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History of Nosotros
It all began in a Los Angeles drug store cafeteria on the corner of Beverly and La Cienega Boulevards in 1970. At the very first meeting, over a cup of coffee, Ricardo Montalbán met with Gilbert Avila, Robert Apodaca, Luis De Cordoba, Val De Vargas and Rodolfo Hoyos, to strategically change the stereotypical image portrayed by Latino actors. Most were playing roles as gigolos, hoodlums, servants, prostitutes, and lazy, good-for-nothing Mexicans. When they weren't playing Latin lovers, rogues or Indians, they were cast in limited roles that had no significance. The feeling among this incredible group was that if Latinos accepted these degrading roles, they had to sacrifice personal dignity and pride in order to work at their chosen craft.
The needs and urges of the Latino artist were endless. The group felt that the time had come to force the Entertainment Industry into changing their view(s) of the Latinos. Thus, the seed was planted. The word went out and the news spread quickly. It wasn't long before Latinos from different nationalities joined the group. Among the many new members who came to the first official meeting of NOSOTROS, included Desi Arnaz, Anthony Quinn, Ines Pedroza, Fernando Lamas, Vikki Carr, Mario Machado, Tony De Marco, Henry Darrow, Richard Hernandez, Linda Cristal, and many more. Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Nicaraguans, Cubans, South Americans and Anglos joined to share the "same" dream. The evolving spirit was devoted to making it into a reality.
Meetings were held; funds were raised, and the kickoff event, produced by Antonio De Marco, was held at the Hollywood Bowl in August,1970. And what an event it was: Headlining the show were a Hollywood's Who's Who, including Desi Arnaz, Anthony Quinn, Vikki Carr, Dionne Warwick, Jose Ferrer, Glen Ford, Yma Sumac, Charlton Heston, Ricardo Montalbán, Frank Sinatra, Henry Darrow, Antonio Aguilar, Eddie Cano & Los Camperos, and the list went on. The house was filled to capacity, and it turned out to be a tremendous success.
From that evening forward, the Entertainment Industry felt the magnitude of the influence that Latino entertainers had over the community. It was a long and arduous process, but studio heads, media and press began to take notice. Many avenues that had been traditionally closed, finally opened, not only in-front-of, but behind-the camera. Just a handful of people made the difference. The efforts of the Founding Fathers making contacts and focusing on innovative ideas to change the old school of thought made it all happen.
Nosotros is a growing institution, constantly adding and creating new programs which are beneficial and needed by the membership and the community. We ask for your support and invite you to join us in making this year the most progressive and productive year to date!
NOSOTROS is the Spanish word for "We/Us."
Nosotros is an organization that was founded in 1970 by Ricardo Montalbán.
Through our group we hope to attain these three primary objectives:
1) To improve the image of Latinos as they are portrayed on the screen.
2) To seek employment opportunities in the Entertainment Industry in all types of roles, both in front-of and behind-the camera, that we are capable of performing.
3) Train our members to become better actors and actresses by offering theatre workshops and productions, and ultimately,
4) To seek talent in our community in an attempt to train creative youngsters to enter our chosen profession.
Our goals are simple. Our intent is genuine.
We seek only to work within the system, with the abilities we have, to improve the image and ambitions of those 27 MILLION persons of Spanish-speaking origin in the United States.
That's what Nosotros is all about. It is not a fraternity, nor is it a private club. We urge ALL Latino professionals in the motion picture industry , as well as those with a desire to become a part of it, to join us and actively participate in our dedicated, worthy, and noble pursuits.
We know that together we can and will attain our highest ideals.
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