The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is set to ignite the summer movie scene with its five-day showcase dedicated to U.S. Latino experiences and a vast array of productions from Latin America.
Running from [insert dates], the festival serves as a crucial platform for Los Angeles audiences to engage with stories that often go unseen in mainstream cinema.
Kicking off the festivities is the highly anticipated documentary “ASCO: Without Permission,” which shines a light on the influential Chicano art collective from the 1970s, produced by Gael García Bernal.
In addition to the opening film, several titles that premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival will also feature prominently at LALIFF.
Among them are the satire “Serious People,” which serves as the festival’s closing night film, and “Mad Bills to Pay (or Destiny, dile que no soy malo),” a poignant Bronx tale following a young father’s struggles to keep his head above water.
Also highlighted is “Rains Over Babel,” a Colombian queer ensemble film exploring themes of identity through the unique narrative of an otherworldly bar.
For those looking to navigate this year’s selections, here are ten must-see films from the fest.
“42nd Street,” directed by José María Cabral, ventures into the heart of Dominican urban culture, exploring the vibrant dembow music scene and the complex realities of “teteo,” or endless parties.
Narrated by the spirit of a local producer, Zuamy, this docufiction captures the essence of the communities involved in this rich musical movement, balancing a narrative that includes perspectives from law enforcement tasked with managing the challenges surrounding it.
In “Beloved Tropic,” Chilean actress Paulina García delivers a remarkable performance as Mechi, an aging woman grappling with dementia.
The film, directed by Ana Endara Mislov, explores the delicate relationship between Mechi and Ana Maria, a pregnant Colombian immigrant, revealing the tender and poignant dynamics of care and connection.
“Brownsville Bred,” an autobiographical film adapted from Elaine Del Valle’s novel and stage play, captures the complexity of growing up in Brownsville, Brooklyn, through the eyes of Elaine, played by Nathalia Lares.
The film navigates the dualities of joy and hardship in a disadvantaged neighborhood, illustrating Elaine’s coming of age against the backdrop of her loving yet flawed father.
“Espina” presents an engaging narrative told through the lens of Jonathan Benaim, a disabled Venezuelan man who embarks on a journey of revenge with the help of his chaperone Angela and driver Eduardo.
This irreverent tale blends dark humor and societal commentary, challenging perceptions of disability and creating a unique narrative experience.
“Papá Melissa” offers a candid look at a non-conforming family in Mexico City, focusing on Melisa Hackerman, a charismatic trans woman, and her life with five children and her partner Claudia.
Through its captivating visuals and connection to Indigenous traditions, the film explores the intricacies of their family dynamics amid differing ideologies about gender and parenthood.
Set in La Raya, Oaxaca, “La Raya” is a magical realism-infused story depicting young Zapotec Indigenous people longing to migrate to the U.S. for a better life.
The narrative centers on Sotera, a savvy girl whose journey with her friend Erick takes unexpected turns upon discovering a mysterious refrigerator that becomes a catalyst for change.
“Olivia & the Clouds” employs a whimsical mixed-media animation style to explore the memories of an elderly woman, integrating her reflections on love and her relationship with her adult son.
The film showcases a mastery of techniques, combining hand-drawn characters and stop-motion to create a visually stunning narrative grounded in personal and universal themes.
In a hauntingly effective horror film, “Shaman” depicts the clash between Christianity and pre-Columbian traditions in a rural Ecuadorian village.
Candice, a white American woman, finds herself confronting the shaman who holds the key to the village’s spiritual knowledge, forcing her to confront both personal and cultural complexities.
“Trans Los Angeles” is an anthology film comprising three separate stories centering on trans experiences, featuring characters navigating the realities of life in a city often portrayed as a destination for the privileged.
Filmmaker Kase Peña sheds light on working-class trans lives as they engage with their world, using public transport and facing societal challenges head-on.
Finally, the documentary “Uvalde Mom” reveals the harrowing story of Angeli Rose Gomez, a farmworker who heroically rescued her sons during the tragic Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, 2022.
The film serves as both a portrait of maternal bravery and a critique of the systemic neglect faced by the local Mexican American community, spotlighting the town’s complex social landscape following the tragedy.
With this impressive lineup, the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival promises to be a enriching cultural event highlighting diverse voices and narratives from the Latino community.
Audiences can look forward to a celebration of cinema that both entertains and sparks meaningful conversations.
For more information on screenings and events, festival-goers can visit the LALIFF website.
image source from：https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-05-27/laliff-2025-uvalde-mom-trans-los-angeles-brownsville-bred
