Gainesville Latino Film Festival opens with Colombian film La Frontera

Press release from the Gainesville Latino Film Festival

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Gainesville Latino Film Festival kicks off its 2025 edition with the special screening of the Colombian film La Frontera, directed by David David. The opening event will take place on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 5:30 p.m. at The Harn Museum of Art, marking the beginning of a week-long celebration of Latin American cinema and culture in Florida.

The director of La Frontera will attend the premiere and take part in a post-screening discussion. This unique opportunity will allow the audience to engage directly with the filmmaker, explore the story behind the film, and reflect on the social and cultural issues that inspired it.

“The Gainesville Latino Film Festival aims to be a cultural bridge, bringing audiences closer to the talent, diversity, and stories of Latin America. Opening with La Frontera and welcoming its director is a remarkable way to start this year’s edition,” said Ericka Ghersi, president of the Latina Women League.

In addition to this special screening, the festival will feature a week-long lineup of films and cultural activities:

• Crossing Paths: Why We Migrate – Prodigy Daughter / Hija Pródiga
  Friday, Sept. 12 | 8–11 PM
  How Bazar
  Supported by GCRA and Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
• Children’s Festival – Bilingual Children’s Storytelling (Books, Giggles, and Adventures) in partnership with Matheson Museum
  Saturday, Sept. 13 | 11:00 AM
  Matheson History Museum
  Funded by Children’s Trust of Alachua County
• Children’s Festival – Migration: An Oopsy Doopsy Journey
  Saturday, Sept. 13 | 3–5 PM
  Blount Hall Auditorium, Santa Fe College (Downtown)
  Funded by Children’s Trust of Alachua County
• Latino Art Exhibition – Opening Ceremony (Highlight Event)
  Saturday, Sept. 13 | 5:30–8:00 PM
  Blount Hall Gallery, Santa Fe College (Downtown)
  Guest Speaker: Dr. Mable Baker
  Supported by GCRA and Visit Gainesville, Alachua County
• Brazilian Film Night
  Saturday, Sept. 13 | 8–10 PM
  Heartwood Soundstage
  Supported by GCRA
• Film Night – The Border / La Frontera (Highlight Event)
  Sunday, Sept. 14 | 5:30–8:30 PM
  Hippodrome Theater
  Supported by GCRA and Visit Gainesville, Alachua County

Held every September, the Gainesville Latino Film Festival showcases a wide range of feature films, documentaries, and shorts from across Latin America, fostering cultural exchange, inclusion, and appreciation for independent cinema.

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The Gainesville Latino Film Festival is one of the region’s most vibrant cultural events, drawing audiences from across North Florida to celebrate film, art, music, and storytelling. By showcasing diverse Latin American perspectives, GLFF fosters dialogue, cultural understanding, and community empowerment.

For more details and a full program schedule, visit: www.gainesvillelatinofilmfestival.org

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Sponsors & Supporters

Other Sponsors: De Paz Cabrera Immigration Law | Meldon Law | Tinker Restaurant

Main Sponsors: This event is supported by a Gainesville Community Reinvestment Area Downtown Events Grant Program, funded by the City of Gainesville and Alachua County; endowed in part by Visit Gainesville, Alachua County, and the Children’s Trust of Alachua County