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Latino Film Institute Announces 2025 Inclusion Fellowship Recipients
The Latino Film Institute (LFI) has revealed its cohort of ten filmmakers selected for the prestigious annual LFI Inclusion Fellowship, aimed at elevating diverse voices in the industry.
This esteemed program offers participants a $50,000 grant along with tailored mentorship and valuable networking opportunities, backed by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. Each fellow’s completed film projects will be showcased at the upcoming Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), scheduled from May 28 to June 1, 2025.
Erika Sabel Flores, the Vice President of Programs and Innovation at LFI, emphasized the organization’s dedication to fostering new talent. “At LFI, we are cultivating voices and nurturing talent that will reshape the industry. With Netflix’s support, we’re creating groundbreaking Latino content that meets the highest artistic standards while authentically representing our communities. Our mission transcends traditional diversity initiatives and aims to establish sustainable pathways for creative excellence,” she stated.
Reflecting on her experience, Stacey Pascal Gaspard, a fellow from the 2023/2024 cohort, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to grow as a filmmaker. “With this Fellowship, I got to explore a new genre, and with this movie, I felt the evolution of my voice and how much I have grown. Opportunities like this are what you need to really see your potential. This experience made me realize I am ready to go for my first feature while I continue to build my TV resume,” she noted.
The selected 2025 LFI Inclusion Fellows and their films are:
Colby Barrios – “Love me Tender, Love me True”
Jorge G. Camarena – “All the Windows are Closed”
Imani Celeste – “Tigueronas”
Loren Escandón – “Gris”
Sofía Garza-Barba – “Efflorescence”
Kaila Gutierrez – “High Beam”
Nicolas Jara – “Turn Away”
Gabriela Paciel – “Michelle’s Big Day”
Matthew Gabriel Serrano – “Xolo”
Victor Velasco – “I Have Wings but I Cannot Fly”
Source
variety.com