After a postponement due to Hurricane Milton, the highly anticipated inaugural Afro-Latino Short Film Competition, now rebranded as the Afro-Latino Short Film Competition REMIX, will take place on Sunday, December 8, 2024. Hosted at the African American Research Library and Cultural Center in Fort Lauderdale, the free event will run from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Presented by the African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) and the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA), the competition highlights the creativity and contributions of Afro-Latino filmmakers, offering them a platform to explore themes of identity and community.
“We are thrilled to help bring the Afro-Latino Short Film Competition to life and to partner with LEJA,” said Gil Robertson, President & Founder of the African-American Film Critics Association, in a press release. “This event not only celebrates the richness of Afro-Latino culture but also provides an essential platform for emerging filmmakers to tell their stories.”
Honoring Industry Leaders
The event will celebrate excellence in filmmaking and acting by honoring three trailblazing individuals:
- Amara La Negra will receive the Signature Award for her groundbreaking work as a Dominican-American singer and actor, challenging limited notions of Afro-Latina identity in mainstream pop culture.
- Marco Mall, Cuban-American filmmaker and founder of Florida Film House and the Urban Film Festival, will be honored with the Legacy Award for his transformative impact on Miami’s film industry.
- Omar Acosta, a Puerto Rican-born, four-time Emmy-nominated director and designer, will receive the Spotlight Award for his dedication to elevating production standards in pop culture.



Showcasing Afro-Latino Voices
The short films featured in the competition will explore topics that matter most to the Afro-Latino community, providing a platform for self-expression and storytelling.
The panel of esteemed judges includes:
- Natalia Cabral, Dominican filmmaker.
- Sarunas Jackson, actor (Presumed Innocence, Insecure).
- Jean Jean, Haitian-Dominican actor.
- James Lopez, President of Macro Films.
- Allen Maldonado, actor (Black-ish, House Party).
- Ruben Peralta Rigaud, film critic.
Opportunities for Emerging Filmmakers
Sponsored by Lexus and OneUnited Bank, the competition offers participants the chance to showcase their work to influential industry figures and a wider audience. Winning films will premiere on AAFCA’s Facebook and YouTube platforms, providing valuable exposure for the creators.
For more information, visit www.aafca.com.
This is a Hy-Lo News Staff Report.


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