28th Annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF) at AFS Cinema

The 28th annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival is happening May 13–17 here in Austin, mainly at the Austin Film Society Cinema (6259 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752). This annual festival amplifies underrepresented voices from across the Americas, highlighting Latinx, Indigenous, and Texas independent stories through screenings, panels, and parties. Over five days, the festival will offer badge-holder events, individual screening tickets, free public screenings, and discounted student pricing. There will also be a handful of late night screenings hosted at the Violet Crown Cinema.

Opening night begins Wednesday, May 13, with the official Red Carpet followed by the screening of “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” by David Alvarado. A post-screening Q&A will feature Alvarado and Daniel “Danny” Valdez, followed by a lobby reception. On Thursday, May 14, “Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon” screens with a Q&A featuring Sonia Manzano, beloved for portraying Maria on Sesame Street.

Friday, May 15, includes the Music Video Showcase and Party curated by Gina Chavez at Lustre Pearl East. This year’s CLAIFF Conference will take place Saturday, May 16 at Holiday Inn Austin Midtown, with panels, workshops, and a keynote conversation featuring Marta Méndez Cross. Saturday night features a screening of “Keep Quiet” followed by a live Q&A with director Vincent Grashaw and star Lou Diamond Phillips, moderated by producer Elizabeth Avellán, plus a special 35mm screening of “La Bamba” honoring Luis Valdez.

Closing night on Sunday, May 17, includes the Hecho en Tejas showcase of Texas filmmakers, followed by the afterparty and awards ceremony at Lima Criolla Peruvian Restaurant. You can get your badge or screening tickets now on their website, https://cinelasamericas.org/film-festival/claiff28/attend/. Find more information on Cine Las Americas, https://cinelasamericas.org/.