Latino Film Institute Announces Seventh Inclusion Fellowship Cohort

The Latino Film Institute has proudly unveiled the participants of its seventh annual Inclusion Fellowship, a program significantly supported by Netflix. This initiative aims to bolster the careers of up-and-coming filmmakers by providing essential resources and opportunities.

Ten talented, aspiring directors have been selected to join this prestigious program. Each fellow will receive a substantial production grant of $50,000 to produce live-action narrative short films. Beyond financial support, the fellowship offers invaluable mentorship from established industry professionals and crucial engagement opportunities within the film sector. Participants will operate in a studio-like environment, gaining hands-on experience and insights. A key highlight of the program is the screening of their completed films at the esteemed Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival, offering a prominent platform for their work.

Diana Cadavid, the director of industry programs at the Latino Film Institute, expressed her enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration with Netflix. She emphasized that Netflix's continuous commitment is instrumental in supporting filmmakers who are eager to share compelling, original narratives. Cadavid noted the remarkable diversity within this year's cohort, which includes projects spanning various genres such as horror, coming-of-age stories, comedies, romances, science fiction, and dramas. She highlighted the visual ambition and conceptual strength evident in every selected project, underscoring the fellowship's role in providing mentorship, resources, and direct industry access. This support is designed to help these filmmakers realize their creative visions on screen and significantly advance their professional journeys.

Furthermore, the fellows will actively participate in LALIFF Connect: Market & Creative Forum, a dedicated segment of the festival focused on professional development and networking. This forum provides an exceptional environment for the cohort to connect with a wide array of industry professionals involved in production, distribution, acquisitions, and talent representation, further broadening their professional networks and opportunities.

The 2027 LFI cohort comprises a diverse group of filmmakers and their respective projects: Adalberto Angulo with “Saboteur,” Alexander Ibarra with “Mariposa Muere,” Berman Fenelus with “The Last Hive,” Camila de Ilhéus with “d’Aparecida,” Crystal Ferreiro with “PUMPED!”, Jasmin Prophete with “Zonbi,” Kevin Rios with “Hurricane Mima,” María Sofía Hernández with “El Turno (Carpool),” Mariales Diaz with “Tío dice que te suelte en banda (Don’t Hold Me Close),” and Miguel Ortiz with “Brother Bushi.”

Since its inception, the fellowship has successfully cultivated a network of 55 alumni who have gone on to produce films that have premiered at major film festivals and secured distribution deals. This consistent track record underscores the program's effectiveness in fostering new talent and promoting diversity within the film industry.

This year's cohort represents a vibrant array of emerging talent, poised to bring fresh perspectives and innovative storytelling to the cinematic landscape. Through the LFI Inclusion Fellowship, these filmmakers receive critical support and visibility, enabling them to make significant contributions to the film industry and enrich its diverse tapestry of narratives.