The Houston Latino Film Festival (HLFF), recently recognized as a 2024 Cultural Treasure Accelerator (CTA) by the BIPOC Arts Network & Fund (BANF), is set to return for its ninth edition from March 12-16, 2025. The festival, which will be held at the Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH), invites audiences to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of Latino cinema, showcasing powerful stories from Latin America and the United States.

Featuring a diverse lineup of screenings, director Q&As, poetry readings, live music, and art exhibitions, the festival offers a unique cultural experience for all attendees.

“Our mission is to amplify the diverse voices of Latin America, providing audiences with a chance to connect with Latino culture through the art of film,” said Festival Director Dave Cebrero. “Each year, we receive incredible submissions from filmmakers in Houston and around the world. This festival is a testament to the countless important stories waiting to be told.”

Sixto Wagan, Executive Director of BANF, emphasized the significance of the festival. “At BANF, we believe in the transformative power of storytelling, and HLFF exemplifies this by showcasing narratives from local, national, and international filmmakers. Through the Cultural Treasure Accelerator, we are proud to support organizations like HLFF, ensuring that Houston’s diverse communities can see their stories celebrated.”

A Celebration of Latino Cinema

Spanning five days, the festival will feature a variety of genres, including narrative features, documentaries, and short films. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with filmmakers during Q&A sessions, providing insight into the creative processes and real-life inspirations behind their work.

In addition to the screenings, the festival will recognize outstanding cinematic achievements with the prestigious Jury’s “Ojo” Awards in categories such as Best Narrative Feature Film, Best Documentary Feature Film, Best Short Narrative Film, Best Short Documentary Film, Best Student Film (with a $2,500 cash prize), and Best Texas Film. Winners will be announced on Sunday, March 16, 2025, after the Closing Night film, with Audience Award winners revealed at a later date.

“Our goal is to bring filmmakers and audiences together to celebrate Latino cinema,” said Program Director Pedro Rivas. “This year’s lineup reflects the vibrancy and diversity of our community, and we can’t wait to share these stories with Houston.”

Honoring Latino Storytelling

The festival has a history of spotlighting groundbreaking films and influential figures in the Latino community. In 2017, the festival featured Dolores, a documentary about civil rights icon Dolores Huerta, who attended an intimate Q&A with the audience. In 2024, acclaimed actor and comedian Cheech Marin presented The Long Game, a film about a group of Chicano boys who built their own golf course after being barred from private country clubs due to their race. The film is now available on multiple streaming platforms.

Tickets and Information

Tickets and all-access badges for the 2025 festival are available for purchase on the official Houston Latino Film Festival website. For more information, visit houstonlatinofilmfestival.org.