Opens with ASCO: Without Permission and closes with Serious People
Features 90+ films, 18 world premieres, and nearly 300 Youth Cinema Project student films
Festival runs May 28 – June 1, 2025
LOS ANGELES, CA – APRIL 29, 2025 – The Latino Film Institute (LFI) has announced the full lineup for the 24th edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), which will take place from May 28 through June 1, 2025, at the historic TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood, CA. This year’s festival will feature the return of the LALIFF Eastside programming at Regal L.A. Live, along with the LALIFF Film Market and an expanded LALIFF Industry Forum.
The festival will open with ASCO: Without Permission, presented with the support of LACMA, written and directed by Travis Gutiérrez Senger, executive produced by Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna, and featuring special appearances by Zoe Saldaña and Michael Peña. LALIFF will close with Serious People, co-written and co-directed by Pasqual Gutierrez and Ben Mullinkosson, which is being shown for the first time on the West Coast.
In addition to the opening and closing films, the complete lineup includes feature films, short films, episodic works, animation, masterclasses, panels, networking sessions, and musical performances. Tickets are now available for purchase on the festival’s official website.
ASCO: Without Permission is a genre-blending film that tells the story of the pioneering Chicano art collective ASCO, whose activism and artistic vision challenged mainstream representation in the art world, Hollywood, and the media. While unrecognized in their time, the group is now regarded as one of the most important artistic movements of the 20th century. The film merges fiction and nonfiction through collaborations with the next generation of Latino artists, offering a reimagined perspective on the intersection of cinema and art.
Serious People follows Pasqual, a successful music video director, who hires a doppelgänger, Miguel, to take his place as he prepares for fatherhood. The plan, designed to balance work and family, also brings an opportunity for mentorship. As Pasqual and Miguel’s personalities collide, the film explores the anxieties of impending parenthood and the absurdities of the entertainment industry, all with a genre-bending twist.
“When we launched this festival in 1997, it was born out of a profound love for our culture and a determination to create space where our voices could not only be seen, but celebrated. Today, LALIFF stands as a testament to decades of passion, perseverance, and the undeniable brilliance of Latino creators in film and television. As our reach continues to grow, our commitment remains the same: to support outstanding work and continue building opportunities for our community through the stories we tell,” said Edward James Olmos, Co-Founder of LALIFF.
“This festival continues to be a powerful gathering space where art, education, and the entertainment industry come together in service of our community. Thanks to the continued support of our sponsors, we’ve been able to build on last year’s milestones, like launching the film market and expanding to a second venue. These efforts reflect a larger mission at the Latino Film Institute, where all of our programs work in tandem to empower the next generation of storytellers. This year’s edition highlights the powerful intersection of film and art, and serves as a testament to the creativity and resilience of our community—especially during these challenging times,” added Axel Caballero, CEO of Latino Film Institute.
LALIFF 2025 celebrates the rich diversity of Latino filmmakers, showcasing a variety of storytelling approaches and artistic styles. The festival brings together works that reflect the unique cultural perspectives and voices within the Latino community, offering both familiar and innovative narratives. In addition to thought-provoking dramas and engaging comedies, this year’s selection also highlights the intersection of art and cinema, where visual, formal, and narrative explorations enhance the storytelling experience.
New this year, LALIFF will host a special screening of the LFI Inclusion Fellowship and LFI Spark Animation Fellowship films at the iconic Egyptian Theatre. These films offer a dynamic reflection of the evolving landscape of Latino cinema, spotlighting new perspectives in both live action and animation.
FEATURES
The 2025 festival will present 21 feature films from Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, France, Greece, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Spain, the United States, and Venezuela. These films are part of the main feature lineup, in addition to the Opening and Closing Night selections. Among them are four world premieres, including Brownsville Bred and Papa Melissa, both developed through the Works in Progress finishing fund.
This year’s lineup includes a number of titles that premiered at major international festivals, highlighting the diversity and strength of Latino storytelling. From Sundance, the festival will present Rains Over Babel by Gala del Sol and Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, Dile que no Soy Malo) by Joel Alfonso Vargas. SXSW selections include 42nd Street by Jose Maria Cabral, Uvalde Mom by Anayansi Prado, and American Sons by Andrew James Gonzales. TIFF entries feature Beloved Tropic by Ana Endara, Linda by Mariana Wainstein, Carnival Is Over by Fernando Coimbra, and The Freedom of Fierro by Santiago Esteinou. Stay Still by Joanna Lombardi premiered at Málaga, while Espina by Daniel Poler screened at the Miami Film Festival. From DOC NYC comes Isla Familia by Abraham Jimenez Enoa and Claudia Calviño. Also featured is Shaman by Antonio Negret, which was first presented in the inaugural LALIFF Film Market and later secured distribution. The full lineup reflects a powerful range of voices, styles, and countries, underscoring the creative vitality of filmmakers across the Latino diaspora.
