From Reggaetón Musicals to a La Llorona Horror: 16 Must-See Latino Movies Playing Miami Film Festival

02.20.2020 at 12:43

There were already plenty of reasons for us take notice of this year’s Miami Film Festival but the fact that its closing film will be the Walter Mercado documentary Mucho Mucho Amor truly sealed the deal. A homecoming of sorts for the film about the famed Puerto Rican astrologer (much of the movie is centered on a Miami exhibit that took place in 2019), the film will close out a program as diverse as we’ve come to expect. Spotlighting local filmmakers and playing their films alongside festival favorites from around the globe, this year’s Miami Film Festival is full of timely stories that speak to our current political moment.

Whether it’s a documentary about a high school gathering that aims to recreate the U.S. political machine, dramas about the immigrant experience that deal with police brutality and cruel immigration policies, or powerful takes on economic inequality set all along the Americas, there’s plenty to seek out at this year’s fest. Add in the fact that the weeklong festivities will include a celebration of rising Latinx talent, parties with Oscar-winning director Juan José Campanella and master classes on everything from poster design to experiential storytelling and you have the kind of enviable program that makes this a must-see for Latinx audiences.

In case you feel overwhelmed by the many films playing over the course of the festival’s many sections, we’ve combed through them and chosen 16 you should definitely put on your radar. Take a look at our top picks below.