The First Cowboy
Our first film, The First Cowboy, tells the story of how Mexicans and Americans first came into contact as two powerful and equal cultures. This story is told through the eyes and lives of two families, the genteel Southern Palmers and the educated, progressive cowboys, the Velascos. Their loves and losses, triumphs and hardships play out against the backdrop of tumultuous times, culminating in the Texas Revolution and its aftermath.
We premiered this film at the second annual Mexican American Film & Television Festival to a tremendous audience response. So much so that Latin Heat Entertainment wrote an article about it! Check it out here.
The First Cowboy is also an official selection at the 2023 Los Angeles International Short Film Festival.
Spotlight From Latin Heat Magazine
“Film festivals are an amazing place to discover films and filmmakers who you instinctively know you want to see more of. Recently at the Mexican American Film & Television Festival, there were several short films that fit the description. One that caught our attention, and an audience favorite, was The First Cowboy, written, executive produced, and co-directed by Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz and produced by Johnny Murillo.” - Bel Hernandez
In The Media
The First Cowboy Sizzle Reel
Behind the Scenes
Film Credits
Based on the Novel “The First Cowboy; The Collision of Two Great Cultures” By J.L. Ruiz
Written & Co-Directed by Dr.Jose-Luis Ruiz
Produced by Johnny Murillo
Executive Producer Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz
Cast
Mauricio Mendoza DonIgnacio Velasco
Fernanda Kelly Maria Velasco
Ryon Thomas Josiah Palmer
Bre Segars Martha Palmer
Emma Elle Bird Young Wife
Trenton Traffanstedt Young Husband
Glen Baggerly Adams
Susan Ramos Conchita
Marie Elizabeth Annabelle Palmer
Kolby King Teddy Palmer
Janine Stefani Rivera Caridad
Ricky Larezzi Lorenzo
Rob Ruiz Erasmo
Natasha Ruiz Pregnant Woman
Mary Kay Gibson Mother of Woman
Dan Gregory Henchman
Rigan Machado Henchman
Saeed Cann Henchman
July Modesto Prostitute
Luis Fernandez Street Vendor
Danny Monahan Woman Walking
Music Composer Sid De La Cruz
Director of Photography Pablo G. Ledezma
Editor Sid Sotelo