The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) has announced that veteran actor, writer, director, and producer Roberto Sanchez will receive the Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the 15th Annual Georgia Latino International Film Festival (#GALIFF2026). The award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, as part of the city's Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
Sanchez, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, served 11 years in the United States Navy before transitioning to a career in entertainment. With over 150 film and television credits spanning 25 years, he is recognized for his breakout role in John Singleton's 2 Fast 2 Furious and recent performances in Apple TV+'s Palm Royale and Cape Fear. His work extends beyond acting to writing, directing, and producing, with his upcoming romantic drama The Café exploring themes of love and regret.
Dr. Jose Marquez, CEO and Founder of GALFA, praised Sanchez for his resilience and self-determination, stating, "He didn’t wait for permission to build a remarkable 25-year legacy. Today, he is leveraging his platform to dismantle systemic barriers, mentor emerging talent, and redefine how Latino stories are told and valued globally." Yvette Moise, President & Co-Founder of GALFA, added, "Roberto represents the living heartbeat of our movement... He is not merely an exceptional talent; he is an industry force actively engineering career pathways for Latino and Afro-Latino creators behind the camera."
Sanchez expressed humility and gratitude for the honor, noting, "Longevity in Hollywood isn’t an accident; it is built on discipline, quiet preparation, and creating the doors you wish were open when you started. To be recognized by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance at the historic Fox Theatre is deeply humbling. I share this honor with every storyteller working every single day to ensure our voices cannot be ignored."
The 15th annual GALIFF marks a significant milestone, delivering five days of cinema, panels, and cultural experiences. The opening gala will also commemorate 150 Years of Mexican Filmmaking, followed by a VIP reception honoring Sanchez's career. The festival is supported by sponsors including the Fox Theatre, Olé Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), Georgia Films, and the DeKalb Entertainment Commission.
Sanchez's recent television credits include Cape Fear (Apple), Palm Royale (Apple TV+), Running Point (Netflix), Dexter: Original Sin (Showtime/Paramount+), and BMF (Starz). His career-defining film roles include Lake Los Angeles (2014), which earned him an Imagen Award nomination, and guest appearances on shows like S.W.A.T., Chicago P.D., and Law & Order: SVU.
For more information on ticketing and media credentials, visit https://galiff.org.
