London is currently hosting its first competitive Latino film festival, an initiative designed to showcase the diverse narratives and cultural contributions of Latin American filmmakers. The event, which kicked off on Friday evening, will run until Tuesday across several prominent venues including the Barbican, the ICA, Ciné Lumière, and BFI Stephen Street.
Over the course of the five-day festival, audiences can view a selection of 60 films originating from 27 different countries. The program features a mix of documentaries, animation, feature films, and short-form content. Beyond the screenings, the festival includes various workshops and live performances intended to foster community engagement.
The festival was founded by Cuban actress Ketty Rodriguez and Cuban dancer Javier Torres. Rodriguez conceived the project after moving to London, where she found a notable lack of representation for the Latin American community. She said London that the event is rooted in connection, explaining that she started the festival because she could not find her people and felt a need for a dedicated platform. According to she, London: “Everything here is about community, is about connection, and the idea started because I couldn’t find my people, I didn’t know where they were, so I decided to do this festival and it’s very successful, I’m very happy.
The organizers have already begun planning for a follow-up festival next year, citing the success of their initial call for entries. According to Rodriguez, the festival received hundreds of submissions from across Latin America. She expressed excitement about supporting these filmmakers and providing a space for their work to reach a wider audience.
Javier Torres described the initiative as a crucial step for the Latino community to come together and give voice to regional narratives. He emphasized that the platform is intended to serve as a hub for cultural exchange and diplomacy. British-Bolivian filmmaker Victor Rios, who has two short films featured in the program, highlighted the importance of the event in celebrating British-Latino identity.
Rios, who moved to the UK at age 16, noted that the festival serves as a vital reminder that the Latino community is an active part of British society. He stated that it is crucial for people to understand that the community is not merely passing through but has a permanent place, a voice, and a desire to be heard.
The event is supported by National Lottery funding through the BFI, as well as by the City of London Corporation. The program also features high-profile guests, including former Royal Ballet principal Carlos Acosta, Argentine actor Óscar Martínez, Cuban actor Jorge Perugorría, and Oscar-winning Chilean screenwriter Gonzalo Maza.
By highlighting stories made in London for Londoners alongside international entries, the festival aims to bridge the gap between Latin American creators and local audiences. As Rodriguez noted, the project is ultimately about building a lasting community and ensuring that these voices remain a permanent part of the city’s cultural landscape.
