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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Now in its 13th year, the annual celebration of Latina-directed cinema will present Merino with the Lupe Ontiveros Award on Opening Night, while Riggen will receive the Maverick Award. Both honors spotlight Latina leaders whose work has reshaped representation, storytelling, and opportunity across the entertainment industry.

Yvette Merino to Receive Lupe Ontiveros Award

Merino, producer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, will be honored for a career defined by artistic excellence and trailblazing achievement. The Lupe Ontiveros Award—named after the late actress who paved the way for generations of Latina performers—recognizes women whose careers demonstrate courage and a sustained commitment to expanding representation in film.

Merino made history as the first Latina to receive the Academy Award for Animated Feature for producing Disney’s Encanto. Over her 25-plus years at Disney Animation, she has served in key production roles on blockbuster titles including Tangled, Wreck-It Ralph, the Oscar-winning Big Hero 6, and Oscar-nominated Moana.

Following Encanto, Merino earned an Emmy Award for producing the short film Once Upon a Studio and served as producer on Moana 2. She is currently producing Zootopia 2. Beyond the screen, Merino was also instrumental in launching Voces@Disney, the studio’s first Latino employee resource group, serving as co-president for two years.

Patricia Riggen to Receive Maverick Award

Riggen will be presented with the Maverick Award, honoring a filmmaker whose body of work has challenged dominant narratives while bringing underrepresented stories to global audiences with authenticity and emotional depth.

Widely regarded as one of America’s leading female directors, Riggen’s feature credits span genres and scale. Her recent action thriller G20 stars Viola Davis, while earlier work includes Sundance breakout feature Under The Same Moon/La Misma Luna and Sony Pictures’ box-office hit Miracles from Heaven starring Jennifer Garner.

Her television directing credits include multiple episodes of the Emmy-winning limited series Dopesick starring Michael Keaton, as well as season one of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan.

A graduate of Columbia University School of the Arts, Riggen’s early short film work earned a Student Academy Award, Student Emmy, and Mexican Academy Award. She later directed Lemonade Mouth, which received a Directors Guild of America nomination, and the Chilean mining drama The 33 starring Antonio Banderas and Juliette Binoche—a production that required 30 days of filming underground in active mines.

Originally from Mexico, Riggen remains one of the few women of color to have directed top-grossing studio features in the past decade and continues to mentor emerging Latino filmmakers.

Festival Leadership and Mission

LIFE is led by Festival Directors Iris Almaraz and Cristina Nava, whose shared focus on community engagement, equity, and independent film continues to define the festival’s growth. Nava, a veteran independent producer and cultural organizer, brings decades of experience championing socially conscious storytelling and grassroots arts advocacy. Together, Almaraz and Nava position LIFE as both a platform for exhibition and a space for mentorship, networking, and long-term career development.

Founded thirteen years ago by screenwriter and playwright Josefina López (known for writing the groundbreaking film and Broadway play Real Women Have Curves), the festival was built on the belief that representation matters and that diverse voices strengthen the cinematic landscape.

In addition to screenings, the 2026 edition will feature panels, workshops, and networking sessions connecting emerging Latina directors with industry leaders and resources. LIFE is a fiscally sponsored project of the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP).

Tickets and full programming details are available at www.LIFEFilmFestLA.com.

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SUNDANCE SPOTLIGHT

The 2026 Sundance Film Festival will shine a long-overdue national spotlight on one of the most influential cultural architects in American history: Luis Valdez. With the world premiere of American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, Latino Public Broadcasting (LPB) cements Valdez’s towering legacy as a revolutionary artist who transformed theater, film, and the visibility of the Mexican-American experience—while also affirming the vital role of public broadcasting in preserving Latino cultural memory.

Directed, written, and produced by David Alvarado, American Pachuco is far more than a biographical documentary. It is a cultural reckoning—charting how Valdez reshaped the American stage and screen by insisting that Chicano stories were not peripheral, but central to the national narrative.

