Monday, June 29, 2026
6:30 PM (PT)
Online (Zoom link will be shared upon registration)

The Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (VLAFF) will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday, June 29, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

The AGM is an important moment in our annual cycle where we reflect on the past year, share updates on the organization, and vote on key governance matters, including the election of our Board of Directors.

Voting & Participation

Anyone is welcome to attend the AGM, however only current VLAFF members in good standing are eligible to vote .

If you are not yet a member, or need to renew your membership, you can do so here.

Board of Directors Elections 2026

This year, VLAFF will be electing multiple new members to our Board of Directors.

As part of this process, we recently opened an Expression of Interest (EOI) to invite community members who are interested in contributing to VLAFF’s governance, strategic direction, and long-term sustainability.

We are looking for a range of applications from individuals with diverse experience in arts and cultural leadership, community engagement, fundraising, communications, governance, and equity-focused work.

Selected candidates will be presented for nomination and election at the AGM.

Board members play a key role in supporting VLAFF’s mission to promote and celebrate Latin American, Latin-Canadian, and Indigenous cinema, and to foster intercultural dialogue through film and community programming. In addition to a passion for the arts and community, we are particularly looking for individuals who bring governance experience, strategic thinking, and skills that support the long-term sustainability, accountability, and growth of the organization.

How to Attend

Please RSVP for the AGM by emailing:
rsvp@vlaff.org

A few days prior to the meeting, registered attendees will receive:

• The Zoom link and access details
• AGM agenda
• Supporting documents for review in advance

Questions

If you have any questions about the AGM, membership, or the Board election process, please don’t hesitate to reach out at info@vlaff.org. We look forward to seeing you there and sharing this important moment with our community.

The Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (VLAFF) is currently accepting Expressions of Interest from individuals interested in joining our Board of Directors.

We are seeking community-minded individuals who are passionate about film, arts, culture, equity, and community-building, and who are interested in contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of the organization.

Serving on the Board is an opportunity to support VLAFF’s mission, help shape its strategic direction, and contribute to the continued development of one of Canada’s longest-running Latin American film festivals.

About VLAFF

Founded in 2003, the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (VLAFF) is a registered charitable organization dedicated to providing a forum for the promotion and exhibition of Latin American cinema in Vancouver.

Each year, VLAFF presents an 11-day festival that encourages dialogue among cultures and supports and celebrates the art of contemporary Latin American, Latin-Canadian, and Indigenous filmmaking. Through film screenings, conversations, music, and community events, VLAFF creates opportunities for connection, learning, and cultural exchange.

Who We Are Looking For

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals with diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Previous board experience is an asset but is not required.

We are particularly interested in connecting with people who bring experience or interest in areas such as:

• Arts and cultural leadership
• Community engagement and outreach
• Fundraising and sponsorship
• Governance and strategic planning
• Finance, accounting, or legal expertise
• Marketing and communications
• Human resources and organizational development
• Equity, accessibility, and inclusion

Most importantly, we are looking for individuals who are committed to VLAFF’s mission and values and are excited to contribute to the organization’s future.

Application Process

To express your interest, please complete the Board of Directors Expression of Interest Form. The form helps us learn more about your experience, interests, and availability.

Estimated completion time: 10–15 minutes.

Please note that submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee placement on the Board. Responses will be reviewed by VLAFF leadership and used to guide future conversations with prospective board members.

Important Dates

Application Deadline
June 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM (PT)

Applicant Conversations
Selected applicants may be invited for a brief conversation on June 22, 2026.

Annual General Meeting (AGM)
New Board Members will be officially nominated and elected during VLAFF’s Annual General Meeting on June 29, 2026 at 6:30 PM.

Questions?

If you have any questions about the Board of Directors or the application process, please contact us at info@vlaff.org. We look forward to hearing from you and learning more about how you would like to contribute to VLAFF’s future.

This position is ideal for an emerging arts worker interested in technical coordination, digital communications, website management, audiovisual production, social media, and film festival operations. The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting VLAFF’s digital infrastructure, website content, and audiovisual workflows in preparation for the 2026 festival.

