2025 Mexican-American Film and Television Festival: Bridging Generations through Latino Independent Filmmakers

Los Angeles, CA – The 2025 Mexican-American Film and Television Festival (MAFTF) & Awards is proud to announce its showcase of Latino independent filmmakers in two state-of-the-art facilities, perfectly embodying this year’s theme: “Bridging the Generations by Our Shared Roots: Somos De Aqui y Somos De Alla” (We are from here and we are from there). 

The 2025 festival received an overwhelming number of amazing submissions, ranging from shorts to feature films to TV series, showcasing the incredible talent and diversity of Latino storytellers. The festival will feature shorts like “The Middle” [directed by Sylvia Ray starring Victoria Moroles (Teen Wolf, 2017) and Julio Macias (On My Block, 2018)] to full features like “Say A Little Prayer” [directed by Patrick Perez Vidauri (Divorce Bait, 2022) starring Luis Fonsi (Luis Fonsi & Daddy Yankee Feat. Justin Bieber remix, 2017) and Vanessa Vasquez (Divorce Bait, 2022)].

The festival will be held at two iconic locations: the historic Harmony Gold Theater and the Hispanic-owned Milagro Cinemas, owned by renowned executive producer Moctesuma Esparza, known for his work on the hit film “Selena.” 

A wonderful return to Harmony Gold Theater with the same environment we know, and love will commence on April 26th, 2025 (the first day of the festival).

Additionally, MAFTF is proud to announce that a Judges Workshop will be held on Sunday April 27th, 2025 during the festival, which is designed to provide valuable insights and feedback to the filmmakers whose submissions were not part of the Official Selection. By offering this valuable resource, MAFTF aims to make a lasting impact on the film community and contribute to the development of emerging talent. 

In addition to this, a Distribution Workshop will be held that will allow industry professionals to help filmmakers learn how to make their film a success. Our panelists include Cristina Sarnoff (Senior Manager of Brand Creative Solutions at Warner Bros. Discovery for the U.S. Hispanic Market), Erik Gonzalez (Director of Marketing and Distribution for Highland Film Group), Selina Ringel (Writer, Producer, and Actress) and Johnny Murrillo (Executive Producer and Founder of Chicano Hollywood). 

On April 27th, 2025 (the second day of the festival), the festival will be held at Milagro Cinemas where we will offer more screens to showcase these incredible films, providing a unique opportunity for filmmakers to gain more exposure and connect with a broader audience. 

The motivation behind expanding to two locations was to provide a larger platform and MORE SCREENS for Latino independent filmmakers to share their stories, visions, and talents with the world. By doing so, MAFTF aims to bridge the gap between generations, cultures, and communities, celebrating the shared roots and experiences that define the Latino identity. 

This year’s theme “Bridging the Generations By Our Shared Roots: Somos De Aqui y Somos De Alla” speaks to the complexities of identity, belonging, and cultural heritage that are inherent to the Latino experience. By showcasing films that reflect these themes, MAFTF seeks to spark meaningful conversations, foster empathy, and promote cross-cultural understanding. 

“We’re dedicated to elevating the Latino film community,” said Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz, founder of the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation and MAFTF. “By providing a festival that empowers and makes way for opportunities for our amazing filmmakers, we hope to inspire a new wave of creative talent and elevate the overall quality of authentic Latino filmmaking in our community and Hollywood overall.”

The prestigious Illustrious Awards, which aim to rival the Oscars in purpose and cultural impact, will be held on Saturday April 26th to conclude the first day of the festival. The 

festival will continue to showcase amazing films on Sunday April 27th, with a full day of film screenings, panels, and connection with industry professionals. 

This year’s Illustrious Awards will honor some of the most talented and influential industry professionals. Our special Award Recipients and presenters include:

Illustrious Award Recipients

• Lifetime Achievement: Jesus Trevino, Director and Producer (Prison Break, 2005)

• Trailblazer in Cinematography: Reynaldo Villalobos, Cinematographer (Seraphim Falls, 2006)

• Trailblazer in Acting – Paul Rodriguez (Holy Cash, 2024) 

• Trailblazer in Media Influence – Lety & Ashley

• Trailblazer in Screenwriting Nancy de Los Santos (Selena, 1997)

• Trailblazer in Screenwriting Gareth Dunneth Alcocer (Blue Beetle, 2023)

Presenters

• Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico

• Juan Munoz, Chancellor of UC Merced

• Patricia Riggen, Director (Under the Same Moon, 2007)

• Vanessa Vasquez, Actress (Divorce Bait, 2022)

• Patric Perez Vidauri, Director (Divorce Bait, 2022)

• Selina Rigel & Dan Levy Dagerman.. Producer, Directors (You, Me, & Her, 2024)

• Frank Rodriguez, General Sale Manager, Amazon/MGM

• Enrique Castillo, Actor, Producer, Director (Blood In, Blood Out, 1993)

• Rylie Rodriguez, Actress (Landman, 2024)

• Moctesuma Esparza (Executive Producer of Selena, 1997 & Activist)

• Bel Hernandez Castillo (Founder/CEO of Latin Heat Media)

Tickets for the 2025 MAFTF and The Illustrious Awards are now on sale. Don’t miss the incredible opportunity to experience the best of Latino independent cinema and celebrate the richness and diversity of Latino culture. 

For more information, please visit www.maftf.org. Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #MAFTF.