UPDATE:
After contacting the Texas Film Commission to get a comment on the status of Rodriguez’s funding for “Machete” this was their reply….

The Texas Film Commission only gives funding to projects that have been completed. Troublemaker Studios has applied for funding for three projects: the first, called Shorts, has been completed and is in the audit process in our office. The other two, Machete and Predators, are still in production. Determinations regarding state funding are not made until the Film Commission reviews the final product. At this time, no funds have been released to Troublemaker Studios.

Original story below. Check back for more updates.

May 2010 — The news this week has been buzzing about the new Robert Rodriguez film “Machete.” On May 5th, also referred to as Cinco De Mayo, a trailer featuring the main character of the film (an ex-Federale called Machete) calling out a warning to Arizona about their recent anti-immigration legislation was illegally released. Very soon after the trailer was available online, it was taken down by Fox Entertainment (the distributor backing the film). If you google the “Arizona” version of the trailer on youtube the message in place of the video is: “This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Twentieth Century Fox.”

Members of Rodriguez’s crew have come forward on a local Austin radio show claiming to be Hispanic and being very concerned about the radical tone of the film, especially in light of the controversial immigration debate in the US. However, this individuals did not give names. The fears they stated were that it would make Hispanics look bad and cause the public to fear them and cause derision.

The trailer available for viewing is very violent and is not something that should not be viewed by minors. The individuals that contacted the local Austin radio show claimed that the actual film is far worse than the trailer. The murders in the film take place in the Texas Capitol in Austin.

Further problems with the film from a funding issue is that apparently Machete was supported by Austin Film Studios which receives taxpayer money in the State of Texas through Texas Film Commission. The purpose of allotting money for Austin Studios is to promote Texas filmmakers. Does Machete and its “anti-white” message pose a problem, since it is taxpayer funded? Devil’s advocate here, but what about the Texas Hate Crimes laws? Does this film fall into hate speech or is it protected speech guaranteed by Rodriguez’s First Amendment Right of free speech? Technically, constitutionally speaking, Rodriguez is protected in this regard of free speech, unless someone disagrees in the DA’s office. This opens up an interesting conundrum. If the film is designed to insight violence and sedition against the government… The situation is a bit muddy and Rodriguez is hopefully considering all of this in his final cut of the film.

Rodriguez has been a respected director, for his talent and his struggle through adversity to become a huge success, for years.

Watch the Arizona Version on Ain’t It Cool News Beware. Ain’t It Cool News uses explicit language.