From the Fields to the Forefront of American Theater

Valdez’s story is inseparable from the Chicano Movement itself. In 1965, alongside the United Farm Workers, he founded El Teatro Campesino, a theater company born not in traditional playhouses but in the fields—using satire, music, and performance as tools of protest, education, and empowerment for farmworkers demanding dignity and justice.

That radical foundation led to one of the most consequential theatrical moments in U.S. history. Zoot Suit originated at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles, where it became an undeniable hit, electrifying audiences with its bold fusion of American Latino music, movement, history, and political urgency. The production was so successful that it made history—transferring to Broadway in 1979, marking the first time a Chicano playwright’s work appeared on the Great White Way.

In a rare and telling testament to its cultural impact, Zoot Suit didn’t simply move east. While one company made its groundbreaking Broadway run, a second cast remained in Los Angeles, where the show continued at the Aquarius Theatre, running for nearly a full year. The dual productions underscored something unprecedented: Chicano theater was no longer a niche movement—it was a mainstream cultural force commanding audiences on both coasts.

Edward James Olmos: A Full-Circle Cultural Moment

Central to Zoot Suit’s legacy—and to American Pachuco—is Edward James Olmos, whose star-making role as El Pachuco was written by Valdez and became one of the most iconic performances in American theater. The role launched Olmos’s career and redefined the possibilities for Latino actors at a time when such opportunities were nearly nonexistent.

Decades later, Olmos narrates American Pachuco not only as a collaborator and witness, but as co-founder and Chairman of the Board of Latino Public Broadcasting, the organization that partially funded the documentary. The symmetry is profound: a playwright who opened doors for an actor, and an actor who now ensures those doors remain open for future generations of Latino storytellers.

“Now more than ever, it’s crucial that we give a voice to our Latino filmmakers and make sure that our stories are heard,” Olmos said. “While these two films are very different, both of them celebrate how art can lift individuals and communities and bring about real transformative change.”

A Definitive Portrait of a Cultural Revolutionary

Winner of the Library of Congress Lavine/Ken Burns Prize for Film, American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez features extensive interviews with Valdez, offering rare insight into his artistic philosophy, political consciousness, and lifelong commitment to cultural truth-telling. The film positions Valdez not only as a playwright and filmmaker, but as a cultural architect whose influence reshaped the American artistic landscape.

The documentary is a co-production of Insignia Films, ITVS, Latino Public Broadcasting, and Firelight Media, in association with American Masters Pictures and PBS, with funding provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. It will premiere nationally in Fall 2026 as a co-presentation of VOCES and AMERICAN MASTERS, placing Valdez among the most essential artists ever profiled in the series.

LPB at Sundance: Expanding the Latino Story

Latino stories are foundational to American culture, not footnotes. And at the center of that truth stands Luis Valdez—a visionary who proved that telling our own stories is an act of resistance, celebration, and transformation.With American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, Sundance 2026 does more than honor a filmmaker. It honors a movement—and a legacy that continues to shape every Latino story told on stage and screen today.

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By Judi Jordan

Fifteen years of magic, and we’re just getting started! The Guadalajara Film Festival in Los Angeles (GLAFF) is throwing an unforgettable Quinceañera celebration November 6–8, 2025, bringing together the most exciting voices in cinema from across the Americas. This isn’t just a film festival – it’s a three-day cultural fiesta you won’t want to miss!

Opening Night Magic: We’re kicking off in spectacular style with Guillermo del Toro’s breathtaking Frankenstein adaptation. The Guadalajara native has assembled a powerhouse cast – Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Christoph Waltz – for what everyone’s calling the year’s most anticipated film. Catch the magic November 6th at downtown LA’s stunning United Theater, then watch it again on Netflix starting November 7th!

The Festival Lineup:

Olmo is the coming-of-age story we’ve been waiting for – a gorgeous exploration of life between cultures, brought to you by Brad Pitt’s Plan B Entertainment and the brilliant Fernando Eimbcke.

