LALIFF 2025 Winner 2025: “No Vacancy”

The Latino Film Academy (LFI) announced the 2025 winner of the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) on Saturday, honoring the outstanding performance of American Latino films, animations and plot storytelling. The honors were revealed at a closing cocktail party at the Kookaburra lounge in Hollywood, which packaged a five-day festival that attracted much attention, including more than 90 films, including 18 world premieres.

Laliff 2025 is open with the documentary "Asco: Unauthorized" and is open with the narrative characteristics of "serious people". In addition to its professional programming, nearly 300 student movies were also presented through the Youth Film Project.

As part of its continued efforts to elevate Latino storytellers, the festival introduces the Adelante Award and recognizes pioneers in Latino education and mentorship. Raul Maldonado, principal of Palmdale School District, is the first winner in supporting future film producers.

Los Angeles-based muralist and cultural icon Robert Vargas created a live painting on opening night to celebrate the city's Latino legacy. Vargas' works include "Shohei Ohtani / La Rising" and the huge mural "Angelus".

“This year’s festival is a testament to the dynamic creativity and storytelling ability in our community,” said Axel Caballero, CEO of the Latino Film Academy. “Not only entertaining, it triggers meaningful conversations, the variety of films and passionate voices behind it.”

Now 24 years ago, Laliff continues to be the premiere platform for displaying the creative voice of Latino. The 2025 music festival is screened at TCL China Theater, Egyptian Theater Hollywood and the grand LA Live, along with musical performances, comedy performances and extended industry forums including online events and masterclasses.

The complete list of winners is below.

LALIFF 2025 Winners:

LFI 2025 Spark Animation Scholarship
Sponsored by Netflix Creative Fairness Fund
Five American Latino animators received $30,000 each to support their original animated short film:

Angel Ruvalcaba, “Do you need help?”
Angela Sánchez, "Rotation Period"
Chevez Sanchez, “Terrible Naughty”
Guillermo Casarin, “Mexican Wandering Mask”
Sandra Powers, "The Beast of Death"

LFI is in progress
Sponsored by Amazon MGM Studios
Two filmmakers each received a $20,000 reward for post-production support:

"Cancúncito" directed and directed by Carlos Alejandro Marulanda and Isael Gutierrez

The best American plot short
Proposed by Disney Entertainment

Winner: "Born in 2 Loss" directed by Carlos Cardona - $4,000 Cash Award
The jury members include executives from National Geographic, Agate Collective, Hulu, FX and Disney-branded TV.

The best American Latino animation short films
Proposed by the Latino Film Academy

Winner: "No Position" directed by Miguel Rodrick - $4,000 Cash Award
The special jury mentioned: "It seems like the earth has swallowed them," directed by Natalia León.
The jury features the creativity of Taller Del Chucho, Sony Pictures animation and leading storyboard artists.

The best American Latino live action
Proposed by Comcast Nbcuniversal Telemundo

Winner: Bettina López Mendoza's "Beyond (Beyond)" - $4,000 Cash Award

Best Latina Live Action Short Director in America
Proposed by Comcast Nbcuniversal Telemundo

Winner: "I have a devil in my heart" directed by Karina Lomelin Ripper - $4,000 Cash

The Achievements of Original Music Driven Movies

Winner: "Brownsville Breeding" directed by Elaine del Valle