From April 3-14, the Chicago Latino Film Festival returns for its 41st year. The festival is put on by the International Latino Cultural Center in Chicago.
The 11-day event consists of 51 features and 30 shorts from Latin America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal and the U.S. Of the 81 films, 12 are world and/or 20 North American premieres, and 33 – or 40.7% – were directed or co-directed by women. Genres range from science fiction to documentary to LGBTQ to comedy to family. Screenings take place at three venues: Landmark Century Centre Cinema in Lakeview, Davis Theatre in Lincoln Square and Instituto Cervantes in River North.
Highlights
The Chicago Latino Film Festival kicks off at the Davis with the U.S. premiere of Dear Gentlemen. Patricia Castañeda’s drama chronicles the 1954 struggle for women’s suffrage in Colombia. A reception follows at the nearby Dank Haus. Another reception precedes the April 9 showing of La Terra Negra at the Cervantes. Alberto Morais’ film tells the story of Maria, who runs her family’s mill, and Miquel, an ex-con whom she hires. The festival closes at the Davis with Reinas, which recently won prizes at festivals in Berlin and Lima. An after party at the Dank Haus follows the screening.
Other films include:
- Aire, Just Breathe (Dominican Republic), where a scientist must use an AI system to prevent human extinction
- What Rhymes with Magdalena? (U.S.A.), José Pérez’s Chicago-made look at a poet tracking down her ex-boyfriends in search of closure.
- The Last (Paraguay), Paraguay’s official selection for the 2025 Academy Award for Best International Feature.
- The Freshly Cut Grass (Argentina), executive produced by Martin Scorsese.
Where to Get Tickets
Find tickets on the Chicago Latino Film Festival’s website. Purchase a Passport that grants entry to 10 screenings for $140.