We are looking for someone who is organized, collaborative, and excited about independent cinema, Latin American arts and culture, community engagement, and working in a dynamic festival environment.

About VLAFF

Founded in 2003, the Vancouver Latin American Film Festival is a registered charitable organization dedicated to promoting and exhibiting Latin American cinema in Vancouver. Through film screenings, conversations, artistic exchanges, and community events, VLAFF fosters intercultural dialogue and celebrates contemporary Latin American, Latin Canadian, and Indigenous filmmaking.

Position Details

• Position: Technical Assistant, Audiovisual
• Program: Canada Summer Jobs
• Compensation: $18.25 CAD/hour
• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Duration: 9 weeks
• Location: Hybrid (Vancouver, BC)
• Start Date: Flexible
• Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for this Canada Summer Jobs position, applicants must:

• Be between 15 and 30 years old at the start of employment
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person with refugee protection under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act
• Be legally entitled to work in Canada
• Have a valid Social Insurance Number (SIN)

Key Responsibilities

Technical & Administrative Support

• Create Digital Cinema Package (DCP) files for festival screenings
• Support Google Drive migration and digital archive organization
• Assist with transferring and organizing files within VLAFF’s Google Workspace
• Develop and distribute audience surveys
• Support audience engagement tracking and reporting

Website & Digital Content

• Upload and organize webpages for the 2026 festival lineup
• Support website maintenance using WordPress and Elementor
• Assist with bilingual website content management (English and Spanish)
• Support content management for festival publications and promotional materials
• Assist with website troubleshooting and digital asset organization
• Conduct research related to future website migration projects

Audiovisual Coordination & Media Production

• Support team calendars and media delivery workflows
• Help organize systems for receiving content from photographers, videographers, and volunteers
• Assist with media uploads and file management during festival season
• Create promotional video content for films, workshops, special events, and festival activities
• Support audiovisual and social media content production leading up to the festival

Desired Qualifications

• Experience working with WordPress and Elementor
• Spanish-language proficiency strongly preferred
• Experience with video editing software and social media content creation
• Strong organizational, communication, and time-management skills
• Interest in film, arts, festivals, or cultural work
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines
• Experience using Google Workspace and digital file management systems
• Knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, or Google Ads is an asset
• Photography, videography, or audiovisual production experience is an asset

Equity & Inclusion

VLAFF is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace. We welcome and encourage applications from Latine, Afro-Latinx, and Indigenous applicants; persons with disabilities; members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community; and applicants from diverse cultural and intersectional backgrounds.

We strongly encourage applications from bilingual and Spanish-speaking candidates based in Metro Vancouver.

Applicants are not expected to have advanced experience in every area listed above. We welcome candidates with interdisciplinary skills, curiosity, initiative, and a willingness to learn.

How to Apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. We encourage interested candidates to apply early. Any questions? Please email valentina@vlaff.org

Even better, in the hall of the Cuban Institute of Cinematographic Art and Industry (ICAIC), adjacent to the Chaplin Cinema, one can enter and see the immense room covered on three walls and the entire ceiling with some of the most emblematic posters, such as those for the multi-award-winning and Oscar-nominated film, Fresa y Chocolate (Dirs. Juan Carlos Tabío, Tomás Gutiérrez Alea), or Lucia (Dir. Humberto Solás), one of the masterpieces of Cuban cinema.

It was Alfredo Guevara—the legendary cultural promoter and founder of the Cuban Film Institute—who championed the promotional graphics of Cuban cinema, initially created by artists such as Alfredo Rostgaard, Eduardo Muñoz Bachs, and Rafael Morante in the 1950s. The posters contributed excellent designs using an entirely artisanal technique: screen printing, with which they achieved a great richness in textures.

In Cuba, film posters experienced a boom in the 1960s—the golden age of Cuban cinema—and revolutionized the visual arts. 

In 2023, UNESCO inscribed the Cuban Cinema Poster Collection, housed at the Cuban Film Institute, into the Memory of the World Register. This includes 2,230 pieces intended for the promotion of both Cuban and foreign films and film-related activities as well as 150 sketches from designers to indicate to the technicians the image to be reproduced.

This photo shows the interior of the ICAIC.

