Mandoki to Direct Crime Thriller “Tesoro”

Luis Mandoki has discovered a new treasure…

The 62-year-old Mexican filmmaker is set to direct the crime thriller Tesoro, written by actress and producer Sandy Baumann.

Luis Mandoki

Tesoro is the touching story of a Mexican woman who risks her life to cross the U.S. border so she can earn enough money to afford a life-saving operation for her father and then finds her path home blocked by a deadly crime family.

The script was selected as one of 10 nationwide for the Latino Producers Academy and also advanced to the second level of the Sundance Screenwriters Lab, as well as the Women in Film with Sundance Institute Film Intensive.

The cast will be announced next week.

Mandoki’s film credits include 2001’s Angel Eyes, starring Jennifer LopezWhen a Man Loves a Woman, with Meg Ryan and Andy Garcia; and Trapped.

He has Dancing with Sancho Panza in pre-production.

Longoria to Be Honored with Humanitarian Prize at Women In Film Crystal + Lucy Awards

Eva Longoria is a Latina with heart… And, now she’s being recognized for her efforts to give back to the community.

The 39-year-old Mexican American actress, producer and philanthropist will be honored at the Women In Film 2014 Crystal + Lucy Awards, which honor exemplary women in the entertainment industry.

Eva Longoria

Longoria, who was named Philanthropist of the Year by The Hollywood Reporter in 2009 for ‘her commitment to Latino causes and giving back to the community will receive the 2014 Norma Zarky Humanitarian Award.

The former Desperate Housewives star serves as the national spokesperson for Padres Contra El Cancer, a nonprofit committed to improving the lives of Latino children with cancer and their families. She came to Padres in 2003, when she began visiting hospitalized children.

In 2006, Longoria founded Eva’s Heroes, a nonprofit in her hometown of San Antonio. It provides an after-school program with an inclusive setting for individuals with developmental disabilities.

She also serves as exec producer, in collaboration with nonprofit producer Shine Global, on The Harvest, a documentary focusing on the plight of the 500,000 child farm workers in America, most of whom are Latino.

The Crystal + Lucy Awards will be presented on Wednesday, June 11 at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza.