Bridging Narratives: Intersectionality and Historical Representation in Tennessee's Film and Media—Indigenous and Latino Perspective
This panel series explores the portrayal of Indigenous and Latino communities within Tennessee’s media history, including film, and TV/video content, highlighting intersections of race, culture, and identity. Scholars, industry professionals, and community leaders come together to examine the accuracy and visibility of these communities' stories, delving into how intersectional factors influence narratives and public perceptions. Discussions will cover topics such as historical representation, media visibility, and challenges faced by Indigenous and Latino creatives.
"Bridging Narratives" seeks to foster inclusive dialogue, inspire change, and advocate for authentic representation in Tennessee’s media landscape.
The primary audience for Bridging Narratives includes students, educators, media professionals, and community members with a vested interest in equitable representation and historical accuracy in media. Additionally, it is intended for Indigenous and Latino communities who seek validation and visibility of their cultural narratives, as well as the broader Tennessee public interested in learning more about the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
Guests Panelists/Invitados:
Moderated by: Yuri Cunza, Program Director
"Bridging Narratives" seeks to foster inclusive dialogue, inspire change, and advocate for authentic representation in Tennessee’s media landscape.
The primary audience for Bridging Narratives includes students, educators, media professionals, and community members with a vested interest in equitable representation and historical accuracy in media. Additionally, it is intended for Indigenous and Latino communities who seek validation and visibility of their cultural narratives, as well as the broader Tennessee public interested in learning more about the region’s diverse cultural heritage.
Guests Panelists/Invitados:
- Albert Bender, Lawyer/Journalist: Bender is a Cherokee historian, writer, and attorney dedicated to preserving and advocating for Native American cultural and legal rights. As Chairperson of the Indigenous Peoples Coalition, he brings a vital historical lens to discussions around Indigenous narratives and representation, particularly within Tennessee’s media landscape. Bender is deeply involved in issues of Indigenous sovereignty, land restoration, and the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), often serving as a consulting attorney on these subjects. He is currently working on a legal treatise about Native American sovereignty and authoring a book on U.S. war crimes against the Maya people during the Guatemalan civil war. Through his work,
- Bender remains a prominent voice for justice and accurate representation of Indigenous histories and struggles.
- Ted Parks, Ph.D, Lipscomb University:: Parks is an Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of English and Modern Languages, bringing a rich blend of cultural and scholarly expertise to his work. With extensive teaching experience at all levels of Spanish at Lipscomb University, Parks joined the faculty in 2004 after teaching at Pepperdine University. His academic background includes a Bachelor's degree from Lipscomb, a Master's in Bible from Harding University Graduate School of Religion, and both a Master's and Ph.D. in Hispanic Literature from the University of Texas at Austin. Parks’ scholarly interests are rooted in Spanish Golden Age literature and Hispanic cinema, areas in which he bridges linguistic and cultural insights to deepen students' understanding of the Spanish-speaking world. His bilingual and bicultural perspective allows him to connect students with the profound literary and cinematic traditions of Spain and Latin America. Each year, he also leads Lipscomb's Maymester in Oviedo, a language immersion program in northern Spain that provides students with direct cultural and linguistic engagement. Parks’ work reflects his commitment to fostering a scholarly appreciation for the richness of the Spanish language and Hispanic cultures.
- John Partipilo, Photo/Video Journalist: John is an internationally acclaimed, award-winning photojournalist and fine art photographer of Native American Indigenous heritage, with a distinguished career spanning over 40 years. A two-time Pulitzer Prize nominee, Partipilo has been recognized globally, including numerous honors from the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA) and a Best of Photojournalism award for his powerful essay on gang life in Tennessee. His Native American heritage deeply informs his approach to photography, allowing him to connect with his subjects and capture authentic, humanizing images that resonate with viewers across cultures. As a storyteller at heart, Partipilo draws from a rich cultural understanding that emphasizes respect, resilience, and tradition, lending depth and perspective to his work. This background allows him to build trust with his subjects, resulting in poignant, impactful images that highlight Indigenous perspectives within the broader narrative of American photojournalism. Partipilo’s work continues to be a compelling voice in both documentary and fine art photography, capturing the essence of human experiences with an unmatched sense of authenticity and empathy.
- Marisa Munoz, Casting Director: Marisa is a seasoned Casting Director, Talent Manager, Consultant, and Creator. She is the founder and CEO of M Casting Worldwide, a women-owned, minority-owned company with offices in Los Angeles and Nashville, serving clients globally for over 20 years. Munoz and her team are dedicated to diversity and equality in casting, with expertise spanning commercials, print campaigns, beauty and fashion, music videos, and film.
- Marisa's impressive client list includes Amazon, Apple, Clinique, Disney, Ray-Ban, Target, Nike, Doritos, Reese's, Dial, Old Navy, Garnier, Pantene, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Samsung, Under Armour, and many others.
- Robert Rodriguez, Producer/Financer: Robert is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of experience in film production and media finance. In the entertainment industry, he has developed media funds alongside notable figures like Ronald Shusett Productions (known for Alien and Minority Report), Tom Sherek (former President of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences), and Bill Mechanic (former CEO and President of Fox Films). As Chief Investment Officer at Aldamisa Entertainment, he oversaw films like Chef, Sin City: A Dame to Kill For, and Machete Kills.
- Additional films include: Confessions of a Pit Fighter, Lake Dead, Hotel California, Farm House, La Linea, Across the Line: The Exodus of Charlie Wright, Path of Souls, Back to the Sea, Stag, Fish N Chips: The Movie, Bullet, The High Schooler's Guide to College Parties.
Moderated by: Yuri Cunza, Program Director
Supporting literature:
