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# Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival

## Sitemaps
[XML Sitemap](https://latinofilm.org/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [2024 PASSES](https://latinofilm.org/2024-passes/)
- [2024 PROGRAM](https://latinofilm.org/2024-program/)
- [2024 TICKETS](https://latinofilm.org/2024-tickets/)
- [FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS](https://latinofilm.org/festival-highlights/): LALIFF wrapped its 2023 edition. Check out all the press clippings.
- [FESTIVAL PHOTOS](https://latinofilm.org/festival-photos/): Relive your favorite moments of the 2023 festival.
- [Hello world!](https://latinofilm.org/hello-world/): Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then start writing!
- [INTERNS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED](https://latinofilm.org/interns-and-volunteers-needed/): Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn about the festival & connect with the industry.
- [LALIFF EASTSIDE](https://latinofilm.org/laliff-eastside/): New to the festival this year is LALIFF Eastside, an expanded showcase of films by L.A.-based filmmakers telling exciting and moving stories with a wide audience appeal.
- [LALIFF FILM MARKET](https://latinofilm.org/laliff-film-market/): A carefully curated catalog of commercially viable US Latino films will be presented to sales agents and buyers for potential acquisition and distribution.
- [LALIFF INDUSTRY FORUM](https://latinofilm.org/laliff-industry-forum/): A comprehensive program for participants to develop industry connections and participate in impactful professional development.
- [LFI INCLUSION FELLOWSHIP](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship-2/): The LFI Inclusion Fellowship, sponsored by Netflix, is an ongoing program focused on building a more inclusive and equitable industry for all members of the Latinx community. Every year the fellowship will center its resources to champion an underrepresented group within the Latinx community.
- [LFI INCLUSION FELLOWSHIP](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship/): The 2023/2024 Fellows have been announced.
- [LFI WORKS IN PROGRESS](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-works-in-progress/): The LFI Works in Progress, sponsored by Amazon Studios, is intended to support independent US based Latine filmmakers in the completion of a feature film, by granting them financial support through the final stages of post-production. The fund will support films with high production value, a distinctive directorial voice, culturally significant and commercially viable.
- [PANELS & CAFECITOS](https://latinofilm.org/panels-cafecitos/): Watch the Industry Days panels and Cafecitos that you missed.
- [SPARK ANIMATION FELLOWSHIP](https://latinofilm.org/spark-animation-fellowship/): Deadline has been extended to February 19th, 2024.

## Pages
- [2020-2021](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship/2020-2021/): Lorena Durán is an award-winning filmmaker born in New York and raised in the Dominican Republic. She received an MFA from the NYU Graduate Film Program and was selected for the 2019 Film Independent Project Involve Fellowship for emerging filmmakers. Her latest short film as writer/director, The Fisherwoman, featured at multiple film festivals, including Palm Springs ShortFest and Atlanta Film Festival. Her work as a cinematographer has been screened in many international events and platforms, from Tribeca Film Festival to Vimeo Staff Pick, and has received the 2019 ARRI Volker Bahnemann Award for Outstanding Cinematography.
- [2021-2022](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship/2021-2022/): William D. Caballero is a Los Angeles-based filmmaker, multimedia storyteller, 2018 Guggenheim Fellow, and 2021 Creative Capital Award recipient. Born in Coney Island, New York and raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina, Caballero obtained the Gates Millennium Scholarship in 2001, and returned to New York City where he graduated from Pratt Institute (BFA Digital Art, 2006, Minor in Art History ) and New York University (MA The Arts and Humanities in Education, 2008). Caballero’s directorial films have debuted at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival, 2013 Slamdance Film Festival, the Museum of Modern Art, and on major networks, such as HBO, PBS, Univision, and World Channel. He aims to empower all diverse creatives to tell their own stories in their own unique voice.
- [2022-2023](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship/2022-2023/): Award winning writer/director and Emmy nominated producer. As an Afro-Latina and Caribbean-Asian American with disabilities, Asha is a stigma disruptor, a Yale graduate and a former finance professional. Her films “Spoiler Alert” and “All by Design”, have been recognized by Oscar-qualifying film festivals and the NAACP. Asha is creating a preschool animated Spanish bilingual TV series, “Wendy on Wheels”, and the fantasy teen comedy, “Harlequin Heights”. She serves as co-founder, co-captain, and Juror for the Academy Award qualifying Unstoppable program at Slamdance Film Festival and has been interviewed by publications including Variety, Hollywood Reporter, and Forbes.
- [2022-2023](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-spark-animation-fellowship/2022-2023/): Anthony is an alumni from the School of Visual Arts, with a BFA in 2D Animation, and currently working as a compositor at Powerhouse Animation. He has a passion for writing and producing horror movies (despite being a big wimp). He uses a variety of techniques and experimentation that lend themselves to creating a unique style of writing not often seen in western animation.
