Luis Moro

Infobox Actor
name= Luis Moro


caption= Luis Moro at The Havana Film Festival in Cuba 2003
location= Havana, Cuba
birthdate= birth date and age|1964|1|2
haircolor= Black
eyecolor= Brown with Blue
homepage = http://morofilms.com/

Luis Moro (born January 2, 1964cite web
url=http://www.morofilms.com/partners/luis_moro.html
title=Luis Moro bio Award winning Writer, Producer/Independent Spirit Award Nominee.
accessdate=2008-23-08
birthplace = Sain Antonio de los Banos, Cuba
othername = Louie Moro
occupation = producer|writer
spouse = Bobbi Miller-Moro 5 children
website = [http://www.MoroFilms.com/ Official website]
publisher=MoroFilms.com] cref|age) is a African Cuban-born, American actor, filmmaker, and writer. His first notable appearance was the nomination for two Independent Spirit Awards for co-writing, producing and acting in the award-winning film Anne B. Real. His next film Cuba's Love & Suicide made history as the first and only feature length film shot on location in Havana, Cuba by an American filmmaker. Moro produced, co-wrote and co-starred in the film.

Early life

Born in San Antonio de los Baños Havana, Cuba, Moro and his family moved to Mexico City, Mexico before arriving in Union City, New Jersey. Moro started his comedy acting career in third grade by playing George Washington in the stage play version of the TV show "To Tell the Truth".

Education

Luis attended Union Hill High School, Union City, NJ, where he was student council president and excelled in sports. Luis won gold medals in over two hundred track and field events during his high school career. He was also an "All County" and "All State" football player, as well as starting strong safety for the New Jersey "North-South" "All Star" football game.

Luis went on to play NCAA football and graduated from Rutgers University, where he also studied acting at Mason Gross School of The Arts. He was a three time letter winner as a strong safety for Rutgers University, including winning an NCAA award for his excellence on the field.

Luis is an Alumni Brother of Phi Gamma Delta, (Fiji), fraternity at Rutgers. [

Luis Moro IMDB [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0606009/|International Movie Data Base] , Luis Moro] [ 'Luis Moro' List of Famous Black Cubans [http://www.freebase.com/view/user/tg4m/cuban_actors List of Famous Black Cubans] ]

Prior to writing and producing feature length films, Luis Moro was Executive Director of the Hispanic Worlds Fair at the Jacob Javits Convention Center; where he pioneered cross marketing between Corporations, Government Agencies and Entertainment as an effect method of reaching and impacting the Hispanic Community. Moro was the first to broadcast out of studio the legendary Univision Hispanic Television show Sabado Gigante live from New York at the Jacob Javits Convention Center. Many of today’s marketing programs towards the Hispanic Market where spin offs of the Hispanic World's Fair.

Luis is a founding member of the Latin American Kiwanis, New Jersey, members included Senator Bob Menendez, Congressman Albio Series(NJ) and other leading political, business and community leaders. Moro used his event producing skills and relationships to raise funds for their Latin American Kiwanis community programs producing concerts for Celia Cruz, Alvarez Guedes and other major Hispanic artists.

In response to 9/11, as founding partner and creator of Reve Entertainment Group, Luis Moro produced the live benefit gala for ‘Families of Freedom’, a non profit scholarship fund shared by Bill Clinton and George Bush. The initial benefit gala raised over $250,000.00 that benefited the children affected by 9/11. The concert dinner event included performances and tributes by Chevy Chase, Denis Leary, Barry Manilow, Gabriel Byrne, Joan Osborne, Hallie Eisenberg, and many others. Luis Moro followed up with ‘Families of Freedom II’ with performances by Natalie Cole, Felicia Collins and Paul Shaffer with The CBS Orchestra, Robert Klein, Paula Cole, Peter Cirss (Kiss) which raised six million dollars for scholarships allocated to families living below Houston Street effected by 9/11. [ [http://goliath.ecnext.com/coms2/summary_0199-979327_ITM Over $6 Million Raised for Families of Freedom 2] ] [ [http://www.freebase.com/view/user/tg4m/cuban_actors List of Famous Black Cubans] ] On occasion, he leads training courses for New York and Crenshaw, California Youth at Risk.

