Drumroll, please… McDonald’s USA is thrilled to announce that Tejana writer, director, and producer, Marissa Díaz, has been selected as the grand prize winner of the 2023 Spotlight Dorado short film contest. Her adventure-filled Mexican standoff, Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation, won over audiences nationwide in a tight race against finalists Kryzz Gautier’s Chimera and Pablo Riesgo’s Cuando Volvimos a la Tierra. As she claims her grand prize, McDonald’s is proud to support her journey by providing resources and a platform to help advance her career as a filmmaker.

Fancy Florez’s Summer Staycation follows ten-year-old Fancy Florez and her masterplan to enjoy a luxurious summer in her neighbor’s abandoned pool, only to have her plans foiled by her archenemy. This slice-of-life comedy is a peek into all the ups and downs that come with girlhood.

Marissa’s undeniable talent in unique storytelling is just one example of the incredible pool of emerging Latino and Hispanic filmmakers. Opportunities like Spotlight Dorado underscore McDonald’s long-standing commitment to uplift and celebrate the diverse communities it serves through initiatives that fuel pride and representation.