New York Latino Film Festival Celebrates 25 Years of Amplifying Latino Voices in Cinema
The New York Latino Film Festival marks its 25th anniversary with an ambitious lineup of 120 films from 15 countries, highlighting the festival's enduring role in championing Latino storytelling and representation in the entertainment industry.
The New York Latino Film Festival (NYLFF) celebrates its 25th anniversary September 13-21, 2025, with a weeklong showcase of film, music, and culture. The nation's premier Latino film festival will screen 120 films from 15 countries at Regal Union Square, along with a special presentation at United Palace. This milestone underscores the festival's significant impact on Latino representation in cinema and its role in creating space for diverse voices in the entertainment industry.
As part of its milestone festivities, NYLFF will present an encore screening of Girlfight, followed by a post-screening Q&A and full cast reunion. Karyn Kusama's Sundance-winning debut—starring Michelle Rodriguez as a fierce Brooklyn teenager who defies expectations to pursue boxing—honors the festival's roots and mission to champion bold Latino storytelling. Rodriguez, who made her screen debut in Girlfight and won the Independent Spirit and Gotham Awards for Best Debut Performance, will also receive NYLFF's Impact Award in recognition of her influential legacy and representation of Latinos in film.
This year's festival officially opens with the Sundance Award-Winning film Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, Dile Que No Soy Malo), a gritty Bronx tale of young love, hustle, and community directed by Joel Vargas and starring Juan Collado and Destiny Checo. Presented by Amazon MGM Studios, the weeklong celebration culminates with a free block party in Quisqueya Plaza, featuring a live performance by 2x Latin Grammy nominee J Noa. For more information, visit www.nylatinofilmfestival.com.
Festival founder Calixto Chinchilla emphasized the personal significance of this milestone, stating that it celebrates the people, stories, and culture that have shaped the organization. Since the beginning, NYLFF has fought to create a space where Latino voices are seen, heard, and valued, representing a testament to the community's resilience, creativity, and power. The festival's continued growth reflects the entertainment industry's increasing recognition of Latino storytelling's commercial and cultural importance.
Warner Bros. Discovery returns as the presenting sponsor, having been the founding sponsor since day one. Dennis Williams, SVP and Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Warner Bros. Discovery, noted the company's pride in celebrating the richness of Latino filmmaking with its audiences and community. The festival also receives support from the NYC Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, with Commissioner Pat Swinney Kaufman highlighting NYLFF's role in the city's celebration of Latino Heritage Month and its diverse programming representing several countries.
This year's lineup includes feature films, documentaries, and shorts from the United States, the Caribbean, and Latin America, showcasing the breadth and depth of Latino cinematic talent. The festival's programming demonstrates the evolving landscape of Latino storytelling, from traditional narratives to innovative digital content, reflecting both cultural heritage and contemporary experiences.