HOUSTON — A film producer from Houston who made it in Hollywood is back in town showing his first movie.
It's come full circle for Sergio Lira Jr. and Lynette Coll, who started their company Luz Films a year and a half ago.
They are one of many reasons to celebrate Hispanic heritage.
"It's a huge win, I would say, for the Latino community, for Latino Hollywood," Lira said.
Luz Films is dedicated to showcasing Latino voices in Hollywood. Their first film project is not only getting national attention but it was showcased at the River Oaks Theatre in the city Lira will always call home.
Their first project -- "In the Summers" -- won the top prize in its category at this year's Sundance Film Festival.
"That's the icing on the cake," Coll said.
They were two Latinos with a dream who are now watching their first project in theaters.
"For the first film of our company to be playing here at the River Oaks Theatre in its opening, reopening weekend. I actually went to middle school just down the street from here, Lanier Middle School, so it does feel full circle," Lira said.
He's now a Houstonian living in Los Angeles and is proud to share stories of his culture.
"It's important now more than ever to carve out projects like that. And 'In the Summer' is something that is a really beautiful story that represents the Latino diaspora in many ways, but also at the same time, a very strong American story," Lira said.
The due wants to inspire other Latinos to follow their hearts and chase their dreams.
"For us to thrive as Latinos, we got to be the owners and we have to, like, be at the table making decisions. So, there's been a lot of Latinos fighting for this for years," Coll said.
"It's inspiration and art. it feeds the soul and we need it now more than ever," Lira said.
Lira said he's inspired by his parents. His father, Sergio Lira, is the president of Houston LULAC, the oldest Hispanic and Latin-American Civil Rights organization.
He said, for him, storytelling is another form of activism.
Lira and Coll said they have about 30 films planned in the next four years.