Mexican-American Film and Television Festival

MAFTF is more than just the premier festival representing the nearly 40 million Americans of Mexican descent; it's a two-day celebration of our culture and artists. It's where Mexican-American and Latino film & television makers come together to interact, collaborate, network, and find like-minded partners. It's a platform where industry leaders connect with authentic storytellers.

Festival Date: April 17th & 18th, 2027

The Illustrious Awards will be held on Sunday evening.

Location: Harmony Gold Theater in Los Angeles

The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival (MAFTF) has grown to become the premier Los Angeles Festival which represents the nearly 40 million Americans of Mexican descent.

The festival's focus is on projects which depict the Mexican-American community, not with the usual Hollywood stereotype, but the more real-to-life depiction of a community of hardworking Americans who contribute and have contributed endlessly to this country. Astronauts, lawyers, teachers, nurses, doctors, accountants, builders, war heroes and people of every sort whose stories go untold, because a demeaning stereotypical narrative is preferred by Hollywood.

Hollywood has been notorious for erasing Mexican-Americans/Chicanx out of American life for over 100 years. Even stories where Mexican-Americans war heroes are featured e.g; “Hell To Eternity” (1960), Anglo-American actors have portrayed their bravery and never mentioned their Mexican heritage. The perception of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the US is distorted and the media has played a large part in this. Largely portrayed in media through degrading stereotypes such as “bandidos” “criminals”, “the help”, “lazy”, “illegal invaders”, and “uneducated”. Recently, those in political power, including the former president, have legitimized these Mexican-American stereotypes into the American consciousness, with disastrous consequences see throughout the news. No other Latino group has endured such abuse.

Submission:

The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival submission application is for those individuals who want to showcase their work to other film lovers, filmmakers, and important Hollywood Players. The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival will feature 2 days of films made by Mexican-American/Chicanx , featuring Mexican-Americans, and championed by Mexican-Americans. Along with opportunities to network with industry professionals and audiences, there will be opportunities to meet with people who have made a positive impact on the Mexican-American community. Recognizing the importance of storytelling, there will be a curated selection of historical works presented by highly celebrated Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers and actors.

Contact drruiz@drruiz.com for questions.