TAKE 3: Celebrating 17 Years of East LA Film Festival with Panamanian Intl Film Festival/LA
& LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

The East LA Film Festival (ELAFF) proudly presents TAKE 3, a groundbreaking celebration of its 17th year! This milestone event unites three visionary festivals under one banner, combining storytelling, culture, and creativity:

ELAFF's 17th Annual Film Festival, founded by Juan Escobedo

The Panamanian International Film Festival/LA, founded by Carlos Carrasco

LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes

Together, these trailblazing festivals bring a new collaborative initiative that merges resources, talent, and films from around the world—all while keeping it real: "From The Hood to Hollywood."

This collaboration showcases the visionary leadership of founders Escobedo, Carrasco, and Carrillo, whose dedication to amplifying underrepresented voices has created platforms for stories that inspire and unite audiences.

Join us for an extraordinary experience where local and global stories collide, celebrating the power of film to connect, spark dialogue, and build community.

Rules & Terms

There no rules, just good films and good vibes.

18 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Javo Aguirre

    I had a great time at the East LA Film Festival. The event was inspired by Dia de los Muertos with beautiful Catrinas, Mexican folklore dancers, and traditional music. All of the films were tremendous. The venue at Plaza de la Cultura was excellent. I was truly honored to be part of such an amazing festival and to have my film Pictures of Shohei Ohtani screened there alongside so many talented works.

    Tuve un gran tiempo en el East LA Film Festival. El evento estuvo inspirado en Dia de los Muertos con Catrinas, bailarines de folklore mexicano y musica tradicional. Todas las peliculas fueron tremendas. La sede en Plaza de la Cultura fue excelente. Fue un honor formar parte de este increible festival y tener mi pelicula Pictures of Shohei Ohtani proyectada junto a grandes trabajos de otros talentos.

    November 2025
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thank you, Javo! We look forward to having you next year.

  • Veronica Bradham

    Beautiful experience. Thank you for letting our Catrinas take over the Red Carpet!

    November 2025
    Helpful
  • Miguel Duran

    I had a wonderful time at ELAFF. Both of my shorts, Death in Training and Vampiñera, were screened! And to make it even sweeter, I won Best Comedy! I had a wonderful time. Can't wait to submit next time!

    October 2025
    Helpful
  • Ahuatl Amaro

    Juan and TELASOFA organized an amazing, family-friendly festival! Convenient location with lots of parking. Loved connecting with fellow filmmakers. The festival showcased a wonderful variety of films.

    October 2024
    Helpful
  • Barlo Galvan

    East Los Angeles Film Festival is a wonderful festival. Excellent theater location, professional staff, lots networking and great place for local filmmakers to showcase their projects. Thank you ELAFF, I hope to attend your festival next year.

    October 2024
    Helpful