that when they do let you in, you're ready, man,” he added. “Please submit, anybody who hears this!”

Submissions for the 2023 Spotlight Dorado competition close on April 21. Visit to learn more!