As the city of Philadelphia blossoms into summer, the Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival (PHLAFF) returns to ignite our imaginations and celebrate the richness of Latinx culture. From May 25 to May 31, Week Uno of PHLAFF 2025 papers itself to offer a vibrant tapestry of films, events, and community gatherings that promise to captivate audiences and honor the diverse stories of the Latinx diaspora.

GRAND KICKOFF

Sunday, May 25th, will kickoff PHLAFF 2025’s virtual programming with the Thriller & Drama Shorts Block, a 74-minute journey through tension and passion. This block includes five gripping shorts that set the tone for the week:

Esto es Lucha (This is Lucha) invites viewers into the high-stakes world of lucha libre, exploring the deeper emotional battles behind the mask; LOTTO tackles the dreams and desperation of chasing quick fortune; Hasta la Raíz layers family trauma with visual poetry; Tierra Verde (Green Horizon) examines environmental tension with a speculative lens; and The After closes the block with a haunting meditation on grief and resilience. Whether you're tuning in from across town or across the globe, PHLAFF’s virtual programming offers a front-row seat to some of the most compelling Latinx cinema of the year. Hosted on Eventive, the online platform makes it easy to access these compelling works from home.

IN-PERSON SCREENINGS

PhillyCAM and the Fleisher Art Memorial will host a series of in-person screenings that will set the tone for the rest of the week and the festival as a whole.

Thursday, May 29 at PhillyCAM: The Assorted Shorts Block features compelling narratives like Asterion: or, (if you mess with the bull...) and YANGA, exploring themes of identity and resistance.The festivities commence with a Creatives Meet & Greet, providing an opportunity for filmmakers, artists, and enthusiasts to connect and share their stories with their enthusiastic audiences. This is followed by the PHLAFF 2025 Kickoff Celebration, a dynamic event featuring a season overview, highlights of the festival's offerings, special guests, live performances and much more. It's the perfect introduction to the six-week celebration ahead.
Friday, May 30 at Fleisher Art Memorial: Audiences can experience Good Friday, a poignant feature delving into themes of faith and community. The Perseverance Shorts Block includes La Bruja (The Witch), El Último Tramo, Hero and Arillo de hombre muerto, each highlighting resilience in the face of adversity.
Saturday, May 31 at Fleisher Art Memorial: The day begins with the Loss & Life Shorts Block, presenting films like When There Are No Words and RENATA, which navigate the complexities of grief and healing. Later, the Female-Centered Stories Shorts Block showcases powerful narratives such as The Road to Lilith and Ana of Calle Cuatro, which aim to celebrate and highlight the strength, resilience and experiences of women in film. The evening features Boca Chica, a film that delves into the dreams and challenges of a young woman in the Dominican Republic.

venues

PHLAFF’s in-person events are held in two of Philly’s most dynamic and community-rooted venues, both of which reflect the festival’s mission to uplift diverse voices.

PhillyCAM

Location: 699 Ranstead St #1, Philadelphia, PA 19106
A hub for independent media makers, PhillyCAM is more than just a venue—it’s a platform for expression and activism. Their commitment to community-centered storytelling makes it the perfect space to launch PHLAFF’s 2025 journey. Equipped with a screening space and media production facilities, it reflects the grassroots energy at the heart of the festival.

Fleisher Art Memorial

Location: 719 Catharine St, Philadelphia, PA 19147
Founded in 1898, Fleisher Art Memorial is one of the nation’s oldest community art schools. It opens its historic halls to filmmakers and cinephiles alike, transforming into a lively space for cultural dialogue. The venue itself—rooted in accessibility and artistic exploration—embodies the spirit of PHLAFF.

join the celebration

These are just some of the films and events we’ve got in store for you this upcoming week, and we couldn’t be more excited to share the whole experience with you. PHLAFF 2025 Week Uno is more than a film festival; it's a celebration of stories that resonate, challenge, and inspire. Whether you're attending in person or joining virtually, there's a wealth of experiences awaiting you.

WEEK UNO PREVIEW