MISSION

We are an independent film production and distribution company dedicated to sharing authentic mexican-american and latino stories with audiences worldwide.

The Root of Our Mission

We are committed to working with any fair-minded filmmakers of any community to promote fair representation in films.

There are more than 63 million Americans of Mexican descent who are almost 20% of the U.S. population. Yet, to this day, film studios and media companies continue to ignore their economic value. They are often treated as foreigners with the lack of proper representation in the mainstream English film and television platforms.

Box office results show that when Latinos, who are heavy consumers of media, feel represented, they go to the box office in droves.

There is untapped potential here.

Through our films, we aim to challenge stereotypes and promote a more accurate representation in film.

Filmmakers and crew filming a scene in a park with large trees, a colorful umbrella, and a table with decorations, under clear blue skies.
A family of three sitting at a restaurant table, smiling, with a man on the left, a young girl in the middle holding hands with a woman on the right.

Our Founder - Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz

Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz is an author, professor, film producer, activist, and a highly respected cosmetic dentist. Born in Mexico City, he relocated to the United States as a young man and experienced firsthand the life of an American immigrant.

Under the pen name J.L. Ruiz, he is a best-selling Mexican American novelist. His novel, Irreversible Damage: The Katie Suarez Social Justice Series, is the winner of three prestigious international Latino Book awards, including Best Latino Focused Fiction Novel, and Best Novel (Adventure or Drama-English).

Most recently, he published The First Cowboy: The Collision of Two Great Cultures, an extensively researched historical fiction novel. As a film producer, he executive produced The First Cowboy, a short film based on his novel. He is also the Film Festival director of The Mexican American Film & Television Festival (MAFTF), and produces The Illustrious Awards, a distinguished awards ceremony.

Dr. Ruiz is a passionate activist and over the last 25 years has been involved in forming and supporting multiple non-profit organizations to promote the dentistry profession amongst the Latino community. More recently, he founded the Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF) with the mission to change the false and distorted Mexican American narrative portrayed in most film and television.

Dr. Ruiz is the author of the textbook Supra-Gingival Minimally Invasive Dentistry, published by Wiley Blackwell, and is the author of many published and peer-reviewed research and clinical articles. He is one of the most respected and coveted speakers on cosmetic dentistry in the country and is a former course director at the University of Southern California (USC).

Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz is happily married and loves to spend time with his cute, little daughter.

actor testimonials

“He is a legend. He’s so nice. He’s always smiling, very patient, very kind. He knows what he’s doing. He’s great to work with. There are so many directors I wish were like that. He’s a wonderful director.”

- Tara Reid as said during an interview on the Ride to Independence Show

“That balance is rare. To lead with vision while still making a set feel safe, creative, and human is what ultimately allows authentic performances to happen. Dr. Ruiz understands that filmmaking is not just about controlling a story — it’s about creating the kind of atmosphere where the story can fully come alive.

And at the end of it all, he delivered on the promise he made from the very beginning — a truly great film."

- Anthony W. Preston

PORTFOLIO

Poster for the short film 'The First Cowboy,' featuring six characters dressed in historical cowboy and pioneer clothing, standing outdoors with trees and a carriage in the background, and text describing the film and its cast.

The First Cowboy (FILM)

Book cover titled 'Irreversible Damage' with illustration of a young woman with dark wavy hair wearing a black jacket over a white shirt, set against a light blue background.

Irreversible Damage (NOVEL)

Panel discussion at the Mexican-American Film & Television event, with eight people seated on stage, some holding microphones, in front of a large screen displaying the event's logo.

Festival Director (MAFTF)

Book cover titled 'The First Cowboy: The Collision of Two Great Cultures' showing four people in historical clothing standing outdoors with a covered wagon and a historic building in the background.

The First Cowboy (NOVEL)

Book cover titled 'Supra-Gingival Minimally Invasive Dentistry' by Jose-Luis Ruiz, featuring images of teeth and dental procedures.

Supra-Gingival Dentistry Textbook

A building with a red dome-shaped roof, circular windows, and a clock tower, surrounded by trees and clear blue sky.

Cosmetic Dentist

Logo of the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation, featuring an eagle emblem above the foundation's name in black and blue text.

President of MACEF

A large conference or seminar with many attendees seated at round tables, watching a speaker presentation projected on a screen. The room is decorated with chandeliers and framed art on the walls.

Professor, Speaker, Lecturer

Meet the Team

  • Smiling man with dark hair and beard wearing a black polo shirt standing indoors with a warm background.

    Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz

    FOUNDER

    Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz, a distinguished author, professor, film producer, activist, and cosmetic dentist originally from Mexico City. Known professionally as J.L. Ruiz, he is the best-selling author of the award-winning "Irreversible Damage: The Katie Suarez Social Justice Series." His most recent publication, "The First Cowboy: The Collision of Two Great Cultures," has also been adapted into a short film. Dr. Ruiz serves as the director of the Mexican American Film & Television Festival (MAFTF) and produces The Illustrious Awards. With over 25 years dedicated to advocating for the Latino community in dentistry, Dr. Ruiz founded the Mexican American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF). He is the author of "Supra-Gingival Minimally Invasive Dentistry" and has contributed numerous research articles to the field. As a former course director at USC, he is also a highly sought-after speaker on cosmetic dentistry.

  • A young woman with long dark brown hair smiling, wearing gold hoop earrings and layered necklaces, in a warmly lit indoor setting.

    Yazmin Hernandez

    MARKETING DIRECTOR

    Yazmin is a Marketing and Business professional with dual Bachelor’s degrees from California State University, Northridge. She brings a strategic and creative approach to her work with Dr. Ruiz Productions, with a strong focus on reshaping the Latino narrative through leading strategic campaigns to garner meaningful community engagement. Passionate about representation and cultural equity, Yazmin is committed to projects that amplify authentic voices and create meaningful change. She also serves as the Marketing Director for the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation where she fulfills the same mission to change the Latino narrative. Outside of her professional work, she’s an avid film lover and reader, always exploring stories that inspire and reflect diverse perspectives.

  • Headshot of a smiling man with dark hair, beard, wearing a cream-colored polo shirt with black trim, against a plain white background.

    ROBERT RUIZ

    FINANCIAL OFFICER

    A proud first-generation Los Angeles native, Rob holds a Master's Degree in Management and Human Resources from the University of Tennessee. With a career in strategic leadership roles at fast paced tech companies, his favorite career accomplishments involve championing inclusive learning and development initiatives. Outside of his professional endeavors, Rob is an active member of the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation, where he serves as Program Director & Film Festival Manager. His role collaborating with filmmakers to promote authentic storytelling has even inspired him to embark on his own screenwriting endeavors. As a presenter at this year's film festival, he is honored to celebrate compelling narratives and amplify underrepresented voices in cinema.