December 12, 2024 — (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) — On Saturday, April 19th and Sunday 20th, 2025, The Mexican-American Cultural Foundation will hold the 4th Edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival and Awards (MAFTF). This year MAFTF continues its mission of amplifying the voices of Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers, returning to its home at the Harmony Gold Theater right in the heart of Hollywood. 

It will be a two day event with screenings of short films, features, and television content with the culmination of the yearly Illustrious Award ceremony on April 20th , 2025.

The theme for MAFTF 2025 is Bridging the Generations By Our Shared Roots: Somos De Aquí Y Somos De Allá, which furthers our mission of uniting generations. Our purpose is to connect and understand the diverse experiences Mexican born filmmakers working in America and the Mexican-American/Chicano-born filmmakers, in an effort to enrich the understanding of one of the most talked about filmmaking sector in the U.S. By fostering communication, cultural awareness, and shared identity through their films, we can begin to break down barriers and unify as one people. The phrase “Somos De Aquí Y Somos De Allá,” puts a positive spin on the usually negative feeling that it is to burden to straddle two worlds: the Mexican and the American. The reality is being Mexican-American fosters an opportunity to benefit from two rich cultures, shared experiences, and access to more perspectives that differ from one single culture mindset. We are united, fierce, and resilient. 

Filmmakers wishing to showcase their work at MAFTF are invited to submit now through our website (www.MAFTF.org) where you can also find submission requirements. The final deadline for submission is January 15th , 2025. Our panel of judges consist of Hollywood industry professional who will be judging the following categories: Best Film, Best Director, Best Short Film, Best TV Series, Best Male Actor, Best Female Actress, Best Screenplay For Film, and Best Screenplay For TV. 

“As we proudly announce the 2025 edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival, I am reminded of the incredible success of our past three editions. However, I am also aware that despite our shared heritage, filmmakers from Mexico and Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers have not always collaborated as closely as we should. This year’s festival theme is a call to action – a reminder that by working together, we can amplify our voices, share our stories, and celebrate our rich cultural diversity. I am excited to see the amazing work that will emerge from this collaboration and I invite all filmmakers to join us on this journey.” – Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz [MACEF Director] MACEF Director Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz and Selena Producer Moctesuma Esparza.

Our Illustrious awards honor Industry leaders and those in the industry pushing to change the narrative and how they go above and beyond. Our past honorees had included producer Yvett Merino (Encanto), directors Patricia Riggen (G20, Miracles from Heaven), Writer/Director Luis Valdez (La Bamba/Zoot Suit), Frank Rodriguez, Head of Distribution at Amazon?MGM, and Producer Moctesuma Esparza (Selena).

Tickets will be available for purchase in early 2025. Check our website at (www.MAFTF.org)