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AAFCA and LEJA Announce Winners of Third Annual Afro-Latino Short Film Competition
Winning Filmmakers Recognized During Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration Honoring Afro-Latino Storytelling and Creativity
LOS ANGELES, CA — The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA), in partnership with the Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA), has selected “The Bathroom,” from director Marjuan Canady as the winner of the third annual Afro-Latino Short Film Competition, which recognizes work that reflects the rich intersection of African and Latin American heritage.
Coming in second place was Berman Fenelus (“Have A Nice Day”); and in third were Vergi Rodriguez and Diana Zollicoffer (“Dreamer”). Additional films rounding out the top 10 were: (4) “Sankofa”; (5) “A Star Alone”; (6) “The Sight Unseen”; (7) “No Biggie”; (8) “Pa’ Lante”; (9) “Spanglish”; and (10) “The Adventures of Pretzel Boy.”
The winning entries were selected by a distinguished judging panel featuring entertainment industry executives Tinisha Agramonte of Walt Disney Studios and Lamar Chase of Sony Television, along with actor Elvis Nolasco and filmmaker Marco Molinet.
All winning films will be honored during a daylong celebration on Saturday, October 10th at The City College of New York, that will bring together filmmakers, entertainment professionals, educators, and community leaders. In addition to screening the top 10 shorts, the event will also recognize journalist Veronica Rosario, actress/comedian Aida Rodriguez, and politician and non-profit executive Rafael Espinal for their positive representation of the Afro-Latino community.
This year’s program included new institutional partnerships with The City College of New York and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture. The organizations have joined AAFCA and LEJA in supporting the initiative’s focus on Black and Afro-Latino history, scholarship, and artistic achievement.
“This competition has become an important platform for emerging filmmakers whose voices deserve greater visibility,” said Gil Robertson IV, president of AAFCA. “Developing a platform that showcases the talented voices within the Afro-Latino community perfectly reflects AAFCA’s core mission to provide visibility for disenfranchised creatives. We are incredibly excited to move this important initiative forward through our strategic partnerships with The City College of New York and the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture.”
The competition was established to recognize filmmakers whose work explores the intersection of African and Latin American heritage while providing emerging storytellers with industry exposure, networking opportunities, and recognition.
Last year’s winner, filmmaker Kira Powell, reflected on the importance of the event. “Winning the AAFCA/LEJA Afro-Latino Short Film Competition was such a meaningful experience,” she said. “I loved connecting with fellow filmmakers and members of the AAFCA and LEJA communities. Taking home the award that night, which now sits proudly on my mantel, was incredibly special. The recognition gave the film an exciting new level of visibility and momentum, and it was incredible to later see that journey continue with an NAACP Image Award nomination. I’m so grateful to AAFCA and LEJA for championing Afro-Latino filmmakers and creating a space where our stories are celebrated.”
Powell went on to receive an NAACP Image Award nomination following the recognition.
Winning filmmakers will receive special prizes and industry recognition as part of the initiative’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The competition is sponsored by Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and MPAA.
About AAFCA
The African American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) is the world’s largest a association of Black film critics and is dedicated to celebrating excellence in film and television while amplifying diverse voices throughout the entertainment industry.
About LEJA
The Latino Entertainment Journalists Association (LEJA) is a professional organization of entertainment journalists committed to increasing Latino representation and recognizing excellence in film, television, and media.
