Local Graphic Designer’s Winning Poster Selected for 33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival
SAN DIEGO — 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, which runs from March 18-22.
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,” said Arevalo.
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,” said Van Thillo.
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.,” said Arevalo.
