During his time at Texas A&M, movie creators for “Courage Under Fire” hired Javier Chapa to train military extras. Chapa’s priorities at the time —as a drill sergeant for the Corps of Cadets and a political science student— centered on becoming a lawyer. However, the experience of working on a set lit a fire under Chapa that he couldn’t put out.

In 2017, Chapa established Mucho Mas Media, a film studio based in Los Angeles and London that spotlights Latino stories. Born and raised in San Manuel, Texas, Chapa aspires to 

support the Latino community through his work as a film producer, CEO, and co-founder of the studio.

Mucho Mas Media’s repertoire includes movies such as “The Long Game,” a story based on a Mexican-American golf team in Del Rio, Texas, and “Jenni,” a Jenni Rivera biopic. The studio distributes projects that range in genre, from campy thrillers to dramas, all while keeping diverse narratives and audiences in mind.

“I needed to build a company that supports people of color on both sides of the camera and that champions Latino and Latina filmmakers,” Chapa said. “I wanted to find stories that celebrate our community.”

From San Manuel to Hollywood

Raised in South Texas, sports and rodeo competitions filled Chapa’s childhood. He didn’t dream of making it in Hollywood. After working on the set for “Courage Under Fire,” though, Chapa became enthralled with movie-making magic.

In between classes at St. Mary’s University School of Law, Chapa bought cameras, made short films, and read books on producing and editing. Chapa’s mentor encouraged him to follow his passions, and upon graduating, Chapa moved to Los Angeles after a stint working in Miami.

Though he didn’t have a typical film background, Chapa said his bicultural roots helped him narrow down the stories he wanted to share.

“Growing up on the border in South Texas, I feel like I’ve always had one foot in Mexico and one foot in the States,” Chapa said. “When I moved out here, I saw quickly how underserved the Latino community was. That’s where I staked a flag in the ground of wanting to tell stories by and for our community.”

Chapa’s first feature film, “Harvest of Redemption,” helped him learn multiple roles behind the camera, juggling directing, writing, and producing. The movie drew inspiration from a real-life migrant farm worker in Rio Grande City. Being able to shoot the movie in the Valley furthered Chapa’s desires to showcase underrepresented stories.

“We’re a huge part of the American fabric of this country,” Chapa said. “As a culture, we give back so much. These stories are deserving.”

Producing Diverse Movies

Since its inception, Mucho Mas Media has continued to distribute movies that both amplify Latino communities and resonate with people from all backgrounds. The success of the studio’s 2021 film, “Blue Miracle,” opened more doors for the studio.

“The movie helped support our saying in the company: ‘Latino feel with global appeal,’” Chapa said. “We tell stories that can travel globally that anyone from any walk of life can relate to.”

Chapa hopes the industry can move past categorizing movies by culture and not lean into stereotypes. 

“Even though ‘Blue Miracle’ was a movie with a predominantly Latino cast and crew, it traveled beyond being set in Mexico,” Chapa said. “It was a story that happened to star Latinos and was directed by a Latino. You have to embrace the nuance of our culture, but also make stuff that’s universal.”

Fostering Relationships with RGV Creatives

Chapa’s main mission remains to work with Latinos in his studio on all sides of the camera. He enjoys working with first-time creatives and giving them opportunities to grow.

Now living in California, away from where he first called home, Chapa feels a draw working with others from the RGV. The studio’s horror film, “Rosario,” features Emeraude Toubia — who hails from Brownsville —  as the lead. They currently have ”Zeus” in development, directed by David Blue Garcia of Harlingen. 

“The Valley was the place that brought me to where I’m at now,” Chapa said. “I don’t think people realize how fortunate they are to be raised on the Border. I love working with people from the Valley. When I get a call, I pay attention because it’s important to give our youth opportunities that maybe I didn’t have.”

Whether it’s working with a Valley director or speaking to students at his old high school, giving back to his community stands as the backbone of his work. Chapa said hopeful filmmakers should surround themselves with an encouraging support system and groups such as the National Association of Latino Independent Producers. 

Local film festivals such as the South Texas International Film Festival provide spaces for RGV filmmakers to collaborate. Above all, Chapa advised those wanting to break into the industry to approach projects with passion and a knowledge that the journey to the big screen looks different for everyone.