Career

He began his writing and producing career by creating, writing and hosting the first ever Latin-American real estate and travel television show "Real Estate America", which aired on the Spanish language television network Univision. He has also penned several scripts.

Moro received screen credit for his screenplay rewrites on "Anne B. Real". He also co-wrote all the main hip-hop rap lyrics in the film performed by the lead character of Cynthia. After "Anne B. Real", Moro produced three films, the southern drama "The Unseen", "Love and Suicide", a bilingual love story set in Havana, Cuba that was the first film shot by an American in Cuba since 1959, and a Las Vegas buddy comedy, "Venus & Vegas".

Moro was nominated for Best Actor at the 2003 American Black Film Festival for his co-starring role "Love and Suicide". Moro was interviewed by NBC, CBS, The Associated Press, for the film. [ [http://morofilms.com Moro Films Press] ]

"Venus & Vegas", will be in released in theaters in 2009. It features Eddie Kaye Thomas, Donald Faison, Eddie Guerra, Molly Sims, Jamie Pressly, Roselyn Sanchez, Florence Henderson, Abraham Benrubi, Jon Polito, Paul Ben-Victor, Jackie Martling, Steven Bauer and Joe Rogan.

Moro's other film projects include "The Siege" and "King of the Ants". Moro's stand-up original comedy act "East vs West" went public 2008.He is in production with films into 2009.

Filmography

Acting career

He has been actor since 2000, hosted Real Estate America, and has been a stunt actor as well.

Marriage

Since 2003, Moro has been married to producer and actress Bobbi Miller-Moro [ [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1876523/Bobbi Miller-Moro IMDB] ] with whom he has two children with, Kylie and London Moro. He also is raising three step children with his wife Bobbi. They live in Los Angeles.

Religion

Moro grew up a Roman Catholic in a Catholic-Jewishneighborhood in Hudson County, New Jersey. Luis says regarding who a hero is; “Heroes are you, the possibility of God and anyone who takes a stand for a world that works for everyone, with no one left out.” [ [http://www.myspaceprofiles.org/profiles/77779880.html Luis Moro Quote MySpace Bio] ]

Television shows

In 1991, he created and hosted the "Real Estate America" television series, which followed the format of news magazine shows but covered topics on real estate news. Moro worked in real estate and held a show for 10 years on the local TV station Univision, but in the last eight years he worked on film and stage productions across the country. The series aired on Univision in the US. [ [http://bobbilou.wordpress.com/2006/09/29/union-city-reporter-interview-by-jessica-rosero Jessica Rosero] Union City Reporter The Revolution Begins Within ]

Awards, History and Ground-breaking Achievements

to film a feature length film in Havana, Cuba breaking the embargo. Since then, Moro has been outspoken about the conditions of the people in Cuba, and ending the embargo on Cuba.

Luis was Nominated Best Actor at The American Black Film Festival for his role as Alberto in the history making film Love & Suicide.Moro first became famous for his controversial 2005 film, He also received Independent Spirit Award nominations for his writing and producing abilities with the multiple award winning film Anne B. Real (2003). Anne B. Real received the John Cassavetes "Best Feature" Award nomination, as well as the 'Best Debut Actress' nomination for the character 'Cynthia'. Along with his Anne B. Real (2003) screen ‘story by credit’, Luis also co-wrote the three main Hip-Hop song lyrics and diary entries performed by the lead character of ‘Cynthia’.