The Cuban Cinema Poster is a visual and cinematic record of a country that has contributed significantly to Latin American cinema. It draws inspiration from American pop art and op art, and was featured at VLAFF in 2017. To celebrate the festival’s 15th edition, a Quinceañera designed in this style by Havana artist Fabian Muñoz was used as the festival’s image.

We invite youth (ages 18–30) based in the Greater Vancouver area to take part in a youth-led jury at the 24th Vancouver Latin American Film Festival, taking place September 10–20, 2026.

As a Youth Jury member, you will:

• Watch and evaluate a selection of six feature-length films by New Directors
• Engage in conversations with filmmakers
• Collaborate with fellow jurors to select the recipient of the Youth Choice Award for Best New Director
• Present the award at the Closing Ceremony on September 20

What You’ll Receive

• A full Festival Pass (access to all films, events, and parties)
• Recognition on the VLAFF website
• Opportunities to connect with filmmakers, artists, and community

Commitment

Selected jury members are expected to:

• Attend an orientation session
  August 27, 5:30–7:00 PM
• Participate in a Film Critique & Jury Deliberation workshop
  August 27, 7:00–9:00 PM
• Attend all screenings in the New Directors Competition (in person)
• Join virtual Q&As with filmmakers following screenings
• Participate in at least 4 filmmaker dialogues
• Attend a final in-person deliberation session
  September 20, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
• Take part in at least one Youth Jury public activity at The Cinematheque
• Maintain confidentiality of films and jury discussions

A Note on Participation

This program is designed to help you fully experience the festival: watch powerful Latine cinema, build connections, and engage with your community. We encourage you to attend as many events as possible and invite others to join you. A limited number of complimentary tickets will be provided to share.

Eligibility

• Ages 18–30
• Based in Metro Vancouver

Important Dates

• Application deadline: Sunday, June 6, 2026 (5:00 PM PST)
• Interviews: June 8–9 (12:00–3:00 PM PST)
• Acceptance notifications: June 13 (evening)
• Confirmation deadline: June 20 (5:00 PM PST)
• Orientation & Workshop: August 27 (5:30–9:00 PM PST)
• Virtual Dialogues: September 11–19 (approx. 12:00–2:00 PM PST)
• Festival Dates: September 10–20, 2026

Note: Selected participants will be asked to provide a headshot and short bio for promotional purposes.

Questions?

Contact Ana Tonso, Youth Jury Coordinator at
youthjury@vlaff.org

Join us for a special FREE screening of CICLO, a beloved audience favourite that returns to the big screen 

 APRIL 15
 4PM
 Cineplex Scotiabank Theatre Vancouver
 FREE TICKETS

Dir. Andrea Martínez Crowther
Mexico/Canada, 2013
Spanish with English subtitles
133 min

Pachuca, 1956. Brothers Arturo and Gustavo Martínez leave their hometown in central Mexico with the desire to cross the continent on bicycles. Eighty-two days and 5,600 km later, they arrive in Toronto, not knowing that this journey will change the entire route of their lives. Ever since director Andrea Martínez Crowther can remember, stories of her father and uncle’s trip have formed part of her family’s folklore. Over half a century later, Arturo and Gustavo – now in their 70s – retrace that epic path, in an exploration of memory, the cycles of life and the unavoidable passage of time. 

“When I was a little girl, I thought it was pretty normal to have a Dad who had travelled from Mexico to Canada on bicycle. Doesn’t everyone have one of those?” – Andrea Martínez Crowther, interviewed by François Levesque, Apartment613

CICLO was named Audience Favourite at VLAFF 2013!

This film is part of National Canadian Film Day 2026, an annual one-day event celebrating Canadian cinema from coast-to-coast featuring thousands of independent screenings worldwide.

Andrea Martínez Crowther recently leapt out of her comfort zone as a feature film director in Mexico City to move to Toronto and sort of start from scratch. She has directed four feature films. The first, INSIGNIFICANT THINGS, was executive produced by Guillermo del Toro and participated in the Sundance Screenwriter’s Lab. It premiered at the San Sebastian Film Festival. She went on to direct the award-winning intimate documentary CICLO about her father’s bicycle journey from Mexico to Canada. After that came OBSERVAR LAS AVES about a writer who decides to say farewell to life through a movie, winning the People’s Choice Award at the Los Cabos Film Festival. Her most recent film, TARE, stars renowned Mexican actor Tenoch Huerta (Narcos, Black Panther: Wakanda Forever) and is in post-production. Andrea is currently developing the romantic comedy SMITTEN as well as THE SECRET LIFE OF PLANTS, her first venture in the world of Web Series -well, if you don’t count her self-produced web series LA HISTORIA DEL GALLO about her restaurant Gallo Güero, as a way of helping it survive the pandemic. (It didn’t but at least she has a series to show for it). Andrea is a member of the DGC and alumna of WIDC. Bio from WIDC.

The Vancouver Latin American Film Festival invites submissions of recent short films by emerging creators from:

• Latin American and Canadian film schools
• Films created outside of schools or institutions

We are looking for bold, urgent, personal, and formally adventurous short films made within the last three years(2023–2026). Short films must be by Latine directors, or films collaboratively and ethically engaging Latine communities.

Curated and presented by the 2026 cohort of VLAFF’s Emerging Latin Programmers, this screening will give student and emerging filmmakers a platform to share their work within Vancouver’s vibrant Latin American film and cultural community.

The selected works will be exhibited at The Cinematheque on June 23, 2026 as part of a special public event. Each selected filmmaker will receive a screening fee of $175CAD.

Who Should Apply

Latine student & emerging filmmakers or filmmakers working in collaboration with Latine communities

Submissions by Latine filmmakers can be on any subject.

Non-Latine filmmakers are also welcome to apply; however, their work must engage with Latin content and be created in ethical collaboration with Latine communities.

Submission Guidelines:

• Fiction, documentary, experimental, animation, hybrid
• Max runtime: 21 min
• Films completed between 2023–2026
• Selected films will require English subtitles 

No submission fee
Deadline: March 23, 2026
Submit here

Not sure if your project is eligible for this call? Email emergingprogrammers@vlaff.org

What We Mean by “Student” and “Emerging”

Student: Currently enrolled in a film/media program or graduated within the past 3 years.

Emerging: A filmmaker in the early stages of their short film practice who is actively developing their voice. This may include self-taught creators or those working outside institutions, and generally refers to artists who are not yet widely established, commercially represented, or consistently funded. We understand “emerging” as a relational and evolving category rather than a fixed career stage.

El Festival de Cine Latinoamericano de Vancouver abre convocatoria para cortometrajes recientes de cineastas de:

• Escuelas de cine latinoamericanas y canadienses.
• Cortos creados fuera de escuelas o instituciones por creadores emergentes.

Buscamos cortometrajes audaces, urgentes, personales, con un enfoque formalmente innovador, realizados en los últimos tres años (2023-2026). Los cortometrajes deben ser de directores latines, o por creadores emergentes que se comprometan éticamente con las comunidades latinas.

Curada y presentada por les Programadores Latines Emergentes del VLAFF 2026, esta proyección brindará a estudiantes y cineastas emergentes una plataforma para compartir su trabajo dentro de la vibrante comunidad cinematográfica y cultural latina de Vancouver.

Las obras seleccionadas se exhibirán en The Cinematheque el junio 23 de 2026 como parte de un evento público especial. Cada cineasta seleccionade recibirá una tarifa de proyección de 175 dólares canadienses.

¿Quiénes pueden participar?

Estudiantes latines y cineastas emergentes latines o cineastas que trabajen en colaboración con comunidades latinas.

Las propuestas de realizadores latines pueden ser sobre cualquier tema.

Lxs cineastas no latines también pueden postularse; sin embargo, su trabajo debe involucrar contenido latino y ser creado en colaboración ética con comunidades latinas.

Bases de inscripción:

• Ficción, documental, experimental, animación, híbrido
• Duración máxima: 21 min
• Corto realizados entre 2023 y 2026
• Los cortometrajes seleccionados deberán tener subtítulos en inglés.

