HOUSTON – The Houston Latino Film Festival kicks off tonight, March 18, marking a decade of celebrating Latino filmmakers and storytelling. The multi-day event at Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston (MATCH) brings together artists and audiences from across the region and beyond.
This year’s theme, “¡Houston, Aquí Estamos!,” highlights the festival’s mission to showcase underrepresented voices and support the next generation of Latino creators. Attendees can enjoy premieres, short films, discussion panels, workshops, and live music throughout the week.
Opening night features the documentary “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez,” directed by David Alvarado. The film spotlights how Valdez brought Chicano stories to Broadway and Hollywood while founding El Teatro Campesino and working alongside Cesar Chavez. Cheech Marin, one of the film’s stars and a leading advocate for Chicano art, will join the audience for a Q&A following the screening.
Marin is best known for his iconic “Cheech & Chong” work, but he is also celebrated for his dedication to Chicano art. His private collection forms the foundation of The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture in Riverside, California, which opened in 2022. Marin’s contributions were recognized by Los Angeles, which declared June 20, 2025, Cheech Marin Day.
The festival runs through March 22. A 45th anniversary showing of Valdez’s “Zoot Suit” will screen at the historic River Oaks Theatre on March 19. For the complete lineup, visit hlff2026.eventive.org/schedule.
-
Individual tickets start at $14.
-
An All-Access Badge, covering all films, panels, workshops, and music events, is $65.
-
Students and teachers can purchase discounted badges for $45.
For more information and tickets, visit houstonlatinofilmfestival.org.
Copyright 2026 by KPRC Click2Houston – All rights reserved.