In the Film, Anne B Real, brings to light a story of a female Black Latin hip-hop artist inspired by the diaries of Anne Frank, Luis Moro got permission from Buddy Elias, Anne Frank’s last living relative, and first cousin who is the Director of The Anne Frank Center in New York. [ [http://www.pr.com/article/1099 Buddy Elias] Anne Frank’s Last Living Relative, First Cousin Buddy Elias, Gives Insight Into Anne’s Life and Her Famous Diary ] In Buddy's correspondence with Luis, he said, "I didn't know your film is made by African Americans. This thrills me, that alone is wonderful!!" -Buddy Elias Elias' support in his letter to filmmaker Moro said, "Congratulations to the awards!!!! Wonderful but it does not come as a surprise. The film is great. I had one exchange of letters with Steven Spielberg. You can write to him and let him know that I am supporting you and love the film. My wife and I are moved especially how Anne's and Otto's words are integrated in this film. With so much sensitivity. Thank you." -Buddy Elias. Ground breaking in that never before the Black community integrated the a Jewish history of Anne Frank and her diary (The Diary of Anne Frank) [ [http://www.films42.com/columns/anne_frank.asp Films42] , ANNE B. REAL: A CINEMATIC HIP-HOP TRIBUTE TO ANNE FRANK by Lisa Huttner ]

Since then, Moro has been known for being an outspoken critic of the US embargo on Cuba, his acting abilities, and the controversial and ground breaking films he is producing. He is also known as the “Indie King” being able to do projects that some think are impossible to do. [ [http://leonardzelig.blogs.com/guerrilla_filmmaking/2008/08/in-2004-luis-mo.html Guerrilla Film Blog] IN 2004 LUIS MORO BROKE THE EMBARGO IN CUBA BECOMING THE FIRST AMERICAN TO SHOOT A FEATURE FILM THERE SINCE EARL FLYNN (HOW GUERRILLA IS THAT?) by Leonard Zelig ]

Appearances in other media

* Moro appeared on Jaime Bayly on Miami, Florida with Mega TV, Jaime Bayly of Mega TV interviewing Luis Moro on the making of the original, provocative love story film Love & Suicide, made on location in Havana, Cuba. [ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=juI6RvIqZCc Mega TV] Mega TV Interviewing Luis Moro on the making of the original, provocative love story film Love & Suicide, made on location in Havana, Cuba. ]

* Moro appeared on Univision in Miami, Florida with co-producer, Peter Maestrey, Univision Breaking News interviewing Luis Moro and Peter Maestery on the making of the film Love & Suicide, history making film made on location in Havana, Cuba. [ [http://vodpod.com/watch/55575-univision-breaking-news-cuba-filmmaker-luis-moro?pod=bobbimillermoro Univision Breaking News] Univision Breaking News Interviewing Luis Moro on the making of the original, provocative love story film Love & Suicide, made on location in Havana, Cuba. ]

* Moro appeared on Deco Drive in Miami, Florida with co-producer, Peter Maestrey, Deco Drive interviewing Luis Moro and Peter Maestery on the making of the film Love & Suicide, breaking the embargo on Cuba and making history in independent filmmaking. [ [http://vodpod.com/watch/55567-deco-drive-interviews-cuban-filmmakers-luis-moro-peter-maez Deco Drive interviewing Luis Moro and Peter Maestery on the making of the film Love & Suicide, breaking the embargo on Cuba and making history in independent filmmaking.] ]