No hay cuota de inscripción
Fecha límite: 23 de marzo de 2026
Postula aquí

¿No estás segurx de si tu proyecto encaja en esta convocatoria? Envía un correo a emergingprogrammers@vlaff.org

Qué entendemos por “Estudiante” y “Emergente”

Estudiante: Personas actualmente inscritas en un programa de cine o medios audiovisuales, o graduadxs en los últimos 3 años.

Emergente: Cineastas en las primeras etapas de su práctica en cortometraje, que estén desarrollando activamente su voz. Puede incluir creadorxs autodidactas o que trabajen fuera de instituciones, y generalmente se refiere a artistas que aún no están ampliamente consolidadxs, representadxs comercialmente o con financiamiento sostenido. Entendemos “emergente” como una categoría relacional y en evolución, más que como una etapa fija de carrera.

O Festival de Cinema Latino-Americano de Vancouver (VLAFF) convida ao envio de curtas-metragens recentes de cineastas:

• De escolas de cinema latino-americanas e canadenses.
• Filmes criados fora de escolas ou instituições por criadorxs emergentes.

Buscamos curtas-metragens audaciosos, urgentes, pessoais e formalmente ousados, realizados nos últimos três anos (2023–2026). Os curtas devem ser realizados por criadorxs latinxs ou por criadorxs emergentes que se comprometam eticamente com comunidades latinas.

Esta sessão será curada e apresentada pelo grupo de 2026 dxs Programadorxs Latinxs Emergentes do VLAFF, que oferece a estudantes e cineastas emergentes uma plataforma para compartilhar seu trabalho dentro da vibrante comunidade cinematográfica e cultural latino-americana de Vancouver.

As obras selecionadas serão exibidas na The Cinematheque no dia 23 de junho de 2026, como parte de um evento público especial. Cada cineasta selecionadx receberá uma taxa de exibição de 175 dólares canadenses.

Quem pode se inscrever?

Estudantes latinxs e cineastas emergentes latinxs ou cineastas que trabalhem em colaboração com comunidades latinas.

Os trabalhos enviados por cineastas latines podem abordar qualquer tema.

Cineastas não latines também podem se inscrever; no entanto, seus trabalhos devem abordar conteúdo latino e ser criados em colaboração ética com comunidades latinas.

Diretrizes para envio:

• Gêneros: ficção, documentário, experimental, animação, híbrido.
• Duração máxima: 21 minutos.
• Filmes concluídos entre 2023 e 2026.
• Os filmes selecionados deverão ter legendas em inglês.

Sem taxa de inscrição
Prazo final: 23 de março de 2026
Envie aquí

Você não ter certeza se seu projeto se enquadra nesta convocatória? envie um e-mail para emergingprogrammers@vlaff.org

O que entendemos por “Estudante” e “Emergente”

Estudante: Pessoas atualmente matriculadas em um curso de cinema/audiovisual ou formadxs nos últimos 3 anos.

Emergente: Cineastas nas primeiras etapas de sua prática em curta-metragem, que estejam desenvolvendo ativamente sua voz. Inclui realizadorxs autodidatas ou que atuem fora de instituições, e geralmente se refere a artistas que ainda não estão amplamente estabelecidxs, representadxs comercialmente ou com financiamento contínuo. Entendemos “emergente” como uma categoria relacional e em constante evolução, e não como uma etapa fixa de carreira.

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER (De Cierta Manera, 1974)

Sara Gómez died very young, but in her short life she created a powerful body of documentary work in the 1960s including titles such as ON OVERTIME (Sobre horas extras), VOLUNTARY WORK (Trabajo voluntario),and THE OTHER ISLAND (En la otra isla). Her films examined the social transformations following the 1959 Cuban Revolution, exploring its influence on people’s day-to-day lives, and revealing complex realities. She used the camera as a tool for transformation and to fight against oppression in all forms.

ONE WAY OR ANOTHER is a docu-fiction feature film that follows middle-class teacher Yolanda, who is assigned to work in a newly constructed housing development built on the site of a demolished slum, in order to transform reality and mentality. Yolanda falls in love with factory worker Mario but their relationship is challenged by their different views, values and prejudices.

