ESPN, ESPN Deportes, and Tribeca Studios today announced their collaboration and greenlight of two short documentary films that will bring to life compelling stories at the intersection of sports and the Latino community. Directed by emerging storytellers and filmmakers, each film will delve into unique narratives that have remained largely unseen, offering fresh perspectives on the athletes, moments, and legacies that continue to influence the world of sports and beyond. Acclaimed actor, comedian, and producer, John Leguizamo, will serve as a mentor on both films, providing guidance to the up-and-coming directors and help shape the storytelling to reflect the rich cultural impact of sports within the Latino community.

“These films reflect ESPN’s deep commitment to authentic storytelling and amplifying the many different voices in the world of sports,” said Freddy Rolon, ESPN’s Head of Global Sports & Talent Office. “We are thrilled to work with Tribeca Studios and John Leguizamo to shine a light on these important narratives, while empowering talented filmmakers to share their perspectives.”

“Sports have long served as a powerful vehicle for storytelling, and these documentaries will spotlight the profound cultural influence of Latino communities in the sports world,” said Jane Rosenthal, Co-Founder and CEO of Tribeca Enterprises. “Through our collaboration with ESPN and John Leguizamo, Tribeca is excited to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers whose creativity, vision, and talent are ready for the spotlight. We are honored to offer them the chance to share their stories with a global audience, marking a pivotal moment in their rising careers.”

“Sports and Latino culture have always been deeply connected, but never properly spotlighted,” said Leguizamo. “You can see our influence everywhere, from the players to the passionate fans to the inspiring stories that touch sports lovers of all backgrounds. I’m so proud to partner with Tribeca Studios and ESPN to support two remarkable projects that capture the heart, struggle, and triumph of our community from fresh voices that deserve this major platform.”

Director Daniel Poler will helm “Shooting Stars: The Adrián Solano Story”, which follows the surprising journey of a Venezuelan cook who dreams of becoming a professional skier, despite never having seen snow. With no choice but to train on roller skis in one of the hottest places on Earth, his path to the slopes takes a series of disastrous turns. As the internet mocks “The World’s Worst Skier,” the world begins to rally behind him, proving that greatness isn’t measured in medals, but in the courage to keep going. Poler is a Panamanian-Venezuelan filmmaker. He began his career producing Showtime’s Next Stop for Charlie in Caracas, before moving to New York City, where he directed fashion campaigns for brands like Carolina Herrera, Saks Fifth Avenue, Prada, etc. His creative vision led him to Condé Nast Entertainment, where he spent nine years crafting videos for Vogue, Vanity Fair, GQ, and others. Most recently, Daniel wrote and directed his debut fiction feature, “ESPINA,” co-produced by Condé Nast, was inspired by the life of his best friend, a story he first explored in his acclaimed documentary “Tuesco,” distributed by The New Yorker. (Download Headshot)

Director Llaima Suwani Sanfiorenzo will helm the film “13.4 Seconds To Nowhere”, which highlights the deeply personal narrative of a Puerto Rican athlete whose Olympic dreams were shattered by a hurricane. Once defined by a 13.4-second 100-meter race time she, years later, seeks to redefine her purpose. Her quest to overcome this obstacle is not for glory, but for essential self-discovery and healing. Sanfiorenzo is a Caribbean filmmaker who uses documentary as a tool for self-representation and storytelling. Originally from Puerto Rico, where she currently lives and works, Llaima has traveled to Africa, Germany, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic to create participatory films that amplify voices. Her latest project, “And Still the Seed”, is a powerful portrait of a 600-year-old tree on her island, expressing hope for a sustainable future through tree planting and seed conservation. The film won Best Short Documentary in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean, making the story of trees accessible to filmmakers worldwide. Llaima’s unique voice inspires and captivates. (Download Headshot)

Both upcoming film projects’ production will be celebrated at the 2025 Tribeca Festival and 2025 Art Basel Miami Beach. Further details will be announced in the coming months, including premiere dates and distribution plans across ESPN platforms.

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About ESPN
ESPN is the leading multiplatform sports entertainment brand that features seven U.S. television networks, the leading sports app, direct-to-consumer ESPN+, leading social and digital platforms, ESPN.com, ESPN Audio, endeavors on every continent around the world, and more.

About ESPN Deportes
ESPN Deportes launched as ESPN’s 24/7 Spanish-language linear platform serving U.S. Hispanic sports fans January 7, 2004. Before the network’s launch, ESPN Deportes began as a Sunday night programming block in July 2000 when ESPN and Major League Baseball offered Spanish-language telecasts of the Home Run Derby and select Sunday Night Baseball games. In 2001, ESPN Deportes started offering full Sunday Night Baseball and Sunday Night Football schedules, as well as boxing. Programming: Devoted to serving the Latino sports fans by offering high-quality, culturally relevant and the most diverse sports programming available on Spanish-language television. Rights include: Soccer: Spain’s LaLiga, Liga MX, Copa MX, MLS, International Champions Cup, Spain’s Supercopa, and Copa del Rey, German Cup, and International Friendlies from top teams; Baseball: In-depth coverage of Major League Baseball, including exclusive telecast of Sunday Night Baseball, the Home Run Derby and the Caribbean Series; Football: NFL’s Monday NightFootball, the NFL Draft, college football, including the College Football Playoff; Basketball: NBA, including the NBA Finals; Tennis: US Open Tennis, Australian Open, Wimbledon, Miami Open; Golf: exclusive rights to televise the first two rounds of The Masters Tournament; Combat Sports: Exclusive coverage of UFC Fight Nights on ESPN, Top Rank on ESPN and Professional Fighters League.

About Tribeca Enterprises
Tribeca Enterprises is a multi-platform media and entertainment company that owns and operates the Tribeca Festival, content division Tribeca Studios, film distribution label Tribeca Films, and production company m ss ng p eces. With strong roots in independent film, Tribeca is synonymous with creative expression and entertainment. Founded in 2003 by Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal, and Craig Hatkoff, Tribeca Enterprises brings artists and audiences together to celebrate storytelling in all its forms, including film, TV, music, audio storytelling, games, and immersive. Tribeca champions emerging and established voices, discovers award-winning talent, curates innovative experiences, and introduces new ideas through exclusive premieres, exhibitions, conversations, and live performances. In 2019, James Murdoch’s Lupa Systems bought a majority stake in Tribeca Enterprises, bringing together Rosenthal, De Niro, and Murdoch to grow the enterprise.

Press Contacts
Santa Brito | santa.brito@espn.com
Garrett Cowan | garrett.cowan@espn.com