Official Selections: 1st - 6th Latinx Film Festivals
Congratulations to our accepted filmmakers!
Films are listed in alphabetical order, index to the left.
Scroll Down to learn more about each film
Tecata
Short
Presented with an opportunity to escape her stagnant New Mexico town, a young genizaro girl must decide if she wants to leave or continue struggling to keep her family afloat as her mother sinks deeper into the grips of heroin addiction
Director: Mario Gallegos
Producer: Vera Amaya and Andrés Vásque
Writer: Mario Gallegos
Cast: Janelle Gallegos, Juliet Lopez, Nico Gallegos, Oliver Gallegos, Lupe Carranza, Carolina Cora, Sabra Miller, Andrez Vazquez, Bernardo Saracino
Cinematographer: Francisco Tejeda
Editor: Mario Gallegos
The Lone Drone
Los Angeles Premiere
Sara's life takes a sudden turn when her father is abducted and an otherworldly drone crashes in her backyard. A family friendly sci-fi film with a ton of heart, The Lone Drone features an original Western-themed score, live-action drone stunts and an all LatinX female cast, including rising starlet Xochitl Gomez in one of her very first film roles (The Baby-Sitters Club, Gentefied, Shadow Wolves) and Annette Luna (East Los High, The Bold and the Beautiful).
Director: Vanessa Elliott
Producer: Samantha Silliman, Lysette Urus,Kayden Horwitz
Writer: Vanessa Elliott
Cast: Xochitl Gomez, Annette Luna
Cinematographer: Rick Darge, Consuelo Althouse
Editor: Ashley Monti
The Lone Drone marks Vanessa's first foray into writing/directing for the screen and is an Official Selection of festivals around the world, including Madrid International Film Festival, Georgia International Latino Film Festival, AZ Drone Film Fest, FilmGirlFilm Festival and Moondance International Film Festival.
Film Instagram: @lonedronefilm
Xochitl Gomez Instagram: @_xochitl.gomez
Facebook: facebook.com/TheLoneDroneFilm
The Revolution Generation
Narrated and featuring Award-Winning Actor Michelle Rodriguez (Lost, Avatar, The Fast and The Furious), The Revolution Generation is a manifesto for today's youth on the societal forces that have both shaped and held back their generation. Importantly, this film is a gives a roadmap for how today’s youth can revolutionize systems that have exploited and failed them.
Director: Josh and Rebecca Tickell
Producer: Josh and Rebecca Tickell
Writer: Josh Tickell, Michael Goorjian
Cast: Michelle Rodriguez, Shailene Woodley
Cinematographer: Simon Balderas
Editor: Gabriel Valda, Anthony Ellison
This upbeat documentary explores “an alternate history” of the sweeping changes that lead to the world that young people are inheriting and paints a powerful, hopeful, and actionable picture of how today’s youth can solve both the US political and global environmental crises.
Website: www.bigpictureranch.com
Tinder Tango
Two tango aficionados meet for the first time and it turns out to be a hell of a date!
Director: Cecilia Robles
Producer:Cecilia Robles
Writer: Cecilia Robles
Cast: (Jordi Caballero and Cecilia Robles)
Cinematographer: Michael Pescasio
Editor: Cecilia Robles
Website:tinder-tango.com/
Facebook: fb.com/tindertango/
To be an American
USA Premiere
"To be an American" is filmed handheld as if shot by a close family member. The film intimately shares the voices of a new generation of Latinos and their hope for the new US.
As an immigrant artist, I believe it is essential to share these compelling stories I feel much personally related to.
Director: Marco Castro
Producer: Dimitrios Poppis
Writer: Marco Castro
Cast: Jeffrey Mendoza, Michael Pico, Noe Zepeda, Elias Zepeda
Cinematographer: Daniel Luis Ennab
Editor: Marco Castro
The film was recently nominated for the New Generation Award by Berlin Commercial and Officially Selected by the Canadian International Fashion Film Festival.
Social Media: @castromarco
Ya He Estado Solo | Shadow of a Doubt
World Premiere
Ya He Estado Solo | Shadow of a Doubt [YHES] is one of my first three film projects and is part of my directorial debut. This piece was made possible through research and development of the concept by my long-time friend and communications expert, Sammantha Vega, with linguistic consultation by Broadway’s very own, Armando Eleazar Estrada. Additional linguistic guidance and cultural consultation was provided by my gold-star friend with an iridescent aura, Amelia Torres. The work features music written by my siblings, Polimana and Scooby (C. Leilani Martinez [@polimanamusic] and Lorenzo-Philip Martinez [@musicbyscooby] respectively).
He aprendido que estar solo es estar despierto. El estar solo es un estado de soledad consciente. Es estar despierto a tus inseguridades. Consciente de tus vulnerabilidades. Es estar despierto a tus miedos más profundos y preocupaciones más oscuras. De hecho, estar despierto no es algo que uno debe evitar. Es algo que debemos aprender para poder evolucionar como individuos y reconciliarnos como una gran sociedad.