- [2022-2023](https://latinofilm.org/ycp-alumni-fellowship/2022-2023/): After finding her best friend overdosed, punk rock musician V sets out to avenge her death. Convincing her bandmates to help her find those responsible for selling drugs in their community, V must ultimately choose between revenge and forgiveness.
- [2023-2024](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship/2023-2024/): Ambar Navarro is a Mexican-American director currently based in Los Angeles. She was born and raised in San Antonio, TX, where she spent most of her adolescence involved in the local punk scene. Her filmmaking style is heavily influenced by her “d.i.y do-it-yourself” attitude, which she carries into her work. She earned a B.F.A. in Experimental Animation from the California Institute of the Arts where she studied stop motion animation and miniature fabrication. Her storytelling incorporates practical and in-camera VFX, as well as surrealism. Ambar Navarro draws inspiration from horror films of the 60s and 70s, and she enjoys creating strong female characters with magical abilities.
- [2023-2024](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-spark-animation-fellowship/2023-2024/): Alec Castillo is a Cuban-American animator, comedian, and filmmaker originally from Miami and currently based in Los Angeles. Alec’s past animation and illustrations have been featured on Adult Swim, Netflix, FunnyOrDie, Mitú and more. He is a recipient of the 2023 LXiA Spark Animation Grant supported by Netflix. As a stand-up comic, Alec has performed at comedy clubs like The Comedy Store, The Laugh Factory, and the Improv and has opened for Ralph Barbosa and Therapy Gecko.
- [2023-2024](https://latinofilm.org/ycp-alumni-fellowship/2023-2024/): In a dystopian future where everyone's memories have been taken, Maribel seizes a rare opportunity to learn her true past after stealing her memories back from the state. With help from her brother Alex and some friends, she must uncover their history before the Memory Officers hunt them down.
- [2024-2025](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-spark-animation-fellowship/2024-2025/): Ana Ramírez González is an artist from Guanajuato, Mexico, with over a decade of storytelling magic at Pixar as a visual development and story artist. Her vibrant career has also included work with Google, DreamWorks, and Nickelodeon. Ana’s creative journey began in France, where she studied Fine Art, and continues in California, where she crafts narratives and picture books for publishers like Disney, Scholastic, Chronicle, and HarperCollins. A New York Times bestselling illustrator and dedicated figure skater, Ana brings heart and whimsy to everything she creates.
- [2024-2025](https://latinofilm.org/ycp-alumni-fellowship/2024-2025/): Emilia’s life is picture-perfect: flawless hair, perfect grades, and a family straight out of a commercial. But when strange events begin to occur, Emilia questions her reality. As everything unravels around her, she’s forced to break free before she loses herself completely.
- [2024-2025](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship/2024-2025/): Colby Barrios is a Los Angeles based Venezuelan-American writer and director. He is a 2024 Directing graduate from the American Film Institute Conservatory. He began his career in comedy, producing over a hundred standup comedy specials. His short film "Where Is Cody From?" premiered at AFI Fest as part of the Conservatory Showcase as well as in Filmquest, where it received the Best Actress award. Barrios is developing a handful of feature films exploring deep-seated fears, horrifying comedy, and strange character relationships.
- [2025 LFI Works in Progress](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-works-in-progress/): In its third year, LFI Works in Progress sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios, supports independent U.S-based filmmakers in the completion of a feature film (fiction or documentary). The program grants finishing funds towards the final stages of post-production. The fund supports films with high production value, a distinctive directorial voice, culturally significant and commercially viable. The fund allocates $50,000 between three projects selected through an open call. A jury of industry professionals divides the funds among the projects, based on their post production needs.
- [2025-2026](https://latinofilm.org/futuro-xr-360-video-lab/2025-2026/): Jimena Muhlia is a filmmaker with a background in theater, dance, and architecture. A graduate of the Centro de Capacitación Cinematográfica (CCC) in Mexico City (2013–2019), she has presented her films Evaporado (2017), La Caja China (2018), Lily <3 (2020), and Vacilaciones Cósmicas (2024) at festivals including FICUNAM, Palm Springs ShortFest, FICM, Brussels Short Film Festival, Zlín Film Festival, New York Latino Film Festival, Bogoshorts, FIDBA, Opavský páv International Short Film Festival, Guanajuato International Film Festival, Chicago Latino Film Festival, and San Diego Latino Film Festival, among others. Her work has received awards for Best Director and Best Short Film, among other honors.
