The Latino & Native American Film Festival (LANAFF) –15th Anniversary
The Latino & Native American Film Festival (LANAFF) at SCSU serves as a vital platform for promoting the recruitment and retention of Latino and Native American students and faculty. Our mission is to support their educational and career aspirations, while also celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of these communities. By offering positive representation and challenging harmful stereotypes, LANAFF deepens the understanding of the diverse identities within Latino and Native American communities and fosters unity, appreciation, and empowerment both within and beyond these groups.
As we celebrate LANAFF's 15th anniversary, we remain committed to inspiring and advancing the academic and professional journeys of Latino and Native American students and faculty. This year’s festival will again feature a curated selection of feature films, documentaries, shorts, and animations that highlight the depth and beauty of these cultures. In addition to screenings, LANAFF includes panel discussions, Q&A sessions, and networking events, all designed to encourage meaningful engagement and reflection on themes that matter deeply to our communities.
In a world where negative stereotypes often affect Latinos and Native Americans, LANAFF stands as a beacon of positive representation, connecting both communities and the broader public with empowering role models. Over the years, LANAFF has enriched the cultural fabric of Greater New Haven—and through our virtual platform, reached over 125 countries—by showcasing the works of contemporary filmmakers who are underrepresented in mainstream U.S. media.
This year, LANAFF is centered on the theme:
"Our Stories, Our Voices: Resilience and Resistance"
"Nuestras Historias, Nuestras Voces: Resiliencia y Resistencia"
This theme is a natural progression from last year’s focus on "Who Are We?: Our Intersectionality." It emphasizes the power of agency in storytelling and honors the resilience of Latino and Native American communities in the face of historical and present-day challenges. Through film and other artistic mediums, these communities assert their identities, reclaim their narratives, and push back against stereotypes and systemic injustices.
1. Our Stories, Our Voices: This phrase underscores the ownership Latino and Native American communities have over their own narratives, showcasing a wide diversity of stories often overlooked by mainstream media. It aligns perfectly with LANAFF's mission to highlight and celebrate the cultural richness and contributions of these communities.
2. Resilience and Resistance: These concepts reflect the ongoing struggles against colonization, marginalization, and cultural erasure. The theme honors the enduring strength and determination of these communities, while celebrating their ability to resist dominant narratives and claim spaces of empowerment.
This theme aligns seamlessly with LANAFF's commitment to challenging stereotypes, fostering unity, and building a deeper appreciation for the Latino and Native American experience. It creates a space for reflecting on past struggles, ongoing battles for social justice, and the future of these communities through the lens of artistic expression. The films, discussions, and panels at this year’s festival will explore both personal and collective experiences of resilience and resistance across cultural, political, and social landscapes.
Latino identity, for instance, encompasses a remarkable diversity of cultures, beliefs, and experiences. We are a mosaic of faiths—Jewish, Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, Spiritualist, practitioners of Santería—and our racial heritage is equally varied, with Indigenous, African, European,and Asian roots woven together. Our nationalities span the Americas, from Argentina to Puerto Rico, Colombia to Mexico, creating a vibrant patchwork of subcultures, each with its own identity. Latinos inhabit every corner of society, from urban centers to rural landscapes, academic halls to agricultural fields. Among us are Supreme Court Justices, educators, scientists, laborers, and activists—each contributing to the rich tapestry of our shared identity.
Similarly, Native American identity is profound and multifaceted. In the United States alone, there are 567 recognized Native American nations, while Latin America is home to over 800. Despite their significant presence, the perspectives of Indigenous communities are often marginalized. Indigenous populations in countries like Bolivia, Guatemala, and Mexico make up a substantial portion of the population, and their historical contributions to fields like astronomy, architecture, and democratic principles have shaped civilizations. Today, Indigenous values, especially those emphasizing harmony with nature and community, are more crucial than ever.
In summary, the Latino and Native American communities are vast and complex, filled with stories of resilience, cultural richness, and invaluable contributions. Through LANAFF, we celebrate these narratives and continue to build a platform that honors and amplifies the voices of these communities.
Best Feature Film
Best Short Film
Best Feature Film – Documentary
Best Short Film – Documentary
Best Native American Film
Best Latino Film
Best LGBTQIAPD Film
Best Animation / Experimental Film
Best Trailer
Young Filmmaker Award (Age 21 And Under)
New Filmmaker Award
Audience Festival Favorite Award
Official Selections