As Hollywood’s appetite for short-form, mobile-first storytelling continues to evolve, a new festival is positioning itself at the center of that transformation.

ATLANTA — Vertex Micro Fest has officially launched as a national film festival dedicated exclusively to vertical cinema, creating a platform for filmmakers producing original stories designed specifically for smartphone audiences. The inaugural festival debuts in Atlanta this July before expanding to Los Angeles, Dallas, New York, Miami, and Chicago.

The launch comes as vertical filmmaking gains momentum worldwide. While traditional film festivals continue to showcase horizontal-format features and shorts, a new generation of festivals—including New York’s ALZA Festival and the independently launched Vertical Shorts Festival—are focusing exclusively on vertical storytelling, reflecting the rapid growth of micro dramas and mobile-first entertainment.

Vertex distinguishes itself with a national touring model and its belief that compelling storytelling no longer depends on studio backing or industry gatekeepers.

It’s founded by Yvette Moise, co- Founder & President Georgia Latino Film Alliance and a Latina filmmaker who built this festival from the ground up on the idea that great storytelling no longer needs a studio’s permission. “The most powerful stories in the world are being told right now by people who were never given permission to tell them. Vertex exists to change that,” said Yvette Moise, founder and president of Vertex Mico Fest.

Open to films running between three and eleven minutes, the festival accepts projects produced in 9:12 and 9:16 formats, whether shot on smartphones or professional cinema cameras. Its signature Vertex 30-Day Challenge invites solo creators, students, production teams, animation artists, and AI or hybrid filmmakers to write, shoot, edit, and complete an original vertical short within one month.

Selected films will stream on the festival’s online platform while also receiving live screenings during the national tour. Winners will be selected by a panel of filmmakers, producers, directors, editors, and other entertainment professionals.

For Hollywood, the recent emergence of festivals devoted solely to vertical storytelling reflects a broader shift in content creation. As audiences increasingly consume entertainment on mobile devices and studios experiment with short-form programming, vertical filmmaking is evolving from social media content into a legitimate storytelling format with its own creative language, distribution channels, and festival circuit.

For independent filmmakers—and particularly emerging and diverse creators—the format offers a lower-cost entry point into the marketplace while providing new opportunities to reach audiences where they are increasingly watching content: on their phones.

Filmmakers can register for the Vertex 30-Day Challenge and review submission guidelines at www.reelverts.com.

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LOS ANGELES — Hollywood icon Andy Garcia will be honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 41st Annual Imagen Awards, recognizing a career that transpired Latino representation in entertainment for more than four decades.

The Imagen Foundation announced this year’s nominees on July 16, with Apple TV+’s Acapulco leading the field with 13 nominations. The annual awards ceremony will take place on Friday, August 21, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel, where 25 competitive awards and three special achievement honors will be presented.

For the Imagen Foundation, Garcia’s recognition represents more than a celebration of an accomplished actor—it honors an artist whose career has consistently elevated authentic Latino storytelling both in front of and behind the camera.

“Andy Garcia represents the very best of what the Imagen Foundation has sought to celebrate for more than four decades,” said Imagen Foundation Founder and President Helen Hernandez. “From hosting the fourth annual Imagen Awards in 1989 to building a remarkable body of work as an actor, filmmaker and producer, Andy has remained committed to his craft, his community and creating opportunities for Latino talent.”

Hernandez also pointed to Garcia’s recent international acclaim, noting the nine-minute standing ovation his latest film, Diamond, received at the Cannes Film Festival as evidence of the worldwide respect he continues to command.

Hilda L. Solis Recognized for Decades of Public Service

Also receiving one of the evening’s highest honors is Los Angeles County Board Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis, who will be presented with the President’s Award for her distinguished public service and unwavering commitment to expanding access to the arts while advocating for Latino communities throughout Los Angeles County.

For many in Hollywood and the broader Latino community, Solis has long been recognized as a steadfast ally. Throughout her career—from the California Legislature and the U.S. Congress to serving as U.S. Secretary of Labor and now as Chair of the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors—Solis has consistently supported arts organizations, cultural institutions and initiatives that create greater opportunities for Latino artists, filmmakers and underserved communities.

A lifelong resident of the San Gabriel Valley and the daughter of immigrants from Nicaragua and Mexico, Solis has built a career centered on expanding opportunity, equity and access. Today she represents Los Angeles County’s First District, stretching from East Hollywood to Pomona, while continuing to champion cultural programming and investment in the creative economy.

Acapulco Leads the Nominees

Apple TV+’s beloved bilingual comedy Acapulco emerged as the leading nominee with 13 nominations, including Best Comedy Series, while earning recognition across directing, acting and supporting performance categories.

The series will also receive the Creative Achievement Award, honoring Apple TV+, creators Austin Winsberg and Eugenio Derbez, and showrunner Sam Laybourne for creating one of television’s most successful Latino-led productions featuring a predominantly Latino cast and crew.

“They are a shining example of how a network and creative team can create a bilingual series centered on Latino-led stories and characters that can drive crossover audience appeal,” Hernandez said.

Other productions receiving multiple nominations include Hazbin Hotel, Belén, Hacks, Stick, The Lincoln Lawyer, The Morning Show, The Night Manager, Twisted Metal and Will Trent.

Among this year’s acting nominees are America Ferrera, Zoe Saldaña, Melissa Barrera, Selena Gomez, Stephanie Beatriz, Eugenio Derbez, Ramón Rodríguez, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo and Wilmer Valderrama.

A Continued Call for Greater Representation

While celebrating this year’s nominees, Hernandez also issued a challenge to the entertainment industry regarding the continued underrepresentation of Latinos on screen and behind the camera.

“This year’s nominees reflect the extraordinary diversity of Latino talent across television, documentaries, independent productions, digital media and music,” Hernandez said. “However, we cannot ignore the continued lack of Latino representation in media and the fact that we are unable to present awards in the film categories Best Director, Best Actor and Best Supporting due to a lack of submissions.”

She added that overlooking Latino audiences carries economic consequences for the industry.

“As a business, Latinos are a $3 trillion audience, and by overlooking the value of our community, it directly affects the economic health and longevity of the entertainment industry.”

Now in its 41st year, the Imagen Awards continue to recognize excellence in film, television, documentaries, music, podcasts and digital media while advocating for authentic Latino representation across the entertainment landscape.

The complete list of nominees is available through the Imagen Foundation. The 41st Annual Imagen Awards will be presented on Friday, August 21, 2026, at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills. PURCHASE TICKETS

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LéaLA – The Spanish Language Book Fair & Literary Festival, organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, LéaLA will once again transform LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes into a vibrant gathering place for readers, authors, educators, filmmakers, poets, and families who share a love of literature and the Spanish language.

Now recognized as one of the country’s premier literary and cultural events, LéaLA continues its mission of fostering dialogue through books, critical thought, film, poetry, educational programming, and the exchange of ideas that connect communities across generations and borders.

This year’s theme, “The Stories That Unite Us Speak Spanish,” reflects the festival’s belief that language is more than a means of communication—it is a powerful connection to identity, family, and cultural heritage.

Held in the historic Olvera Street district, the festival brings together voices from the United States, Mexico, and Latin America, offering attendees the opportunity to discover new authors, participate in literary conversations, attend cultural presentations, and enjoy family-friendly programming—all free of charge.

Honoring the Stories We Inherit

One of the most meaningful additions to this year’s festival is “The Voice of Memory,” a community writing contest that invites participants to celebrate the people whose stories helped shape their lives.

Rather than focusing solely on published works, the initiative encourages writers of all ages to share the anecdotes, traditions, life lessons, and cherished memories passed down by grandparents, parents, mentors, and other influential figures.

The contest underscores one of LéaLA’s central messages: some of our most powerful stories are first told at home.

A Cultural Bridge Through Literature

Organized by the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, with support from the philanthropic legacy of Phyrrha Gladys Grodman, LéaLA has become an important cultural bridge connecting Spanish-speaking communities throughout the Americas.

“Spanish is the language that carries our memories, traditions, and stories,” organizers note. “Through literature and storytelling, we preserve our past while inspiring future generations.”

The festival is also supported by the University of Guadalajara Alumni Association in Los Angeles and numerous public and private institutions committed to promoting literacy, education, and cross-cultural understanding.

