For independent filmmakers, securing worldwide distribution before a festival premiere is the kind of momentum most dream about. For Dominican-American actress, writer, director and producer Yissendy Trinidad, that dream has become reality.

Trinidad’s feature directorial debut, One Guy, Too Many Dates, has been acquired for worldwide distribution by One Tree Entertainment ahead of its official festival premiere on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Dominican Film Festival in New York. The film will screen at 7 p.m. at AMC 34th Street 14, placing the romantic comedy in front of audiences at one of the country’s leading showcases for Dominican cinema.

The acquisition represents a significant career milestone for Trinidad, who wears nearly every creative hat on the project—writing, directing, producing and starring in the independently financed feature. The accomplishment underscores the growing presence of Latina filmmakers building careers outside the traditional studio system while creating commercially viable, multicultural stories.

Best known for her acting work in Babylon, Mayans M.C., and You’re Not Alone, Trinidad has steadily expanded her filmmaking résumé over the past decade. In addition to acting, she has worked behind the camera as a First Assistant Director on Tubi Original productions while directing commercial campaigns for brands including El Cristiano Tequila and DNERO Wallet.

With One Guy, Too Many Dates, Trinidad takes her most ambitious step yet through her Latina-owned production company, Trinidad Entertainment Group, which she founded to develop multicultural content and increase opportunities for underrepresented storytellers.

The romantic comedy follows Emily, a software engineer frustrated by the pitfalls of modern dating. Determined to change the game, she creates an innovative dating app designed to help people find meaningful relationships. But when several users discover they’ve all been dating the same man, Emily finds herself at the center of an increasingly chaotic situation that leads to unexpected friendships, personal revelations and a fresh perspective on love.

While delivering the humor and charm expected from the genre, the film also explores timely themes surrounding technology, identity, female empowerment and the realities of dating in the digital age through a diverse ensemble cast.

For Latino filmmakers, distribution remains one of the industry’s biggest hurdles, making the deal with One Tree Entertainment especially noteworthy. Landing global distribution before a festival premiere signals growing interest in independent films that reflect multicultural audiences while offering broad commercial appeal.

Trinidad is no stranger to the festival circuit. Her award-winning short film Doumi Girls earned recognition at festivals across the United States, Europe and the Dominican Republic, collecting honors including Best Director, Best Drama and Best Diaspora Short Film.

Now, with One Guy, Too Many Dates heading into its New York premiere backed by an international distribution agreement, Trinidad joins a new generation of Latina filmmakers proving that independent voices can successfully move from the festival circuit to audiences worldwide.

The film premieres Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Dominican Film Festival in New York.

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To understand what Chicano Hollywood “wants”, you first need to understand what a “Chicano” is.  

In 1970 award-winning journalist Ruben Salazar wrote the definitive article defining the word Chicano in his Los Angeles Times article titled:  “Who is a Chicano and What is it that Chicanos Want?

In his article Salazar wrote, “A Chicano is a Mexican-American with a non-Anglo image of himself. He resents being told Columbus “discovered” America when the Chicano’s ancestors, the Mayans and the Aztecs, founded highly sophisticated civilizations centuries before Spain financed the Italian explorer’s trip to the “New World.”

The passage captures why the term became associated by many Mexican-Americans  with cultural pride and self-determination.

However over the past five decades, the meaning of “Chicano” has evolved. Once embraced as a political identity rooted in the Chicano Movement, it later fell out of favor among some Mexican Americans, while others continued to wear it as a badge of cultural pride. Today, a new generation, and not just Mexican- Americans, are reclaiming the term in ways that emphasize identity, history, and empowerment.  

So what is Chicano Hollywood?

Johnny Murillo, founder of Chicano Hollywood, defines it as a platform “a community built to elevate, empower, and showcase Chicanos and Latino storytellers”. But the vision extends far beyond that simple definition.

