Ethan van Thillo, Executive Director for the festival and filmmaker Gabriela Revilla Lugo talked about the importance of highlighting Latino films. www.sdlatinofilm.com (WEBSITE ON SCREEN) Media Arts Center San Diego 30th Annual San Diego Latino Film Festival Celebrating 30 Years of Community Support, Empowering Latino Youth in Cinema From March 9-19, 2023, the Media Arts Center San Diego proudly presents the 30th annual San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) at the Westfield Mission Valley AMC Theater (1640 Camino Del Rio North, San Diego, CA 92108). In 1994, the SDLFF began as a small-scale student film festival (“Cine Estudiantil”) with a two-fold mission of challenging negative cinematic stereotypes about the Latino experience and empowering Latino filmmakers to share stories that illustrate their rich Latino heritage. Over three decades, thanks to the enthusiasm and dedication of local supporters, the event has continued to gain notoriety, expanding into what is now recognized as one of the world’s leading Latino film festivals. “We could not have come this far without the invaluable assistance and encouragement from our growing community,” shares Ethan van Thillo, Executive Director and Founder of the San Diego Latino Film Festival. “We are immensely grateful for the ongoing support that has kept this event alive, and we look forward to partnering on the journey towards another 30 years!” In its milestone 30th year, the SDLFF celebrates Latino filmmakers, actors, and artists who labor to advance the art of Latino cinema while also investing in the younger audiences that represent its future. Free "¡Tu Cine!" screenings are geared toward introducing a new generation to the inspirational and immersive experience of the silver screen. The SDLFF creates an environment in which youth can fall in love with the magic of the movie theater as an enduring legacy of filmmaking. Plus, for the first time in its history, ticket holders can enjoy live music and top-rated local food as they browse a curated Arte Latino market (“mercado”) showcasing one-of-a-kind collections from local Latino artists and vendors. All attendees are invited to join in the lively, interactive experience festival goers have come to expect, with several exclusive opportunities to converse with the creators and actors behind their favorite films from this year’s event.