Media Arts Center San Diego
San Diego Latino Film Festival Announces 33rd Annual Celebration of Community, Healing, and the Power of Cinema
Uniting Audiences Through Storytelling, Dialogue, and Cultural Connection
San Diego, CA – For more than 30 years, the San Diego Latino Film Festival has been a powerful force for connection in San Diego, bringing people together through cinema at moments when unity matters most. As immigration raids, racism, and deep social divisions continue to shape our national conversation, SDLFF stands as a bold reminder of the strength found in community, storytelling, and shared humanity. Rooted in the simple yet profound tradition of gathering to watch films together, the festival offers a space to be inspired, to reflect, and to heal.
As it returns for its 33rd annual edition from March 18th to March 22nd, 2026, at AMC Mission Valley 20 (1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108) and Media Arts Center San Diego’s Digital Gym CINEMA (1100 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101), this year’s celebration is encompassed by the festival poster created by Axel Arevalo, which reflects the tradition of families coming together to watch films. For more than three decades, SDLFF has brought the community together as one big familia — connecting through cinema as a powerful form of celebration, understanding, and inspiration.
Through powerful narrative films, documentaries, and artistic experiences, the festival highlights stories of resilience, activism, identity, and hope. These narratives serve as a call to action, encouraging audiences to engage in meaningful dialogue, learn from one another’s journeys, and continue working toward a more just and inclusive society.
“This year’s San Diego Latino Film Festival is a call to come together to heal, reflect, and stand united through the power of storytelling. Our poster reflects a simple but powerful truth: when families and communities gather to experience stories together, something transformative happens,” says Diana Cervera, Program Manager of the San Diego Latino Film Festival.
For tickets, event details, and press inquiries, visit sdlatinofilm.com or call 619-230-1938.
About San Diego Latino Film Festival:
Established in 1994, the San Diego Latino Film Festival is one of the longest-running and most respected Latino film festivals in the United States. Dedicated to showcasing the diversity and richness of Latino culture, SDLFF continues to inspire audiences and empower filmmakers through the art of cinema. SDLFF is produced by Media Arts Center San Diego, a 501c3 non-profit.
