2025 Mexican-American Film and Television Festival & Awards
The Most Successful One Yet… Over A 1000 Tickets Sold & Every Single Event Filled To Capacity
2025 Theme: “Bridging the Generations through our shared roots: Somos de Aqui Y Somos De alla
MAFTF is more than just the premier festival representing the 40 million Americans of Mexican descent; it's a two-day celebration of our culture and artists. It's where Mexican-American and Latino film & television makers come together to interact, collaborate, network, and find like-minded partners. It's a platform where industry leaders connect with authentic storytellers.
On April 26th and 27th, 2025, the Mexican-American Cultural Education Foundation (MACEF), a 501(c)3, will hold its fourth annual Mexican-American Film and Television Festival & Awards.
“As we proudly announce the 2025 edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival, I am reminded of the incredible success of our past three editions. However, I am also aware that despite our shared heritage, filmmakers from Mexico and Chicano/Mexican-American filmmakers have not always collaborated as closely as we should. This year’s festival theme is a call to action – a reminder that by working together, we can amplify our voices, share our stories, and celebrate our rich cultural diversity. I am excited to see the amazing work that will emerge from this collaboration and I invite all filmmakers to join us on this journey.” – Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz [MACEF Director]
The theme for MAFTF 2025 is “Bridging the Generations By Our Shared Roots: Somos De Aqui Y Somos De Alla," propelling our mission to unify our community. This year, we’re actively working to connect and understand the diverse experiences of first-generation Mexican born filmmakers working in America and the American-born filmmakers, in an effort to promote cooperation! By fostering communication, cultural awareness, and shared identity through their films, we can begin to break down barriers and unify as one people. The phrase “Somos De Aqui Y Somos De Allá,” puts a positive spin on the usually negative feeling that it is to burden to straddle two worlds: the Mexican and the American. The reality is being Mexican-American fosters an opportunity to benefit from two rich cultures, shared experiences, and access to more perspectives that differ from one single culture mindset. We are united, fierce, and resilient. This joyous festival honors the stories of our struggles and triumphs, bridging our experiences across generations and celebrating our shared heritage.
Two locations, one unforgettable experience
For the first time ever, our festival expanded to two different locations! Due to the overwhelming number of amazing films submitted, we’ve outgrown just one venue. This expansion allows us to bring our festival to a whole new audience and provide more opportunities for filmmakers to showcase their work with MORE SCREENS available.
congratulations to our winners!
Thank you maftf 2025 Sponsors
Vasquez + Company LLP
Amazon MGM Studios
Regal
UC Merced
Dr. Ruiz Productions
Dr. Ruiz Cosmetic Dentistry
The Walt Disney Company
UCLA School of Theater, Film, and Television
Cosecha Suprema Tequila
Chicano Hollywood
Latin Heat Entertainment
Senor Fish
Our Esteemed Judges
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Dr. Jose-Luis Ruiz
Dentist, Director, President MACEF & MAFTF
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Jerry Velasco
Presiding Judge, Actor, Producer, LA County Commissioner, & MACEF Board Member
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Bel Hernandez
Publisher of LatinHeat, Journalist, & MACEF Board Member.
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Naibe Reynoso
Emmy Award Winner Journalist & Publisher of ConTodo Press
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Michaela Ruiz
Marketing & Board Member of MACEF
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Professor Luis Fernandez
Historian, E.D. MACEF
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Mike Gomez
Actor, LA County Commissioner, & MACEF Board Member
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Alfredo Widman
Producer, Director, & Author
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Robert Ruiz MBA
MAFTF Festival Manager & MACEF Board Member
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Rey Rodriguez JD
Assistant General Counsel of Walt Disney Studios & MACEF Board Member
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Dr. Luis Vargas
Dentist & MACEF Board Member
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Robert Diaz LeRoy
Director