The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival will open with the timely dramedy “Valentina,” from emerging filmmaker Tatti Ribeiro, starring Keyla Monterroso Mejia and executive produced by Jessica Alba and Tracey Nyberg.
Set against the backdrop of the busiest U.S.-Mexico border crossing, the film follows Valentina (Mejia, a breakout performer from “One of Them Days,” “The Studio” and “Abbott Elementary”) as she navigates parking tickets, odd jobs and the instability of gig work. Ribeiro’s feature directorial debut is a blend of comedy and documentary, a synopsis of the project explains, with the Independent Spirit Award-winning filmmaker incorporating “real-life news footage and political interviews alongside a cinéma vérité approach to capture the complexities of coming of age in a border town.” The project is executive produced by Alba and Nyberg for their Lady Metalmark banner (“Trigger Warning,” “The Mark”).
The milestone 25th edition of LALIFF will take place May 27-31 at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. Over the last quarter century, the film festival — one of the Latino Film Institute’s signature programs — has put the spotlight on culturally focused storytelling by platforming actors, filmmakers and industry pioneers, including Edward James Olmos, Guillermo del Toro, Eva Longoria, Diego Luna and America Ferrera.
This year, Emmy nominee and Independent Spirit Award winner Nava Mau (“Baby Reindeer,” “Generation”) will serve as the head of the features jury. The actor, filmmaker and advocate’s appointment underscores LALIFF’s commitment to “prioritize distinct voices and new perspectives shaping the future of film and TV.” The closing night selection, the festival’s centerpiece screening, and special presentations will be revealed with the complete schedule next month.
“The 25th edition is about honoring where we started while continuing to evolve the festival experience,” stated Axel Caballero, CEO of LFI. “From the artwork to the jury leadership to the expanded access points for audiences, this year reflects both legacy and momentum. The future es Latino.”
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. This year, LALIFF will also introduce the Adelante Award for Industry, a prize honoring individuals whose contributions have created lasting impact and opportunity within the entertainment landscape. The award joins the existing Adelante Award for Education.
Also new, the festival will offer ticket bundles (ranging from 6 to 12 tickets) to give audiences the flexibility to attend multiple screenings at a reduced rate compared to individual tickets. All ticket bundles and all access passes are now on sale through the festival’s official website.
“With our expanded ticketing model, we’re creating more ways for audiences to engage with the festival during this milestone year,” said Diana Cadavid, director of industry programs at LFI. “Whether attending select screenings, joining conversations and networking events, or attending multiple screenings throughout the festival, LALIFF is designed to bring people together around discovery, connection, and the shared experience of these films.”
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