Jeff Aquino has a background in film production and holds a bachelor’s degree from UCSC. Coming from an immigrant background, he is currently working as a Technical Associate for the Latino Film Institute | Youth Cinema Project. In this role, he is dedicated to harnessing his passion for storytelling to empower underprivileged youth through the art of filmmaking.
ABOUT
- LFI Staff
Jeff Aquino
Technology Associate
Fun Facts
What’s the one movie you could watch a million times and never get tired of, and why?
A movie I could watch a million times and never get tired of is Forrest Gump. I like the trip through history it takes me to, and how it shows that good intentions more than innate talent, smarts, or connections, can lead to great things.
If you could instantly become an expert in anything, what would it be?
If I could instantly be an expert in something, it would probably be mechanical engineering. I really enjoy tinkering with my hands and could usually put back together anything I take apart but I’d love to get to the point of making my own electronics.
MORE NEWS
The Latino Film Institute (LFI) today announced the launch of the LFI Futuro XR: 360° Video Lab, a five-month fellowship designed to train storytellers in the art and technology of immersive 360° filmmaking while amplifying stories rooted in the Latino experience.
For the past couple of years, producer Simone Kirlew has been a steady creative force behind the Youth Cinema Project Alumni Fellowship films, serving as producer mentor for the program’s last two alumni productions while acting as a vital link between the Latino Film Institute and each production team. Beyond nurturing the fellows’ creative vision, she oversaw the coordination that allowed each film to come to life, managing logistics, schedules, and on-the-ground production needs with precision and care.
For Miguel Angel Caballero, storytelling has always been about community, both the one he comes from and the one he is helping build. As producer mentor for the 2026 YCP Alumni Fellowship, he brings more than 15 years of experience producing, writing, and directing films that move audiences while opening doors for others to step behind the camera.