A New Stage for Latinx Cinema

St. Louis is set to become a vibrant hub for latinx cinema with the debut of the Latinx Film Festival. From April 25th to 27th, 2025, the Hi-Pointe Theatre will host a curated selection of feature films and shorts, all celebrating the rich tapestry of Latin American cultures and experiences. This event is a key component of the broader St. Louis Latinx Arts Week, promising a diverse showcase of artistic expression.

Collaboration and Community: The Festival’s Foundation

This groundbreaking festival is a collaborative effort between Cinema St. Louis, renowned for programming the International Film Festival of St. Louis,and the Latinx arts Network,a local non-profit dedicated to promoting latinx arts. The festival kicks off with an opening reception on Friday, April 25th, at 7 PM at the Hotel Museo 21c (1528 Locust Ave, St. Louis). Attendees can enjoy complimentary refreshments while networking with fellow film enthusiasts, artists, and community members, followed by a selection of short films.

Weekend Highlights: Films Exploring Identity and Transformation

the festival weekend features four compelling feature films at the Hi-Pointe Theatre, each delving into themes of home, identity, memory, and personal transformation. Tickets are priced at an accessible $5 per screening, encouraging widespread participation.

Saturday’s Showcase

Saturday, April 26th, begins with “Goodbye Buenos Aires” (2023, Argentina), directed by German Kral, at 4:00 PM. This poignant drama unfolds against the backdrop of Argentina’s 2001 financial crisis, following the journey of a group of tango musicians. The evening continues at 7:00 PM with “Gods of Mexico” (2022, Mexico), a visually stunning documentary exploring ancestral traditions and the resilience of rural communities.

Sunday’s Closing Films

Sunday, April 27th, presents “The Fishbowl” (2023, Puerto Rico) at 4:00 PM, a story about a woman returning to her hometown in Vieques to confront a terminal illness. The festival culminates with “I’m Still Here” (2023, USA) at 7:00 PM, an intimate documentary offering a glimpse into the lives of young, undocumented Latinx individuals in the United States.

Latinx Arts Week: A City-Wide Celebration

The Latinx Arts Week, spanning from April 25th to May 4th, 2025, is a city-wide celebration showcasing Latinx creativity through various mediums, including cinema, visual arts, culinary experiences, public art, and music. This initiative aims to establish St. Louis as a premier destination for inclusive cultural programming, reflecting the growing recognition of Latinx contributions to the arts. According to the Pew Research Center, the U.S. Latinx population reached 62.1 million in 2020, underscoring the importance of platforms that amplify Latinx voices and stories.

Voices Behind the Vision

The Latinx film Festival is a celebration of our voices, our perspectives, and our narrative power. We are proud to bring these films to St. Louis and invite everyone to experience them.
Elisa Bender, President of Latinx Arts Network