Vainilla made waves at Venice, and now it’s our turn! Mayra Hermosillo’s debut feature transports you to 1980s Mexico through young Roberta’s eyes as her family fights to keep their world intact. It’s intimate, powerful, and absolutely unforgettable.

Juan Gabriel: Debo, Puedo Y Quiero – Because legends deserve legendary tributes. This Netflix docuseries reveals rare treasures from El Divo de Juárez’s incredible life.

Plus there’s art forgery intrigue in Forge, magical favela tales in Kites, and shorts featuring Rosie O’Donnell and rising stars!

Here’s what makes us proud: 55% of our filmmakers are women, representing Latinx, Black, Asian-American, Indigenous, Queer, Filipino, and Arab communities. That’s the future of cinema, and it’s happening right now.

Join us for red-carpet glamour, intimate filmmaker conversations, hands-on workshops, and screenings that’ll stay with you forever!November 6–8, 2025 | Los AngelesAll the details at: www.glaff.org

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By Bel Hernandez Castillo

What is a Chicano?

In his 1970 Los Angeles Times essay What Is a Chicano? And What Do Chicanos Want?, the late, award-winning journalist Rubén Salazar defined a Chicano as “a Mexican-American with a non-Anglo image of himself.”

Chicanos are boldly authentic and now raising their voice proudly, creating content that is authentically theirs. What better event to showcase their creativity than the Chicano Hollywood Film Festival. over 100 film and TV projects will be in full display at the first annual Chicano Hollywood Film Festival which takes place July 17–20, 2025, at The Union (350 Garey Ave, Pomona, CA). 

The brainchild of ex-pastor and producer Johnny Murillo, the festival, (planned before the immigration raids began) will brazenly launch in spite of the ICE raids which are targeting undocumented farm laborers across Southern California. The festival positions itself as both a cultural celebration and a platform for protest—amplifying the stories, struggles, and strength of the Chicano and Latino communities. 

Opening the film festival will be The Last Brown Beret, a gripping and timely feature directed by Del Zamora abd based on the play by writer/director Alfredo Ramos. The film revives the legacy of the Brown Berets, Civil Rights activists whose fight for justice in the 1960s echoes today’s urgent need for protection, dignity, and unity within the Chicano community amid fear of raids, riots, and mass arrests. 

“This festival isn’t just about watching films—it’s about answering the call,” said Johnny Murillo, founder of Chicano Hollywood. “The Brown Berets stood up for our people. It’s time to do the same—with cameras, stories, and truth.” 

In addition to spotlighting powerful features, the Chicano Hollywood Film Festival will showcase over 90 short films, television pilots, music videos, and digital projects from emerging Chicano/Latino filmmakers across the U.S. and Latin America. The diverse lineup highlights stories of identity, resistance, humor, and healing. 

Featured films include: 

— Ugly Little Monkey – A powerful documentary produced and co-directed  by Chicano legend Enrique Castillo (Montana in Blood in Blood Out) and David Valdez, exploring the journey of the first Youth Mariachi in the U.S. whose trauma lead to healing through the music of Mariachi.  

— Horchata With Oat Milk – A viral, culture-clash comedy directed by Christian “LV” Leyva, addressing the issue of gentrification and offering fresh laughs with a Chicano twist.  

— A Little Family Drama – A layered and emotional dramedy directed by Nadia Zoe that brings generational conflict to light.  

— Cholita Takes LA – Directed by Sylvia Ray, a bold exploration of female empowerment within Chicana culture and a Bolivian Cholita Wrestler seeking identity.  

— Lost in the Barrio – Directed by Alberto Portillo, a gritty, heartfelt story of survival and loyalty in the urban neighborhood. Starring Fabian Alamar (Flamin’ Hot).  

Festival goers can also expect live “DJ” sets, Q&A panels, networking events, and the launch of the Chicano Hollywood Academy, an initiative to train the next generation of Latino creatives in acting, directing, production, and content monetization. 

