Festival Data:

• Established: 1996
• Genre: General
• Attendance: 18000
• Media Attendance: 157
• Total Number of Films Submitted: 250
• Total Number of Films Screened: 137
• # of Shorts Screened: 35
• # of Features Screened: 102
• Accreditations: AMPAS

• Competitive
• Has Panels
• Has Seminars

Festival Website:

Festival Description:

Founded in 1996 by independent producers Marlene Dermer and George Hernandez and actor, filmmaker, and activist Edward James Olmos, the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival's (LALIFF) is a prominent venue for exhibition of the best of Latin cinema and artistry from the United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal. LALIFF's mission is to showcase and nurture existing and emerging creative Latino talent while serving as a springboard and catalyst for the promotion of Latin films and filmmakers.

LALIFF promotes the richness and diversity of the Latino culture through the exhibition of feature films, shorts, and documentaries by both established and emerging Latino directors, producers, writers, and actors. The films presented at the festival showcase the diversity of the Latino culture. A competitive festival, LALIFF is recognized by the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Science as a qualifying festival for its awards in the Short Film category.

The festival creates a bridge between Hollywood and independent filmmakers, as well as nurture existing and emerging creative talent. The festival serves as a springboard and catalyst for the promotion & distribution of Latino films & awareness for the artistry.

The Industry Office facilitates meetings and keeps a video library for Hollywood executives. LALIFF also offers industry workshops, panels, labs, networking receptions, educational programs, and hosts some of the best galas in tinsel town to maximize a filmmaker's exposure to buyers and distributors.

LALIFF established the LALIFF Collection at the Academy Film Archive, which is open to the public and includes film titles presented at past year’s festivals.  At the beginning of 2006, LALIFF announced the creation of the Latino International Film Institute (LIFI), dedicated to mentor, develop, and support Latino filmmakers with independent and diverse visions in the United States and internationally; to provide an outlet and distribution opportunities; and to support the development and further education of school children from elementary to junior college in the United States.

Film Submissions:

• Accepts direct submissions