Understand
London film festival launches to celebrate British-Latino identity and culture
Overview
London's only competitive Latino film festival is currently under way, featuring 60 films from 27 countries across venues such as the Barbican, ICA, Ciné Lumière, and BFI Stephen Street. Founded by Cuban actress Ketty Rodriguez and dancer Javier Torres, the five-day event aims to address the lack of Latin representation in the city, provide a platform for Latin American filmmakers, and celebrate British-Latino identity. Notable guests include Carlos Acosta, Óscar Martínez, Jorge Perugorría, and Gonzalo Maza, with backing from the BFI and the City of London Corporation.
Key points
- The five-day festival features 60 films from 27 countries being screened at major London venues.
- It was founded by Cuban actress Ketty Rodriguez and Cuban dancer Javier Torres to address a lack of Latin representation in London.
- The event serves as a platform to showcase features, documentaries, animations, and shorts from Latin American and British-Latino filmmakers.
- High-profile guests include former Royal Ballet principal Carlos Acosta, actor Óscar Martínez, actor Jorge Perugorría, and screenwriter Gonzalo Maza.
- British-Bolivian filmmaker Victor Rios highlighted the festival's role in celebrating British-Latino identity and establishing that the community is an integrated part of society.
- The festival receives financial backing from the BFI via National Lottery funding and the City of London Corporation.