EVENT | 32nd San Diego Latino Film Festival ( March 19-23)
For over three decades, the San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) has served as a vital platform for storytelling, uniting filmmakers, artists, and audiences in a celebration of Latino culture’s richness and diversity. The Media Arts Center San Diego, a non-profit organization, presents and produces this annual event.
Established 32 years ago, the San Diego Latino Film Festival will be held from March 19 to 23, 2025, at AMC Mission Valley (1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108) and Digital Gym CINEMA (1100 Market St, San Diego, CA 92101). This year’s festival, inspired by the words of guest and local filmmaking legend Gregory Nava, proclaims, “There is No Wall That Can Hold Back a Dream.” Through the magic of cinema, “Cine Sin Fronteras” takes us on an extraordinary journey.
EXCLUSIVE FESTIVAL OFFER FOR Hispanic Lifestyle friends and colleagues
50% discount code for the CLOSING PARTY/CONCERT. For GA and DAY of tickets only. Go to link https://sdlff2025.eventive.org/schedule/67a25b3bae29d3f8eb19b080 and then upon check out, type in the code lifestyle
Only $9 to see a movie – Go to link https://sdlff2025.eventive.org/schedule – upon check out, type in the code hispanic
For the complete schedule of events and activities, visit their website at https://sdlatinofilm.com
What began as a small student film festival in 1994 has grown into one of the most respected Latino film festivals in the country, showcasing the best in Chicano, Latinx, and Latin American filmmaking. This year’s lineup features over 100+ films, spanning drama, comedy, documentary, animation, and classic works. Each film offers a unique perspective on identity, family, history, and the ever-evolving Latino experience.Among the festival’s special tributes, Paulina García will be honored with the USA premiere of Querido Trópico (Beloved Tropic), a poignant tale of an upper-class woman battling dementia and her caretaker, an immigrant burdened by a painful secret.
The festival also posthumously celebrates long-time San Diego resident and Hollywood Latina icon Raquel Welch with I Am Raquel Welch, a documentary produced by CW Network exploring how Welch redefined Hollywood glamour and pioneered the action heroine role.One of Latino cinema’s most powerful stories, Gregory Nava’s El Norte, returns in a restored version, following Mayan siblings fleeing violence in Guatemala in search of the American Dream. Civil rights leader Dolores Huerta joins Nava for a special Q&A, reflecting on the film’s enduring impact and the ongoing fight for justice in Latino communities.
“More than ever we need to amplify our voices and support the production and exhibition of authentic Frontera/Latinx stories,” says Maria Paula Lorgia, Artistic Director of SDLFF. “Join us in celebration and as a call to action as we gather to promote Latino stories and nuestra cultura.”
Beyond the screen, SDLFF 2025 elevates the festival experience with exclusive, high-caliber cultural events that celebrate Latino artistry in its finest forms. This year, the festival kicks off with “Sonido Latino” on Opening Night, featuring an electrifying lineup of Latin music artists. The celebration continues with the Arte Latino experience, spanning the five-day event at the “Festival Hub” at Mission Valley Mall and a curated exhibition at Digital Gym CINEMA, showcasing Latino artistry and creativity. The festival culminates with a concert featuring a 14-piece all women Salsa band and “A Taste of Sabor” on Closing Night, a premier culinary and music showcase highlighting award-winning Latino chefs and the bold flavors of the Americas.
The San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) is presented and produced by Media Arts Center San Diego, is a non-profit organization. Media Arts Center San Diego’s San Diego Latino Film Festival was established 32 years ago initially as a student film festival (Cine Estudantil) focusing on works by Latinos and/or about the Latino Experience. Since that time, the San Diego Latino Film Festival has developed into one of the larger and well-respected Latino film festivals in the world. Over 350,000 people have attended during the past 31 years and over 4,020 films/videos from across Latin America and the United States have been screened.