Event Information

LéaLA – The Spanish Language Book Fair & Literary Festival

Dates: September 24–27, 2026

Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Location: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes
501 N. Main Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Admission: Free and open to the public.

For more information, visit www.lea-la.com.

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The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival & Awards (MAFTF) returns for its milestone fifth year with growing momentum, expanding its footprint as a vital platform for Chicano and Mexican-American storytellers.  The two day festival will take place from March 25 and 26, expanding into two locations, Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood and Milagro Cinemas located in Norwalk.

Founded with a mission to showcase, promote, and celebrate Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers, MAFTF has steadily positioned itself as both a cultural and industry touchpoint—spotlighting voices too often underrepresented in mainstream Hollywood while championing authentic storytelling across all formats.

The festival has grown exponentially since it began in 2022. The projects were selected from over 200 submissions which included a wide variety of  film, documentary, television, and emerging vertical formats—underscoring both the demand and the creative surge within the community.

“MAFTF 2026 Theme: “Our Stories Must Be Told To Defy Adversity”, reminds us of how by telling our stories we inform, help heal and resist the forces which are hurting our community,” said Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz President & Festival Director of MAFTF.

In addition to the screenings, MAFTF features panels discussion, workshops, and Fireside Chats. 

The following panel discussion will be held on Saturday from 11:00AM – 6:00PM.

– Funding, Marketing & Distribution Panel

-The World of Vertical & How To Make Money With Them

– Casting & Production for Ultra Low Budget SAG Film

– Fireside Chat with Actor/Director & Producer Enrique Castillo

Special Honors Spotlight Industry Excellence

The culmination of the festival is the highly anticipated closing night Illustrious Awards, a recognition of the best of the festival and, this year the recognition of five individuals whose contributions—both in front of and behind the camera—exemplify the depth and range of Latino talent shaping today’s entertainment landscape.

Honorees

Veteran actor, writer, and director Enrique Castillo will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring a decades-long career that spans theater, film, and television. Castillo’s performances in films such as El Norte, Nixon, My Family, and Déjà Vu among many others, have consistently brought nuance and dignity to Latino characters. He remains indelibly associated with his iconic role as Montana in Blood In Blood Out, as well as his work on the Showtime series Weeds.

Rising multi-hyphenate Annie Gonzalez will be honored with the Illustrious Award for Outstanding Achievement in Acting. A Chicana actress, singer, and producer, Gonzalez has built a dynamic career with standout roles in Gentefied, Flamin’ Hot, and her portrayal of Jenni Rivera in the biopic Jenni. Her television work—including Shameless, American Horror Story, and Vida—reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing Latinx representation on screen.

Also receiving recognition is Mishel Prada, receiving the Illustrious Award for Trailblazing Excellence in Acting. Prada is best known for her groundbreaking role as Emma Hernandez in Starz’s Vida, portrayed a queer/pansexual Latina character with complexity and authenticity. She has also appeared as Detective KD Silva in Peacock’s The Continental, further expanding her range across genres.

Acclaimed television director Felix Alcala will receive the Trailblazer in Directing Award. With credits including Lone Star and 9-1-1 among many, Alcalá has helmed episodes of some of television’s most prominent series, helping shape the visual and narrative language of contemporary TV.

Rounding out the honorees is respected entertainment journalist Naibe Reynoso, who will be presented with the Excellence in Journalism Award and 

A Growing Cultural Force

According to several studies, although Mexican-Americans make up more than 11% of the U.S. population, they are significantly underrepresented or completely ignored by Hollywood. The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival stands as a beacon for inclusive storytelling for these filmmakers by creating space for narratives that are culturally specific yet universally resonant.

In just five years, MAFTF has evolved from a grassroots platform recognized for its significant cultural event, championing a new generation of storytellers while honoring those who have paved the way. With record submissions and a powerful slate of honorees, this year’s festival signals not just growth—but impact.

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Blacktinidad is a signature LatiNation series that celebrates the diversity and richness of the Afro-Latino experience, offering a platform where stories of identity, resilience, and joy take center stage. Through bold storytelling and authentic representation, the series has cultivated a loyal and growing audience across television, streaming, and social platforms.

