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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