The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) announced its full lineup for its 20th edition, which takes place June 2-6.
Founder of LALIFF, Oscar-nominated actor Edward James Olmos, says this year’s festival will be a hybrid with both in-person and virtual screenings.
“As we begin to finally see some normalcy in our lives, we are thrilled to be able to commemorate our 20th anniversary by bringing Angelenos together, safely, to celebrate our community of talented storytellers that so need our support,” Olmos says. “This past year has been hard for everyone, and we are excited to continue to support and provide a platform to these creators that despite all odds, continued to create art.”
LALIFF will open with the world premiere of the film 7th & Union. The drama, which is directed by Anthony Nardolillo (Shine) stars Omar Chaparro (No Manches Frida) as a Mexican boxer who wants to provide a better life for his family.
Closing the festival will be the coming-of-age drama Women is Losers, directed by first-time feature filmmaker Lissette Feliciano. The film stars Chilean actress Lorenza Izzo (Once Upon a Time…In Hollywood) as a young woman living in ’60s San Francisco trying to rise above her social and economic shortcomings.
In March, Feliciano told Remezcla that the movie was inspired by the lives of her mother and grandmother.
“I think our mothers protect us by not telling us certain things, but sometimes in protecting us, they blind us,” Feliciano said. “I kind of saw how some of these situations were happening in my own life.”
Other films screening at LALIFF this year include Lázaro Ramos’ Executive Order starring Brazilian actor Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter franchise), Rita Moreno: A Girl Who Decided to Go for It, Bridges directed by Maria Corina Ramirez and Fruits of Labor directed by Emily Cohen.
For a complete rundown of this year’s LALIFF schedule, visit the LALIFF website.