The Chicano Hollywood Film Festival is set to premiere from July 17–20, 2025, in Pomona, California, marking a significant moment for Chicano and Latino communities. The festival emerges as a cultural response to the ongoing ICE raids targeting undocumented farm laborers in Southern California, offering a platform for protest and celebration through the power of storytelling.
Opening with 'The Last Brown Beret,' directed by Del Zamora, the festival highlights the enduring legacy of the Brown Berets, drawing parallels between their 1960s civil rights activism and today's struggles for justice and unity. Johnny Murillo, founder of Chicano Hollywood, emphasizes the festival's role beyond entertainment, stating it's a call to action for the community to stand up for their rights and stories.
Featuring over 90 short films, television pilots, music videos, and digital projects, the festival showcases a wide array of narratives from emerging Chicano and Latino filmmakers. Notable entries include 'Ugly Little Monkey,' a documentary on healing from trauma, and 'Horchata With Oat Milk,' a comedy addressing gentrification, among others that explore themes of identity, resistance, and empowerment.
Beyond film screenings, the festival will host live DJ sets, Q&A panels, and networking events, alongside the launch of the Chicano Hollywood Academy. This initiative aims to nurture the next generation of Latino creatives in various aspects of filmmaking and content creation, as highlighted by Festival Director Francisco Roel's vision for a movement where Chicanos and Latinos own their narratives in the entertainment industry.
The Chicano Hollywood Film Festival represents a pivotal step towards reimagining representation in Hollywood, offering a space for underrepresented voices to be heard and celebrated. For more information on the festival schedule and tickets, visit https://www.ChicanoHollywood.com.