“Habrá que hacer un cine sin concesiones, que toque la raíz de los intereses de todos, un cine capaz de expresarlos en sus contradicciones y que tenga como objetivo ayudar a hacer a todos nosotros, hombre y mujeres capaces de plantearse la vida como eterno conflicto con el medio en el que solo podemos vencer. Ese debe ser el propósito. ¿Será demasiado ambicioso? ¿Podemos lograrlo?”

“We must make uncompromising cinema, one that touches the root of everyone’s interests, a cinema capable of expressing them in their contradictions, and whose objective is to help all of us, men and women, to see life as an eternal conflict with the environment in which we can only prevail. That must be the purpose. Is it too ambitious? Can we achieve it?”

Sara Gómez

In 2023, VLAFF presented a showcase of Sara Gómez’s films at The Cinematheque. The screenings were introduced by Canadian Dr. Susan Lord (Queen’s University), who has taken a special interest in Gómez’s work and wrote the book The Cinema of Sara Gómez: Reframing Revolution. Lord describes Gómez as “a very brave woman, very ahead of her time in terms of the possibilities of changing the relationships between different social groups.”

Before Guillermo del Toro there was Rigo Mora, with whom del Toro had a friendship and worked together on several projects in Guadalajara, and we especially remember del Toro’s first film, CRONOS, in 1992. Rigo Mora was a renowned animation and stop-motion artist, and since 2010 the Guadalajara Film Festival has named the award for best animated short film RIGO MORA.

The Guadalajara International Film Festival (FICG) is a very important film event, especially for animated films. Guillermo del Toro frequently visits the festival, and the main auditorium of the Guadalajara film archive is named after him. And although Guillermo del Toro no longer lives in Guadalajara (and fortunately for Canadians, he has had a home in Toronto for a long time), he works a lot with animators from Guadalajara; the renowned director and stop-motion artist Rita Basulto worked on PINOCCHIO, and several sequences of that film were made at El Taller del Chucho.

EL TALLER DEL CHUCHO was founded in 2019 by Guillermo del Toro and the University of Guadalajara, and is described on its website as an animation studio that encourages local talent, fostering a space for production, innovation, dissemination, and promotion of the film industry.

El Taller del Chucho occupies seven abandoned industrial buildings on the outskirts of Guadalajara. With Guillermo del Toro’s vision, these spaces were rehabilitated, transforming them into a centre for creativity and production. Today, these buildings house one of the most advanced stop-motion studios in the world.

I AM FRANKELDA, the first stop-motion feature film made in Mexico, is also from Guadalajara.

Another reason why Guadalajara is the animation capital of Latin America is the recent release of I AM FRANKELDA, the first stop-motion feature film made in Mexico. It had to be a Guadalajara-based production, of course, with the support of Guillermo del Toro. The production, which took years to complete, premiered in 2025 and was a true exercise in craftsmanship and a technical challenge. The directors—brothers Roy and Arturo Ambriz—and a big team used more than 200 puppets and 50 sets, all handcrafted without the use of green screens in Mexico.

At VLAFF, several animated short films from Guadalajara have been screened, showcasing some of the best artists in this genre not only from Mexico but from across Latin America. Rita Basulto, a seven-time winner of the Mexican Academy Award for short films such as HUMO and LLUVIA EN LOS OJOS; Sofía Carrillo, specializing in stop motion, another Academy Award-winning artist whose work has been exhibited at more than 50 festivals; and other award-winning directors include Juan Medina (JAULAS, ZIMBO) and Karla Castañeda (JACINTA, LA NORIA).

We share with you the stop-motion short film EL OCTAVO DIA, LA CREACIÓN, a beautiful work co-directed by Rita Basulto and Juan Medina. This film won the Academy Award in Mexico and the Havana Film Festival Award for Best Animated Short Film in 2001.

The Vancouver Latin American Film Festival (VLAFF) is now accepting submissions for its 24th edition, taking place September 10–20, 2026 in Vancouver, Canada.

VLAFF showcases bold, diverse, and innovative cinema from Latin America and its diasporas, celebrating stories of identity, resistance, joy, culture, music, food, and community.