Hosted by Eliana, the episode follows her return to Puerto Rico for an immersive journey into the island’s Afro-descendant traditions, centering on Loíza, widely regarded as the heart of Afro-Puerto Rican culture. Her visit begins at Taller de N’Zambi, where she explores the rhythms and movement of Bomba de Loíza, one of Puerto Rico’s most powerful and historically rooted musical traditions.

The special also features an intimate visit with legendary culture bearer Raúl Ayala, whose family has preserved the artistry, history, and traditions of Bomba for more than seven decades. Eliana further dives into the cultural significance of Puerto Rico’s iconic Vejigante masks, before closing the episode at El Kiosko La Comay, a beloved Loíza institution known for its traditional cuisine and deep community roots.

The special underscores LatiNation Media’s commitment to culturally driven programming that reflects the lived experiences of U.S. bilingual and bicultural Latinos. The award-winning media company operates LATV, the independent cable network reaching 81% of U.S. Hispanic households in the top 47 DMAs, along with LatiNation FAST, the LatiNation+ app, and a robust in-house production studio. Its content spans linear TV, FAST/AVOD/CTV, digital, and social platforms.With its Black History Month Blacktinidad special, LatiNation continues to amplify Afro-Latino voices and stories, reinforcing its mission to serve as a cultural connector across the Black and Latino diaspora.

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Latinas and wellness is a growing movement. Focused on holistic health (mental, physical, emotional, financial) with an emphasis on community, cultural connection, and empowerment. LatiNation Media is leaning into that momentum with the return of its health and wellness series, Esencia: Latina Wellness, hosted by journalist Katherine Castro. Kicking off 2026, the series underscores a powerful industry truth: Latinas are not only wellness-forward consumers with disposable income—they are informed decision-makers. And information – wellness information, it what Esencia: Latina Wellness delivers.

Esencia: Latina Wellness positions itself at the intersection of science, culture, and community. The series features evidence-informed conversations that resonate with bilingual Latinas seeking clarity, credibility, and relevance in an often trend-saturated wellness marketplace.

Esencia adopts an editorial-first approach that prioritizes context over hype. Each episode brings together medical professionals, holistic practitioners, and cultural voices to examine how identity, prevention, and science shape everyday wellness decisions—an approach that mirrors the values of a sophisticated Latina audience investing in long-term health.

The new season opens with “The Benefits of Peptide Therapy,” featuring Amber Cameneti, a Beverly Hills–based registered nurse specializing in peptide therapy and regenerative wellness, and host of the Ageless Blonde podcast. The episode explores the growing interest in peptide-based treatments within longevity and preventative medicine, offering viewers a grounded, accessible look at the science, real-world applications, and lifestyle considerations driving this emerging category.

By spotlighting both innovation and expertise, Esencia taps into a broader shift within the wellness and beauty industries—one where Latinas are demanding transparency, culturally fluent care, and representation from professionals who understand their lived experiences. Just as importantly, the series reinforces a growing ecosystem of Latina support: Latinas uplifting Latina experts, brands, and businesses.

The return of Esencia: Latina Wellness also aligns with LatiNation Media’s broader strategy to expand original programming across health, lifestyle, and culturally driven verticals. As an English-language media studio serving U.S. bilingual Latinos, LatiNation continues to demonstrate how authentic, culturally rooted storytelling can drive both impact and engagement.

With its unapologetically bicultural lens and multiplatform reach—spanning linear TV, streaming, FAST/AVOD/CTV, digital, and social—LatiNation Media connects brands and audiences to what it calls “the new mainstream.” Reaching 81% of U.S. Hispanic households across the top 47 DMAs, the company remains a key player for industries looking to engage a Latina audience that is informed, influential, and investing in wellness on its own terms.

In Esencia: Latina Wellness, that influence isn’t just acknowledged—it’s center.

Available on the LatiNation App and airing nationally on LATV (check local listings),

@LatiNationmedia
#LatiNationMedia

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The new year launches at full speed as Tron: Ares, the epic sci-fi action-adventure from Disney, begins streaming January 7 exclusively on Disney+. Directed by Joachim Rønning, the latest chapter in the iconic TRON franchise invites audiences back into the Grid with a bold new vision—one packed with cutting-edge visuals, pulse-pounding action, and a powerful story centered on the collision between artificial intelligence and humanity. And a most pleasant welcome to actor Arturo Castro who plays Seth Flores and turning heads on the national and international stage.

