LOS ANGELES, CA — March 19, 2026 — (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) — The Mexican American Film & Television Festival (MAFTF) returns April 25–26 to celebrate its 5th annual edition of Mexican-American and Latino storytelling. MAFTF brings together filmmakers, television creators, actors and industry leaders for two days of screenings, workshops, networking and the Illustrious Awards honoring excellence in entertainment.

With more than 200 submissions this year, the festival showcases an exciting lineup of feature films, documentaries, short films and innovative vertical storytelling projects that reflect the rich diversity of Mexican-American voices in media.

“MAFTF 2026 Theme: “Our Stories Must Be Told To Defy Adversity”, reminds us of how by telling our stories we inform, help heal and resist the forces which are hurting our community,” said Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz President & Festival Director of MAFTF.

More than just a film festival, MAFTF serves as a creative hub where storytellers connect with industry decision makers. This festival is all about providing a platform for emerging and established filmmakers to collaborate, share ideas and build lasting partnerships.

The festival will present 12 competitive awards recognizing excellence in filmmaking, including Best Feature Film, Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Documentary and Best Screenplay for Short.

Special honors

This year’s MAFTF will recognize five individuals whose work in film and television is exemplary both in front and behind the camera, whose work represents a sample of the talent Latinos bring to the storytelling in Hollywood.

Legendary actor, writer and director Enrique Castillo will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award for his decades-long career in theater, film and television. Castillo has brought depth and dignity to Latino characters in films including El Norte, Nixon, My Family, and Déjà Vu. He is perhaps best known for his iconic portrayal of Montana in Blood In Blood Out, and on television in Showtime series Weeds.

Annie Gonzalez is a Chicana actress, singer, and producer known for her roles in Gentefied, Flamin' Hot , and in the title role in the biopic Jenni. She is also recognized for performances in Shameless, American Horror Story, and Vida, often championing Latinx representation. For her body of work she will receive the MAFTF Illustrious Award for Outstanding Achievement in Acting

Actress Mishel Prada best known for portraying the lead role of Emma Hernandez, playing a queer/pansexual Latina character on TV in Starz’s VIDA. She also played Detective KD Silva in the Peacock mini series The Continental. In recognition of her work she will be honored with MAFTF’s Illustrious Award for Trailblazer Excellence in Acting,

Acclaimed television director Felix Alcala (Lone Star, 911) will receive the Trailblazer in Directing Award for his work directing some of television’s most acclaimed series. Entertainment journalist Naibe Reynoso will be honored with the Excellence in Journalism Award,

The festival will also present the Excellence in Community-Minded Media Influence Award to two individuals who have made a meaningful impact through media and community advocacy.

Presenters

Awards will be presented by a distinguished group of artists and industry leaders including:

• Linda Yvette Chavez, Writer/Director/Producer (Flamin’ Hot, Gentified)
• Diana Luna, Executive Director, NALIP
• Pepe Serna, Actor/Producer (Disco Beats, With Love, Scarface)
• Gilbert Vasquez, Managing Partner Vasquez & Company, Advisory Board Member
• Moctesuma Esparza, Producer/Owner of the Milagros Theater (Selena, Milagro Beanfield Wars)

The 5th edition of the Mexican-American Film and Television Festival celebrates the achievements of filmmakers whose work reflects the evolving voice and influence of Mexican-American storytelling in the U.S.

As Latino representation in Hollywood continues to grow, the Mexican American Film & Television Festival stands as an important platform elevating the voices, talent and creativity of storytellers whose perspectives are shaping the future of film and television.

For more information on MAFTF go to: https://www.maftf.org/