Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival
LALIFF 2026 celebrates its 25th edition, marking a quarter-century of sharing stories from the Latino perspective and bringing culturally significant cinema to audiences in Los Angeles and beyond. This milestone reflects decades of commitment to nurturing talent, showcasing authentic voices, and connecting communities through the power of storytelling.
Now in its second year as an Academy Award®–qualifying festival, LALIFF offers winners of the Best U.S. Latino Live Action Short and Best U.S. Latino Animated Short categories eligibility for Oscar® consideration.
May 28th – June 1st, 2025
LALIFF HIGHLIGHTS
With a focus on financing, equity, co-production, content creation, and immersive storytelling, LALIFF Connect: Market & Creative Forum is a curated hub where producers and financiers discover fresh talent, explore cross-border opportunities, and forge partnerships that move projects forward.
Comedy Night
LALIFF Comedy Night is the festival’s most playful and high-energy celebration, showcasing the best in Latino comedic talent through stand-up, improv, and spontaneous live performances.
YCP@LALIFF, a branded “festival within a festival,” showcases short films and creative content from the Youth Cinema Project (YCP).
SOCIAL FEED
🎉 SUMMER GIVEAWAY TIME! ☀️🍿
We’re bringing the BlockBuster Summer Vibes with an AMC Gift Card Giveaway and you could be 1 of 3 lucky winners! 🎬💳
Here’s how to enter:
1️⃣ Follow @laliff_ @latinofilminstitute_ @youthcinemaproject_
2️⃣ Like this post ❤️
3️⃣ Tag your ultimate movie buddy in the comments 👯
The comment with the most likes by Friday, July 18 at 5 PM PST wins — so rally your crew and spread the word!
#LALIFF #latinocinema #summervibes #giveawaytime #amc #ticketgiveaway #giveaway #cinema #theater #freetickets #film #filmmaking
Icons of LALIFF2025 🎬✨
We’re thrilled to celebrate this year’s standout storytellers who brought bold, original visions to the screen. From powerful shorts to animated gems, these creators are leading the next wave of Latino filmmaking.
🏆 Best U.S. Latino Live Action Short
“Beyond (Más Allá)” by Bettina López Mendoza
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo | $4,000 prize
*Oscar® Qualifying category.
🎶 Achievement in Original Music Driven Film
“Brownsville Bred” by Elaine del Valle
🏆 Best U.S. Latina Director – Live Action Short
“There’s a Devil Inside Me” by Karina Lomelin Ripper
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo | $4,000 prize
🏆 Best U.S. Latino Animated Short
“No Vacancy” by Miguel Rodrick
🎖 Special Jury Mention: “As If the Earth Had Swallowed Them Up” by Natalia León
Presented by the Latino Film Institute | $4,000 prize
*Oscar® Qualifying category.
🏆 Best U.S. Episodic Short
“Born 2 Lose” by Carlos Cardona
Presented by Disney Entertainment | $4,000 prize
Huge thanks to our incredible juries — featuring execs and creatives from Disney, FX, Sony Animation, and more — for supporting and spotlighting diverse voices.
The future of film is here 💫
#LALIFF #LatinoFilm #LatinxCreatives #filmawards
THE LAST DAY OF LALIFF SERVED BIG TIME! 🎬✨ An unforgettable end to an incredible week of film, culture, and community.
See you all next year! 👋❤️
#LALIFF #latinofilm #filmfestival
Day 4 brought all the emotions, from LAUGHS at the Comedy Night and even some tears during heartfelt screenings! 😂✨
#LALIFF #latinofilm #filmfestival #redcarpet #premiere #cinema
So much epic-ness packed into Day 3 of LALIFF! What did you love most about it?😊💕
#LALIFF #latinofilm #filmfestival
2025 SPONSORS
Platinum Sponsor
Premier Sponsor
Grand Sponsor
INTERESTED IN BECOMING A SPONSOR AT LALIFF 
Partnering with LALIFF connects your brand to engaged audiences and authentic cultural storytelling. Sponsors gain visibility across digital and in-person platforms, with exclusive access to screenings, events, and VIP experiences, creating meaningful connections with a dynamic and diverse community. Our partners invest because we deliver high retention, deep engagement, and visible results. By supporting the festival, brands align with a high-impact platform that amplifies Latino voices and showcases a wide range of narratives across multiple mediums, reflecting the richness and complexity of the community.
LALIFF 2025 RECAP
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Transforming the industry by empowering storytellers and creators. 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.
LFI houses signature programs, such as: the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), LFI Scholar and Policy, LFI Spotlight, and LFI Fellowships.
