The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF) is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a milestone event that underscores its evolution from a bold vision into a cornerstone of Latino cinema in the Southeast. The festival, organized by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA), will take place from September 30 through October 4, 2026, at Atlanta’s historic Fox Theatre. This year’s edition, themed around a Quinceañera, will feature five days of films, red carpets, cultural programming, and community engagement.
In a significant move, Mexico has been named the 2026 Country of Honor, bringing its rich cinematic tradition to the forefront. The festival will showcase award-winning Mexican films, host visionary filmmakers, and offer authentic cuisine, highlighting the global influence of Mexican cinema. This recognition is particularly meaningful as it aligns with the festival’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices and connect diverse audiences with stories from across Latin America and beyond.
“This Quinceañera is more than an anniversary, it’s a celebration of every filmmaker, volunteer, sponsor, and audience member who believed in our mission,” said Yvette Moise, Co-Founder and President of GALFA/GALIFF. “Honoring Mexico during this milestone year is especially meaningful because its cinematic legacy has inspired generations of storytellers around the world.”
Since its inception, GALIFF has grown into one of the premier Latino film festivals in the region, serving as a launching pad for emerging artists and a gathering place for industry leaders. The festival has consistently championed independent filmmakers and provided a platform for voices that might otherwise go unheard. This year’s event promises to continue that tradition, with a lineup that celebrates both established and emerging talent.
The festival is also entering a new digital era with the launch of a completely redesigned galiff.org. The new website is designed to be a year-round destination for filmmakers, students, and film enthusiasts, offering access to event information, film submissions, volunteer registration, educational programming, and career opportunities. This digital expansion aims to keep the community engaged long after the festival concludes.
Dr. Jose Marquez, Founder and CEO of GALFA/GALIFF, emphasized the inclusive nature of the celebration. “This isn’t just our celebration, it’s Atlanta’s Hispanic Heritage celebration,” he said. “Whether you’re premiering your first film, attending your first screening, volunteering behind the scenes, or helping us grow as a sponsor, you are part of this story. Our Quinceañera is about honoring where we’ve been while opening the doors to the next generation of filmmakers.”
The festival’s success over the past 15 years is attributed to the support of its partners and sponsors, including The Fox Theatre, Ole Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, WIFTA, Georgia Films, and the Dekalb Entertainment Commission. Their commitment has been instrumental in elevating diverse voices and creating opportunities for filmmakers.
The 15th Annual GALIFF is set to be its most ambitious yet, inviting filmmakers, volunteers, corporate partners, and community members to participate. Festival passes, tickets, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer registration, and film submissions are available at the newly launched website. As the festival celebrates this milestone, it looks toward an even bigger future for Latino cinema in Georgia and beyond.