* Moro appeared on Mega TV in Miami, Florida Mega Tv: Papparazzi host, Graciela Mori interviews Cuban Filmmaker/Actor Luis Moro of Love & Suicide – the movie. [ [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-9152590100569975840 Mega TV] Papparazzi host, Graciela Mori interviews Cuban Filmmaker/Actor Luis Moro of Love & Suicide ]
* Moro appeared on UPN in Coconut Grove, Florida. Breaking News UPN interviews controversial filmmaker Luis Moro how he broke US embargo on Cuba to film Love & Suicide without permission from either government and the record breaking 10 weeks at AMC Cocowalk in Miami, Florida. [ [http://vodpod.com/watch/55569-breaking-news-upn-news-filmmaker-cuban-luis-moro-fights-for-freedom-of-speech Breaking News UPN] Breaking News UPN interviews controversial filmmaker Luis Moro how he broke US embargo on Cuba to film Love & Suicide without permission from either government and the record breaking 10 weeks at AMC Cocowalk in Miami, Florida. ]
* Moro appeared on Oscar Haza in Miami, Florida. Haza interviews Cuban American Filmmakers Luis Moro, and Peter Maestrey and how they are protecting their Right to Travel and Freedom of Speech in independent film, Love & Suicide. [ [http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4423284722392542312&hl=en Oscar Haza] Oscar Haza Oscar Haza interviews Cuban American Filmmakers Luis Moro, and Peter Maestrey and how they are protecting their Right to Travel and Freedom of Speech in independent film, Love & Suicide.]
* Moro appeared on Papparazzi TV in Miami, Florida. Papparazzi TV interviews filmmaker Luis Moro on his controversial feature film Love & Suicide debating both sides of the political issue. [ [http://vodpod.com/watch/55568-papparazzi-tv-interviews-cuban-filmmakeractor-luis-moro Papparazzi TV] Papparazzi TV interviews filmmaker Luis Moro on his controversial feature film Love & Suicide debating both sides of the political issue]
* Moro appeared in " Phillip Bloch and Luis Moro talk about their movie 'The Unseen' at the American Black Film Festival. A 2005 film about a small time hustler Harold Gale Harold who has a few secrets. In his house, Harold locked up his blind brother Sammy Phillip Bloch for 20 years. That’s all about to change. Roy, Steve Harris their childhood friend, returns to this forgotten town. Roy confronts his own relationship fears and crosses all divides, exposing a secret only known to Harold, Roy and the dead. What the town discovers explodes their worlds. Harold begins to unleash the demons that lie beneath the unseen. [ [http://www.truveo.com/The-Unseen/id/1792284273 AOL Black Voices] Phillip Bloch and Luis Moro talk about their movie 'The Unseen' at the American Black Film Festival. withAOL Black Voices]

Writings and political views

Moro accepts the label "political activist," he has been active in promoting his political views on human rights. According to Vanessa Arrington of the Associated Press, “Cuban-American filmmaker Luis Moro expressed his disdain for the long-standing U.S. trade and travel restrictions against Cuba in a very public way: he made a movie there.” [ cite web | url = http://havanajournal.com/culture/entry/luis-moro-anti-embargo-film-love-and-suicide-about-havana/ | publisher = Havana Journal | work = Associated Press | title = Luis Moro’s anti-Embargo film Love and Suicide about Havana | date = 17 September 2008 | access date = 2006–30–05 | quote = Moro, who left Cuba with his mother at the age of 5, says his campaign doesn’t mean he favors the Cuban government or it’s leader Fidel Castro. “I’m not pro-Castro. I’m anti-embargo,” he said by telephone from Los Angeles. ] [ cite web | url = http://www.scribd.com/doc/247197/See-Sicko-I-Am-Cuban-and-I-Approve-This-Message-Luis-Moro | title = ' See Sicko - I Am Cuban and I Approve This Message’
work = self published | publisher = Scribd | date = 29 June 2007 | accessdate = 2007–06–29 ]

Moro said that “A politician who supports a failed 40-year-old policy could be diagnosed with "Political Insanity". It is time we killed off Political Insanity by our elected U.S. officials.” [ cite web | url = http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/cuba/gG5hkQ| title = 'The Character Factor: The death of Political Insanity’
work = self published | publisher = The Immigrant Magazine | date = 1 June 2008 | | accessdate = 2008–06–20 | publisher = Pamela Asobo Anchang | work = Publisher/Editor in Chief | title = The Character Factor-The Death of Political Insanity | date = 17 September 2008 | accessdate = 2008–30–20 | ]

Controversy

Moro has been at the center of several controversies, mostly as a result of his political views on the ending the Embargo on Cuba and filmmaking style. He is an outspoken activist of equal opportunity in Hollywood for all races, including representing the Black Latin actors . [ [http://transcripts.cnn.com/TRANSCRIPTS/0706/28/sitroom.03.html CNN Transcripts-NEILL: Critics say Moore's picture of the Cuban health system doesn't show the conditions ordinary Cubans face. In this video posted on YouTube, Cuban American filmmaker Luis Moro (ph) blasts Moore.] ]

References

See also

*Cuban Americans
*Afro-Latinos

External links

*imdb name|id=0606009|name=Luis Moro
* Official Website [http://www.MoroFilms.com| Moro Films]