- [2025-2026](https://latinofilm.org/2025-2026-cohort/): Assistant Director
- [2025-2026](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship/2025-2026/): Alejandro Marquez Vela is a writer/director from Guadalajara, Mexico. A Fulbright Scholar and John Huston Scholarship for Directing recipient, he earned his MFA from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Since graduating, he has shadowed DGA Award-winner Dan Attias (Chance), Emmy-winner Guy Ferland (Mayans M.C.), and showrunner Elgin James (Mayans M.C.). As a lifelong fan of sci-fi and magical realism, Alejandro uses genre to explore identity, social issues, and the human condition in unconventional ways. His films often embrace non-linear narratives, metaphors, and allegories to create layered, nuanced stories. Some of his award-winning short films have addressed social issues such as domestic violence, water scarcity, and immigration, earning recognition at the Guanajuato International Film Festival (GIFF), USC’s First Look Awards, and the G.I. Film Festival San Diego. Alejandro lives in Los Angeles with his wife Sofia, a private chef, and their half-pug, half-chihuahua pup, Gin.
- [2025-2026](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-spark-animation-fellowship/2025-2026/): Angel Ruvalcaba is a Mexican-American filmmaker from Sylmar, CA and Mesa, AZ, with several years of experience in animation and live-action. As the first member of his family to graduate from high school and college, it was important to him to tell stories about the people and world around him! Angel works as a Production Coordinator at Walt Disney Animation Studios where he has contributed to projects like "Encanto", "Moana 2", "Zootopia+", and even theme park attractions! Outside of Disney, Angel is a LatinX in Animation charter member and was one of the first professors to teach animation for the Latino Film Institute’s Youth Cinema Project. He was a judge for the LFI Spark Animation Fellowship for two years until he co-produced the 2024 LFI Spark Animated short film "Pollo Punch"! Recently, Angel also directed and wrote one of his passion projects, "Driftin' on a Memory" an award-winning live-action short film that is currently screening in various Latino festivals around the world! Angel feels very strongly about having the right representation in Film/TV and is very involved in the Latino Filmmaking community!
- [2026-2027](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-spark-animation-fellowship/2026-2027/): Juan Luis Bravo is a writer, director, and storyboard artist with a passion for stories about relationships and everyday beauty. Raised on cartoons and nature walks in Sacramento, CA, he went on to study at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Juan Luis has worked as a video producer for Disney, as an assistant editor on multiple Marvel Animation shows, and as a storyboard artist on animated titles like Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures and LEGO Dreamzzz. As a director, he screened his work at the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival, Hollyshorts, the Napa Valley Film Festival, and elsewhere. He was part of the inaugural cohort of Hola Mexico’s Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today and recently completed the Fred Rogers Writers Fellowship in preschool television writing.
- [About](https://latinofilm.org/about/): The Latino Film Institute (LFI) showcases, strengthens, and celebrates the richness of the Latino perspective by providing a pipeline, platform, and launching pad from our community into the entertainment industry.
- [CAREERS](https://latinofilm.org/about/careers/): At the Latino Film Institute, we're more than just an organization—we’re a movement.Our goal is to transform the industry by empowering the next generation of diverse storytellers. Here, you’ll find opportunities to be part of this transformative journey through our signature programs: the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), LFI Scholar, LFI Spotlight Series, and LFI Fellowships.
- [Contact](https://latinofilm.org/contact/): To contact us by email, completed the form below.
- [Donate](https://latinofilm.org/donate/): Latino Film Institute
- [Features](https://latinofilm.org/features/): MEDIA FEATURES SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS DONATE TO SUPPORT
- [Futuro XR: 360° Video Lab](https://latinofilm.org/futuro-xr-360-video-lab/): The Futuro XR: 360° Video Lab, sponsored by Agog, is a 5-month immersive program designed to train storytellers in the art and technology of 360° filmmaking. Fellows will receive hands-on training in the use of 360° cameras and shooting, spatial sound, and immersive editing workshops in storytelling for narrative, documentary, or experimental formats in this medium.
- [Get Involved](https://latinofilm.org/get-involved/): There are a few ways to get involved with LFI. In addition to becoming a sponsor of one of our programs or donating in general, you can get involved with our organization through volunteering or work opportunities
- [Home](https://latinofilm.org/): LFI is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating infrastructure for education, advancement and innovation in the entertainment, tech arts, and media industries.
- [In The News](https://latinofilm.org/in-the-news/): MEDIA LFI NEWS SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS DONATE TO SUPPORT
- [LALIFF](https://latinofilm.org/laliff/): The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is the premier international event dedicated to reveling in the Latino human experience through film, television, animation, music, gaming, technology arts, visual art, or any form of expression that defies category.
- [LATINX IN ANIMATION](https://latinofilm.org/latinx-in-animation/): LatinX in Animation (LXiA) unearths the exceptional, diverse talent that exists within the animation, VFX, and gaming industries.
