Presented by the Hispanic Information and Telecommunications Network, the ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest has served as a springboard for emerging Latino/a storytellers, creatives, and filmmakers since its inception in 2021. The festival has opened doors and provided the opportunity for new and rising talent to showcase their work to a wider audience and earn visibility and recognition at a time when Latino/a voices continue to be underrepresented in the film and entertainment industry.

According to the Hollywood Diversity Report 2023, with the exception of total streaming film actors, people of color remained underrepresented across a variety of employment sectors both in front and behind the camera in 2022. Despite the fact that Latino/as are avid moviegoers and represent 19% of the total U.S. population, this demographic is continually underrepresented on the big screen. In 2022, theatrical film leads who were white constituted 78.4% of roles while Latinos accounted for only 2.3%. On streaming platforms, 66.7% of streaming films featured white leads while only 6.1% featured Latinos.

“We are steadfast in our commitment to nurture and promote emerging Latino/a talent in the film industry,” said Luis Alejandro Molina, ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest Director. “The younger generation of up-and-coming filmmakers and storytellers have the power to impact the narrative at an unprecedented level. Their work carries the mission of amplifying our community’s stories and providing visibility for the underrepresented. We have worked hard to build a platform for Latinos/as filmmakers to communicate their vision and unique perspectives.”

Leading up to the film festival, the ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest team will present a series of virtual film chats and “Cafecito” social media live broadcasts featuring industry experts and professionals who will be sharing their stories and insights to help emerging filmmakers looking to grow in the industry.

The ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest submissions must feature a Latino/a in a creative lead position, be it in front or behind the camera. English or Spanish-language works are welcome. Films must be 30 minutes or less in length.

• Filmmakers are asked to submit their work under one of these categories:
• Music Video
• Animation
• Sci-Fi
• Politics Today (Politics or Climate Change)

Submission fees are structured as follows:

• Early Bird Entry: Free from May 1 to May 31, 2023
• Standard Entry: $20 submission fee from June 1 to July 1, 2023
• Late Entry: $25 submission fee from July 2 to August 2, 2023
• Special fees apply for student films:
• Early Bird Entry: Free from May 1 to May 31, 2023
• Standard Entry: $10 submission fee from June 1 to July 1, 2023
• Late Entry: $15 submission fee from July 2 to August 2, 2023

Eligibility Criteria:

• Winners will be selected only by judges.
• Films must be 30 minutes or less in length and related to one of the above-mentioned categories.
• Only films completed after Jan. 1, 2020, are eligible for this festival.

The top selection of films for the ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest will be announced on Sept. 11, 2023. Visit www.cineyouthfest.org for a complete list of rules and eligibility criteria.

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