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.

The post Mexican-American Film & Television Festival Marks 5 Years With a Powerful Showcase of Culture and Content first appeared on .

Los Angeles, CA — The Spiritú Spring 2019 beauty and lifestyle subscription box is chock full of amazing products for women beautifully arranged inside a beautiful work of art designed by Sonia Romero, a well-known muralist and printmaker based in Los Angeles. Romero’s design is part of her “Inner Landscape” series and depicts a woman holding her heart, surrounded by flowers. The Spring 2019 Box is valued at over $160 and features beauty and lifestyle products from name brands as well as products made in partnership with female entrepreneurs.

Spiritú CEO and Co-Founder, Danielle Levine tells us why she was inspired to create this beauty and lifestyle subscription box. “We founded Spiritú with the mission of offering an inclusive and cross-cultural experience for women. We provide access to great brands, products, and stories, while empowering an incredible community of Latina entrepreneurs and creators,” she said. “Our unique focus on highlighting Latina entrepreneurs stems from our desire to celebrate an incredibly diverse group of women, who happen to be among the highest number of entrepreneurs starting new businesses.”

Four times a year, Spiritú delivers its subscribers a specially curated Spiritú Box filled with a combination of beauty and lifestyle products valued at over $100, for only $39.99 each season. Spiritú gives back to entrepreneurs, creators, and community organizations through its seasonal boxes as well as through its online Shop, a place for Latina entrepreneurs and creators to showcase their passions, craft, and products. Visit myspiritu.com for more information.

Three lucky members will open their Spring Box and find a Golden Ticket from Clinique, which they will be able to redeem for a shopping spree on Clinique.com (valued at up to $200)! The Box is currently shipping and is available now to order. Click to order your Spring Box.

This season, the Spiritú website also features stories of several female entrepreneurs and women across communities, finding commonality while celebrating diverse perspectives. Spiritú is an online community where women can shop, connect, and be inspired.

Products featured in the Spiritú 2019 Spring Box

Clinique High Impact Lash Elevating Mascara. Inspired by the Clinique team in Mexico; Donna Karan Cashmere Mist Deodorant/Anti-Perspirant; Margaret Elizabeth Pacific Hoops. Simple and chic; Dove Concentrated Repair Crème Conditioner. Formulated with Micro-Conditioning Complex technology for rich nourishment; Bodyography Instant Lift Eye Masks. Pre-moistened eye patches to strengthen, hydrate, and tighten; Spiritú Limited Edition Nail Color. Spiritú collaborated with 4 amazing women who created beautiful custom colors, as well as one special shade inspired by the Spiritú Winter Box. Each box comes with one of the five colors; and Zano Activewear On-The-Go Bag, brought to you by actress and entrepreneur Ashley Campuzano from her athleisure line, Zano Active.

Also included is an Artisanal Keychain Sourced from Peru. A keychain hand made by local female textile artisans from Ollantaytambo and Kuelap in Peru. Spiritú is supporting the artisans through Sustainable Preservation Initiative (SPI). SPI empowers local entrepreneurs (over 85% of whom are women) to alleviate poverty and preserve their past by creating jobs that are dependent on the preservation of cultural heritage sites;

Beauty, Artistry and empowerment of women and female textile artisans. Who could ask for more?

The post Artist Sonia Romero Designs SPIRITÚ Spring Box first appeared on .