Bridging Generations Among Mexican and Mexican-American Filmmakers
Submission Deadline: Until January 15
The Mexican-American Cultural Foundation, a U.S. based non-profit organization dedicated to uplifting the Latino image in film and and television, will hold the 4th Edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival & Awards (MAFTF) Saturday, April 19th and Sunday 20th, 2025, returning to its homebase at the Harmony Gold Theater in the heart of Hollywood.
Filmmakers wishing to showcase their work at MAFTF are invited to submit now through our website (www.MAFTF.org) where they can also find submission requirements. The final deadline for submission is January 15th , 2025.
This year MAFTF continues its mission of amplifying the voices of Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers with its theme Bridging Generations By Our Shared Roots: Somos De Aquí Y Somos De Allá, which furthers their mission. The aim is to bridge the diverse experiences of Mexican born filmmakers and the Mexican-American/Chicano-born filmmakers, in an effort to showcase the nuanced difference and similarities which will foster communication, cultural awareness, and shared identity through their projects.
The reality is, being Mexican-American fosters an opportunity to benefit from two rich cultures, shared experiences, and access to more perspectives that differ from one single culture mindset. We are united, fierce, and resilient.
MAFTF is a two day event with screenings of short films, features, and television content, culminating with the yearly Illustrious Award ceremony on April 20, 2025.
“As we proudly announce the 2025 edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival, I am reminded of the incredible success of our past three editions,” said MAFTF Director Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz. “However, I am also aware that despite our shared heritage, filmmakers from Mexico and Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers have not always collaborated as closely as we could. This year’s festival theme is a call to action – a reminder that by working together, we can amplify our voices, share our stories, and celebrate our rich cultural diversity.
Dr. Ruiz, adds, “I am excited to see the amazing work that will emerge from this collaboration and I invite all filmmakers to join us on this journey.”
MAFTF enlists a panel of judges consisting of Hollywood industry professionals who will be judging the submissions in the following categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Short Film, Best TV Series, Best Male Actor, Best Female Actress, Best Screenplay For Film, and Best Screenplay For TV.
Our Illustrious awards honor Industry leaders and honor those in the industry pushing to change the narrative and how they go above and beyond. Our past honorees have included producer Yvett Merino (Encanto), directors Patricia Riggen (G20, Miracles from Heaven), Writer/Director Luis Valdez (La Bamba/Zoot Suit), Frank Rodriguez, Head of Distribution at Amazon (MGM), and Producer Moctesuma Esparza (Selena).
Tickets will be available for purchase in early 2025. Check our website at www.MAFTF.org