That vision might be rooted in past efforts by several Latino organization, who throughout the years were founded for the same purpose.  Chicano Hollywood is part of a broader Latino entertainment ecosystem that has been nurtured over past decades by these organization.  Most notably Nosotros (Founded in 1970 by Ricardo Montalban), Hispanic Organization of Latin Actors (HOLA) (Founded in 1975);  LatinHeat LEMI Conference (Founded 1995); and NALIP (Founded in 1999) – among them.

What distinguishes Chicano Hollywood is its early focus on Mexican-American independent filmmakers—many who existed outside the Hollywood’s traditional power structure. However, Murillo’s vision went beyond its core base, growing to include all Latinos and making alliances with non-Latino entities and filmmakers. Chicano Hollywood created an infostructure from production to distribution.

“For too long, our stories have been underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media,” Murillo explains. adding, “Chicano Hollywood was created to change that — to build our own lane, our own economy, and our own global stage.”  

Murillo, who has been working in Hollywood for more than 15 years as an actor/line producer and screenwriter, began building Chicano Hollywood in 2021.  According to Murillo, the impetus for the Chicano Hollywood brand came from his lived experiences, as well of those of his peers in the Mexican-American community, attempting to pitch stories to the studios.

It is no secret that Chicanos/Latinos represent one of the largest minority groups in the United States. Their economic influence, is noted in the Latino Donor Collaborative studies — increasingly their economic, cultural and creative impact—is undeniable.

For decades, Chicano culture has been portrayed stereotypically in major Hollywood films (Walk Proud (1979), Spanglish (2004), without a balance of characters. It took Latino filmmakers like the following to make independent films that portrayed another side of the Latino experience.

Robert Rodriguez

• El Mariachi (1992)
• Desperado (1995)
• From Dusk Till Dawn (1996)
• Spy Kids (2001)

Gregory Nava

• El Norte (1983)
• Selena (1997)
• My Family (1995)

Luis Valdez

• Cisco Kid (1994)
• La Bamba (1987)

Eva Longoria

• La Guerra Civil (2022)
• Flamin’ Hot (2023)

Despite the box office success of these films, Latino-led films have generally received fewer large-scale studio investments than comparable projects centered on Black film projects, as the 2026 UCLA’s latest Hollywood Diversity Report notes.

So what does Chicano Hollywood want?

Murillo quickly understood that success in entertainment requires more than talent alone. It demands infrastructure, education, access, and ownership. In other words, it requires an ecosystem.

At its core, Chicano Hollywood focuses on three major pillars.

1. Building a Creative Ecosystem for Chicano and Latino Talent

One of the organization’s primary goals is to provide career development and professional education for emerging storytellers, filmmakers, and creatives. Access to industry knowledge has historically been inequitable, and many talented voices simply never receive the tools or mentorship needed to navigate the entertainment industry.

Through the Chicano Hollywood Academy, aspiring creators can access courses such as How to Produce a Micro-Budget Film, How to Write a Contained Script, and the academy’s latest offering, How to Write a Vertical Series.

The company’s vision is ambitious—to establish creative hubs in 15 to 20 major cities and build a pipeline of in-house talent capable of becoming the next generation of writers, producers, directors, and entertainment professionals. The goal is not simply participation in the industry but ownership within it.

2. Creating Independent Media and Distribution Platforms

Another key aspect of Chicano Hollywood’s mission is the creation of multimedia platforms that allow creators to independently produce, distribute, and promote their work.

For many filmmakers and storytellers, gaining access to traditional media channels, distribution deals, or large promotional platforms remains a significant challenge. Chicano Hollywood understands that representation is not only about creating content; it is also about controlling where, how, and by whom those stories are shared.

In response, the organization launched ChicanoHollywood.tv, a streaming and media platform featuring original in-house productions ranging from drama to documentary. Some of its titles include The Calipso Show (2024), Dirt City (2021), and Ruben Gutierrez: My Story (2025), among others.