Director/Writer/Choreographer: Luis "L.T." Martinez
Producer: Casa Alta Home Recordings
Composers: Polimana & Scoob
Director of Photography: Brian Siregar
Cast: "Blou" (Luis "L.T." Martinez)
Editor: Luis "L.T." Martinez
Research and Development: Sammantha Vega
Cultural & Linguistic Consultation: Amelia Torres
Linguistic Consultation: Armando Eleazar Estrada
Casa Alta Home Recordings Facebook: @casaaltahomerecordings
Luis "L.T." Martinez Instagram: @eLTigreus
Brian Siregar Instagram: @briansegnaro
Polimana Instagram: @polimanamusic
Scooby Instagram: @musicbyscooby
Armando Eleazar Instagram: @eleazarmando
Tender Points: A Fibromyalgia Journey
World Premiere
Feature Documentary
Tender Points: A Fibromyalgia Journey, is a feature length documentary following Lina Alvarez, a young woman business owner living with fibromyalgia. This chronic disease is characterized by debilitating body pain, brain fog, and fatigue.
Director: Seri DeYoung
Executive Producers: Lina Alvarez, Ace Salvador
Producers: Kimberly Woods, Andrew Jordan, Jennifer Tocquigny
Writers: Seri DeYoung and Lina Alvarez
Cast: Lina Alvarez, Dr. Paul St. Amand, Seri DeYoung, Kimberly Woods
Cinematographer: Kimberly Woods, Seri DeYoung, Andrew Jordan
Editor: Andrew Jordan
Website: tenderpointsdocumentary.com
Instagram: @tenderpointsdocumentary/
Twitter: @tender_points
Facebook: fb.com/tenderpointsdocumentary
The Message
LA Premiere
The Message is about inspiring Chicano youth in underserved, low-income neighborhoods to make more positive decisions when confronted with challenging life situations.
Director/Producer/Writer: Daniel Osorio
Cast: Mathew Chavez
Cinematographer/Editor: John Reyna
Winner - Best Music Video (Official Latino Short Film Festival), Official Selection (California Music Video Awards), E.A.S.T. (Empowering All Streets Together) screening Mexican Heritage Plaza
Instagram: @eastsideheromovie
The Mission
Los Angeles Premiere
Short Documentary
Description/storyline of your film: When COVID hits, longtime activist Valerie Tulier-Laiwa knows her neighborhood will be greatly affected. With the help of several childhood friends, she jumps into action to meet the needs of the Latino community and beyond. Her personal story isn't just what brought her here, it's what keeps her going.
Director: Hélène Goupil
Producer: Mimi Chakarova, Lydia Chávez, Hélène Goupil
Cast: (comma separated, i.e. John Leguizamo, Viola Davis, Bowen Yang)
Cinematographer: Hélène Goupil
Editor: Hélène Goupil
This is a Mission Local/Still I Rise Films co-production.
Website: stillirisefilms.org
Instagram: @stillirisefilms
Twitter: stillirisefilms
Facebook: fb.com/Still-I-Rise-Films-102011185206677
The Shot
The Shot is a short story set during one of the harshest times in American history:
The Republic of Texas. A time and place where individuals of diverse ethnicities, nationalities and native indigenous tribes were at constant war with one another. A time where the line between good and evil was blurred in the face of survival.
Photographed by Emmy Award Nominee Gonzalo Amat (Man in the High Castle), Produced by Academy Award Winner Cathleen Sutherland (Boyhood) and shot by Actor turned Directed Adan Canto (Designated Survivor, Narcos, Bruised).
Director: Adan Canto
Producers: Cathleen Sutherland, Mollie A. Gallagher, Derek Nordeen, Julie Nordeen, Cathleen Sutherland
Writer: Stephanie Ann Canto
Cast: Stephanie Ann Canto, Theo Rossi, Walt Roberts, Austin Alexander, Linnea Magdamo, Pat Roberts
Cinematographer: Gonzalo Amat
Editor: Richard Mettler
Music Composer: Dalal Bruchmann
Website: theshotshortfilm.com
Instagram: @TheShotShortFilm
Twilight Time
Los Angeles Premiere
Short
After the death of a friend, Violet begins to experience sleep paralysis, but as the nights go by, something foreign and sinister begins to invade her reality.
Director: Marciel Delgado
Producer: Marciel Delgado
Writer: Marciel Delgado
Cast: Erica Jackson, Lauren Villalobos.
Cinematographer: Michah Goldfarb, Andrew Sanchez
Editor: Marciel Delgado
Any awards, accolades or additional details about the process you would like to mention:
An official selection of the LA Latinx, LA Horror, Horror Origins, Rome International & Fantastic Horror Film Festivals. Nominated for Best Paranormal short film by Haunted House Fearfest.
