Port of Entry

Reel Rebel: Emilio Montiel and the courage to dream big (or how a Mexican filmmaker built his own movie empire)

In today’s episode, we explore the filmmaking journey of Emilio Montiel, a 71-year-old singer, actor and film producer — and founder of Producciones Montiel.His story is as binge-worthy as his work.If you stumbled upon one of his films without seeing the view count or reading the comments, you might be surprised to learn that he has produced more than 200 movies and captivated audiences worldwide with his direct-to-YouTube releases, amassing more than 100 million views.Yes, you read that right.His unique blend of family themes, Mexican Westerns and his own musical style defies Hollywood standards — creating an unexpected but devoted online following.But Emilio's path has not been without challenges. Throughout his career, he has faced skepticism and mockery, both personally and professionally. Still, he persevered. His story is a testament to resilience — and to using unconventional methods to bring a lifelong dream to life.On set, we witnessed the passion Emilio pours into his work — and the unwavering support of his team, many of whom have found a creative home in his productions.Emilio's journey is more than filmmaking. It's cinematic in its own right —a story of perseverance, creativity and the relentless pursuit of doing what you love.His story serves as a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.If you're curious to get a behind-the-scenes look at one of Emilio's productions, check out KPBS video journalist Matt Bowler’s latest story. You might even catch a glimpse Julio’s arm holding the mic!Special thanks to Armando Hernandez of the Trash-Mex podcast for sharing his expertise on narco-Mex Westerns and their cultural impact.Mentioned in this episode:Petula ClarkBernabé “El Gatillero” MelendrezThe Almada Brothers (Mario Almada, Fernando Almada and Horacio Almada)Patricia RiveraVicente FernándezMovies heard in this episode:“Dos Carteles”“Muerte en Tijuana”“No Más Muertes en la Frontera”Songs heard in this episode:“Prefiero Morir” by Emilio MontielAbout Season 6Port of Entry has a fresh new season for you, with richer stories of our border region. This season spotlights shapers and visionaries of the borderlands — people impacting the region, and in some cases the world, with their work and research. From urbanism and architecture to education, and politics, to art and robotics, these stories explore the region’s most innovative voices.Listen in and join us!Social media and contactFrom KPBS, Port of Entry tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodSupport our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.Text or call the Port of Entry team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show, or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.CreditsHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezWriter/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz-FrancoTechnical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian VillalobosEditor: Chrissy NguyenEpisodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz FrancoDirector of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa Morrisette

La Escala Planetaria, parte 3: Ita y la búsqueda del santo grial

Estamos en medio de una crisis ambiental, y nuestros estilos de vida urbanos a menudo chocan con los sistemas naturales que nos sostienen, especialmente cuando se trata de los materiales que usamos para construir.Ese fue el enfoque de los primeros dos episodios de esta serie "La Escala Planetaria", Parte 1 y Parte 2.En esta tercera edición, seguimos a Itamar “Ita” Lilienthal, un bio diseñador y arquitecto emergente que está desarrollando alternativas a materiales convencionales con biomateriales. Él cree haber encontrado un biomaterial prometedor que podría ayudar a reducir nuestra dependencia a la madera y reducir el impacto ambiental.Acompañamos a Ita a uno de sus talleres donde demuestra este material y a visitar a otro innovador con ideas afines que está haciendo lo mismo que Ita pero en de los plásticos biodegradables: el Dr. Stephen Mayfield de Algenesis Labs.Y si el apellido de Ita te suena, es porque él es el hermano menor de Alan.No querrás perderte este episodio. ¡Nos vemos pronto!P.SLos prometido es deuda y aquí las fechas de los restos de los episodios que nos hicieron falta de producir en españolLa Escala Planetaria pt 4 - Mayo 2026Juan Soldado - Octubre 2026Redes sociales y contactoDe KPBS, Port of Entry cuenta historias que cruzan fronteras. Para escuchar más historias visita www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodPuedes apoyar nuestro podcast en www.kpbs.org/donate, escribe en la sección de regalos (gift section) “Port of Entry” y como agradecimiento podrás recibir un regalo.Si tu empresa u organización sin fines de lucro desea patrocinar nuestro podcast, envía un correo a corporatesupport@kpbs.orgNos encantaría recibir tu retroalimentación, envíanos un mensaje al 619-500-3197 o un correo a podcasts@kpbs.org con tus comentarios y/o preguntas sobre nuestro podcast.CréditosHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezEscritor/Productor: Julio C. Ortiz FrancoProductor Técnico/Diseñador Sonoro: Adrian VillalobosEditora: Chrissy NguyenEpisodios traducidos por: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz FrancoDirectora de Programación de Audio y Operaciones: Lisa Morrisette