Castro’s path to Tron: Ares came through an unexpected but very Hollywood chain of events. A standout moment in the trailer for the Jake Gyllenhaal–led Road House reboot showcased Castro as Moe, a candid biker gang member whose sharp comic timing left a strong impression. His performance caught the attention of Gyllenhaal’s WME agent, Brent Morley, who promptly recommended Castro to another of his clients—Jared Leto.

Leto, who both stars in and produces Tron: Ares, quickly took notice. Impressed by Castro’s presence, Leto championed him for the role of Seth, personally advocating on his behalf. With Leto’s support, Castro’s name gained traction within the production, ultimately leading director Joachim Rønning and the creative team behind the third Tron installment to officially cast him in the film.

Castro, best known for his roles as Jef in the Comedy Central series Broad City and as David Rodríguez in the Netflix crime drama Narcos. Castro hosted his own show, Conexion, on Guatemala’s national network, a year before moving to New York City. In New York, where attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and where he met Abbi Jacobson and Ilana Glazer and landed the role of Jaimé in Broad City.

“Its been really recently that we have been allowed to be three dimensional characters in movies.” Castro commented on the Nerds of Color YouTube Channel.

Authentic Representation Amplifies Engagement

A McKinsey study revealed a powerful correlation between authentic Latino representation and audience engagement. McKinsey findings found that Latino viewership doubles when Latinos are represented on- or off-screen, underscoring the importance of authentic portrayals and inclusive storytelling (McKinsey).

And representation matters to Latino Audience. Known for their strong connection to action-driven, visually immersive storytelling, U.S. Latino audiences and worldwide have long embraced high-energy sci-fi and franchise films—genres that blend spectacle with themes of identity, survival, and technology’s impact on everyday life. Tron: Ares taps directly into that appeal, delivering relentless momentum and a futuristic world that feels both thrilling and culturally relevant.

Although not for everyone, Tron: Ares has been praised by critics as “a fast-paced, thrilling movie that launches at full throttle and never slows down” (Jonathan Sim, Coming Soon). The film’s bold aesthetic also stands out, with reviewers highlighting how “Rønning and cinematographer Jeff Cronenweth’s canvas pops with color, contrast and motion, while Nine Inch Nails’ techno-forward score literally rattles your seat” (Joseph Morona, Cleveland.com).

Adding to the excitement, Tron: Ares will stream in IMAX Enhanced on Disney+, featuring IMAX’s expanded aspect ratio that preserves the filmmakers’ creative intent for a more immersive at-home experience. Viewers with compatible TVs and AV receivers can also enjoy IMAX Enhanced sound powered by DTS, delivering the full dynamic range of the original theatrical mix.

Before diving into this bold new future, fans can revisit the origins of the franchise. Both Tron and Tron: Legacy are currently streaming on Disney+, offering the perfect lead-in to the newest evolution of the Grid.

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A Luchador’s Resurrection—and His Reckoning

Matadero centers on Rafael “Matadero” Muzquiz, a devout luchador whose life is shattered by a cartel boss’s brutal betrayal. But death is only the beginning: resurrected by La Santa Muerte and armed with a glowing green scythe, the fallen hero is granted superhuman strength and a chilling ultimatum—collect seven evil souls before sunrise or lose his murdered family forever.

What follows is a relentless quest for redemption as Matadero battles cartel narcos and a cybernetic mercenary through the unforgiving streets of Marin, Nuevo Leon. The film promises a visceral blend of heart-pounding action, cultural mysticism, and the emotional stakes of a man fighting for the souls of those he loves.

A Creative Partnership Fueled by Cultural Authenticity

“Matadero is a love letter to lucha libre and Latino culture, infused with a dark, cinematic edge,” said Pablo Bobadilla, founder of Bobadilla Productions. “Partnering with Masked Republic—who are unmatched in their expertise and passion for lucha libre—allows us to craft a story that’s authentic, thrilling, and universally resonant. Hector Rodriguez’s script is a game-changer, and we’re excited to bring his vision to life.”