The Chicano Hollywood platform was created to elevate the  Chicano voice in every space of culture, Chicano Hollywood is a groundbreaking media and cultural movement committed to empowering Chicano and Latino content creators. Through film, education, and strategic partnerships, it seeks to amplify underrepresented voices and reimagine representation in Hollywood and beyond.

“This is the first of many,” said Festival Director, Francisco Roel. “We’re building a movement where Chicanos and Latinos own their stories, their space, and their future in entertainment.” 

Press, Tickets & Festival Schedule:
Visit www.ChicanoHollywood.com  

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The almost two week long, Hola México Film Festival has a slate of film, shorts and documentary features Mexican cinema & filmmakers featuring a diverse selection of films that including dramas, comedies, documentaries, and horror films.

The opening night film screening on September 12, 2025, will be at The Montalban Theater. Screenings will be held at Regal Cinemas LA LIVE 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015.  The festival will conclude on September 20, 2025, with a closing night screening and a concert at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles, preceded by an award ceremony recognizing the audience’s choice for Best Film and Best Short Film.

For more information visit https://www.holamexicoff.com

Samuel Douek, the founder and director of HMFF, expressed his excitement for the film festival’s celebration.“After 17 years of Hola Mexico, we feel like we’re just getting started! It’s a joy to work with talented filmmakers to showcase their stories on the big screen. In the current political climate, highlighting the achievements of Mexicans and Latinos is crucial. Immigrants like Iñárritu, Cuarón, and Del Toro show what success looks like! In 2025, we will present an exciting lineup of films that resonate deeply with audiences. We’re thankful to Toyota for their support, which helps amplify our voices. I look forward to seeing everyone at the theaters!”

Each year, the festival takes part in this tradition of the festival poster and prides itself on working with Mexico’s most sought-after graphic designers to create unique and collectible poster art. This year’s poster was designed by Ely Ely.

Ely is a talented illustrator with over 10 years of experience in advertising, editorial, and mural work. Inspired by nature, personal introspection, and Mexico’s vibrant colors, she has collaborated with national and international brands. The design suggests a fantastical figure that represents cinema: a doorway to other worlds. Wrapped in textures that resemble Mexican textiles, this character evokes feelings of wonder, strangeness, and the opportunity to inhabit imagined realities.

The 10-day program provides a platform for these talented individuals offering an immersive professional development experience. Participants will have the opportunity to connect with both esteemed Mexican filmmakers and renowned industry professionals based in the U.S., opening doors and expanding networks crucial for their career advancement. Filmmakers interested in participating in this transformative program are encouraged to apply.

2025 Sponsors of the 17th Annual Hola Mexico Film Festival Presented by Toyota: DCA (Department of Cultural Affairs, Los Angeles), KCRW, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, McDonald’s, Maison Perrier, and presenting sponsor the  Toyota.

Hola Mexico Film Festival presented by Toyota: September 12-20, 2025. Opening Night film announcement coming soon, in the meantime you can purchase your festival passes for the Hola Mexico Film Festival presented by Toyota starting today at https://www.holamexicoff.com/

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In a film festival landscape increasingly hungry for diversity yet still falling short in its representation of Latino voices, the Mexican American Film & Television Festival and Awards (MAFTF) is emerging as a powerful and necessary force. Now in its fourth year, this groundbreaking festival is the only one in the United States focused on turning a spotlight on the Mexican-American filmmaker —a group that, despite being the largest and most economically powerful Latino demographic, remains the most stereotyped and underrepresented in American media.

In May 2025 MAFTF presented it’s 4th edition, held over two days at the iconic Harmony Gold in Hollywood and the Milagro Theaters in Norwalk California, showcased this mission in full force, with corporate support from entertainment giants like MGM, Amazon, and Regal Cinemas, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the festival’s influence.

Founded by visionary Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz, MAFTF is more than just a celebration of culture—it’s a corrective movement aimed at challenging deeply rooted media stereotypes and amplifying authentic stories.  The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival MAFTF has grown to become the premier Los Angeles Festival, representing the 40 million Americans of Mexican descent. Its focus is projects which depict the Mexican-American community, not with the usual Hollywood stereotype, but the more real-to-life depiction of a community of hardworking Americans who contribute and have contributed endlessly to this country.

