More than 130 Chicano/Mexican American filmmakers from the United States were encouraged to submit their films, shorts, documentaries and television projects, stories that speak about identity, high school angst, love, animation, relationships, immigration, marriage, among others.

This year, the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF) will continue its mission to amplify the voices of these creators through the screening and awarding of their work in person and virtually during the two-day festival.

Dr. José Luiz Ruiz, MACEF president and founder, noted:

For over 100 years, Hollywood has, for the most part, ignored the presence and contribution of Mexican-Americans, representing a myopic view of this community as narcos, immigrants, gangbangers and sexualized women. This will not change unless we create the change. We need to help change the narrative. Our festival is the first of its kind in the nation, and we aim for our voice to be heard.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement Award from the Mexican American Film and Television Festival (MAF&TF) will be presented to Luis Valdez, an American playwright, screenwriter, and film director who has stood out as one of the pioneers of the Chicano Movement, broadening the reach of theater and arts of this community.

Regarded as the father of Chicano film and drama, Valdez is best known for writing and directing the films ‘Zoot Suit’ and ‘La Bamba,’ and for directing ‘The Cisco Kid.’

For its part, the MACEF President's Exemplary Award will be given to Frank Rodríguez, general sales manager of Searchlight Pictures.

About the Jury

A panel of entertainment professionals will select the film festival winners in twelve categories.

They are:

• Producers — Dennis Leoni and Carolyn Caldera de Fanti
• Directors — Jesús Treviño, Silvia Morales and Joel Bailey
• Actor/Director — Enrique Castillo
• Actor/producer — Mike Gomez
• Composer — Sid de la Cruz
• Producer/Theater Director — Bill Virchis

Organized by the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation, the festival will feature eight competition categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Short Film, Best TV Series, Best Male Actor, Best Female Actress, Best Movie Script, Best Musical, Outstanding Script for TV, the Lifetime Achievement Award, the President's Award (in recognition of social justice efforts), and the Inspiration Award.