Behind the Lens: The People Curating PHLAFF’s Cinematic Future
Each year, the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival (PHLAFF) brings powerful, thought-provoking Latinx stories to the big screen—and behind that magic is the Screening Committee. This group of filmmakers, scholars, artists, and cultural leaders plays a crucial role in shaping the festival’s lineup by reviewing submissions and selecting the works that best reflect the diversity, creativity, and complexity of Latinx experiences. The 2025 committee features six remarkable individuals whose backgrounds span media, education, community advocacy, and independent film.
Marcellus Armstrong
Marcellus Armstrong is a visual artist, filmmaker, media programmer, and educator whose work delves into archival and material notions of Blackness and queerness. As the Program Manager at the Forman Arts Initiative (FAI), he supports community-based arts and creativity in Philadelphia through programming, convening, and advocacy. Armstrong's artistic practice is informed by his experiences and focuses on themes of identity and representation.
Gabe Castro
Gabe Castro is a nonbinary, Latine, Philadelphia-based multimedia creator specializing in the horror genre. They are the co-host and producer of Ghouls Next Door, an award-winning media literacy podcast that explores the societal, historical, and scientific influences behind cinematic fears. With a background in media studies and production, Castro discusses media history, impact, and theories behind films covering societal issues. They are also involved with PhillyCAM, contributing to community media initiatives.
Alejandra de Hoyos
Alejandra de Hoyos is a Mexican producer whose first feature film has been officially selected in various international film festivals, including Mórbido Fest and Feratum, both renowned for showcasing genre films. Her work reflects a commitment to storytelling that resonates with diverse audiences. De Hoyos maintains an active presence on social media, sharing insights into her projects and the filmmaking process.
María de la Luz Matus-Mendoza, PhD
Dr. Maríadelaluz Matus-Mendoza is an Associate Professor of Spanish in the Department of Global Studies and Modern Languages at Drexel University. Her research interests encompass the relationship between language, migration, and foodways in shaping identity. She specializes in Mexican Spanish and has published works exploring linguistic variation and intercultural competence.
Joy Soto
Originally from Philadelphia, Joy Soto serves as the Assistant Director of Alumni Regional Clubs at the University of Pennsylvania. She has a background in community engagement, having worked as a Community Voices and Engagement Fellow at WHYY, where she produced events ranging from panels to workshops. Soto is also an Advisory Board Member for Greenlight Fund Philadelphia and Co-Chair of the Young Professionals Advisory Council for Children First, demonstrating her commitment to community development and advocacy.
Abigail Torres
Abigail Torres is an award-winning Puerto Rican filmmaker based in West Kensington, Philadelphia. With 26 years of experience as a videographer, editor, and photojournalist, she has contributed to Univision 65 and WFMZ-TV 69 News Edición en Español. Torres's work focuses on storytelling that highlights the experiences of marginalized communities, bringing visibility to underrepresented narratives.
Stay tuned to learn more about how each committee member’s unique perspective will help shape this year’s festival. We can’t wait for you to experience the powerful storytelling they’re helping bring to PHLAFF 2025.
