The 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, running March 18-22, 2026, will celebrate Latino culture with over 100 films, special guests, and artistic showcases.
SAN DIEGO — Media Arts Center San Diego’s 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival will be held March 18 and will run through March 22.
This year’s festival will highlight several features and short films that celebrate Latino culture and storytelling. It will also include special guests, filmmaker workshops, art exhibits and music.
The San Diego Latino Film Festival began as a student festival, focusing on works about the Latino experience. Since then, the event has developed into one of the world’s most well-respected Latino film festivals.
Here’s what fans can expect this year.
Opening Night Party
On Wednesday, March 18, Media Arts Center San Diego will hold an Opening Night Party from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at El After Social Club in Downtown San Diego.
The celebration will feature multiple artists, including DJ Viejo Lowbo, and a special performance by Grammy award winners, Quetzal.
Tickets to the event are $25 for Early Bird tickets purchased in February, $25 for Media Arts Center San Diego members and $35 for general admission tickets purchased in March, before the event. Tickets purchased at the door are $40.
There will be parking available at the Horton Plaza parking structure, but the festival recommends that guests use public transportation or a rideshare.
Click here to purchase a ticket to the Opening Night Party.
Films
This year’s festival features over 100 films from across Latin America and the United States.
Screenings will be held at various times at the following locations:
- AMC Mission Valley Cinema – 1640 Camino Del Rio N, San Diego, CA 92108
- Digital Gym Cinema – 1100 Market St, 2nd floor, San Diego, CA 92101
To see a full list of films and watch trailers, check out the festival’s schedule and film guide.
Festival Passes
There are several options for buying passes to the Latino Film Festival. Each package offers various levels of seating, events and special perks.
There is an All Access VIP Pass available for $300, a Festival Pass for $200, a Film Pass for $120 and a five-ticket pack for $50. Individual screening tickets are also available for purchase.
Tickets will be available at box offices, but the festival encourages everyone to reserve their tickets online in advance.
Closing Night Celebration
To commemorate the festival’s conclusion, Media Arts Center San Diego will also host a Closing Night Celebration and Awards Ceremony.
The event will feature music from legendary DJs AirNandez and Maiden Mexico, as well as other artists. It will also include A Taste of Sabor, a culinary experience featuring local and international chefs.
The event will be held Saturday, March 21, from 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the UC San Diego Park & Market. Tickets to the event cost $25 for Early Bird tickets purchased before Feb. 28, $30 for Media Arts Center San Diego members and $45 for general admission. Tickets purchased the day of the event or at the door will cost $50, and VIP tickets will cost $75.
There will be limited parking available for $10 at the UC San Diego Park & Market. The festival recommends that guests use public transportation or a rideshare.
To purchase tickets to the Closing Night Celebration, click here.
Local artist wins poster design contest
A San Diego graphic designer has won a poster design competition for the 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival, beating out more than 150 submissions that were narrowed down to 11 finalists. The winning design will be showcased at the festival.
Axel Arevalo, a local graphic designer born and raised in San Diego, created the winning poster. This is Arevalo’s second time entering the contest; he competed two years ago before winning this year. Axel said he’s very surprised but very thankful.
“I was inspired because of the stuff that ICE is committing today, the persecution of our people, deportation without due process, and I just kind of wanted to bring a theme of unity, family connection, and really represent a part of the Latino community that is not being represented right now,” Arevalo said.
A selection committee and jury of industry professionals evaluated all submissions. Ethan Van Thillo, executive director and founder of the San Diego Latino Film Festival, explained the selection process and what the jury sought in a winning design.
“The jury selection committee looked at this poster art celebrating our community, celebrating our culture, celebrating the act of seeing movies together, it’s really important that we bring community together,” Van Thillo said.
Through his artwork, Arevalo hopes to send an important message to the community about the value and importance of Latino culture and representation.
“That Latino culture is very important, we also have something to bring to the table and our art, our culture, our people are also important and have always been important to the U.S.,” Arevalo said.