Website: youtube.com/channel/UCuZTKssowDbM_9BCGkXQQAw
Instagram: @twilighttimefilm
Twitter:@propheticfalacy
The American Dream
The American Dream is about one man's vision for his future life in America. Not just his life, but that of his son! And his vision is ultra specific! Whereas every wide-eyed immigrant to America from all over the world wants to own a house, have a loving family, and the best possible future for their kids, this man wants the cold reality of the statistical average for himself, his progeny, and people like them.
Director: Baldev Sandhu
Producer: Valerie Vasilas
Writer: Fernando A. Funes
Cast: Fernando A. Funes, Alejandro Garcia,, Giuseppe Restrepo, Mike Hughes
Cinematographer: Tyler Zak
Editor: Baldev Sandhu
Official selection for 15 film festivals including The Diversity Film & Script Showcase, The Portland Comedy Film Festival, The OC Film Fiesta, and The Borders|No Borders Film Festival, which is part of The Houston Cinema Arts Festival.
Instagram and Twitter: @fernandoafunes
The Dark Essence
Los Angeles Premiere
Comedy Short, Episodic
Post many trials and tribulations, Todd Reid and Jim James decide the only way to make a difference, is to tackle an issue head on! So, they move to Arizona to gain more followers for their Satanic group, which confronts issues like body autonomy, secularism, and love for cats.
Director: Marissa Assad
Producer: Marissa Assad, Brenda Nascimento and Jordan Van Clief
Writer: Marissa Assad and Brenda Nascimento
Cast: Max Cutler, Quentin Kirby, Christian Gnecco Quintero, Cami Pipkin, Marissa Assad, Brenda Nascimento, Jordan Van Clief
Cinematographer: Melisse Sporn
Editor: Xenia Leblanc
Any awards, accolades or additional details about the process you would like to mention: The Dark Essence has currently been accepted into three Festivals: LA LAtinX Film Festival, Oregon Screams Horror Film Festival, and the Katra LatinX Film Festival.
Instagram:@thedarkessence2021
The Risk Takers
TV Pilot
Three struggling minorities with big dreams of breaking into Hollywood find themselves in an unexpected fight for their lives.
Director: Xano Alexander Cuervo
Producer: Bee Reyes
Writer: Xano Alexander Cuervo
Cast: Milena Abilova, Akash Seeramreddi, Malva Borba, Jhon Mejia
Cinematographer (if applicable): Cortlin Barrow
Editor: Xano Alexander Cuervo
Self funded and produced project by the founders of Latin Hollywood Group! Have won several awards!
Instagram: @therisktakersshort
The Tachycardia
USA Premiere
Animated Short
Ana owns a taqueria and runs a soccer team with her staff, but she only mocks them, transforming her players into everything negative she shouts at them. After a bitter defeat, neither the business nor the team is doing well. Ana must discover the power of her words if she wants to win.
Director: Marcos Vargas Ovando “Marmot"
Producer: Irais Guzmán “Titi”
Writer: Gabriel Rodríguez Liceaga & Marcos Vargas “Marmot”
Cast: Jerry Viveros, Claudia Acosta
Editor: Marcos Vargas “Marmot”
- Winner of the Comedy Short Award, Roma International Movie Awards 2023
- Official selection - GIFF 2023
- Official competition - Caribetoons 2023
- Official competition - Shorts Mexico 2023
Website: banzai.mx
Instagram: @fanbulasdeportivas
Twitter: @fanbulas_
Facebook: .fb.com/profile.php?id=100094564722138
Vela
Short
Young Xime hopes to restore her family by arranging a Dia de Los Muertos altar...but first she must confront a looming presence.
Director: Esteban Powell Suarez
Producer: Abigail Richards & Ruisi Liu
Writer: Esteban Powell
Cast: Veronica Marin-Estrada, Mario Aguero Jr, Carolina Santos Read, Myanna Hansen
Cinematographer (if applicable): Anthony Wegner
Editor: Samuil Toshev
Premiered in Toronto CA, Vela has won awards ranging from Best Student Film, Audience Choice Award, Best Cinematography, Achievement in Costume Design & Achievement in Makeup & Hairstyling. The film has screened at festivals in Korea, Mexico, and in the US. Festivals so far: Image Arts Film Festival, Orange County Latino Film Festival, Korea International Film Festival, Busan New Wave Film Festival, Toronto Indie Shorts, Latino Feedback Film Festival, Ciudad de Mexico International Film Festival & Viva Texas Film Festival.
Instagram: @vela_shortfilm | @thesteban
You Should See Other People
Animated Short
You Should See Other People is a three-minute mixed media vignette following a misguided 20-something as she copes with the hurtful affairs she's been involved in.
Directed and produced by Uriel Cruz
Starring: Caty Nitahara, Alexis Campbell, Ike Osere
You Should See Other People had its world premiere at Sweaty Eyeballs Film Festival 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. The thesis film was completed over the span of eight months (September 2021 - May 2022) as part of the Maryland Institute College of Art's senior year animation program. Uriel Cruz wrote and edited the film with the help of mentors Erinn Hagerty and Andrew Keiper.
Website: https://cruzuri.com
Instagram: @yourrealcruise
Twitter: @yourrealcruise