Closing Night, Centerpiece Film and Special Presentations to Be Revealed with Full Lineup in April 2026
LOS ANGELES, CA – WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25, 2026 – The Latino Film Institute (LFI) today unveiled the official artwork and expanded ticketing model for the milestone 25th edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), taking place May 27–31, 2026, in Hollywood at the historic TCL Chinese Theatres. Celebrating 25 years, the festival is introducing new ticket bundles and an All Access Pass with early-purchase pricing, giving audiences multiple ways to engage with the festival experience. The Opening Night film, Valentina, is being shared ahead of the full lineup. Closing Night, the festival’s centerpiece screening, and special presentations will be revealed with the complete schedule in April 2026.
Valentina, directed by Tatti Ribeiro, reflects LALIFF’s continued focus on culturally grounded storytelling. In her directorial debut, Ribeiro blends comedy and documentary to create a hybrid film that feels both urgent and grounded in everyday life. Set against the backdrop of the busiest U.S.-Mexico border crossing, the film follows Valentina, played by Keyla Monterroso Mejia (One of Them Days, The Studio), as she navigates parking tickets, odd jobs, and the instability of gig work. Moving between humor and sharp observation, Valentina incorporates real-life news footage and political interviews alongside a cinéma vérité approach to capture the complexities of coming of age in a border town. Executive produced by Jessica Alba and Tracey Nyberg, co-presidents of Lady Metalmark (Trigger Warning, Valentina, The Mark), the film marks Ribeiro as a compelling new voice and winner of the Independent Spirit Award (Someone to Watch), setting the tone for this year’s program.
“With our expanded ticketing model, we’re creating more ways for audiences to engage with the festival during this milestone year,” said Diana Cadavid, Director of Industry Programs at LFI. “Whether attending select screenings, joining conversations and networking events, or attending multiple screenings throughout the festival, LALIFF is designed to bring people together around discovery, connection, and the shared experience of these films.”
In addition to unveiling its 25th edition artwork, LALIFF announced that actor, filmmaker, and advocate Nava Mau will serve as Head of the Features Jury. Known for her critically acclaimed performance in Baby Reindeer, which earned her Emmy and BAFTA nominations as well as a Film Independent Spirit Award, Mau’s appointment reflects the festival’s commitment to bold, character-driven storytelling and forward-looking creative leadership, aligning with a broader vision that prioritizes distinct voices and new perspectives shaping the future of film and television.
The 25th edition will also introduce the Adelante Award for Industry, honoring individuals whose contributions have created lasting impact and opportunity within the entertainment landscape. The award recipient will be announced alongside the full festival lineup at the end of April 2026. The existing Adelante Award for Education will continue to recognize excellence in education.
“The 25th edition is about honoring where we started while continuing to evolve the festival experience,” added Axel Caballero, CEO of LFI. “From the artwork to the jury leadership to the expanded access points for audiences, this year reflects both legacy and momentum. The future es Latino.”
All ticket bundles and All Access Passes are now on sale through the festival’s official website.
For the LALIFF 25th edition poster and artwork, download 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 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), LFI Scholar & Policy, LFI Spotlight, 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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Instagram: @laliff_
Twitter: @laliff
Facebook: facebook.com/laliff
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Media Contact:
Loraine Valverde – Latino Film Institute
VP of Advancement and Communications
[email protected]