The Los Angeles International Film Festival (LALIFF) is an annual highlight in Hollywood, held every June to showcase the diverse narratives of the Latino community. From compelling features to thought-provoking shorts and engaging episodic works, LALIFF brings together established and emerging Latin voices in a celebration of creativity.

Situated within the Latino Film Institute alongside initiatives like the Youth Cinema Project and Latinx in Animation, LALIFF plays a crucial role in promoting underrepresented voices. Notably, the festival champions female filmmakers, addressing the stark reality that Latinas direct less than 1% of major films. Over the past 16 years, only five Latinas have directed top-grossing films—an insight that underscores the importance of platforms like LALIFF and The Light Leaks in fostering diverse talent. Latina directors can direct any genre and for all audiences, that’s a fact.

As a Latina director myself, watching so many Latina-directed projects at LALIFF reignited a spark in me to keep creating, keep searching for my stories, and most importantly, continue my work in diversity and inclusion within this industry. This festival serves as a showcase of exceptional films and a catalyst for meaningful change, urging us to explore new perspectives and advocate for inclusivity in media.

In this edition of "What We're Watching," you’ll find your next favorite Latina director, support them and hire them!

Dear Diablo Directed by: Ambar Navarro

"Dear Diablo" delighted my emo heart with its nonconformist spirit and vivid storytelling style. The film centers around Lupe, a tween facing the pressure of a church baptism, much to her punk-rock dismay. Instead of conforming, she transforms her communion outfit into a punk statement—a visual metaphor brilliantly executed through stunning art direction that brings rebellious clothing choices to life. Lupe’s bedroom is her sanctuary, complete with rock posters, creepy dolls, and witchcraft essentials.

Lupe's dynamic with her popular and preppy teen sister adds even more conflict to the film as Lupe strikes a deal with the devil. The standout scene of this short is an eerie and hallucinatory church scene that blends fantasy with punk sensibilities. Director Ambar Navarro's background as a music video director shines through in "Dear Diablo," evident in her meticulous attention to visual detail and the film's seamless fusion of punk aesthetics with surreal storytelling.

The film provocatively explores themes of cultural tension within Latinx communities, where alternative expressions can be misunderstood as occult or rebellious, especially within culturally Catholic contexts. As an emo-hearted Latina who wasn’t allowed to wear black nail polish growing up, this resonates deeply. It's a delightful, slightly rebellious nod to the generational divide between young Latinx individuals and their older counterparts.

I know that my mom wouldn’t like this short film and because of that, I love it even a little more. "Dear Diablo" is a testament to Ambar’s unique voice and creative vision, and we look forward to even more exciting projects to come.

Queen of Samba, Directed by: Stacy Pascal Gaspard

In this thrilling dramatic short film, Nayelis, a young Brazilian woman grapples with her mother's beauty pageant legacy and her own dream of becoming the Queen of Samba. The protagonist, a talented dancer and pageant performer, navigates the weight of beauty standards imposed by her mother—struggling against bleaching creams, hair products, and a prescribed look that challenges her true identity.

Colorism within the Black community is explored through this story’s themes as we witness a beautiful young woman at war with herself and torn with herself, torn between her mother's expectations and her own perception of beauty and authenticity. During the film, we see the striking commercial for “Lady Fair” skin bleaching treatment and stay haunted by the smiles that deliver damaging messages about dark skin tones. This commercial drives into Nayelis’ psyche and she struggles deeply with what it may take to achieve her dreams as the Queen of Samba.

These moments reveal the protagonist's fantasies of a lighter-skinned self, with scenes that reminded me of the haunting style of "Black Swan”. The cinematography was stunning with captivating dreamlike sequences of samba dancing. This film is a poignant reflection on cultural identity and the pressures of beauty within Afro-Latino communities, offering a thought-provoking perspective rarely seen in cinema today.

Roots, Directed by: Sandra Suarez

"Roots" is a poignant stop-motion film that delves into the complexities of trichotillomania—a disorder characterized by the compulsive urge to pull out one's hair. The protagonist, haunted by a metaphorical hand made of yarn, wrestles with this relentless force that torments her, manifesting as both a taunting presence and a literal chokehold on her life.

Through mesmerizing animation, the audience is immersed in an emotional journey through themes of mental illness, self-hatred, and the struggle against compulsive behaviors. As someone who has battled depression and anxiety, the film resonated deeply with me, capturing the darkness that can overshadow life's moments and permeate daily self-dialogue.

What struck me most about "Roots" was its ability to convey such powerful storytelling without dialogue. The visual artistry and compelling narrative were enough to convey the protagonist's internal turmoil and the journey toward self-acceptance. As a fellow stop-motion enthusiast, I appreciate the immense effort and attention to detail required to create such a moving piece of art.

"Roots" not only showcases Sandra Suarez's talent as a director and stop-motion animator but also highlights her dedication to exploring themes of mental health and self-compassion in her storytelling. This film is a testament to the beauty of animation as a medium for meaningful expression and an important addition to conversations about mental health in cinema.

The Vote, Directed by: Sylvia Ray

"The Vote" is an emotionally gripping exploration of family dynamics and the profound decisions faced in moments of crisis. Directed by Sylvia Ray, the film delves deep into the turmoil of a multicultural family as they grapple with the agonizing decision of whether to continue life support for their brain-dead mother.

At the heart of the narrative are siblings Jessica and Robbie, whose differing perspectives on what constitutes a dignified end-of-life scenario unfold with raw authenticity. Set against a backdrop of mixed Asian and Latino heritage, the film sensitively navigates themes of cultural identity and the weight of familial responsibilities, offering a nuanced portrayal of the complexities within multicultural households.

Reflecting on her personal journey with the film, Sylvia Ray shared on Instagram: "Creating 'The Vote' was a deeply personal exploration of loss and resilience. It's a tribute to the strength found within families facing impossible choices, sparking important conversations about empathy and understanding."

Through a poignant family vote scene, "The Vote" confronts uncomfortable truths and unspoken emotions, providing viewers with a poignant glimpse into the intimate struggles that often accompany profound decisions. Sylvia Ray's direction shines through her adept ability to weave together these intricate narratives with compassion and grace, leaving a profound and lasting impact on audiences.

"The Vote" stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the human experience, prompting reflection on the complexities of familial bonds and the moral dilemmas that shape our lives.