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

1. Films submitted to the Latino and Native American Film Festival (LANAFF) need to be online streaming videos via FilmFreeway, a password-protected streaming URL with NTSC or PAL formatting (make sure you test everything before submitting). If submitting an online streaming video, please prepare your link before submitting your entry form. Links must remain active and accessible through May 1, 2025.
2. English language films or videos must have Spanish subtitles. Non-English language films need to have English subtitles. If your film is in both English and Spanish, English portions require Spanish subtitles, and Spanish portions require English subtitles. Dialogue lists will be refused.
3. Films must be free from gratuitous nudity and or violence. LANAFF retains the right to refuse any film which does not respect this rule, and the film will not be considered for inclusion in the Festival.
4. Films need to be uploaded to FilmFreeway upon submission. Include a still photo, a tag line (30 words or less), and a personal bio (100 words or less). If we select your film, we will use these items to recognize you in our program.
5. It is your responsibility to obtain and include permission for copyrighted materials at the time you submit your film, … including, but not limited to: music, additional film materials, photos, posters, etc.
6. If we select your film for inclusion in our Film Festival, we will request your permission to download it in order to uploaded it to our Festival server. If such permission is not provided, your film will not be included in the festival.
7. Laurels will be sent out within 5 weeks of the awards presentations. You will be contacted via email.
8. By entering your film in LANAFF, you agree to the above rules & regulations.

Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Deysi Abigail Rincón

    Latino & Native American Film Festival es un espacio excepcional para la comunidad latinoamericana. El festival en sí, es muy organizado y están constantemente informándote sobre el desarrollo del mismo cuando te encuentras en otro país.

    September 2024
  • Ame Blanco

    This was an amazing experience

    August 2024
  • nindia andarini

    My film was selected in the short documentary category. Carlos was very communicative throughout the process. It was my first film festival so I was so happy to be included in this festival this year.

    May 2024
  • Giovanni Massa

    Amazing Festival, really recommend, always very communicative and very professinal!

    May 2024
  • Roberto Valdes

    0 communication. No progress and no results.

    May 2024