LALIFF EASTSIDE
LALIFF Eastside returns in 2025 with a continued focus on stories that reflect the diverse experiences and communities of Los Angeles. With screenings at Regal L.A. Live, this year’s program features a compelling mix of premieres that highlight the city’s cultural richness and the personal narratives rooted within it.
The lineup includes Yelyna De León’s feature directorial debut 20 Pounds to Happiness, a world premiere written and produced by Real Women Have Curves’ Josefina Lopez; La Raya, an international premiere from LALIFF alum Yolanda Cruz, which will screen alongside her short film 40+; and Aot Rivera’s Los Angeles Canvas, which will have its world premiere and was part of the inaugural LALIFF Film Market in 2024. Presenting its U.S. premiere as part of the program is Trans Los Angeles, directed by Kase Peña, who was part of the inaugural cohort of the LFI Inclusion Fellowship in 2020. The film received the Don Quixote Award for Best Picture at FICIMAD as well as the Best Actress in a Feature Award for Carmen Carrera. Additionally, LALIFF Eastside will include “Manifest,” one of the festival’s shorts programs.
LIVE ACTION AND ANIMATED SHORTS
The short film lineup features 59 films from more than 12 countries. Among these, 32 are directed by U.S. Latinos, 26 by women, and 13 will be world premieres. These captivating shorts will be available for viewing as individual screenings or paired with selected feature films, offering a wide range of storytelling experiences.
Shorts programs:
“Manifest” is a selection of short films in which characters confront their deepest desires, fears, and ambitions—turning dreams or nightmares into reality. The program showcases the films After Alma, America, Azul, Bye Bye Barbarito, En Memoria, Mean Goals, Sundown, and Thump.
“Spellbound” features stories about characters caught in powerful forces—whether spiritual, psychological, societal, or cinematic. Bound by the “spells” of religion, mental illness, body image, or the influence of auteur visions, these individuals navigate worlds where control often lies just beyond their grasp. The program showcases the films Cotard, Fly on the Wall, La Cumbia, Mal Culo, Say You’re Sorry, The Mourning Of, and There’s a Devil Inside Me.
“Terra Incognita” ventures into uncharted territory—where characters cross a line into the unknown and are forever changed. These films explore the transformative potential of stepping beyond one’s boundaries, offering bold, emotional, and sometimes unsettling glimpses into what lies on the other side. The program showcases the films Await, Beyond, Bodies, Buscando Alma, Cierva, Coyote, and Some of Us Watch the Sunset Too.
“Eight Step Program” follows characters on deeply personal journeys toward self-improvement, healing, or reinvention—each with their own set of rules, rituals, and roadblocks. Whether they’re striving for growth, recovery, or simply a better version of themselves, their paths are anything but straightforward. The program showcases the films Aimee Comes First, Ana y la Distancia, And Usted También, Beautifully Ugly, Gregorio, Marcel’s Piñata, Morenita, and The Perfect Tomato.
EPISODICS
LALIFF 2025 spotlights a dynamic slate of episodic work that reflects the originality and range of Latino storytellers working across formats. This year’s lineup includes new episodic shorts by U.S. Latino
filmmakers, continuing LALIFF’s commitment to showcasing distinctive voices and perspectives in Netflixserialized storytelling.
As part of the Episodic Shorts program, LALIFF will feature Born 2 Lose, a new project from the creative team behind Chiqui, which premiered at Sundance as part of their Indie Episodic Program and was featured at LALIFF 2022. The lineup also includes the premiere of the first episode of the second season of Leguizamo Does America, the acclaimed docuseries in which John Leguizamo explores the rich history, culture, and contributions of Latino communities across the country with his signature edge and energy.
AWARDS
LALIFF has been officially added to the list recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as an Oscar® Qualifying Festival. With this designation, films that win the Best U.S. Latino Live Action Short and U.S. Latino Animated Short categories at the festival will now be eligible for consideration at the 98th Academy Awards. The festival will also present awards for Best U.S. Latina Director of a Live Action Short and Best U.S. Latino Episodic Short. The Best U.S. Latino Episodic Short will be presented by Disney Entertainment. Jury members for all categories will be announced at a later date.
This year, LALIFF will introduce two new awards. The LFI Industry “Legado/Legacy” Award will recognize outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. The LFI Education “Adelante/Forward” Award will celebrate excellence in education.
SPECIAL SCREENINGS
LALIFF 2025 will feature special screenings showcasing films created by talented filmmakers from the LFI Fellowships program. These include the LFI Inclusion Fellowship, now in its fifth cohort, the LFI Spark Animation Fellowship, in its third year, the new LFI+150, and the YCP Alumni Fellowship. Each of these initiatives reflects LFI’s broader commitment to nurturing Latino storytellers across a range of disciplines and career stages. Also featured is the Los Angeles premiere of All We Carry, a powerful new documentary executive produced by America Ferrera.
