The 10th Annual\u00a0Houston Latino Film Festival (HLFF)\u00a0returns\u00a0March 18\u201322, 2026\u00a0at Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston:\u00a0MATCH\u00a0Houston, marking a decade of uplifting Latino stories, artists, and communities through cinema.<\/p>\n
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This year\u2019s festival carries special meaning. What began as a three-day grassroots event in Houston\u2019s East End has grown into a multi-day cultural gathering that welcomes filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the region and beyond. The 2026 Festival will mark a decade of showcasing films that reflect the diversity, resilience, and creativity of Latino artists. The 10th-year slogan,\u00a0“\u00a1Houston, Aqu\u00ed Estamos!”\u00a0\u2014 underscores the Festival\u2019s mission to uplift emerging artists whose voices are often underrepresented in mainstream media.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we started this, there wasn\u2019t really a place that was featuring consistent Latino storytelling,\u201d said\u00a0Pedro Rivas, HLFF Program Director. \u201cQuickly we saw how vital the significance of having Latino representation was in our community, and presenting this opportunity to audiences allowed the Houston Latino Film Festival to grow while staying grounded in its original mission.”<\/p>\n
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\u201cOver the last ten years, what\u2019s made HLFF special is the collaboration between filmmakers, musicians, and visual artists,\u201d said\u00a0David Cortez, HLFF Operations Director. \u201cAdding performing and visual arts components isn\u2019t an add-on\u2014it\u2019s a recognition that Latino stories are expressed in many forms. Bringing those disciplines together deepens the audience experience and strengthens the creative community we\u2019ve built here in Houston.\u201d<\/p>\n
“Reaching our 10th anniversary is a testament to the power of community and the unwavering belief in the importance of Latino storytelling,” adds\u00a0DaveCebrero Ortega, HLFF Festival Director. “We look forward to honoring the filmmakers, artists, volunteers, community partners, and supporters who have helped build this Festival over the past decade.\u201d<\/p>\n
HLFF is dedicated to fostering storytelling from featured artists and creators from Texas, Latin America, Spanish-speaking countries globally, and beyond, as well as the generations they have inspired. The festival has served as a powerful place for filmmakers, community partners, appreciators and supporters over the past decade.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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The full 2026 program will include premieres, feature-length films of all genres, documentaries, short film programs, discussion panels, filmmaking workshops, musical performances and more from emerging and established artists.\u00a0 Audiences can also expect special guest filmmaker Q&As, industry conversations, and community-centered events that celebrate a decade legacy while spotlighting the next generation of Latino filmmakers and creatives.<\/p>\n
Inside the 2026 Program:<\/p>\n
For updates, announcements, and ticket information, visit\u00a0houstonlatinofilmfestival.org<\/a>\u00a0and follow HLFF on social media;\u00a0Instagram<\/a>,\u00a0FB<\/a>, & @houstonlatinofilmfestival<\/p>\n