Latino Film Institute Announces 2027 LFI Inclusion Fellows

The Latino Film Institute (LFI) today announced the seventh annual cohort of directors selected for the LFI Inclusion Fellowship, an initiative supported by Netflix. The program provides 10 emerging filmmakers with the resources to produce live-action narrative short films through $50,000 production grants, mentorship, and curated opportunities for industry engagement. Fellows participate in a studio-style environment designed to strengthen their creative vision, technical skills, and professional networks and will screen their completed films at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), preparing them for long-term success in the entertainment industry.

Over the past six years, the LFI Inclusion Fellowship has helped launch the careers of 55 alumni whose films have premiered at major festivals, secured distribution, and advanced them into both television and feature development. With each new class, the program continues to expand representation and amplify diverse voices who are shaping the future of storytelling.

"Netflix's continued commitment to the LFI Inclusion Fellowship makes a real difference for filmmakers with bold, original stories to tell," said Diana Cadavid, Director of Industry Programs at the Latino Film Institute. "This year's cohort spans horror, coming-of-age, comedy, romance, sci-fi and drama, and every project stands out for its visual ambition and conceptual strength. Through mentorship, resources and direct industry access, we're supporting the selected filmmakers to bring their visions to the screen and opening doors for the advancement of their careers."

In addition to screening the completed films at LALIFF, the fellows will also take part in LALIFF Connect: Market & Creative Forum, the festival's professional development and networking section, where industry professionals in production, distribution, acquisitions, and representation convene with the filmmakers further connecting them to the broader industry.

The 2027 LFI Inclusion Fellows and their films are:

Adalberto Angulo Saboteur After years of sabotaging his own life, a man in his early thirties is forced to confront the truth about his destructive patterns and decide whether to break his toxic cycle or continue his slow unraveling.

Alexander Ibarra Mariposa Muere After the sudden death of an estranged family member, a less-than-sentimental nuclear family must figure out what to do with her left behind pregnant cow.

Berman Fenelus The Last Hive In 2058 Brooklyn, where honey is contraband, a Haitian and Puerto Rican family has 48 hours to save the queen bee before the state demolishes their home for a data center.

Camila de Ilhéus d'Aparecida After a motorcycle hit and run leaves Helena hospitalized for weeks, she becomes convinced Nossa Senhora da Aparecida has descended to escort her to heaven-but when the saintly apparition helps her investigate the crash instead, the unlikely pair embark on a mischievous search for justice.

Crystal Ferreiro PUMPED! A new-mom goes on her first weekend away, but things turn upside down when the manifestation of her single self appears and wreaks havoc.

Jasmin Prophete Zonbi In a dystopian future America facing a mounting underpopulation crisis, Haitian-American scientist Gaielle Remy develops a dangerous new treatment to "help" brain-dead mothers, unwittingly paving the way for a zombie apocalypse.

Kevin Rios Hurricane Mima During a Katina blackout in Miami, a shy teen bonds with his stern Abuela Mima, whose stories and a simple game teach him to notice details, embrace his identity, and become a filmmaker.

María Sofía Hernández El Turno (Carpool) On her morning carpool from Tijuana to San Diego, 15-year-old Ana Martinez finds herself caught between the desire to fit in with her friends and the fear of being left behind.

Mariales Diaz Tío dice que te suelte en banda (Don't Hold Me Close) Blending magical realism, body horror, and queer romance, Tío Dice Que te Suelte En Banda (My Uncle Says to Let You Go) is a surreal meditation on heartbreak, attachment, and the painful distance between loving someone and being able to keep them.

Miguel Ortiz Brother Bushi In the foreclosed homes of South Florida, two Cuban boys mistakenly wager their worth on street fighting, blurring the lines between love and desperation.

Download the 2027 LFI Inclusion Fellows' headshots and bios here .

About Latino Film Institute (LFI) The Latino Film Institute (LFI) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to empowering storytellers and creators and advancing innovation in the entertainment, tech, arts, and media industries. Through its signature programs, including the Youth Cinema Project (YCP), the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF), LFI Scholar, LFI Spotlight Series, and LFI Fellowships, LFI provides transformative opportunities and resources to foster Latino talent and voices in media.

For more information on LFI, visit www.latinofilm.org.

About Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) The Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) is an international event dedicated to excellence in filmmaking. Through film, television, music, and education, LALIFF offers a vibrant stage to celebrate the richness and diversity of Latino cinema through distinct directorial voices and culturally significant narratives.

For more information and updates on LALIFF visit www.laliff.org.