LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 1, 2025 – The Latino Film Institute (LFI) is proud to announce the 2025 award winners of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), honoring outstanding talent and groundbreaking work across U.S. Latino film, animation, and episodic content. The awards were presented on the festival’s closing day, June 1, during an intimate cocktail reception at the LALIFF Industry Forum and Lounge at The Kookaburra Lounge in Ovation Hollywood. This year’s jury of esteemed industry professionals selected winners across key categories, spotlighting bold new voices, powerful storytelling, and exceptional craft.
LALIFF 2025 Award Winners:
LFI 2025 Spark Animation Fellowship Winners – Sponsored by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity
The LFI Spark Animation Fellowship awarded $30,000 USD to five U.S.-based Latino animation filmmakers:
- Angel Ruvalcaba, ¿Necesitas Ayuda?
- Angela Sánchez, Spin Cycle
- Chevez Sanchez, The Resilient Coquí
- Guillermo Casarin, The Mariachi Mask
- Sandra Powers, Bestias De La Muerte
LFI Works in Progress – Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios
The winners will receive $20,000 USD each for post-production support:
- Cancúncito, written and directed by Carlos Alejandro Marulanda & Isael Gutierrez
Best U.S. Episodic Short Award – Presented by Disney Entertainment
Jury: Adriana Garcia (Director, Development, National Geographic), Aurelio Lopez (Manager, Scripted Series, Onyx Collective), Julio Castro (Manager, Drama Development, Hulu), Rafael Garcia, (Vice President, Original Series Development, Disney Branded Television), Samantha Militante (Director, Current Series, FX)
Winner: Born 2 Lose, directed by Carlos Cardona – $4,000 USD cash prize
Best U.S. Latino Animated Short Film – Presented by Latino Film Institute
Jury: Angelica Lares (Director, Centro Internacional de Animación “Taller del Chucho”), Jeanette Moreno King (Director and Storyboard Artist), Jennifer del Rey (Director of Creative, Sony Pictures Animation)
Winner: No Vacancy, directed by Miguel Rodrick – $4,000 USD cash prize
Special Jury Mention: As If the Earth Had Swallowed Them Up directed by Natalia León
Best U.S. Latino Live Action Short – Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo
Jury: Joanna Lombardi (Director, Stay Still), Kantu Lentz (Director, Chicago Fire, Fire Country), Pedro Paulo Araújo (Director, Blur, The Hidden)
Winner: Beyond (Más Allá), directed by Bettina López Mendoza– $4,000 USD cash prize
Best U.S. Latina Director of a Live Action Short – Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo
Jury: Joanna Lombardi (Director, Stay Still), Kantu Lentz (Director, Chicago Fire, Fire Country), Pedro Paulo Araújo (Director, Blur, The Hidden)
Winner: There’s a Devil Inside Me, directed by Karina Lomelin Ripper – $4,000 USD cash prize
Achievement in Original Music Driven Film – Brownsville Bred, directed by Elaine del Valle
“This year’s festival has been a testament to the vibrant creativity and storytelling prowess within our community,” said Axel Caballero, CEO of the Latino Film Institute. “The diverse array of films and the passionate voices behind them not only entertained but also sparked meaningful conversations. We’re proud to provide a platform where these stories can shine and resonate with audiences far and wide.”
Now in its 24th edition, LALIFF took place May 28 – June 1, 2025, at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood, the Egyptian Theatre Hollywood, and Regal L.A. Live in Downtown Los Angeles. The festival opened with ASCO: Without Permission and closed with Serious People, screening over 90 films—including 18 world premieres—and nearly 300 student films from the Youth Cinema Project.
In addition to screenings, this year’s festival featured the return of an expanded LALIFF Industry Forum, which included masterclasses and networking events that addressed key topics across film, television, and animation. Attendees also enjoyed musical performances, a comedy showcase, and other celebrations. The second annual LALIFF Market continued to strengthen the festival’s role as a meaningful connector between U.S. Latino creatives and the industry. As part of this year’s programming, a special screening at the Egyptian Theatre showcased the LFI Inclusion and LFI Spark Animation Fellowship films, highlighting fresh artistic voices in Latino filmmaking and serving as a culmination of the yearlong work of our fellows.
As part of Opening Night festivities, LFI introduced the new Adelante Award, honoring exceptional leadership and impactful work in advancing Latino storytellers through education. The inaugural recipient was Raul Maldonado, Superintendent of the Palmdale School District, whose commitment to student success has helped shape the pathway for young Latino filmmakers through programs like the Youth Cinema Project. Maldonado was honored during Opening Night remarks.
Adding to the night’s cultural resonance, world-renowned Los Angeles artist Robert Vargas—known for his striking portraits and large-scale public murals like Shohei Ohtani / LA Rising in Little Tokyo and Angelus, a soon-to-be Guinness world record located in Downtown L.A.—will be creating a live painting on site during Opening Night of LALIFF 2025. A Boyle Heights native, Vargas draws from his Mexican and Native American roots to celebrate culture, community, and identity through his work—making him a powerful artistic voice in the heart of L.A.
We applaud this year’s award winners and their incredible teams for delivering work that inspired, moved, and energized audiences throughout the festival. Their films lit up the screen with creativity, heart, and cultural depth, making this edition of LALIFF a true standout. As a home for Latino storytellers, LALIFF is proud to amplify voices that reflect the richness of our communities and the power of our shared experiences. We look forward to continuing to support and celebrate this extraordinary work for years to come.
About Latino Film Institute (LFI)
The Latino Film Institute (LFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering storytellers and creators and advancing innovation in the entertainment, tech, arts, and media industries. Through its signature programs, including the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), LFI Scholar, LFI Spotlight Series, and LFI Fellowships, LFI provides transformative opportunities and resources to foster Latino talent and voices in media.
For more information on LFI, visit www.latinofilm.org.
About Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)
The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is an international event dedicated to excellence in filmmaking. Through film, television, music, and education, LALIFF offers a vibrant stage to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latino cinema through distinct directorial voices and culturally significant narratives.
For more information and updates on LALIFF visit www.laliff.org
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Twitter: @laliff
Facebook: facebook.com/laliff
Media Contact:
Loraine Valverde – Latino Film Institute
VP of Advancement and Communications
[email protected]
Mellony Torres – Latino Film Institute
Communications Consultant
[email protected]