22nd Gainesville Latino Film Festival to be held Sept. 10-27

Press release from the Latina Women’s League

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The 22nd Gainesville Latino Film Festival, organized by the Latina Women’s League, will take place September 10–27, 2026, under the theme “Voices of Our Land.” The theme reflects the urgent need to listen to the stories of people, communities, and ecosystems whose voices remind us of our shared responsibility to care for the world we inhabit.

“Voices of Our Land” celebrates individuals and communities who advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage, the protection of natural resources, and the pursuit of a more just and sustainable society. Through film and the arts, the festival encourages meaningful dialogue about environmental conservation, civic responsibility, human rights, and the power of collective action to create positive change.

Through “Voices of Our Land,” the Latina Women’s League reaffirms its commitment to using the arts as a catalyst for education, cultural appreciation, and community empowerment. The festival reminds us that every voice has the power to shape the future of our land and our society.

Celebrating Puerto Rico

Each year, the Gainesville Latino Film Festival honors a different Latin American country or culture, celebrating its heritage, stories, and artistic contributions. For its 22nd edition, the festival is proud to pay tribute to Puerto Rico, a place rich in cultural diversity, creativity, and resilience.

This year’s festival will showcase films from Argentina, Bolivia, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and Brazil, along with music, visual art, gastronomy, literature, and special guests.

Among the featured guests are acclaimed Puerto Rican filmmaker Glorimar Marrero Sánchez, director of La Pecera, and American-Guatemalan film producer Anna Hadingham, producer of Comparsa.

Through this tribute, the festival seeks to highlight Puerto Rico’s vibrant cultural legacy and its profound influence on Latin American cinema and storytelling.

More Than a Film Festival

The Gainesville Latino Film Festival extends beyond the cinema, bringing together a diverse program of cultural and artistic experiences. In addition to film screenings, the three-week festival will feature an International Music Concert, Dance Festival, Storytelling Festival, Art Festival, Food Festival, and Children’s Festival.

The festival will take place September 10–27, 2026, with events scheduled primarily from Thursday through Sunday. Regular event hours are generally 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., although times vary by event.

Festival venues include:

• Harn Museum of Art at the University of Florida
• Vecinos Restaurant
• Reitz Union at the University of Florida
• Bazaar47
• Smathers Library at the University of Florida
• Hippodrome
• Santa Fe Blount Center Gallery
• Cypress & Grove
• Matheson History Museum

All films will be presented with English subtitles.

Because event times and locations vary, please consult the festival schedule.