“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,” said Dr. Ruiz, “This year’s festival theme was a call to action – a reminder that by working together,  we can amplify our voices, share our stories, and celebrate our rich cultural diversity”.

A Spotlight on Excellence

MAFTF is also dedicated to attract and honor some of Hollywood.s most accomplished figures. In a matter of four years, the festival has recognized some of the most accomplish filmmakers in Hollywood, including: Aademy Award-winning produer Yvett Merino, (Encanto); renowned director behind G20, Patricia Riggen (Miracles from Heaven); Frank Rodriguez, a leading executive at MGM Amazon Studios, and Moctezuma Esparza, Producer (Selena, Walkout, Milagro Beanfield War) among many.

These honorees, and many others, not only represent the heights Mexican Americans hacw reach in Hollywood but also serve as mentors and advocates for the next generation of talent. Their recognition by MAFTF serves to validate their lifelong contributions and underscore the significance of cultural representation in film and television.

Empowering the Future

While the awards bring deserved attention to established names, MAFTF’s core mission is supporting emerging filmmaker voices. Through its expanding platform, the festival has become a launchpad for filmmakers, actors, and creators. Each year, finishing grants are awarded to help filmmakers complete their projects, giving them crucial resources to bring their visions to life.

In addition to financial support, the festival offers year-round programming such as their yearly Masterclass with industry veterans, thought-provoking panels, and networking events aimed at building a sustainable ecosystem for Mexican American creatives.

A Growing Cultural Movement

More than a film event, MAFTF is the nucleus of a larger cultural awakening, highlighting the rich and diverse stories of Mexican Americans and Latinos. These stories are not only historically important but resonate deeply in a country where Latinos are the largest minority group, with Mexican Americans making up 66% of the Latino population.

With the U.S. Latino GDP now at $3.7 trillion annually, according to the Latino Donor Collaborative, the economic and cultural influence of Latinos in this country cannot be overstated. MAFTF is riding the wave of this momentum, earning national recognition and expanding its impact with each passing year. It’s a long-overdue platform for a community that has given so much to the American fabric, yet for too long, has been left out of its storytelling.

Looking Ahead

As MAFTF continues to grow in stature and relevance, its work is more crucial than ever. It is reshaping the narrative, empowering creators, and reclaiming identity—one story, one film, one celebration at a time. The message is clear: Mexican Americans are no longer waiting for Hollywood to notice them—they are building their own stage and inviting the world to see.

For the past four years, the Mexican American Film and Television Festival (MAFTF) has been committed to uplifting emerging filmmakers and their stories. This year, that mission came full circle when the festival’s founder, Dr. Ruiz, screened his own work-in-progress feature film, The Girl at the Fruit Stand, a modern Cinderella story of Xochitl, a Mexican-American street vendor offered a life-changing opportunity.

After debuting his short The First Cowboy a year before at MAFTF festival, Dr. Ruiz returned—not just as a founder, but as a filmmaker—using the festival as a platform to gather feedback and gauge audience response with his feature. His example underscores a valuable insight for all filmmakers: showcasing your film to a live audience can be a crucial final step. Testing marketability, refining based on reaction, and experiencing how the story resonates in real time can provide the finishing touch before release.

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The Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF), a cornerstone event closing out the 2024 film festival circuit, has set the stage for what is shaping up to be an exciting 2025 awards season. Among the standout contenders is Netflix’s Emilia Pérez, which has captured attention with its daring storytelling, stellar performances, and a narrative that resonates deeply with audiences and critics alike. After a strong showing at Palm Springs, the film is already being touted as a potential awards-season juggernaut.

