The upcoming San Diego Latino Film Festival is celebrating 32 years of the storytelling heritage of Latino filmmakers. The festival will display different movie genres including both award-winning documentaries and influential independent films.
This festival creates chances for audiences to experience distinct storytelling and film-making methods. A combination of cultural elements and worldwide perspective defines the Latino cinema that will be witnessed through this festival.
Highlights
- Feature films, short films, and documentaries will be screened during the San Diego Latino Film Festival 2025 at two selected venues.
- Cultural performances and fundraiser workshops will demonstrate the artistic heritage of Latino people.
- Opening parties and closing night concerts will offer the ground for people to culminate the event with food, music, and dance.
A Festival to Celebrate Latino Cinema
Media Arts Center of San Diego at AMC Mission Valley and Digital Gym Cinema has announced this year’s San Diego Latino Film Festival. It is not just a film screening event but a tribute to creativity and culture.
Beyond these lineups, this festival is a connecting and networking space for filmmakers and film lovers to engage in meaningful conversations. People should join this event to reflect upon the diversity and depth of Latino cinema culture.
Schedule
The event will begin on Wednesday and Sunday will be the last day of the San Diego Latino Film Festival. On each day, different movie screenings and short performances are scheduled.
- March 19, 2025 – 4:30 pm to 8:45 pm.
- March 20, 2025 – 2 pm to 8:40 pm
- March 21, 2025 – 10 am to 9 pm
- March 22, 2025 – 9 am to 8:30 pm
- March 23, 2025 – 12:15 pm to 7:30 pm
For a detailed lineup of the shows, visit the website. In front of every screening or performance timing, the abbreviated form of venues is mentioned.
Passes
There are different types of passes available for attendees, and they include varying benefits.
- 5-Ticket Pack: $50
- Film Pass: $120
- Festival Pass: $200
- All Access VIP Pass: $300
- Industry Pass: $225 (for film and TV professionals, including filmmakers, artists, sales agents, buyers, producers, production executives, financiers, festival programmers, film commissioners, film publicists, and exhibitors)
- Student Pass: $100 (for students from high school and post-secondary institutions)
The detailed benefits of each pass are mentioned on the official page.
Opening Party
Start with a blast! (Source – sdlatinofilmfestival @instagram)
The grand San Diego Latino Film Festival will begin with an opening party. Radio Latina & Sycuan Casino’s night of art, music, and culture. Proceeds from this party benefit the Media Arts Center San Diego’s non-profit youth media arts education and exhibition programs.
The event lineup includes performances by famous Sonido Latino artists like Linda Owlen, Nicole McFly, Gaby y la Buena Onda, DJ NIAYUKU, and more.
Location: EL AFTER SOCIAL CLUB, 815 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Time: 8 pm – 12 am
Tickets:
- $10 Early Bird (Feb 1-15)
- $15 MACSD Member Rate (pre- and day of)
- $20 General Admin (Feb 16-18)
- $25 At the Door
Includes one free drink (until 10 pm)
Closing Night Concert
The festival will end with awards and treats (Source – sdlatinofilmfestival @instagram)
The proceeds of this part of the festival also go to non-profit programs. Meet and greets, red carpet, and award announcements will take place on the closing night.
This year, a new addition is there in the closing night concert. ‘Taste of Sabor’ is going to be a culinary adventure for guests featuring local and international chefs.
Featured Chefs:
- Chef Leticia Gonzalez “Chef Lety” (Brujas Cocina/Huerta Taco Stand)
- Chef Daniel Betancourt “Chef Danny” (Cafezzito, Tijuana)
- Chef Alejandro Aguayo “Chef Alex” (Jaguar Paw, Barrio Logan)
- Chef Nikolaus de la Riva “Chef Niko”(Torreyana, Hilton, La Jolla)
Location: The Forum – UC San Diego Park & Market, 1100 Market Street, 1st Floor, San Diego, CA 92101
Note: Limited $10 parking available at UC San Diego Park & Market (off 11th Street)
Date: Saturday, March 22, 2025
Time: 8:00 pm-12:00 am
Tickets:
- Early Bird (Feb 1-15): $25
- Member Rate: $30
- General Admission (Feb 16-March 21): $40
- At The Door / Day Of: $45
One free drink is included in the tickets.
Workshop
An opportunity to learn storytelling from the best (Source – sdlatinofilmfestival @instagram)
The workshop is a fundraiser where a famous filmmaker and editor, Robie Flores, will guide attendees through a story starter kit. It is a good opportunity to learn from a free in-depth masterclass.
Location: Digital Gym Cinema, 1100 Market St., 2nd Floor, San Diego, CA 92101
Date: March 22, 2025
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Information regarding booking one of the 40 slots and further details can be checked by interested people by filling out a form available on the site.
Arte Latino
There will be a gallery or festival lounge where Dj, snacks, and interviews will be held alongside art exhibitions. A part of it will be continued till April, the details about which can be found here.
Location: Mission Valley Mall, Suite #235, 1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
Date: March 19-23, 2025
Time: 4-9 pm (weekdays) | 1-9 pm (weekends)
Opening Reception on Friday, March 21, 7-10 pm
Anyone who has a knack for cinematography, drama, or influential storytelling should not miss this opportunity. The Latino Film Festival 2025 will be filled with an exciting lineup of films, performances, and entertainment to celebrate an unforgettable, vibrant event.
