Ricky Martin Foundation was chosen as the beneficiary institution for the Cinematographic Initiative "Voices of Childhood", which consists of the production of 10 short films that will present the diversity of problems faced by children in Puerto Rico, such as violence, abuse, exploitation and violation of their human rights, among others.

"We are honored to count on the support of such a well-known organization, committed to the well-being of children in Puerto Rico and the rest of the world. It is really incredible to feel so united for the same goal, in this case for the children," emphasized Rafael Mediavilla, Director of the project.
"Corporación de Cine de Puerto Rico” is the organization that will finance the production by purchasing the rights for the 10 short films, thanks to their Program dubbed Purchase of Rights of Short Films.  The investment exceeds the amount of $ 100,000.00.

The organizers also explained that the Ricky Martin Foundation will receive 40% of the funds collected from the sale of the DVD collection of the short films "Voices of Childhood". The aforementioned will be used on programs that promote welfare and education of children’s rights.  "Our foundation as an organization that protects, educates and denunciates the violation of children’s rights feels honored in supporting this effort, that will also develop cinematography in our country.  We are united to protect this population that has been marginalized, and we hope that additional groups will join us”, said Ricky Martin, who also thanked the organizers for adding the Foundation to this social awareness initiative.  

Meanwhile, attorney Luis A. Riefkohl Miranda, Executive Director of "Corporación de Cine de Puerto Rico” emphasized that "the support of the Foundation to “Voices of Childhood" is an example of our interest to achieve alliances through self-management, thus motivating and achieving additional spaces for the development of a movie industry in the island. This allows us to develop the talent of film makers; moreover, it presents movies as a change agent in the community."

After the success of "Voices of Women" in 2006, Studio 51 leads again this initiative with the support of the "Corporación de Cine" in Puerto Rico   , Last year the "Procuraduría de la Mujer" (Procurer’s of Women’s Rights ) Office was the organization chosen and some 100 applications were received.  Mediavilla said that Voices of Childhood began to convene participants on the
Internet on mid-April and will extend to the general public until June 29th.

Nadia Barbarossa, Producer of the project, added that "childhood is the stage that marks the rest of our lives.  , In Puerto Rico there have been efforts to try to solve the diversity of problems faced by children, but definitely more must be done.  ,We believe that by showing Puerto Rico and the whole world these situations we will make people think carefully about them and change behaviors."
The organizers added that the next two cinematographic challenges for 2008 and 2009 are already planned. Their goal is to institutionalize this event in order to promoter creative and technical talent to develop the voice of film makers in Puerto Rico.

"We are sure that the participation of the Foundation in this endeavor will contribute to make this project achieve levels we never would have imagined could be achieved.  ,We invite other organizations and enterprises to commit to the future of our children," concluded Mediavilla. For additional information, please visit www.retocinematografico.com.