11:15AM - 12:15PM

Learn how to maximize every dollar without sacrificing quality in this deep dive into ultra-low-budget SAG-AFTRA filmmaking. Panelists Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz, Christian Rodrigo, Yelyna De Leon and Bel Hernandez share strategies for navigating production, securing high-caliber talent on a micro-budget, and building a marketing buzz from day one of production. This session is a masterclass for indie creators on how to balance professional standards with lean resources to get a project cast, shot, and noticed.

1:00PM - 2:00PM

Dive into the high-growth frontier of "social-first" cinema with Derek Szempruch, Johnny Murrillo, Robert Diaz Leroy, and Tim Hoffman. This panel explores the lucrative shift toward vertical filmmaking, deconstructing how indie creators can monetize 9:16 content. Designed for filmmakers ready to pivot, this session provides the technical and financial blueprint for turning vertical storytelling into a sustainable, scalable revenue engine.

2:45PM - 4:45PM

By providing live, constructive criticism on submitted films, the judges will pinpoint the subtle adjustments in pacing, performance, and narrative arc that elevate a project from an indie effort to a festival-ready masterpiece. This panel is a rare opportunity for filmmakers to see their work through a professional lens and learn the precise technical and creative refinements needed to captivate audiences and distributors alike. Led by Judges Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz‍ and ‍Robert Diaz Leroy

3:55PM - 4:55PM

Join Erik Gonzalez, Cristina Nava, Harmon Kaslow, and Patrick Perez for an essential deep dive into the business of independent cinema. This panel deconstructs the complexities of modern film finance and distribution, offering indie filmmakers a practical roadmap for securing "greenlight" capital and navigating the path to a global audience. These experts share the "insider" strategies needed to turn a creative vision into a viable reality.

5:15PM - 6:00PM

We are honored to host an intimate conversation with the legendary Enrique Castillo. The multi-talented actor, writer, and director will join us to reflect on his storied career and profound impact on American cinema. This special session culminates in a historic moment as Castillo receives the Lifetime Achievement Award at the MAFTF Awards, celebrating a legacy of artistic excellence and his unwavering commitment to authentic storytelling. MODERATED BY LIZZA MONET MORALES.

ACTOR, WRITER, & DIRECTOR

AWARD-WINNING ACTOR, TV HOST, BEST-SELLING AUTHOR, A BILINGUAL CONTENT CREATOR AND AN INTERNATIONAL MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER

FOUNDER OF CHICANO HOLLYWOOD

Actress, Writer, Producer

FOUNDER OF LATIN HEAT ENTERTAINMENT

FOUNDER OF MAFTF & DIRECTOR

DIRECTOR & FESTIVAL JUDGE

Director Marketing & Distribution for The Avenue, a Highland Film Group company. 

AWARD WINNING SCREENWRITER, DIRECTOR, & PRODUCER OF INDEPENDENT FILMS

DIRECTOR, PRODUCER, & EDITOR

FOUNDER / PRESIDENT, ATLAS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY & CinemaCloudWorks.com

CASTING DIRECTOR

WRITER, DIRECTOR, AND MULTIDISCIPLINARY STORYTELLER

Currently building the next-generation storytelling platform and an aligned film fund designed to connect content creation, distribution strategy, and capital formation