Rodriguez, best known as the mind behind the long-running comic series El Peso Hero and founder of Texas Latino Comic Con, brings a deep reverence for lucha libre and grassroots Latino storytelling. His work, which often centers on heroism, community, and identity, makes him an inspired choice to helm the world of Matadero.

“Hector’s ability to weave cultural authenticity with gripping storytelling makes Matadero a standout,” added Kevin Kleinrock, President and COO of Masked Republic. “This collaboration with Bobadilla Productions is a perfect synergy. Their experience creating horror that reaches beyond the genre’s traditional audience, combined with our mission to tell stories of luchadores and lucha culture that extend far beyond the ring, makes this a tag-team ready to take on the world.”

A Cinematic Universe Rooted in Culture

The film promises eye-popping visuals, gripping hand-to-hand combat, and supernatural intrigue—all against the rich tapestry of Mexican culture. From stylized lucha libre choreography to eerie mystic sequences powered by La Santa Muerte, Matadero is designed to captivate a broad spectrum of audiences: action aficionados, horror enthusiasts, comic book fans, and lovers of Mexican folklore.

Both companies emphasize that authenticity is not just an aspiration—it’s a mandate. The production, slated for late 2026, intends to cast Latino actors and real-life luchadores to ensure fidelity to the traditions and communities that inspire the story.

A New Era for Latino Genre Filmmaking

With Hollywood finally recognizing the hunger for culturally rich genre stories, Matadero arrives at a pivotal moment. The partnership between Bobadilla Productions and Masked Republic signals a new kind of Latino-fronted storytelling—one that merges mythology, action, and representation without compromise.As audiences worldwide continue to crave fresh perspectives and bold narratives, Matadero is shaping up to be a cinematic force ready to carve its own path—scythe in hand.

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LATINAFest, the nation’s largest outdoor festival celebrating and empowering Latinas, continues its commitment to cultural storytelling through its ARTES, MOVIES Y CULTURA initiative with a special fundraising screening of The Dreamer Cinderella. This inspiring cinematic event takes place on November 24, 2025, at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood, and will benefit two local nonprofits—Proyecto Pastoral and the Survivor Justice Center—that provide critical support for immigrant and underserved communities.

For LATINAFest co-founders Bel Hernández Castillo and Naibe Reynoso, art and culture have always been the perfect mediums to move hearts and spark social awareness. “Culture and art have the power to transform minds and souls,” says Hernández Castillo. “This film shows a different face of the Latino immigrant experience—a story of strength, transformation, and hope.”

A Story of Transformation and Resilience

Written, directed, and produced by Dr. José Luis Ruiz, The Dreamer Cinderella follows Xochitl, a Mexican-American fruit vendor whose simple life takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the subject of a daring bet between two rival Hollywood directors. In her journey from the streets to the spotlight, Xochitl not only discovers her own self-worth but also transforms the way others see her and, by extension, the way audiences see immigrants.

“I could not be more thrilled to partner with LATINAFest to bring this story to thousands of powerful Latinas—like Xochitl, our Dreamer Cinderella—who embody courage and perseverance,” said Dr. Ruiz. “This film celebrates their spirit and determination.”

Starring Anakaren Chablé (Troop Dragonfly) in her first leading role and Tara Reid (American Pie, The Big Lebowski), the film explores identity, resilience, and empowerment within the context of the immigrant experience in the United States. The Dreamer Cinderella will be released nationwide on January 23, 2026.

Empowering Stories, Real Impact

For LATINAFest, this screening is more than a film event—it’s an act of community empowerment. “It’s imperative to support Latino filmmakers who tell our stories authentically—because our stories matter and deserve to be seen,” said Hernández Castillo. Reynoso adds, “The Dreamer Cinderella beautifully captures the triumphs and challenges of Latinas and all immigrants striving for a better life. This partnership reflects LATINAFest’s mission to uplift our community and use storytelling as a catalyst for change.”

