The 46th annual CineFestival, hosted by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, is taking place in San Antonio from July 9 to 13, 2025. Known as the longest-running Latino film festival in the U.S., CineFestival continues to showcase a diverse array of films that highlight the cultural richness of Latino, Chicano, and Indigenous communities. As the premier festival of its kind, it offers a unique platform for Latinx filmmakers to showcase their stories while bringing awareness to the social, cultural, and political issues faced by these communities.
Film Selections Reflecting the Pulse of the Latino Experience
This year’s lineup features a powerful collection of films that span across genres, from documentaries and dramas to comedies and animated features. Among the standout films are “Carnalismo”, a documentary that explores the lives of a Durango biker family whose influence reaches beyond their local community, and “Hola Frida”, an animated film that reimagines the early life of iconic Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. The latter film is particularly notable for its creative take on Kahlo’s formative years, offering a fresh perspective on her life before she became an international icon.
The drama “Mad Bills to Pay”, which deals with a Bronx youth’s upheaval during a transformative summer, captures the raw emotions of adolescence and the trials of growing up in an underrepresented community. It’s a perfect example of the festival’s dedication to showcasing real, unfiltered Latino experiences. Meanwhile, “Selena y Los Dinos”, a heartfelt tribute to the late Tejano legend Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, pays homage to her enduring legacy and influence on both Texas and global music scenes.
Additionally, “Uvalde Mom” tells the poignant and inspiring story of a mother who bravely confronted the harrowing circumstances of the 2022 school shooting in Uvalde, Texas. The film resonates deeply, reminding viewers of the personal and collective strength in moments of unimaginable tragedy.
Building Community and Representation Through Film
In addition to screening films, CineFestival serves as a hub for networking, discussion, and creative exploration. The festival provides opportunities for both established filmmakers and emerging voices to connect and share their work. Special panels and workshops give audiences the chance to engage with directors, actors, and producers, discussing the artistic process and the cultural importance of Latino cinema.
The festival’s commitment to showcasing authentic Latino experiences has earned it praise from both the community and the broader film industry. Gilbert Salazar, the Executive Director of the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, emphasized that CineFestival is more than just a film event—it is a celebration of culture, identity, and resilience. It provides a space for the stories that often go untold in mainstream Hollywood.
A Historic Platform for Latino Filmmakers
CineFestival’s long-standing tradition also highlights the need for more diverse voices in the film industry. The festival has been instrumental in launching the careers of numerous filmmakers, many of whom have gone on to achieve critical and commercial success. It continues to push for greater representation and visibility for Latino filmmakers in the broader film industry, advocating for stories that reflect the complexity of the Latino experience.