This inaugural festival celebrates the national America 250 initiative which commemorates and celebrates the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence through local events, shared experiences, and opportunities to reflect on the country’s past and future. The Dallas Latino Film Festival aims to showcase compelling short films that highlight Latino experiences, perspectives, and artistic innovation.

Selected films will be screened at the Latino Cultural Center as part of a curated program featuring filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions with industry professionals, and networking opportunities for creatives and audiences alike.

As the film industry continues to expand throughout Texas and the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex, the Dallas Latino Film Festival hopes to serve as a platform where new voices are discovered, stories are celebrated, and filmmakers can connect with the broader creative community.

We welcome submissions from filmmakers of all backgrounds whose work explores themes of culture, identity, community, and storytelling.

Awards & Prizes

Selected films will be screened during the Dallas Latino Film Festival at the Latino Cultural Center in Dallas, Texas.

Awards may include:

Best Short Film

Best Director

Best Cinematography

Best Story / Screenplay

Audience Choice Award

Winners will receive an official festival laurel, recognition on the Latino Cultural Center’s media platforms, and potential opportunities to participate in post-screening discussions or panels with festival audiences.

Additional prizes or recognitions may be announced as partnerships and sponsorships are confirmed.

Rules & Terms

Runtime must be between 4 and 16 minutes in length (including any credits).

All genres are welcome, including narrative, comedy, documentary, animation, and experimental films.

Films may be submitted from anywhere in the United States; stories that highlight Latino experiences or perspectives are encouraged.

Films must be submitted through the festival’s FilmFreeway page.

Submissions must be the original work of the filmmaker, and the submitter must hold all necessary rights and permissions.

If selected, filmmakers grant the festival permission to screen their film during the event and to use excerpts or still images for promotional purposes.

Non-English language films must include English subtitles.

The festival reserves the right to determine eligibility and final selection of films.

Submission fees are non-refundable.

Selected filmmakers will be notified prior to the festival with screening details and event information.