The Latin American Cinemateca Los Angeles Student Film Festival showcases short films created by middle and high school students. (Photo courtesy of LACLA)
The Latin American Cinemateca of Los Angeles (LACLA) hosts its 16th Annual Student Film Festival on Sunday, Sept. 27, celebrating the storytelling creativity of young student filmmakers.
LACLA features short films created by middle and high school students from different regions of Los Angeles, including the Valley, South Los Angeles, East Los Angeles and Venice.
To date, 621 films have been submitted; the festival will only showcase 24 finalists. Winners will be selected for Best Film, Best Documentary and Most Creative.
This year's panel of judges includes museum educator, archivist and cinema curator Alejandra Espasande Bouza, Argentine screenwriter, educator, and film programmer Guido Segal and L.A.-based multidisciplinary artist Mercedes Arturo.
Filmmaker students selected as winners must be present at the event to receive the award.
For the past 25 years, the nonprofit organization LACLA has served as a leading platform for the celebration of Chicanx, Latinx and Latin American cinema. The 16th annual LACLA Student Film Festival is sponsored by individual donors and the Diaz-Martinez Family Foundation.
If you're interested in attending, reserve your spot by clicking here.
Time: 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
When: Sunday, Sept. 27, 2026.
Where: Cathedral High School, 1253 Bishops Road, Los Angeles, CA 90012.
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