Uploaded December 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
CENTRO and the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival (IPRHFF) presented a conversation on November 13, 2025 with talented Puerto Rican actors and directors who will share their experiences, challenges, and insights into the future of Puerto Rican representation in film and television.
We were honored to welcome three distinguished guests:
Wilson Cruz, Actor of Afro-Puerto Rican ancestry, best known for his roles as Dr. Hugh Culver on Star Trek: Discovery, Junito on Noah’s Arc, and Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life. Cruz is also a longtime LGBTQ+ activist and currently serves as Chair of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network).
Sonia Manzano, author, creator, and executive producer of Alma’s Way on PBS, and beloved actress known for portraying Maria on Sesame Street throughout her groundbreaking career.
Kristian Mercado, film and music video director whose work includes collaborations with Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish. His feature film, If You Were the Last, is currently streaming on Peacock.
Founded in 1973 by a coalition of students, faculty, and activists, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College (CENTRO) is the largest university-based research institute, library, and archive dedicated to the Puerto Rican experience in the United States. Learn more at centropr.hunter.cuny.edu
Follow us on social media!
Instagram: instagram.com/centropr
Facebook: facebook.com/centropr
Threads: threads.net/@centropr
TikTok: tiktok.com/@centropr
Support our work by donating today at community.hunter.cuny.edu/supportcentro
CENTRO and the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival (IPRHFF) presented a conversation on November 13, 2025 with talented Puerto Rican actors and directors who will share their experiences, challenges, and insights into the future of Puerto Rican representation in film and television.
We were honored to welcome three distinguished guests:
Wilson Cruz, Actor of Afro-Puerto Rican ancestry, best known for his roles as Dr. Hugh Culver on Star Trek: Discovery, Junito on Noah’s Arc, and Rickie Vasquez on My So-Called Life. Cruz is also a longtime LGBTQ+ activist and currently serves as Chair of GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network).
Sonia Manzano, author, creator, and executive producer of Alma’s Way on PBS, and beloved actress known for portraying Maria on Sesame Street throughout her groundbreaking career.
Kristian Mercado, film and music video director whose work includes collaborations with Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish. His feature film, If You Were the Last, is currently streaming on Peacock.
Founded in 1973 by a coalition of students, faculty, and activists, the Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College (CENTRO) is the largest university-based research institute, library, and archive dedicated to the Puerto Rican experience in the United States. Learn more at centropr.hunter.cuny.edu
Follow us on social media!
Instagram: instagram.com/centropr
Facebook: facebook.com/centropr
Threads: threads.net/@centropr
TikTok: tiktok.com/@centropr
Support our work by donating today at community.hunter.cuny.edu/supportcentro