The LFI Inclusion Fellowship and the LFI Spark Animation Fellowship are both supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. This year, LALIFF will host the screenings at the Egyptian Theater, offering fellows the opportunity to share their films with an industry audience in a historic and celebrated venue. Following this special presentation, the fellows will take their work beyond the festival and out into the world, continuing to share their stories with broader audiences.
The YCP Alumni Fellowship offers students from the Youth Cinema Project’s alumni program the opportunity to develop and produce original short films while working on professional sets alongside industry mentors. This year’s project, Perfect, is a vibrant musical created by 15 alumni and filmed on the legendary Universal Studios Lot. With personalized guidance and hands-on training, the fellows brought their imaginative storytelling to life and are currently completing the film in post-production.
This year, the festival will showcase three projects from LFI+150: Blood Sugar and ¡Wow!, both proofs of concept for episodic series, and The Power of One, a documentary series with the first episode being presented. These projects highlight the innovation and diverse storytelling approaches of the LFI+150 filmmakers, offering a glimpse into the future of Latino cinema.
All We Carry is a powerful documentary that follows a young Honduran family’s harrowing journey as they flee persecution, experience the trauma of family separation, and eventually find refuge in Seattle. Directed and produced by Cady Voge and executive produced by America Ferrera, the film was also
produced by Laura Pilloni, Laura Tatham, and Rachel Clara Reed. It earned the “Best Documentary Feature” award at the inaugural Indie Awards.
YCP@LALIFF
LALIFF’s student festival will present an exciting selection of 292 short films and other short form content created by students through the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), a signature program of LFI. YCP integrates filmmaking with essential 21st-century skills in public schools, using a hands-on approach that combines social-emotional learning with English Language Arts. Over three days, YCP@LALIFF will immerse students in the festival experience, including red carpet events, panels, workshops, and masterclasses. One of the highlights of the program is the Best of YCP Awards ceremony, where students are recognized for their outstanding work. Additionally, YCP LiveReads will return, featuring popular actors performing live readings of scripts written by the students.
LALIFF FILM MARKET
For its second year, the LALIFF Film Market will present a carefully curated selection of commercially viable U.S. Latino films to sales agents and buyers for potential acquisition and distribution. In its inaugural edition at LALIFF 2024, three films secured distribution deals, underscoring the market’s potential to create meaningful industry opportunities. This year, the market will feature films in development and post-production during LALIFF 2025, along with U.S. Latino world premieres included in the festival’s official selection.
LALIFF INDUSTRY FORUM AND LOUNGE
The LALIFF Industry Forum and Lounge, presented by Audible, will serve as a vibrant hub for connection, creativity, and professional growth, designed to ignite future collaborations. This year’s edition features an array of panels, masterclasses, and intimate one-on-one conversations. Audible leads the way, joined
by a powerhouse lineup of industry presenters—including AltaMed, Egeda US, ESPN, LatinX in Animation (LXiA), Paramount Pictures, UTA, and Warner Music—all contributing to discussions on the evolving landscape of the entertainment industry.
The forum will unfold over three curated days. Thursday is Unlocking the Vision, focusing on Latino creatives and executives, and the power to bring stories to life; Friday is Unlocking the Future, highlighting Latino innovators shaping the future of animation and technology; and Saturday is Unlocking the Craft, celebrating the Latino artists driving the work behind the scenes.
Sessions will explore international co-production, marketing, XR, video games, set design, vertical formats, editing, sound design, music, animation, and more. Additionally, virtual masterclasses on distribution and visual storytelling will be offered.
The complete program for the Industry Forum and Lounge will be shared soon via the festival’s website and social media channels. Stay tuned for updates—all links and handles can be found at the bottom of this release.
LALIFF 2025 SPONSORS
LALIFF 2025 is presented with generous support from its sponsors, including the Platinum Sponsor, Youth Cinema Project; the Premier Sponsor, Los Angeles Times; and Grand Sponsors, Audible and Warner Bros. Discovery; and Principal Sponsor, The Walt Disney Company. Official Sponsors include AltaMed, Egeda US, High Performance Learning Environments, Ovation Hollywood, Roku, Sony Pictures Entertainment,
and Variety. Additional support for the festival’s programs is provided by Netflix, which sponsors the LFI Inclusion Fellowship and the LFI Spark Animation Fellowship.
For the LALIFF full program slate and schedule please visit www.laliff.org.
Download LALIFF 2025 Poster here.
Download LALIFF 2025 Film Stills here.
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
Follow LALIFF on social media:
Instagram: @laliff_
Twitter: @laliff
Facebook: facebook.com/laliff
Media Contact:
Loraine Valverde – Latino Film Institute
VP of Advancement and Communications
Mellony Torres – Latino Film Institute
Communications Consultant (for red carpet inquiries)