So Hood Magazine: In 2002, you won The American Latino Media Arts Award  (ALMA) for Emerging filmmaker. How was that feeling like winning that award?
Franc: It felt great. It always feels extra special when the award comes from your people. 
 
So Hood Magazine: In Empire, you had John Leguizamo, how did that come about? Also how was the experience working with him?
Franc: John simply read the screenplay and wanted to do it. Working with him is always a thrill man. We’re looking for something else to do together.
 
So Hood Magazine: I read that you’re currently directing a new film titled The Ministers. What is the film about and how did you come up with the concept?
Franc: I’ve recently completed the editing and sound mix to The Ministers. One again John brought his A game. He plays his own twin brother in the film. The film is based on three brothers who lose their parents who happen to be Pentecostal Ministers in a South Bronx fire in the 70’s and how one vengeful act changes their lives forever. It wasn’t an easy script to write. Tragedies are always difficult but it was a joy working with John, Harvey Keitel; and Wanda De Jesus again.
 
So Hood Magazine: You received mixed reviews regarding ILLegal Tender. Do you think America was scare or ready to watch a Latina woman handle her self with such conviction in the film?
Franc: I don’t know what America is ready for or not but I need to write and say what I feel. I believe Illegal Tender is a wonderful film. I get more email and love on that film than I did for Empire. Who knows what lurks in the minds of critics.
 
So Hood Magazine: I’ve yet to watch the film ILLegal Tender but from what I heard Tego does an excellent job considering it was his first featured film. How did that relationship come about? Was he your first choice in mind when you wrote the character for the script?
Franc: I specifically wrote that role with Tego in mind. In the middle of writing the script I saw a video by Don Omar called “Bandoleros”, I believe Tego was a guest artist in that video. I thought he had the look I needed. I called John Singleton and told him this is a guy we need to talk to. We made the calls and that was that. 
 
So Hood Magazine: John Singleton was involved in IILegal Tender, how did he help you as a director. What did you learn from his experiences in Hollywood?
Franc: It’s always great to have someone of his experience by your side. He knew what I wanted to convey and made himself available when I needed him.  The American Latino experience in Hollywood is a very difficult one. In that way there are some similarities with the African American experience. I’ve always said that before there is a Latino explosion in Hollywood there has to be an implosion first, meaning once some of us Latinos in the Hollywood scene embrace out culture, color, etc, and explosion will be inevitable.  
 
So Hood Magazine: Definitely, I appreciate what you’re doing for Latinos and representing us on the big screen. Are you going to continue to represent Latino culture in your films or will you change up your style? Also how do you feel about people like Roger Ebert who criticized you for making your films less than 30 days? Do you care about critics like him who might have a hidden agenda of not liking Latinos in films?
Franc: Represent? Always, but what I need the public to understand is that I don’t make films for Latinos I make films with Latinos in them. Latino (of Puerto Rican decent) is what I am. I always wonder why I get asked if I’m going to continue using Latinos in my movies. I’m sure Ron Howard doesn’t get asked if he’s going to continue using Caucasians in his movies.  I don’t know what Roger Ebert’s agenda is, I have not read his critiques of me or my films, but as a filmmaker I’ll make the film in two days if you give me the money to make it. 
 
So Hood Magazine: What are your future projects that you’ll be working on?
Franc: I’ll be back in New York early next year to shoot another feature. I don’t want to say too much about it because we’re right in the middle of putting it together now.
 
So Hood Magazine: What actors would you like to work with?
Franc: As a writer I don’t think in terms of actors when I create characters. So it never occurs to me who I’d want to work with. But I tell you this, there are some wonderful unknown Latino actors out there. I’m always doing my best to bring some of them to the screen.

-Interview by Mario Diaz