CineFestival San Antonio Celebrates 46th Edition of Latino Storytelling

CineFestival San Antonio, the nation's longest-running Latino film festival, concluded its 46th edition on July 13, 2025, after a five-day showcase of 95 films that celebrated the depth and diversity of Latino storytelling. Hosted by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the festival featured screenings across four venues: the Carver Community Cultural Center, Santikos Mayan Palace, SAY Sí, and the Jo Long Theatre.

The festival opened on July 9 with the documentary "Uvalde Mom," directed by Anayansi Prado. The film tells the story of Angeli Rose Gomez, a mother who defied authorities to rescue her children during the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas. Prado emphasized the importance of cultural authenticity in the production, stating, "I understood that I was an outsider to this community and culture... I wanted honestly for the folks in front of the camera to feel comfortable, to look around and have people that look like them and can relate to them."

A significant highlight was the premiere of "Selena y Los Dinos," directed by Isabel Castro. The documentary features never-before-seen footage of Selena Quintanilla and her band, offering an intimate look at the Tejano music icon's life and career. Executive produced by Selena's siblings, Suzette and A.B. Quintanilla III, the film has garnered accolades, including the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Archival Storytelling at the Sundance Film Festival. Suzette Quintanilla expressed her enthusiasm, noting, "San Antonio is like our second home."

The festival concluded with "Take It Away: The Rise and Fall of Tejano Hollywood," a documentary co-directed by Adrian Alejandro Arredondo and Myrna Perez. The film explores the life and career of Johnny Canales, the charismatic host of the "Johnny Canales Show," which was instrumental in popularizing Tejano music and launching the careers of artists like Selena, Ramón Ayala, and Intocable. Festival director Eugenio del Bosque highlighted the significance of these documentaries, stating, "These two great documentaries about Tejano music set the tone to a program that proudly represents the diverse tapestry that American culture and society are fortunate to be."

The festival's lineup included 33 films by San Antonio-based artists and 38 Texas-connected productions. Additionally, 16 films competed for the Mesquite Award for Best Texas Short Film. Del Bosque emphasized the importance of short films in the festival, noting, "We concentrate a lot on short films because that’s the basis of filmmaking. That’s also what people are able to do. It’s independent filmmakers who are trying to find their voice or create the work that they need to develop a career."

CineFestival San Antonio serves as a vital platform for Latino voices in cinema, highlighting stories that resonate with the community's experiences and heritage. The inclusion of documentaries like "Uvalde Mom" and "Selena y Los Dinos" underscores the festival's commitment to showcasing narratives that address both contemporary issues and cultural icons. By featuring films that delve into significant events and figures, the festival fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of Latino culture and history.

As the festival continues to grow, it remains dedicated to supporting local and regional filmmakers, providing a space for emerging artists to share their stories and connect with audiences. The success of the 46th edition reflects the enduring importance of CineFestival San Antonio in celebrating and preserving Latino storytelling through the art of film.