Our Mission
The Chicago Latino Film Festival is the longest running Spanish & Portuguese language film festival event dedicated to Latino Filmmakers and Cinema. Since 1985, the Festival has brought together audiences, film directors and actors to enjoy and lift motion picture arts from a Latino point of view.
Celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. CLFF continuing by bringing these films to the theatre where we find the full experience of film watching at its most enjoyable.
We aim to bring quality Latino films to Chicago. Films that lend a voice that transcends political views into human forms of expression, sharing ideas and concepts that are funny, sad, dramatic, exciting or different from anything we have seen before.
A Message
From Our
Executive
Director
We live in unprecedented times: the Latino community is in the crosshairs of the powers that be. And, so are the arts and cultural organizations.
Why are the arts and culture such an easy target? They help us see the world that surrounds us in a new way. They nourish us; they offer comfort and inspiration as well as moments of joy and sorrow. But most importantly, they show us how to be empathetic and caring towards each other no matter our differences. They bring out the best in us. The arts are also the best tool to combat stereotypes and racism. We believe in the power of our culture to shape the dialogue among ourselves and every one else.
We don’t know what lies on the road ahead. But I know that as a Latino arts and cultural organization, and as the producers of the longest continuously running Latino film festival in the United States, we will weather this storm. We’ve done it before, through economic crisis and the pandemic. And we’ve come out stronger. We remain undaunted in our commitment to bring to the city the best films, musicians, dancers, plays and other artistic expressions. To give voice to the voiceless through the arts.
Now more than ever, I feel blessed to receive the unwavering support of so many who believe in the role our Festival, the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago, and the arts play in our society. So, to our funders and sponsors, volunteers, staff, filmmakers, the Film Selection Committee members, our board of directors and, most important of all, you…THANK YOU!
See you at the movies!
Pepe Vargas
Founder & Executive Director
International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago
That's How Many Years It Took To Get Here
Since 1985, the Chicago Latino Film Festival has been a vital cultural bridge, showcasing the diverse voices of Latin American cinema. Now in its 41st year, this pioneering festival remains North America’s longest-running Latino film celebration, having premiered thousands of groundbreaking works and launched countless filmmaking careers. Each spring, we transform Chicago into the continent’s premier destination for Latino storytelling.