About CLFF

ABOUT THE CHICAGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL

Our History, Our Legacy, Our Mission For Better Understanding

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The Official Poster for the 42nd Chicago Latino Film Festival - April 16th -27th, 2026

None of this is possible without the extraordinary dedication of our staff and volunteers — the people who, year after year, do the work that audiences never see. From securing screening rights and coordinating with filmmakers across multiple countries and time zones, to managing logistics, marketing, community outreach, and the thousand small decisions that shape a festival, their commitment is what turns an idea into an event made for you. When the Chicago Latino Film Festival began in 1985 with 14 films projected onto a concrete wall for an audience of 500, it was passion and hard work that made it happen. Forty-two seasons later, with close to 100 films on the program, it is still passion and hard work that make it happen. The scale has changed. The spirit has not.

Executive Team

  • Mateo Mulcahy • Executive Director • Chicago Latino Film Festival & The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago
  • Mildred Amador • Operations and Office Manager •  The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago

Production Team

  • Sandra Bernal A. • 43rd CLFF Festival Director • Chicago Latino Film Festival
  • Alejandro Riera • Communications Manager and Press Liaison • Chicago Latino Film Festival
  • Alex Dzik • Box Office and Ticket Manager • Chicago Latino Film Festival
  • James Klein • Content Production & Marketing Support • Chicago Latino Film Festival

Content Creation and Website Support

  • InSpanish Media •  HablArte! Podcast Production • Chicago Latino Film Festival & ILCC.

For a complete list of people that make this festival happen, please consult the 42nd Chicago Latino Film Festival Program Book.