The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF) will celebrate its 15th anniversary with a five-day event from September 30 through October 4, 2026, at Atlanta's historic Fox Theatre. The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA), the festival's organizer, announced that Mexico will be the 2026 Country of Honor, bringing a spotlight to one of the world's most influential cinematic traditions. The festival will feature award-winning films, filmmaker Q&As, cultural programming, and authentic cuisine, all aimed at showcasing the richness of Latino cinema.
For 15 years, GALIFF has grown from a bold vision into a cornerstone of the Southeast's cultural landscape, championing independent filmmakers and amplifying voices that are often underrepresented. The festival has become a launching pad for emerging artists and a gathering place for industry leaders and communities. Yvette Moise, Co-Founder and President of GALFA/GALIFF, emphasized the milestone's significance: "This Quinceañera is more than an anniversary, it's a celebration of every filmmaker, volunteer, sponsor, and audience member who believed in our mission. Honoring Mexico during this milestone year is especially meaningful because its cinematic legacy has inspired generations of storytellers around the world."
The festival is also entering a new digital era with the launch of a redesigned galiff.org website. This year-round platform will allow filmmakers, students, and film lovers to access event information, purchase passes, submit films, volunteer, and explore educational and career opportunities, extending the festival's reach beyond its annual event. Dr. Jose Marquez, Founder and CEO of GALFA/GALIFF, stressed the inclusive nature of the celebration: "This isn't just our celebration, it's Atlanta's Hispanic Heritage celebration. Whether you're premiering your first film, attending your first screening, volunteering behind the scenes, or helping us grow as a sponsor, you are part of this story."
The festival's longevity is attributed to the support of its partners, including The Fox Theatre, Ole Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, WIFTA, Georgia Films, Dekalb Entertainment Commission, and the Georgia Latino Film Alliance. These sponsors have been instrumental in helping GALIFF elevate diverse voices and create opportunities for emerging filmmakers. The 15th annual festival promises to be the most ambitious yet, with passes, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities available at galiff.org. As GALIFF celebrates this quinceañera, it looks ahead to an even bigger future for Latino cinema in Georgia and beyond, inviting everyone to be part of the story.
