Celebrating Three Years of Culture, Community, and Cinema
The Our Vision Caribbean and Latino Film Festival has proudly spent the past three years celebrating the rich stories, cultures, and creative voices of Caribbean and Latino filmmakers. Since its founding in 2024, the festival has grown into a vibrant platform that honors artistic excellence, cultural diversity, and community leadership.
2024: A Historic Beginning
The inaugural Our Vision Caribbean and Latino Film Festival launched in 2024 with a memorable celebration of film and culture. One of the highlights of our first year was honoring Mexican film and television superstar Isaura Espinosa for her outstanding contributions to the entertainment industry. Alongside this special recognition, filmmakers from across the Caribbean and Latino diaspora showcased their work and received awards for their creative achievements, helping establish the festival as a welcoming home for emerging and established talent alike.
2025: Introducing the Spirit Award
Our second year marked an important milestone with the introduction of the festival’s prestigious Spirit Award. The inaugural Spirit Award was presented to Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados in recognition of her leadership and commitment to addressing climate change and advocating for the people of the Caribbean. The festival also continued its tradition of honoring outstanding films and filmmakers, celebrating the diverse stories that connect communities across borders and cultures.
2026: Honoring Leadership, Community, and Film Excellence
The 2026 festival continued to build on our mission of recognizing those who make a positive impact through leadership, service, and storytelling. The Spirit Award was presented to Mayor Cassandra Chase of Lakewood, California, the city’s first Black female mayor, honoring her trailblazing leadership and dedication to public service.
The festival also presented two Community Awards. The first was awarded to the Monique Woolley Foundation in recognition of its commitment to supporting mental health and strengthening communities. The second Community Award was presented to Alma Family Services for its outstanding work serving families and improving lives throughout the region.
On the filmmaking side, the festival celebrated exceptional cinematic achievement. The Grand Prize Award was presented to *Stay*, directed by Aden Gonzalez, while the Audience Award went to *Finding Pa*, directed by Enrique LeBron, reflecting the enthusiasm and appreciation of festival attendees.
Looking Ahead to 2027
As we look toward the 2027 Our Vision Caribbean and Latino Film Festival, we are excited about the incredible films, filmmakers, and community leaders who will join us for another unforgettable celebration of culture and cinema. We remain committed to providing a platform where diverse voices can be heard, meaningful stories can be shared, and audiences can experience the power of film to inspire, educate, and unite.