From Trans Politicians to Musical Prodigies: 12 Must-See Movies at Chicago Latino Film Festival

The Chicago Latino Film Festival is the chance for those in the Windy City to catch some of the best movies coming out of Latin America. Gathering films that have played festivals like Sundance, Rotterdam, and Venice as well some from first-time directors hoping to get their projects seen by a welcoming crowd, CLFF is back for its 33rd edition. This year the fest opens with the marital drama One Night of Love starring two of Argentina’s top TV stars, and closes with the Chicago premiere of Elia Schneider’s award-winning biopic Tamara about the first trans person elected to Venezuela’s National Assembly. In between, audiences will be greeted by 70 feature films and 40 shorts from which to choose from.

In addition to its varied roster of films, CLFF is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of Pedro Infante, a legend of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema. A special concert program titled “Pedro, Mi Amor” at the National Museum of Mexican Arts on April 26 and 27, some of Infante’s most beloved songs will be performed by flutist Elena Duran and pianist Santiago Piñeirua with clips from his iconic movies.

From Cuban rom-coms and Peruvian musicals to Venezuelan docudramas and Mexican period films, there’s plenty to catch at this year’s CLFF. Check out our top picks below.

The Chicago Latino Film Festival runs April 20 – May 4, 2017.