PROGRAMS
LFI SPARK ANIMATION FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION
The LFI Spark Animation Fellowship, presented by the Latino Film Institute and sponsored by Netflix, is a program that supports emerging and independent animation filmmakers and artists towards the production of animated short films told from the Latino perspective.
This year the program will award five visionary artists a grant of $30,000 each. Fellows receive mentorship and strategic industry connections while working within a studio-like system that supports skill development and career advancement.
The completed films will have a special screening at the 2027 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF).
Minimum Requirements:
- At least 21 years of age or older at the time of application
- Filmmakers must tell stories from a Latino perspective
- Applicants must live and be allowed to work in the U.S.
- Applicants cannot be enrolled in an academic institution and the project cannot be considered a student project, thesis, etc.
- Applicants must have completed at least one short film with film festival recognition, but not yet have completed a feature film. Additionally, applicants can qualify by demonstrating experience as an artist, editor, or writer with at least one credit in an animated series or feature film.
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Ahead of LALIFF, we spoke with Diana Cadavid, who oversees the festival’s programming and leads LFI’s Industry Programs, about her path from Colombia to the international festival circuit and what continues to shape her approach to film.
Milestone 25th Edition of LALIFF Confirms Opening Night Film Valentina, Unveils Artwork, Expands Ticket Model, and Names Nava Mau as Head of Features Jury
The Latino Film Institute (LFI) today unveiled the official artwork and expanded ticketing model for the milestone 25th edition of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), taking place May 27–31, 2026, in Hollywood at the historic TCL Chinese Theatres.
Marcella Ochoa: Interview
Filmmaker Marcella Ochoa, founder of 8A Entertainment, has built a career telling stories that center Latino voices and explore bold social themes through genre. From co-writing the Blumhouse feature Madres to mentoring emerging storytellers through LALIFF and the Youth Cinema Project, Ochoa is as committed to the next generation as she is to her own craft.
