Georgia Latino International Film Festival Announces 2026 Honorees for 15th Anniversary

The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF), presented by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA), has announced its 2026 honorees as it prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary with a special event at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. The honorees include Academy Award nominee Yalitza Aparicio, who will receive the Pepe Serna GALFA Icon Award; actor, filmmaker, and producer Roberto Sanchez, who will receive the Pepe Serna Excellence in Filmmaking Award; Leonard Najar, who will receive the Revelation of the Year Award; and Sandy Hernandez, who will receive the Rising Star Award.

The significance of these awards extends beyond individual achievement. They reflect GALIFF’s ongoing mission to expand Latino representation in the entertainment industry and create opportunities for Latino artists at all stages of their careers. By honoring both established figures like Aparicio and emerging talents like Najar and Hernandez, the festival underscores the importance of intergenerational support and the continuous effort to widen doors for future storytellers.

GALIFF will also recognize actor, artist, mentor, and humanitarian Pepe Serna, whose career and commitment to supporting Latino artists inspired the awards that bear his name. “Pepe Serna represents the kind of excellence we want these awards to stand for,” said Dr. José Márquez, CEO and founder of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance and Georgia Latino International Film Festival. “He was a trailblazer when there was barely a road to follow. But his legacy is about more than an extraordinary career. It is about using success to create opportunity for others.” Márquez continued, “That is what we want every recipient of a Pepe Serna Award to understand. Excellence comes with purpose and with a responsibility to leave the door wider open for the generation that follows.”

Yalitza Aparicio gained international recognition with her debut performance as Cleo in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her recognition at GALIFF carries additional significance as Mexico serves as the festival’s 2026 Guest Country of Honor, connecting the festival’s anniversary celebration in Atlanta with Mexican cinema and storytelling. This alignment highlights the cultural ties between Georgia and Mexico and amplifies the festival’s role in fostering cross-border artistic exchange.

Roberto Sanchez, honored with the Pepe Serna Excellence in Filmmaking Award, has built a multifaceted career spanning acting, filmmaking, and production. Working both in front of and behind the camera, Sanchez represents the evolving role of Latino artists who contribute to the industry’s growth while creating their own opportunities. His recognition reflects GALIFF’s commitment to honoring those who have built lasting careers and continue to push for greater representation.

Leonard Najar and Sandy Hernandez represent the next wave of Latino talent. Najar’s Revelation of the Year Award acknowledges an emerging voice, while Hernandez’s Rising Star Award celebrates the promise of a new generation. Their inclusion among the honorees emphasizes GALIFF’s dedication to discovering and nurturing emerging artists, ensuring that the pipeline of Latino talent remains vibrant and visible.

The 15th anniversary celebration is not only a milestone for GALIFF but also a testament to the growing influence of Latino filmmakers and storytellers. Over the past 15 years, the festival has provided a platform for Latino creatives to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and develop industry relationships. Through its annual festival and year-round programming, GALFA works to expand professional and creative opportunities for Latino artists while strengthening their participation in Georgia’s film and entertainment community.

As Dr. Márquez noted, “Pepe Serna Awards reminds us that legacy is not simply about what you accomplish. It is also about what you make possible for the people who come after you.” This sentiment captures the essence of GALIFF’s 15th anniversary: celebrating past achievements while investing in the future. The honorees embody this continuum, from established icons to rising stars, all contributing to the rich tapestry of Latino storytelling.

The event is supported by sponsors and partners including Presenting Sponsor The Fox Theatre, Olé Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), Georgia Films, the DeKalb Entertainment Commission, HispAtlanta, Dr. Erick Pagan, ADCO Tax Services, Dr. Peirluigi Mancini Cinefi, and the Georgia Latino Film Alliance. For more information about the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, visit GALFA’s website.