The 32nd annual San Diego Latino Film Festival

(SDLFF) ended with audiences wanting more. “I wasn’t able to get to all the movies I wanted to see,” a moviegoer in line said to me. I wish they ran the movies more times!”  The backdrop for the event was created by artists working in several mediums. Learn more about Arte Latino and the artists showing throughout the festival run.

A lot of content filled the five days of this year’s festival. The inspiration for content this year was colored by one of this year’s special guests. Award-winning film director Gregory Nava set the tone when he said, “There is No Wall That Can Hold Back a Dream.” 12 showcases comprised this years offerings they were: Films in Competition, Spotlight Showcase, Frontera Filmmakers, Somos LGBTIQA+, Hay Que Reirse,  Un Mundo Extrano, Hechoen U.S.A., ¡Viva Mujeres!, Raices, Tribute, Youth Visions, and Special Screenings.

The special showcase for the Raquel Welch documentary “I am Raquel” had Gregory Nava who was interviewed for the documentary, doing a Q and A about his friendship with Raquel both on and off the set. The award-winning director also appeared with civil rights icon Dolores Huerta for the 40th anniversary screening of “El Norte.” This Academy Award-nominated film was inducted into the Library of Congress. The film about the journey of 2 Guatemalan siblings forced to leave their homeland is still pertinent today. Dolores Huerta was on stage after the film as well, answering questions; it’s apparent she directs her life to change the dynamic that is seen in the film. Mr. Nava told the audience of his new Documentary about Dolores Huerta is in the making. He shared that making this documentary illustrates the individual power everyone has. “If a person focuses on making the world a better place… The world in fact, will be better.” The excited response to his present project was palpable.

The Festival’s soundscape was bookended with opening and closing night parties, check out Sonido Latino!

Closing out the Festival was the South Western College  screening of “American Agitators” a documentary that breaks down how collective action can improve lives. The director Raymond Telles and Dolores Huerta, who was interviewed for the film, fielded questions after the screening, bringing an end to a fun-filled action packed five days!