In publishing, Chicano Hollywood Magazine serves as an additional platform dedicated to showcasing original productions while highlighting influential Chicano and Latino voices across entertainment, business, and technology. The magazine has featured notable figures, such as Eva Longoria, Edward James Olmos, Emilio Rivera, and Oscar-nominated makeup artist Ken Diaz.

The organization’s long-term vision includes developing original content, building subscriber-based revenue, securing advertising partnerships, expanding merchandising opportunities, and increasing distribution channels. In many ways, Chicano Hollywood is working toward creating a self-sustaining entertainment network rooted in cultural ownership, creative independence, and community visibility.

3. Developing an Economic Engine for Latino Creatives and Entrepreneurs

Chicano Hollywood also recognizes that the entertainment industry is deeply driven by relationships, networking, and economic collaboration. For that reason, the organization seeks to create opportunities not only for artists but also for entrepreneurs, vendors, producers, and creative professionals working across the entertainment landscape.

Its first public initiatives was their Elevate Conference, where Chicano Hollywood brought together keynote speakers, industry panels, and entertainment-focused businesses to foster spaces for inspiration, collaboration, and professional growth. Over the past three years, the conference has featured notable voices such as Xolo Maridueña (Blue Beetle, Cobra Kai), producer and actress Lisa Vidal (The Division, Being Mary Jane), actress Maria Canals-Barrera (Wizards of Waverly Place, Camp Rock), actors Edward James Olmos (Blade Runner, Miami Vice, Zoot Suit), Luis Guzmán (Wednesday, Narcos), Enrique Castillo (Deja Vu, Blood In Blood Out, The Waltons) and others, helping establish the Chicano Hollywood as an important space for dialogue, visibility, and industry exchange. 

Last year, the organization also launched its first Chicano Hollywood Film Festival, showcasing films, documentaries, short films, and series that were created by Chicano and Latino filmmakers from across the country.

The momentum continues to grow. The next edition, the 2026 Chicano Hollywood Film Festival, is scheduled to take place from July 29 through August 2, 2026 at the The Union On Garey, further expanding the organization’s vision of creating a national platform for Chicano and Latino storytelling, collaboration, and cultural ownership.

This year over 100 features and short film will screened, workshops that include How To Self-Distribute Your Indie Film with Selina Ringal; Stuntman Fighting with Geo Perez and Joe Chacon and even a marketing activations — a Chess Match: Keanu Reeves vs Bianca Mitchell followed by a panel with Reeves and the filmmaking team, followed by a screening of their Mad Woman’s Game feature documentary. The five day festival will culminate on Augut 2nd with the awards ceremony. Tickets can be purchased HERE

This is only the beginning 

Organizations willing to articulate a long-term vision often inspire broader participation. By defining its ambitions publicly, Chicano Hollywood invites filmmakers, entrepreneurs, educators, and audiences to imagine themselves as part of a larger movement.

Ambition invites collaboration, and movements grow when communities see themselves reflected in them. Chicano Hollywood possesses many of the elements necessary to become one of the leading independent Chicano and Latino entertainment networks in the United States, namely education, infrastructure, distribution, community, and perhaps most importantly, a commitment to telling stories authentically.

Earlier generations relied almost exclusively on access to Hollywood’s gatekeepers, today’s creators are increasingly building their own educational institutions, media platforms, festivals, distribution channels, and business networks.

Representation is not just about being seen. It is about people having the power to tell their own stories, in their own voice, with their own faces.

Andrea Nuñez-Gamboa Co-wrote this article

The post What is Chicano Hollywood and What Does Chicano Hollywood want? first appeared on .

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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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.

The post EXCLUSIVE: LIFE Film Festival to Honor Oscar-Winning Producer Yvette Merino and Acclaimed Director Patricia Riggen first appeared on .

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

The post Guadalajara Film Festival LA Turns 15  –  Come Celebrate Cinema, Culture & Community! first appeared on .

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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