In a powerful transition from beloved television actor to compelling filmmaker, Joe Miñoso has made an impressive directorial debut with his short film “Paper Flower,” recently crowned with the Audience Choice Award for Best Short at the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival.
The Man Behind the Camera
Most Chicagoans know Joe Miñoso as the dependable firefighter Joe Cruz on NBC’s hit drama “Chicago Fire,” where he’s been winning viewers’ hearts since 2012. But this latest achievement proves Miñoso’s talents extend well beyond acting, showcasing his profound storytelling abilities and vision as a director.
Born to Dominican parents, Miñoso has long been a respected figure in Chicago’s entertainment scene. His move behind the camera represents not just a career evolution but a deeper dive into storytelling that resonates with his cultural roots and the immigrant experience in America.
“Paper Flower”: A Story That Matters
“Paper Flower” tells the poignant story of a 10-year-old Latino “DREAMer” who must care for his seven-year-old sister while their family navigates the complex and often heartbreaking challenges of immigration. What makes this short film particularly special is how it illustrates the way imagination becomes a survival tool for children facing harsh realities beyond their control.
In just a few minutes of screen time, Miñoso manages to capture the innocence, resilience, and hope that define many young lives caught in the immigration system. The film avoids heavy-handed political messaging, instead focusing on the human element that transcends policy debates.
“I wanted to show how children process trauma through creativity,” Miñoso explained in a brief statement. “Sometimes imagination is the only safe space available to kids going through impossible situations.”
Festival Triumph
The film’s victory at the 41st Chicago Latino Film Festival carries special significance, as the festival has grown into one of the most important showcases for Latino filmmakers in North America. The Audience Choice Award specifically reflects how deeply the film connected with viewers from diverse backgrounds.
Festival Director Pepe Vargas praised “Paper Flower” for its “authentic voice and visual poetry,” noting that “Joe brings the sensitivity of an actor who understands emotional truth to his directorial work.”
The win places Miñoso in distinguished company among previous award recipients who have gone on to significant careers in filmmaking, both in Hollywood and in international cinema.
What’s Next
For those eager to see “Paper Flower,” the International Latino Cultural Center will be presenting the film along with other festival shorts favorites at their Reel Film Club showcase on Tuesday, May 27th at Facets Film Forum in Chicago. During this special event, Miñoso will be presented with the Audience Choice Award statuette designed by Mexican sculptor David Camorlinga Tagle. In addition to this prestigious recognition Joe will be presented with a Studio Version of Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve video editing software.
As for Miñoso himself, sources close to the actor-turned-director suggest this may be just the beginning of his filmmaking journey. While he continues his role on “Chicago Fire,” he’s reportedly developing several new projects that explore themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage.
A Chicago Story
What makes Miñoso’s achievement particularly meaningful is how it represents Chicago’s vibrant intersection of television production, independent filmmaking, and cultural diversity. As one of the city’s most recognizable Latino actors, his move into directing signals new opportunities for authentic representation both in front of and behind the camera.
“Paper Flower” arrives at a crucial time when stories about immigration and childhood are often politicized and dehumanized. Through the universal language of visual storytelling, Miñoso reminds us that behind every policy debate are real children using every tool at their disposal—including their boundless imagination—to make sense of a complex world.
For a city that prides itself on both artistic excellence and cultural diversity, Joe Miñoso’s directorial debut stands as a testament to Chicago’s continuing importance as an incubator for meaningful, socially relevant cinema.
The Reel Film Club will showcase “Paper Flower” along with other Film Festival Favorite shorts on Tuesday, May 27th at 7 PM (reception at 6 PM) at Facets Film Forum, 1517 West Fullerton Ave. Tickets are $25 ($20 for ILCC & Facets members) and include a reception with appetizers and cash bar (21+)<.
