LATINO FILM INSTITUTE ANNOUNCES FIFTH COHORT OF LFI SPARK ANIMATION FELLOWSHIP
Five Emerging Animation Filmmakers Selected for Fellowship Supported by Netflix
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 29, 2026 – Latino Film Institute (LFI) today announced the fifth cohort of the LFI Spark Animation Fellowship, one of the organization’s signature programs designed to support emerging animation filmmakers. Supported by Netflix, the fellowship provides financial support, mentorship, and industry guidance to help filmmakers develop and complete original animated short films.
Since its launch, the LFI Spark Animation Fellowship has helped cultivate a growing community of animation storytellers whose work reflects the breadth, creativity, and innovation of voices across the industry. Fellows receive $30,000, mentorship from industry professionals, and access to a series of workshops and panels designed to support every stage of the filmmaking process.
The 2026-2027 cohort was selected based on the artistic merit of their projects, the originality of their creative vision, and their potential to contribute new perspectives to the animation landscape. This year’s fellows are:
- Juan Luis Bravo
- Julisse Marie Tinoco
- Maria Antonia Jaramillo
- Miguel Rodrick
- Tyler Muñoz
“Over the past five years, the LFI Spark Animation Fellowship, which is sponsored by Netflix, has grown into a space where emerging animation artists can develop bold, original stories and strengthen their creative voices,” said Diana Cadavid, Director of Industry Programs at LFI. “This year’s cohort reflects an extraordinary range of perspectives, and we’re proud to support them as they bring their projects to life.”
About the Fellows
Juan Luis Bravo is a writer, director, and storyboard artist whose work explores relationships, community, and the beauty of everyday life. A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, he has contributed to projects for Disney, Marvel Animation, Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures, and LEGO Dreamzzz. He recently completed the Fred Rogers Writers Fellowship in preschool television writing.
Julisse Marie Tinoco is a Puerto Rican animator whose work spans television, documentaries, music videos, public service campaigns, and short films. A graduate of the School of Visual Arts, her credits include Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and the Sundance award-winning documentary TheyDream. She is passionate about championing diverse stories and expanding representation through animation.
Maria Antonia Jaramillo is a Colombian storyboard artist and filmmaker whose work is rooted in magical realism, emotionally resonant characters, and personal storytelling. A 2025 graduate of California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), she previously participated in the Story Internship Program at Walt Disney Animation Studios and has worked with several South American animation companies.
Miguel Rodrick is an Oscar-qualified filmmaker whose latest short film, No Vacancy, won the top animation prize at LALIFF and was nominated for Animation of the Year by Short of the Week. Originally from Colombia, Rodrick has screened work at more than fifty film festivals worldwide and has served as a creative director and motion designer for global brands including Google, Elastic, and Squarespace.
Tyler Muñoz is a Latino and Filipino American filmmaker and animation producer from Southern California. A graduate of California State University, Long Beach, he has directed award-screening animated shorts, contributed to community arts initiatives, and worked on projects including Pacific Asian Counseling Services’ #StopTheHate campaign and Visual Communications’ Armed With a Camera Fellowship-supported film Hugs and Kisses. He is currently developing This Must Be Heaven, an animated sci-fi story exploring identity, loss, community, and love.
The official 2026-2027 LFI Spark Animation Fellowship cohort graphic is available for download here, and individual fellow headshots are available here.
About Latino Film Institute (LFI)
The Latino Film Institute (LFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering storytellers and creators and advancing innovation in the entertainment, tech, arts, and media industries. Through its signature programs, including the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), LFI Scholar & Policy, LFI Spotlight, and LFI Fellowships. LFI provides transformative opportunities and resources to foster Latino talent and voices in media.
For more information on LFI, visit www.latinofilm.org.
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Media Contact:
Loraine Valverde – Latino Film Institute
VP of Communications