PROGRAMS
THE LOS ANGELES LATINO INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is the premier international event dedicated to reveling in the Latino human experience through film, television, animation, music, gaming, technology arts, visual art, or any form of expression that defies category.
LALIFF 2026 celebrates its 25th edition, marking a quarter-century of sharing stories from the Latino perspective and bringing culturally significant cinema to audiences in Los Angeles and beyond. This milestone reflects decades of commitment to nurturing talent, showcasing authentic voices, and connecting communities through the power of storytelling.
Now in its second year as an Academy Award®–qualifying festival, LALIFF offers winners of the Best U.S. Latino Live Action Short and Best U.S. Latino Animated Short categories eligibility for Oscar® consideration.
OUR WHY
COMMUNITY UNITY
Our foremost commitment is to the community.
BEACON OF EXCELLENCE
We stand as a model of excellence for our community and organization.
CINEMA FOR ALL
We champion the belief that the film industry is for all and by all, embracing everyone, not just the privileged.
INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP & INNOVATION
Our role isn’t just to serve the industry, but to lead it and innovate it.
EMPOWERING BELIEF
We are the steadfast believers in the potential of individuals in our communities, offering unwavering support and encouragement.
PATHWAYS TO OPPORTUNITY
We open doors to tangible opportunities and built from strong education and training.
COLLECTIVE ELEVATION
Together, we uplift and inspire each other.
DEDICATION TO PERSEVERANCE
Our resolve is unwavering.
COMMITMENT TO RESOLVE
We focus on real, measurable impact through concrete solutions, beyond mere words or promises.
AUTHENTICITY
Our authenticity is rooted in true representation of our community, shunning false images, empty promises, or aimless initiatives.
OUR HISTORY
LALIFF was founded in 1997 when Edward James Olmos and co-founders Marlene Dermer (1997-2014), Kirk Whisler and the late George Hernandez joined forces with the City of Los Angeles to form the first-ever Latino focused international film festival. Recognized for its discovery of emerging Latino talent, LALIFF has been home to first films by Academy Award-winning directors, Guillermo del Toro, Alfonso Cuaron, Alejandro G. Iñarritu, and Pablo Larrain, as well as home to the first films by Golden Globe-winning actresses, Gina Rodriguez and America Ferrera.
Throughout its history, LALIFF has bestowed the Gabriel Figueroa Lifetime Achievement Award to such industry icons as, Raul Julia, Pedro Almodovar, Carlos Saura, Maria Felix, Anthony Quinn, Nelson Pereira dos Santos, Federico Luppi, Rita Moreno, Ricardo Montalban, Antonio Banderas, Ignacio Lopez Tarso, Gustavo Santaolalla and, of course, Gabriel Figueroa himself.
The LALIFF Youth Program, a screen education program that took place at the festival, set the groundwork for what would eventually become the statewide, public school educational program known as, the Youth Cinema Project.
