Latino Film Institute Announces Inclusion Fellows for 2025

The Latino Film Institute (LFI) has named its 10 directors for its annual LFI Inclusion Fellowship.

The program includes a $50,000 grant, personalized mentorships, and networking opportunities and is supported by the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity. All of the fellows’ completed projects will be screened at the 2025 Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival (LALIFF) taking place from May 28 to June 1. 

“At LFI we are cultivating voices and nurturing talent that will reshape the industry,” said Erika Sabel Flores, VP of Programs and Innovation. “With Netflix’s support, we’re creating groundbreaking Latino content that meets the highest artistic standards while authentically representing our communities. Our mission transcends traditional diversity initiatives and builds sustainable pathways for creative excellence.” 

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Stacey Pascal Gaspard, a 2023/2024 fellow, reflected on her experience on the program saying, “With this Fellowship, I got to explore a new genre, and with this movie, I felt the evolution of my voice and how much I have grown. Opportunities like this are what you need to really see your potential. This experience made me realize I am ready to go for my first feature while I continue to build my TV resume.”

The selected 2025 LFI Inclusion Fellows and their films are listed below: 
Colby Barrios – “Love me Tender, Love me True” 
Jorge G. Camarena – “All the Windows are Closed”
Imani Celeste – “Tigueronas”
Loren Escandón – “Gris”
Sofía Garza-Barba – “Efflorescence”
Kaila Gutierrez – “High Beam”
Nicolas Jara – “Turn Away”
Gabriela Paciel – “Michelle’s Big Day” 
Matthew Gabriel Serrano – “Xolo”
Victor Velasco – “I Have Wings but I Cannot Fly”