Latino Film Institute Announces 2025 LFI Inclusion Fellows

The Latino Film Institute (LFI) today revealed the selection of 10 directors for its 5th annual LFI Inclusion Fellowship, an initiative supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. This fellowship supports emerging filmmakers in creating live-action narrative short films by providing a $50,000 production grant, personalized mentorship, and strategic industry connections. Fellows work within a studio environment, refining their skills and advancing their careers in the film industry. With a commitment to inclusivity, LFI supports talented filmmakers in launching their careers and 35 alumni from this program have gone on to produce feature films, secure representation, and participate in prestigious festivals, underscoring the fellowship's impact on advancing authentic voices in the industry.

“At LFI we are cultivating voices and nurturing talent that will reshape the industry,”  said Erika Sabel Flores, VP of Programs and Innovation. “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 builds sustainable pathways for creative excellence.” 

Reflecting on her experience, Stacey Pascal Gaspard, an alumna of the 2023/2024 Fellowship, shared, "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."

Completed films from the 5^th annual LFI Inclusion Fellowship will screen at the 2025 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) held from May 28 – June 1, 2025, where fellows will also participate in the festival’s programming to further develop their skills and meet people in the industry.

The 2025 LFI Inclusion Fellows and their films are: 

Colby Barrios - Love me Tender, Love me True

A middle-aged man struggling with self-esteem prepares for an Elvis impersonation performance, only to face his greatest fear when his mother shows up at the show.

Jorge G. Camarena - All the Windows are Closed

In a small mountain town in Mexico, 11-year-old Cocoi struggles to keep his sister close as her plans threaten to tear apart the only family bond he knows. Desperate to stop her, he sparks a chain of events that tests the limits of love and sacrifice.

Imani Celeste - Tigueronas

After ending an abusive relationship with her narcissistic boyfriend, Aaliyah and her friends hatch a bold plan for revenge on a girls’ night out, igniting a journey of self-empowerment and sisterhood.

Loren Escandón - Gris

Young Sofia navigates her first week of school grappling with her mixed-race identity. Her confusion and desire to belong, burst to life in vivid animations that reflect playful yet profound lessons about embracing her unique heritage.

Sofía Garza-Barba - Efflorescence

On the night she’s set to meet her vegan boyfriend’s friends, LaLa finds herself transforming into a carnivorous human plant. As her metamorphosis spirals out of control, she must find a way to keep her instincts in check before dinner takes a deadly turn.

Kaila Gutierrez - High Beam

A nine-year-old gymnast spends a day at the gym with her mother, a devoted coach whose praise is reserved for her top athletes. Desperate to catch her mom’s eye, Genna obsessively strives to make the gymnastics team.

Nicolas Jara - Turn Away

A dazed gunshot victim awakens from a coma and is snuck out of a San Francisco hospital by his suspicious partner. As they venture onto a boat under the cover of the night, a chilling revelation threatens to tear them apart.

Gabriela Paciel - Michelle’s Big Day

After a flat tire leaves Michelle and David stranded in the desert on their way to her wedding, the siblings must put their differences aside if they want to survive.

Matthew Gabriel Serrano - Xolo

After finding his beloved owner deceased, a little dog named Skippy must convince the Aztec god of death that Maria deserves a good afterlife. 

Victor Velasco - I Have Wings but I Cannot Fly

In a society where a dangerous regime has banned shapeshifters, a resilient single mother brings her son to work, only to discover he's transforming into a bird.

Download the 2025 Inclusion Fellows’ headshots and bios here.

About Latino Film Institute (LFI) 

The Latino Film Institute (LFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to creating infrastructure for equity, diversity, and excellence for the Latino community in the entertainment industry. LFI houses five signature programs: The Youth Cinema Project (YCP), the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), LFI Scholar, LFI Spotlight Series, and LFI Fellowships.  

For more information on LFI, visit www.latinofilm.org. 

About LFI Fellowships 

LFI Fellowships is a comprehensive suite of entertainment industry pipeline initiatives. Encompassing the Inclusion, Spark Animation, YCP Alumni and Below-the-Line fellowships, as well as Works In Progress, LFI+150, and various grant opportunities, the program offers tailored mentorship, essential resources, and strategic industry connections to support Latino creatives at every career stage. By empowering high school students, emerging talents, and seasoned professionals alike, LFI Fellowships champion a new generation of creatives, equipped to excel in a competitive landscape as they expand Latino representation across all facets of entertainment.

For more information on LFI Fellowships, visit www.latinofilm.org/lfi-fellowships/. 

About Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF)  

The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is an international event dedicated to excellence in filmmaking. Through film, television, music, and education, LALIFF offers a vibrant stage to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latino cinema through distinct directorial voices and culturally significant narratives.

For more information and updates on LALIFF visit www.laliff.org  

Media Contact:  

Loraine Valverde - Latino Film Institute loraine@latinofilm.org