| The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) are proud to announce the inaugural Afro-Latino Film Short Celebration, presented by Lexus. This unique event will take place on October 12, 2024, at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
The Afro-Latino Film Short Celebration aims to provide a vital platform for emerging filmmakers to showcase short-form cinematic narratives that highlight Afro-Latino identities both in the United States and around the world.
“We are thrilled to help bring the Afro-Latino Film Short Celebration to life and to partner with LEJA. This event not only celebrates the richness of Afro-Latino culture but also provides an essential platform for emerging filmmakers to tell their stories,” said Gil Robertson, President of AAFCA.
With over 6 million Afro-Latinos representing around 24 percent of the Latin American population, this community is a vital voice in film.
“The histories of both African Americans and Latinos would not be complete or truthful without the inclusion of the other. Afro-Latinos and their stories are vital to the history of both marginalized communities, and to ignore them is to ignore history,” said LEJA President and cofounder Toni Gonzales. “One way to not only acknowledge this fact, and more importantly to celebrate it, is through film. LEJA by design has one mission: to amplify the voices of our own community. We can’t think of a more appropriate or better opportunity to do this than with the Afro-Latino Short Film Competition. We take pride in our voices, and we are looking forward to making them even louder with our joint partnership.”
By fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of this rich and versatile heritage, the event will illuminate the unique cultural experiences that help define the Afro-Latino community.
"AARLCC is dedicated to celebrating the rich culture of all African-descended people, including those of Hispanic origin," explained Dr. Tameka Bradley Hobbs, Regional Manager of the African American Research Library and Cultural Center. "We're thrilled to collaborate with AAFCA and LEJA to introduce this vital program to South Florida."
Event Details:
-
- Date: October 12, 2024
- Location: African American Research Library and Cultural Center, 2650 Sistrunk Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
- Submission Link: https://aafca.com/AFROLATINOFILMSHORTS/
Program Timeline:
10:00 AM: Panel A
11:00 AM: Screening Block 1
12:00 PM: Lunch
1:00 PM: Screening Block 2
2:00 PM: Panel B
3:00 PM: Screening Block 3
4:00 PM: Cookout
5:30 PM: Award Presentation/Closing Remarks
6:30 PM: Event Ends
Why It Matters: Afro-Latinos occupy a unique space in society, defined by the blend of distinct cultures. Despite being often overlooked, this community is deeply influenced by the complexities of race, class, and identity politics. The film shorts presented in this competition will allow filmmakers to explore how Afro-Latinos define themselves and address trends and issues important to their community.
Judges:
-
- Allen Maldonado – Actor (Black-ish, House Party)
- James Lopez – President Macro Films
- Sarunas Jackson – Actor (Presumed Innocence, Insecure)
- Natalia Cabral – Dominican Film Director
- Jean Jean – Dominico-Haitian Actor
Calling all emerging filmmakers! The AAFCA & LEJ's Afro-Latino Film Short Celebration is your chance to showcase your work and jumpstart your career. Submit your short films that highlight Afro-Latino culture for a chance to meet with key Hollywood agents and executives, premiere your film on Facebook and the AAFCA channel, and enjoy a one-year membership with Film Independent. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your work and be recognized as part of this vibrant and essential narrative. Film submissions must be at least 30 minutes long. Submissions close on September 23rd.
About AAFCA:
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is the premier organization of Black film critics in the world. Founded in 2003, AAFCA is dedicated to promoting and supporting Black talent in the film industry through film reviews, commentary, and year-round programming. AAFCA's mission is to amplify diverse voices and create opportunities for underrepresented filmmakers, fostering a more inclusive and equitable entertainment industry.
About LEJA: The Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) is a collective of journalists celebrating Latino voices across all entertainment industries. Founded in 2018 and relaunched in 2024 under new leadership, LEJA amplifies the works of writers from diverse backgrounds in film, television, music, theater, and the arts. LEJA embraces inclusive and progressive descriptions that champion and accelerate Latino, Latina, Latinx, Latine, Hispanic, Afro-Latino, and Afro-Latina voices worldwide.
|
