The Georgia Latino International Film Festival will honor Carlos Ponce with the Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award on October 2, 2025, recognizing his groundbreaking contributions to film, television, music, and his latest entrepreneurial venture, Minivela. The award ceremony during the Opening Night Gala at the Fox Theatre celebrates Ponce's pioneering spirit and his commitment to empowering Latino artists through innovative storytelling platforms.
Jose Marquez, CEO of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, stated that Ponce embodies the award's spirit by opening doors for generations of Latino artists while remaining deeply committed to his community. With Minivela, Ponce is extending his legacy and empowering a new generation of Latino filmmakers to tell authentic stories in innovative ways that resonate with digital audiences.
Ponce's career spans more than three decades, establishing him as one of the most beloved Latino entertainers worldwide. He began in the early 1990s as host of the Spanish-language variety show Control and progressed to starring roles in telenovelas, Hollywood films, and hit series including Santa Diabla, Couples Retreat, 7th Heaven, and Beverly Hills, 90210. His voice acting credits include animated favorites like Rio and Ice Age: Collision Course.
As a music artist, Ponce's 1998 debut album went Double Platinum, topping the Latin Billboard charts. He has released six albums, won Best Pop Album in 1999, and recorded multiple chart-topping singles, including Disney's "Bella Notte" for Lady and the Tramp II: Scamp's Adventure. Beyond entertainment, Ponce maintains a strong philanthropic presence, supporting initiatives in education, children's health, and cultural development.
Minivela represents Ponce's most recent innovation as the first U.S. Hispanic micro-shorts platform redefining Latino storytelling for the digital age. The festival will screen two of his latest Minivela productions: El Clavito, a prestige micro short making waves across the festival circuit, and Cholita Takes L.A., a breakout cultural comedy-drama blending indigenous heritage with modern urban flair. These screenings highlight Minivela's mission to amplify Latino voices while building an ecosystem for emerging creators.
The platform's content is accessible free on Minivela's YouTube hub and social media channels, as well as through distribution partnerships with adtech conglomerate Numatec. Inspired by telenovelas but designed for TikTok-speed consumption, Minivelas primarily target Latinos 18-34 with content verticals featuring romantic comedies, original series, supernatural themes, and cultural narratives.
Previous recipients of the Pepe Serna Lifetime Achievement Award include Pepe Serna himself and comedy icon Paul Rodriguez, honoring cultural figures who have helped reshape Latino media and storytelling worldwide. The award recognizes not only artistic achievement but also the broader impact on community representation and cultural preservation through innovative media platforms.