Port of Entry short - 2025 Year in Review

Hey friends!2025 was a busy year for us! We featured some truly memorable stories that we were thrilled to share with you:From the excitement of having your own MLS soccer franchise, to the touching journey of a displaced woman trying to reunite with her family, to the innovative approaches environmentalists are developing to tackle everyday challenges.What we didn't get to share with you was how many public engagements we participated in last year — with presentations both north and south of the border.It was a memorable experience to meet some of you in person and hang out with great friends.To share these experiences with you, we've put together a short video where we talk about these appearances and share some behind-the-scenes footage.Welcome to another Port of Entry short — hope you enjoy it!///////////////////////////////////////Hola compitas!2025 fue un año súper ocupado para nosotros!Presentamos algunas historias verdaderamente memorables que nos entusiasmó compartir con ustedes: desde la emoción de tener tu propia franquicia de fútbol de la MLS hasta el conmovedor viaje de una mujer desplazada tratando de reunirse con su familia, hasta las innovaciones que unos ambientalistas están desarrollando para enfrentar los desafíos cotidianos.Lo que no llegamos a compartir con ustedes es la cantidad de presentaciones en los que participamos este año, con presentaciones tanto al norte como al sur de la frontera.Fue memorable conocer a algunos de ustedes en persona y al igual pasar tiempo con grandes amigos.Para compartir estas experiencias con ustedes, hemos preparado un corto video donde hablamos sobre estas apariciones y compartimos algunos videos detrás de cámaras. Bienvenidos a otro corto de "Port of Entry" — ¡esperamos que lo disfruten!About Season 6Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region.This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research.From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics!Listen in and join us!Social media and contactFrom KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodSupport our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.CreditsHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezWriter/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz FrancoTechnical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian VillalobosEditor: Chrissy NguyenEpisodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz Franco

Trump 2.0: Inmigración y el impacto fronterizo

Nos sentamos con Gustavo Solís, reportero de frontera de KPBS, y Cassandra López, Directora de Litigación de Al Otro Lado, para reflexionar sobre los cambios más significativos en la política de inmigración y cómo han impactado en la región fronteriza.

Trump 2.0: A conversation — Immigration and the border impact

It’s no surprise that the first year of President Trump's second term offers much to reflect upon, both internationally and domestically, particularly regarding immigration policy and tactics. Many changes have taken place over the past year, which may be confusing for many people.Some of those changes have directly impacted people in the border region.To clarify and help us understand how everything has unfolded, we are joined by two guests: KPBS border reporter Gustavo Solis and Cassandra Lopez, director of litigation at Al Otro Lado.This is a Port of Entry conversation: Trump 2.0: Immigration and the border impact.You won't want to miss this episode.Nos vemos pronto!Guests:Gustavo Solis, KPBS border reporterCassandra Lopez, director of litigation at Al Otro LadoAbout Season 6Port of entry has a fresh new season for you with more rich stories of our border region. This time around, we are spotlighting Shapers and Visionaries of borderlands. Stories of People who are impacting the region and in some cases the world with their work and research. From urbanism to architecture to education and politics and to art and robotics!Listen in and join us!Social media and contactFrom KPBS, “Port of Entry” tells cross-border stories that connect us. More stories at www.portofentrypod.orgFacebook: www.facebook.com/portofentrypodcastInstagram: www.instagram.com/portofentrypodSupport our show at www.kpbs.org/donate. Search “Port of Entry” in the gifts section to get our sling bag as a thank-you gift.If your business or nonprofit wants to sponsor our show, email corporatesupport@kpbs.org.Text or call the "Port of Entry" team at 619-500-3197 anytime with questions or comments about the show or email us at podcasts@kpbs.org.CreditsHosts: Alan Lilienthal and Natalie GonzálezWriter/Producer: Julio C. Ortiz FrancoTechnical Producer/Sound Designer: Adrian VillalobosEditor: Chrissy NguyenEpisodes translated by: Natalie González and Julio C. Ortíz FrancoDirector of Audio Programming and Operations: Lisa MorrisetteThis program is made possible, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people