Final submission deadline: March 31, 2026
Early Bird deadline: February 15, 2026

All submissions must be made via FilmFreeway:
filmfreeway.com/vlaff

In Competition

New Directors Competition — First Features (Ópera Prima)

One of VLAFF’s most exciting sections, the New Directors Competition highlights first-time feature filmmakers whose debut works signal powerful new voices in Latin American cinema.

We welcome films that take creative risks, explore new cinematic languages, and bring urgent or intimate perspectives to the screen.

Eligibility

• First feature-length films (ópera prima)
• Latin American directors or films with Latin American content
• Fiction, animation, documentary, arthouse, hybrid
• 60 minutes and longer
• Production years: 2025–2026

Youth Choice Award for Best New Director
Each selected film receives a $300 CAD honorarium.

Short Film Competition

The Shorts in Competition section is the oldest competition at VLAFF and continues to be a launchpad for emerging and established filmmakers alike.

Each year, 15 finalist short films screen at the festival and compete for our Best Short Film Award.

Eligibility

• Fiction, animation, experimental, documentary, hybrid
• Maximum running time: 21 minutes
• Latin American content
• Production years: 2025–2026

Best Short Film Award
$750 CAD cash prize to the director.

Out of Competition

Feature Films

This section showcases outstanding feature-length films that expand cinematic conversations and resonate strongly with VLAFF audiences outside of the competitive framework.

Eligibility

• Feature-length films
• Latin American directors and/or Latin American content
• Fiction, animation, documentary, hybrid
• 60 minutes and longer
• Production years: 2025–2026

Indigenous Filmmakers from Latin America & Canada

Films from Turtle Island & Beyond

This section centers Indigenous filmmakers and collectives from across Turtle Island and throughout Latin America, highlighting stories rooted in sovereignty, land, memory, and community.

Eligibility

• Feature-length and short films
• Indigenous directors and filmmaking collectives
• Fiction, animation, experimental, documentary, hybrid
• Production years: 2025–2026

Canada Looks South — Latinx Canadian Filmmakers

Canada Looks South amplifies Latin-Canadian voices and Canadian filmmakers engaging with Latin American stories, cultures, and histories.

Latin American directors living in Vancouver are especially encouraged to submit.

Eligibility

• Feature-length and short films
• Latin-Canadian directors (permanent residents or citizens)
• Canadian directors with Latin American content
• Fiction, animation, documentary, hybrid
• Production years: 2023–2025

Thematic Sections

¡Así Sabe! — Food Films (Culinary Cinema)

A celebration of food as culture, memory, resistance, and joy. ¡Así Sabe! invites films that explore culinary traditions, kitchens, markets, and foodways across Latin America.

Eligibility

• Feature-length films
• Focus on food and culinary culture
• Fiction, animation, documentary, arthouse, hybrid
• Production years: 2025–2026

¡Así Suena! — Music Films

Now in its third year, ¡Así Suena! celebrates music on the big screen — from performance and rhythm to sound as identity and movement.

Eligibility

• Feature-length films
• Focus on music and sound
• Fiction, animation, documentary, arthouse, hybrid
• Production years: 2025–2026

¡Activismo! — Cinema of Social & Environmental Justice

This section features films that address historical struggles, social movements, political ideas, and environmental justice across Latin America.

Eligibility

• Feature-length films
• 60 minutes and longer
• Production years: 2025–2026

Queer Pix — Non-Competitive

A celebratory space for Queer short films that center Latin American perspectives, joy, desire, experimentation, and resistance.

Eligibility

• Short films by Queer directors
• Fiction, animation, experimental, documentary, hybrid
• Maximum running time: 21 minutes
• Production years: 2024–2026

Fee Waivers

A limited number of submission fee waivers are available for filmmakers for whom the fee represents a genuine barrier to participation.

Priority is given to filmmakers based in Venezuela, Argentina, and Cuba, as well as other contexts where submission fees pose economic challenges.

To request a waiver, contact programming@vlaff.org with a brief introduction to your project.

Share the Call

We invite you to share this call with your communities. We are seeking new voices, Afro-descendant and Indigenous filmmakers, experimental works, music and food films, Latinx Canadian perspectives, and stories of joy, resilience, and transformation.

THANK YOU! OBRIGADX! GRACIAS!