The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) has announced that veteran actor, writer, director, and producer Roberto Sanchez will receive the Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the 15th Annual Georgia Latino International Film Festival (#GALIFF2026). The award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, as part of the city's Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
Sanchez, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, served 11 years in the U.S. Navy before transitioning to a career in entertainment. With over 150 film and television credits, he has become one of the industry's most respected and versatile actors. His breakout role came in John Singleton's 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), followed by notable performances in Apple TV+'s Palm Royale and the upcoming Cape Fear series.
Beyond acting, Sanchez has expanded into writing, directing, and producing, with projects like the romantic drama The Café, which explores themes of love and regret. His work reflects a commitment to telling authentic Latino stories and mentoring emerging talent.
“Roberto Sanchez embodies the undeniable power of resilience and self-determination,” said Dr. Jose Marquez, CEO and Founder of GALFA. “He didn’t wait for permission to build a remarkable 25-year legacy. Today, he is leveraging his platform to dismantle systemic barriers, mentor emerging talent, and redefine how Latino stories are told and valued globally.”
Yvette Moise, President & Co-Founder of GALFA, added, “Roberto represents the living heartbeat of our movement. At GALFA, our declaration is ‘Our Voices. Our Stories. Our Time,’ and no one commands that truth quite like Roberto. He is not merely an exceptional talent; he is an industry force actively engineering career pathways for Latino and Afro-Latino creators behind the camera.”
Sanchez expressed gratitude for the honor, noting that “Longevity in Hollywood isn’t an accident; it is built on discipline, quiet preparation, and creating the doors you wish were open when you started. To be recognized by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance at the historic Fox Theatre is deeply humbling. I share this honor with every storyteller working every single day to ensure our voices cannot be ignored.”
The 15th annual GALIFF marks a milestone “Quinceañera” anniversary, featuring five days of screenings, panels, and cultural events. The opening gala on September 30 will also commemorate 150 Years of Mexican Filmmaking, followed by a VIP reception honoring Sanchez's career.
Sponsors for GALIFF 2026 include the Fox Theatre, Olé Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), Georgia Films, and the DeKalb Entertainment Commission. Information on tickets, sponsorships, and media credentials is available at galiff.org.
