Los Angeles, June 6, 2023 – Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), one of the most prestigious events in Latino cinema, announced its winners last week. Academy Award®nominated actor Edward James Olmos, founder of the Latino Film Institute, announced the LALIFF award winners.
“This year’s LALIFF winners perfectly encapsulate the brilliance and diversity within our community,” said Edward James Olmos. “I’d like to express our sincerest gratitude to the filmmakers for sharing their exceptional films, vision, and talent with us. You have made this festival truly remarkable.”
The jury included well regarded industry professionals who meticulously evaluated each entry across various categories considering artistic merit, originality, directorial vision and technical excellence.
LALIFF 2023 Award Winners:
The 2023 Spark Animation Grant Sponsored by Netflix
The Spark Animation Grant awarded $20,000 USD to three US-based Latino animation filmmakers: Alec Castillo Danna Galeano Sandra Suarez
LALIFF Works in Progress Sponsored by Amazon Studios
The winners will receive funds that will be divided based on each feature film’s post-production needs.
*SISTERS, written, produced and performed by Marta Cross, Valeria Maldonado and Virginia Novello.
*PAPÁ MELISSA, directed by Sophia Stieglitz and produced by Constanza Castro and Doménica Castro.
*OMNI LOOP, directed by Bernardo Britto.
Best Episodic Short Award Presented by FX
The jury included Rossana Baumeister, Jorge Alfaro, Summer Joy “SJ” Main Muñoz, Sofia Davila and Jenny Rabago. The award comes with a $2,000 USD cash prize granted to the creator:
*ASTROPACKERS, created by Luisa Velasquez and Felipe Rodriguez
Best Animated Short Film Award Presented by LatinX in Animation (LXiA)
The jury included Natasha Kline, Octavio Rodriguez and Karissa Valencia. This award comes with a $2,000 USD cash prize granted to the filmmaker by Ad Astra Media, a Cintiq by Wacom, and animation software by Toon Boom:
*BLANKET OF WORDS, directed by Carlos Zerpa, Jacobo Albán and Beltrán Pérez
Special Jury Award for Directing Animation
The jury included Natasha Kline, Octavio Rodriguez and Karissa Valencia. The winner will receive Animation Software courtesy of Toon Boom:
*LUCKY BRAVE’S SUNSHINE, directed by Chogrin (Joseph Game) and Ichi (Andres Aguilar)
Best US Latino Live Action Short Award Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo
The jury included Aitch Alberto, Linda Yvette Chavez and Kevin Shih. The award comes with a $4,000 USD cash prize to be shared by the director and producer (based on the “Produced By” credit):
*DEAD ENDERS, directed by Fidel Ruiz-Healy and Tyler Walker
Best US Latina Director of a Live Action Short Presented by Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo
The jury included Aitch Alberto, Linda Yvette Chavez and Kevin Shih. The award comes with a $4,000 USD cash price granted to the director:
*INÉS UNFORTUNATELY, directed by Anna Salinas
Best US Latino Director of a Live Action Short Award Presented by FotoKem
The jury included Aitch Alberto, Linda Yvette Chavez and Kevin Shih. Awards the winner a Lodge Finishing Package (post-production services) at FotoKem valued at $15,000 USD:
*IN AN ORDERLY FASHION, directed by Adrian Cárdenas
The festival congratulates all the award winners and their casts and crews for submitting remarkable works that made this edition of the festival a success. LALIFF remains committed to celebrating and uplifting Latino storytellers and looks forward to continuing its mission for years to come.
