Los Angeles ⁢Latino International Film⁣ Festival Announces 2025 Award Winners

updated June 01,​ 2025

The Latino Film Institute (LFI) revealed⁢ the winners of the Los Angeles latino International Film Festival​ (LALIFF) 2025 on Saturday. The awards recognized outstanding ‍achievements in U.S. Latino film, animation, and episodic content. A closing night reception at The Kookaburra Lounge in Ovation Hollywood capped off the five-day ⁢event, which featured ​more than 90 films and 18 world premieres.

LALIFF, now in its 24th year, remains a key platform for Latino creative expression. This year’s festival included screenings at the TCL Chinese​ Theatres, the Egyptian Theatre Hollywood, and ⁢Regal L.A. Live. Musical performances, comedy shows, and‌ an expanded Industry Forum with networking and masterclasses were also featured.

The festival commenced with the ‍documentary “ASCO: Without Permission” and concluded with the feature ​film “Serious People.” The Youth Cinema Project also presented nearly 300 student films.

In an effort to further support Latino ​storytellers, LALIFF introduced the Adelante Award. Raul Maldonado, superintendent of the Palmdale School District, was the first recipient, honored for his dedication to supporting future filmmakers.

During the opening night, Los Angeles muralist Robert vargas created a live painting, celebrating the city’s Latino heritage. Vargas, known for works like “Shohei Ohtani / LA Rising” and the mural “Angelus,” added an artistic touch that highlighted the festival’s dedication to community and identity.

Axel Caballero, CEO of the Latino Film Institute, stated that this year’s festival demonstrated the vibrant⁢ creativity and storytelling talent within the Latino community. He⁤ added that the⁣ diverse films⁢ and passionate voices not only‌ entertained but also sparked ⁣important conversations.

LALIFF 2025 Award Winners:

LFI 2025 Spark Animation Fellowship
Sponsored⁢ by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity
Five U.S.-based Latino animators each received⁤ $30,000 to support their⁤ original animated short films:

• 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
Two filmmakers were ⁤awarded $20,000 each for post-production support:

• “Cancúncito,” written and directed by​ Carlos Alejandro Marulanda and Isael Gutierrez

Best U.S. Episodic Short
Presented by Disney Entertainment

• Winner: “Born 2 Lose,” directed⁢ by Carlos Cardona — $4,000 cash ​prize
  Jury members included executives from National Geographic, Onyx Collective, Hulu, FX‍ and Disney ⁤Branded Television.

Best U.S. Latino⁣ Animated Short Film
Presented by the Latino Film Institute

• Winner: “No Vacancy,” ⁣directed by Miguel Rodrick — $4,000 cash prize
• Special Jury Mention: “As⁤ If the Earth Had⁣ Swallowed Them Up,” directed by Natalia León
  The jury featured creatives from Taller del Chucho, Sony Pictures Animation and leading storyboard artists.

Best U.S. Latino Live​ Action Short
Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo

• Winner: “Beyond (Más Allá),”⁣ directed‌ by Bettina López Mendoza ‍— $4,000 cash prize

Best U.S.Latina Director of a Live Action ‌Short
Presented ​by Comcast​ NBCUniversal telemundo

• Winner: “There’s a devil Inside Me,” directed by Karina‌ Lomelin ‍Ripper⁢ — $4,000 cash prize

Achievement in Original Music Driven Film

• Winner: “Brownsville Bred,” directed​ by ‌Elaine‌ del Valle

What’s ​next

The Latino Film Institute is expected to announce plans for next year’s⁤ Los Angeles Latino International‌ Film Festival in the coming months, continuing its mission to​ showcase and‍ support Latino filmmakers and storytellers.