The partnership also extends tangible support to local organizations on the front lines of immigrant advocacy. Carmen E. McDonald, Executive Director of the Survivor Justice Center, shared, “As an organization serving immigrants and Dreamers, we witness firsthand the courage it takes to build a new life while preserving one’s heritage. The Dreamer Cinderella is an inspiring reflection of that strength, and we are proud to stand behind its message.”

Through partnerships like this, LATINAFest uses the transformative power of art to give back, uplift, and create meaningful change—one story at a time.

A Night of Culture, Celebration, and Giving

The ARTES MOVIES Y CULTURA evening will begin at 6:00 PM with red carpet arrivals, followed by a festive reception featuring food, cultural vendors, spirits, and special activations—including a transformational “make-up spruce-up.” The film screening begins at 7:30 PM.

General admission tickets are $30, while VIP tickets—which include exclusive perks, parking and premium seating—are $100.

PURCHASE TICKETS AT EVENTBRITE

About LATINAFest: Mind, Body & Soul

Under its Mind, Body & Soul and ARTES, MOVIES Y CULTURA initiatives, LATINAFest continues to celebrate Latina creativity, resilience, and storytelling. The community-driven organization provides year-round programming that empowers women to thrive while spotlighting narratives that reflect the beauty, challenges, and contributions of Latinas—including the immigrant experience.

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Chiquis is a dynamic force in the entertainment industry who recently picked up her third GRAMMY. She is a businesswoman, entrepreneur, author, and media personality. The series will premiere in 2025 and is a 30-minute, six-episode unscripted limited docu-follow series. It is Executive Produced by Chiquis, Richard Bull, Sebastian Jimenez, and LatiNation Media’s Andres Palencia, and Bruno Seros Ulloa. Chiquis’ Busy Bee Productions produced the series with LatiNation Media.

In the 30-minute series Foodie on the Go, Chiquis embarks on epic road trips to uncover the country’s most unique and delicious eats. From 5-star restaurants to food trucks, neighborhood staples, and street food carts, each episode features Chiquis engaging with chefs and staff while savoring their creations. Chiquis’ natural charm brings out the rich stories behind the food and the vibrant personalities of the people who make it. With a passion for supporting small businesses, the series celebrates local entrepreneurs and their love for cooking and culinary creativity.

Chiquis’ journey to success is marked by remarkable achievements and a relentless drive to inspire and empower others. In 2024, Chiquis released her fifth studio album, Diamantes, which earned her a third Latin GRAMMY for Best Banda Music Album and a 2025 GRAMMY nomination for Best Música Mexicana Álbum.  Beyond music, she has her top-rated podcast, “Chiquis and Chill,” and a thriving social media presence, allowing Chiquis to continue to connect with millions of fans around the globe. In 2023, Chiquis expanded her reach by co-founding Busy Bee Productions alongside established industry professionals Sebastian Jimenez and Richard Bull. Committed to creating impactful and inclusive content, the company aims to amplify diverse voices and share authentic stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. Busy Bee Productions’ first project was the “Chiquis Sin Filtro” docu-series, which became VIX’s #1-rated show in the United States.

“I wanted to have Foodie on the Go be one of Busy Bee Productions’ first shows because I want people to know the story of who’s cooking the food and why, Chiquis explained. It’s one of my favorite parts of the show – getting inspired by the food, the culture, the crunch, the spice, and meeting the owners and staff. I love connecting with the culture through the dishes and the people making and serving the food.”

For his part Andres Palencia, CEO, LatiNation Media enthused, “Few things represent Latino culture better than our relationship with food. Foodie on the Go aligns perfectly with our mission to amplify content and culture created by Latinos for a multi-generational audience, and it’s infused with LatiNation’s sabor,” said . “We’re excited to showcase a different kind of food culture show, one that is uniquely Chiquis.”

“We are excited to have Chiquis as a part of the LatiNation Media family,” added Bruno Seros Ulloa, COO & President, LatiNation Media. “She embodies the fusion of dual cultures and heritage, and this show highlights the rich experiences and meaningful stories tied to food across the country. Watching her visit diverse locations on tour – and on camera – offers the ultimate road trip experience.”

LatiNation Media is a bilingual, multi-platform media company whose mission is to transform Latino representation in the modern media landscape by creating content that organically represents today’s Latino experience.

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