Texas Accused of Denying Film Tax Break because of Positive Portrayal of Immigrants
The makers of two violent action films set in Texas have sued the state’s film commission claiming they were denied tax breaks because they dared to portray immigrants in a flattering light.
The Robert Rodriguez movies, “Machete” and its sequel, “Machete Kills,” include positive representations of Mexican police and immigrants, according to the producers. But those portrayals, they say, also upset members of the Texas Film Commission, which grants incentives to production companies to film in the Lone Star State.
Having been denied incentives for both movies, Machete Productions LLC is now suing the commission, claiming its actions violated the U.S. Constitution.
The plaintiffs says “the Film Commission improperly denied the grant based on a perception that the film glorifies the role of a Mexican Federale (Mexican Federal Police Officer) and sympathizes with immigrants,” according to the complaint. They also claim the commission was concerned with “political fallout” if it provided public support to the production.
The suit contends the commission violated the First, Fifth and 14th Amendments to the Constitution.
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