G. Hernandez; Co-Founder of Film Festival

George Hernandez, one of the founders of the Los Angeles International Latino Film Festival, has died.

Hernandez, who founded the festival in 1997 with actor Edward James Olmos and producer Marlene Dermer, died Feb. 20 of a heart attack. He was 46.

“He passed away in his sleep [during] his afternoon nap. . . .” Dermer said.

The festival has become the largest showcase of Latino film in the Spanish-speaking world and the United States.

Besides film, Hernandez dabbled in other areas of entertainment, including music and television. He and Olmos co-produced the Americanos Concert for the PBS network in 1999, which traced the historical roots of Latin music and featured Gloria Estefan, Jose Feliciano, Israel “Cachao” Lopez, Sheila E, Paquito d’Rivera and many others.

“He was one of the hardest working persons I’ve ever encountered,” Olmos said. “I will forever be grateful to him. He was a gift to all of us, a gift I will dearly miss.”

Hernandez also worked as an associate producer and post-production supervisor on the HBO drama “For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story,” based on the life of the Cuban trumpeter, starring Andy Garcia.

Hernandez’s company, Montuno Productions, produced this year’s Grammy-nominated album “Caravana Cubana.” He also produced musical events in Los Angeles.

Hernandez is survived by his older siblings and their children.