¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest Announces 2025 Finalists and Celebrates Rising Latino Filmmakers
The online film festival, presented by HITN, continues to amplify the voices of Latino filmmakers and highlight issues facing the Latino community
The ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest announced its ten finalists for the 2025 film festival, recognizing a slate of talented young filmmakers shining a light on Latino culture and social issues affecting Latino communities.
During the film festival’s five years of supporting young Latino creatives, the program continues to evolve. Many of the entries focus on representation and storytelling around common issues of identity and culture that affect the Latino community. The festival raises awareness and creates a sense of connection and community both for those producing the films and for their audiences.
This year’s top ten finalists are:
- “Chiquito” – directed by Lesley Marroquin & Anna Riva
- “Circulo” – directed by Marlee Marte
- “Lafayette & Noble” – directed by Josias Ortiz
- “Mientras Espero” – directed by Bryan Manuel Ruiz Garcia
- “Mis Banderas” – directed by Cristian Zumba
- “Mulata” – directed by Yarilis Ramos López
- “Pick One” – directed by Matthew Serrano
- “Remember Me” – directed by Aldo Merino
- “The Gray Cat” – directed by Maritza Ramirez Arellanes
- “Una China Poblana” – directed by Aubrey Azmar & Ben Vazquez
“Films are a powerful medium for showcasing the diversity of human experiences,” said Cynthia Rivera, ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest Co-Director. “Seeing someone on screen who looks like us can be deeply affirming, reminding us that our stories matter too. By highlighting these stories, we create connections that empower young Latinos, making them feel more represented and more capable of being the heroes of their own stories.”
This year’s top ten films encompass several categories, including, Animation and Experimental, Documentary Short: “Real Stories, Real Impact”, Identity and Cultural Heritage in the Digital Age, Mental Health and Wellness, and Voices for Change: PSAs with a Purpose.
The finalist films will be screened on CineYouthFest.org and the HITN GO app from October 9 to October 16, 2025. The films have been evaluated by an independent jury based on factors including awareness of the subject matter; creativity in the approach of the subject matter; technical aspects such as directing, acting, cinematography, and editing; and inspirational and storytelling impact of the piece.
Winning films will receive cash prizes including:
– $3,000 for Best Overall Short Film
– $1,500 for Best Animated/Experimental Short
– $1,500 for Best Documentary Short:
– $1,250 for Spotlight Award
Winners will be announced October 16 at 7 p.m. Eastern on YouTube, the HITN GO app and on the ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest website.
A partial listing of the ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest 2025 educational and nonprofit sponsors includes the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival, FilmFreeway, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, Reel Works, Esperanza College, St. Francis College, Municipio Autónomo de Comercio, Fundación Cortes and Loíza Florece, Northeastern Illinois University, Roberto Clemente Community Academy, Philadelphia Latino Film Festival, Center for Puerto Rican Studies at Hunter College, Manhattan Neighborhood Network, and the University of Houston.
About HITN
HITN-TV is a leading Spanish-language media company that offers educational and cultural programming for the whole family. It reaches more than 35 million homes in the United States and Puerto Rico through DIRECTV, AT&T U-verse, AT&T TV, DISH Network, Verizon FiOS TV, Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, Mediacom, CenturyLink, Prism and Altice, Liberty Cable & Claro (Puerto Rico). Download the HITN GO app available on Apple, Android, Apple TV, and Roku® with a subscription. For more information, visit: www.hitn.org and follow @HITNtv on social platforms.
Cynthia Rivera 646-731-3802 / crivera@hitn.org
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