GLAFF Celebrates 15 Years of Amplifying Latin American and BIPOC Voices in Cinema
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The GuadaLAjara Film Festival (GLAFF) concluded its 15th edition at The Linwood Dunn Theater in Los Angeles, California, from November 6 to 8, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a new generation of Latin American, Latinx, and BIPOC filmmakers. The festival served as a vital bridge between Mexican, American, and Latin American cinema, championing diverse storytelling and the transformative power of film.
A Legacy of Cultural Exchange and Empowerment
GLAFF, a sister festival to the International Film Festival in Guadalajara (FICG) and a key program of the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA, underscored the importance of uniting cultures through the art of filmmaking. According to a senior official, “We have worked very hard during these 15 years… This festival is for all those who understand that beyond nationalities, beyond languages, what makes us common and what unites us is artistic expression – culture, which is the language of the human being.”
The festival’s director, Ximena Urrutia, expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to its success, including volunteers, sponsors, filmmakers, actors, and the enthusiastic audiences who attended over ten screenings, including the opening film, Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro. “Thank you to all of you who fill our room today and who filled our rooms throughout these three days of the festival,” Urrutia stated, acknowledging the collective effort that brought GLAFF to life.
Industry Leaders Converge to Support Emerging Talent
The closing ceremony drew prominent figures from the film industry and academia, including Carlos González Gutiérrez, Consul General of Mexico in Los Angeles; Luis Gustavo Padilla Montes, President of the University of Guadalajara Foundation USA; Daniela Yoffe Zonana, head of the General Coordination of Cultural Extension and Diffusion of the UdeG; Estrella Araiza Briseño, General Director of the FICG; and Alejandro Tavares, Director of Filma Jalisco.
This year’s edition also featured a master class led by actor Danny Trejo at the Yuuhaviatam Event Center at Arizona State University in Los Angeles, where he shared insights into his career and the filmmaking process.
WIP Latino Competition Fuels Future Projects
A cornerstone of GLAFF’s mission is supporting the development of Latin American film projects. The winners of the WIP Latino competition were announced, receiving crucial support to advance their work:
- Cluster: Mount Diablo
- Special Mention: I’m going to be
- Pablo Mondragón + Scriptsounding: I’m going to be
- Non Stop: I’m going to be
- Apix: Dear Fatima
- Hotbed: Mount Diablo
- Special Mention: Dear Fatima
- Marble Studio: Siblings
- Marketing Movie Runner: No Money, No Honey
- Special Mention: Dear Fatima
- Benuca Films: I’m going to be
- Egeda Mexico Award: I’m going to be
- Grant GLAFF: Mount Diablo
Celebrating Trailblazers and the Power of Documentary Film
The festival honored Mexican actress and activist Yalitza Aparicio with the Trailblazer Tree of Life Award, recognizing her dedication to gender equality and the rights of indigenous peoples. The award celebrates her authentic voice and commitment to community empowerment.
The closing night screening featured the documentary Move Ya Body: The Birth of House, directed by Elegance Bratton and produced by Roger Ross Williams. Vanessa Pérez, Executive Producer of GLAFF, emphasized the importance of community building through cinema, explaining that the film was selected to “bring joy to the community and also understand that we share experiences across cultures and cinema.” The documentary chronicles the story of Vince Lawrence and the origins of house music, a genre born from a defiant response to anti-disco sentiment.
Another highlight of GLAFF XV was a post-screening Q&A session with Guadalajara filmmaker Guillermo del Toro following a showing of Vainilla, directed by Mayra Hermosillo.
As GLAFF concludes its 15th year, it reaffirms its vital role in championing diverse voices and fostering a more inclusive and vibrant cinematic landscape. “.
