PROGRAMS
LFI SCHOLAR & POLICY
LFI Scholar & Policy is where long-term change begins. LFI’s mission to transform the entertainment, tech arts, and media industries by building real infrastructure starts with understanding the challenges our community faces. To create meaningful solutions, we need deeper insight and brilliant minds helping shape the roadmap ahead.
This program makes that possible. Through research funds, policy development, and program innovation, LFI Scholar & Policy identifies gaps, tracks emerging opportunities, and studies the systems within these industries that must evolve. For example, the program has supported major studies such as the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report, helping illuminate trends in representation and market dynamics.
By anticipating challenges and collaborating with experts, LFI Scholar & Policy develops strategies and solutions that advance opportunities for the community and shape the future of the industries it serves.
Our scholars investigate and analyze Latino contributions across multiple sectors:
- Film and Television
- Animation and VFX
- Technology and Gaming
- Arts in Education
This initiative aims to highlight the significant cultural and economic influence of the Latino community in these dynamic fields. By supporting rigorous academic and journalistic inquiry, we seek to deepen understanding of Latino representation, innovation, and market power in American media and technology as well as further develop the tools for education, advancement and empowerment of the community.
Our scholars contribute valuable insights that inform industry practices, shape public discourse, and inspire the next generation of Latino creators and leaders. LFI’s inaugural funding supported the work of Dr. Ana-Christina Ramon and The Hollywood Diversity Report in the UCLA Division of Social Sciences:
The Latino Film Institute Scholar program is expanding its focus to address a broader range of critical issues in media and education. This new initiative will fund research that not only explores Latino contributions in film, TV, animation, gaming, and entertainment, but also delves into arts education in schools, below-the-line work, and workforce development across these industries.
By supporting scholars investigating these diverse topics, the program aims to cultivate a new generation of Latino opinion leaders, academic researchers, and thought leaders. Their work will provide valuable insights on representation, educational access, and career pathways for Latinos in creative fields.
Ultimately, this research will strengthen the Institute’s position as a leading voice in discussions about advancement, empowerment, inclusion, and innovation in media, arts and education, informing policy decisions and industry practices.