This past Friday, Emilia Pérez director Jacques Audiard was honored with the prestigious Vanguard Award at the Palm Springs International Film Festival. The award was presented by to him by the film’s three leading stars—Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Zoe Saldaña. This recognition, arriving just days before the 82nd Golden Globes airing today, Sunday, January 5, 2025, has amplified excitement around Emilia Pérez and its prospects for awards season glory.

When the Golden Globe nominations were unveiled in December, Emilia Pérez made history with an extraordinary 10 nominations—the most ever for a film in the Musical/Comedy category. Including for the three female stars:

Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Karla Sofía Gascón and Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture: Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña

The nominations have placed a bright spotlight on the film’s cast and creatives, as a strong performance at the Globes is often seen as a bellwether for Oscar success.

Here is the full list of Emilia Pérez’s Golden Globe nominations:

• Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Emilia Pérez (Netflix)
• Best Motion Picture – Non-English Language: Emilia Pérez (France)
• Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy: Karla Sofía Gascón
• Best Performance by a Female Actor in a Supporting Role in Any Motion Picture: Selena Gomez, Zoe Saldaña
• Best Director – Motion Picture: Jacques Audiard
• Best Screenplay – Motion Picture: Jacques Audiard
• Best Original Score – Motion Picture: Clément Ducol, Camille
• Best Original Song – Motion Picture:
  • “El Mal” – Music by Clément Ducol, Camille; Lyrics by Clément Ducol, Camille, Jacques Audiard
  • “Mi Camino” – Music & Lyrics by Clément Ducol, Camille

As the awards season officially kicks off, Emilia Pérez seems poised to be a defining presence. Whether this Golden Globes momentum translates to Oscar glory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: all eyes are firmly on this groundbreaking film and its exceptional team.

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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 15^th , 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

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In a career-defining role as Jenni rivera, Annie Gonzalez stars in the VIx biopic Jenni, which makes its premiere at the Newport Beach Film Festival on October 21, 2024.  Gonzalez’ career has been on a fast track since a little over a year ago when she starred in her first female lead role in Eva Longoria’s directorial debut of Flamin’ Hot.  Now Gonzalez takes another career leap, in her first title role where she not only stars in the title role, she is also executive producing!  

Jenni, is directed by Gigi Saul Guerrero (Bingo Hell) and is the life story about  “La Diva de la Banda” Jenni Rivera, the Mexican-American singer, songwriter, actress, producer, and entrepreneur who passed away in 2012. She was known for her work in the banda, mariachi, and norteño genres of regional Mexican music. Rivera was the most successful female artist in the male-dominated banda genre who also became a reality TV star (I Love Jenni), businesswoman, and activist. On a flight back home after a performance in Mexico, Rivera’s plane crashed.

The film will highlight Jenni Rivera’s resilience, her journey to stardom, and the personal battles that shaped her legacy. Gonzalez has expressed how deeply honored she feels to portray Rivera, calling her a “phenomenal survivor” who, despite facing adversity, never saw herself as a victim. She emphasized the importance of Rivera’s messages of feminism, civil rights, and empowerment, which resonate with women and Latinas everywhere.

The Rivera family has been actively involved in the film’s production. Jacqie Rivera, Jenni’s daughter and CEO of Jenni Rivera Enterprises, expressed excitement over the project, stating that her mother’s story will continue to inspire future generations. While it has been an emotional journey for the family to see their mother portrayed on screen by Gonzalez.

Although it has been more than a decade after her untimely death in 2012, Jenni Rivera’s fan base remains loyal.  Her life has also inspired her eldest daughter, Chiquis Rivera to pursue a career in banda music and continue the family legacy.   Chiquis has won two Latin Grammys for Best Banda Album for her 2020 album “Playlist”, being the first solo woman to win in this category. She also has a Latin Grammy for her album “Abeja Reina” in 2022. Her mother, Jenni would be proud.

Tickets for the screening of Jenni (you csn choose from Screening and After Party or just the Screening) at the Newport Beach Film Festival can be purchased HERE. For a discount courtesy of LATINAFest and the Newport Beach Film Festival use this code: Mexican2024

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