- [LFI Below-the-Line Fellowship](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-below-the-line-fellowship/): The LFI Below-the-Line Fellowship is a comprehensive 6-month initiative designed to equip emerging filmmaking professionals with the foundational skills, technical training, and professional guidance necessary to launch sustainable careers in key below-the-line crafts.
- [LFI Fellowships](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-fellowships/): The LFI Fellowships program is a comprehensive suite of entertainment industry pipeline initiatives. Encompassing the LFI Inclusion, LFI Spark Animation, Below-The-Line, LFI Futuro XR: 360° Video Lab, LFI Works In Progress, LFI Scholar, YCP Alumni Film fellowships and various grant opportunities, the program provides tailored mentorship, essential resources, and strategic industry connections to support creatives at every career stage. By empowering high school students, emerging talents, and seasoned professionals alike, LFI Fellowships champions a new generation of creatives equipped to thrive in a competitive entertainment landscape.
- [LFI Inclusion Fellowship](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-inclusion-fellowship/): Supported by Netflix, the LFI Inclusion Fellowship supports emerging filmmakers in bringing live-action narrative short films to life by offering a production grant, individualized mentorship, and strategic industry connections. Fellows work within a studio system as they continue to develop their skills, and advance their film industry careers.
- [LFI SCHOLAR](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-scholar/): LFI Scholar Fellowship is where long-term change begins. LFI’s mission to transform the entertainment, tech arts, and media industries by building real infrastructure starts with understanding the challenges our community faces. To create meaningful solutions, we need deeper insight and brilliant minds helping shape the roadmap ahead.
- [LFI Spark Animation Fellowship](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-spark-animation-fellowship/): The second cohort of the LFI Spark Animation Fellowship have been chosen to receive the grant based on the artistic merit of their submissions and the originality of their voice and vision.
- [LFI Spark Animation Fellowship Application](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-spark-animation-fellowship-application/): The LFI Spark Animation Fellowship, presented by the Latino Film Institute and sponsored by Netflix, is a program that supports emerging and independent animation filmmakers and artists towards the production of animated short films told from the Latino perspective.
- [LFI SPOTLIGHT](https://latinofilm.org/lfi-spotlight/): The LFI Spotlight is an exceptional year-round screening that showcases a curated selection of acclaimed, powerful and impactful film, TV, animated and new storytelling projects.
- [Media](https://latinofilm.org/media/): MEDIA Press Releases, In the News & Features SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS DONATE TO SUPPORT
- [Newsletter](https://latinofilm.org/newsletter/): LFI Forward is a newsletter and your guide to the latest news, events, and updates on our programs.
- [Press Releases](https://latinofilm.org/press-releases/): MEDIA PRESS RELEASES SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS DONATE TO SUPPORT
- [Privacy Policy](https://latinofilm.org/privacy-policy/): We have created has created this privacy policy to explain how we use information that you may provide while visiting our website and to demonstrate our firm commitment to Internet privacy. Latino Film Institute may modify this policy from time to time so we encourage you to check this page when revisiting this website.
- [Programs](https://latinofilm.org/programs/): LFI is committed to empowering Latinos and bridging opportunity gaps through education and innovation. Our mission is exemplified through five signature programs that amplify Latino voices by offering initiatives that provide resources, mentorship, and networking to enhance careers and reshape industry standards.
- [Terms and Conditions](https://latinofilm.org/terms-and-conditions/): PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING TERMS OF SERVICE RELATING TO YOUR USE OF THE Latino Film Institute WEBSITE CAREFULLY. THESE TERMS OF SERVICE GOVERN YOUR USE OF THE Latino Film Institute WEBSITE AND ALL SERVICES OFFERED THROUGH THE WEBSITE.
- [VOLUNTEER](https://latinofilm.org/volunteer/): Thank you for your interest in volunteering or interning with LFI! We’re excited to welcome individuals passionate about Latino film, television, and entertainment. Volunteers and interns are vital to our organization, and we appreciate your desire to contribute to our mission.
- [YCP Alumni Fellowship](https://latinofilm.org/ycp-alumni-fellowship/): The YCP Alumni Fellowship provides a team of young filmmakers with mentorship and funding to create a short film. The fellowship is geared towards teens aged 15 to 18 and is intended to provide college-bound students with a high quality sample that will strengthen their applications and increase their chances of obtaining scholarships. The program includes a solid education phase in preparation for production, and fellows benefit from one-on-one mentorship and guidance from script to screen.
- [YCP@LALIFF](https://latinofilm.org/ycp/): YCP@LALIFF is a festival within the festival! Every year, the Youth Cinema Project students premiere their short films at LALIFF and participate in Q&As, special events and workshops led by industry professionals.
- [Youth Cinema Project](https://latinofilm.org/youth-cinema-project-2/): The Youth Cinema Project (YCP) is project-based learning that impacts its participants in life-changing ways. Graduates of the YCP are resilient, real-world problem solvers.