In Austin, the 27th annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival returns, offering five days of films, red carpets, and special events from May 14-18, 2025. The festival showcases storytelling rooted in the vibrant cultures of Latine/x, Indigenous, Latin American, and Ibero-American communities, offering features narratives, documentaries, shorts, music videos, and the beloved Hecho en Tejas. Discover new voices, connect with filmmakers, and step into a community shaped by nearly three decades of cinema, culture, and creative exchange. The films will be available at the AFS Cinema, 6259 Middle Fiskville Rd. and Austin PBS – Austin Media Center, 6101 Highland Campus Dr. Building 3000.
This year the festival will introduce a 2-day conference welcoming filmmakers and film enthusiasts. Featuring fireside chats, hands-on workshops, and roundtable discussions with both emerging and established filmmakers, the conference creates space to share knowledge, build networks, and affirm the growing presence of Latine/x and Indigenous voices in film.
On April 16 (Selena’s birthday), the Opening Night Film was announced. Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood is a vibrant and heartfelt documentary about legendary Tejano television host Johnny Canales, whose charismatic platform helped launch the careers of countless artists—including Selena Quintanilla. The film will be followed by an After Party, which will be included with your Film Badge. If you do not yet have one, take advantage of the Early Bird deal while it lasts. It was announced that it is now extended through April 18. You now have two days to secure a badge for $90 and then the price will be back at the regular rate of $125. Get your badge https://cinelasamericas.org/film-festival/claiff27/
The popular section for filmmakers under 19 is now its own full-day festivity. This new platform honors youth-driven stories as a vital force, bringing their work to the big screen with the recognition and care it deserves. The inaugural Emergente Youth International Film Festival will be held on May 24, 2025, at the Millennium Youth Entertainment Complex, 1156 Hargrave St, Austin, TX 78702. There is no cost to attend.
Access is at the heart of their mission. One third of the festival screenings are always free and open to the public—no badge needed.
Visit the website for the free screening lineup to be posted.
Source: Cine las Americas
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