The Chicano Hollywood Film Festival returns to Pomona, CA, for its second annual edition, expanding to a five-day program from July 29 to August 2. The festival, which celebrates Latino storytelling, will showcase over 140 films, host dozens of industry panels, and feature special guests including Keanu Reeves, Danny De La Paz, and Emilio Rivera. The event aims to champion Latino creators and provide a platform for emerging and established talent.
Keanu Reeves has signed on as executive producer of the documentary "Madwoman's Game," directed by Zach Zamboni and produced with Sugar23, UltraBoom Media, and Starbucks Studios. The film follows Bianca Mitchell-Avila's journey through competitive chess. Reeves' involvement brings significant attention to the project, which is a passion for young New Mexico filmmaker. Latino power couple Emilio Rivera and Yadi Valerio Rivera also executive-produced "Grit" through their production house, Outside the Box Films, with Yadi making her directorial debut.
Johnny Murillo, founder of Chicano Hollywood, emphasized the festival's growth: "With an expanded five-day program, major talent and the support of several sponsors, we are building a bigger, stronger platform for Latino storytellers to be seen, celebrated, and connected to new opportunities." The festival will open with a special screening of the landmark 1979 film "Boulevard Nights," honoring its legacy in Chicano cinema.
In addition to film screenings, the festival offers workshops, Q&As, networking opportunities, and cultural showcases. Special guests include Danny De La Paz, Emilio Rivera, Yadi Valerio Rivera, Anthony L Fernandez, Steve Louis Villegas, Momo Rodriguez, and Maribel Chavez. The event also features a panel on "The Making of Rico's Tacos: How to Produce Verticals" on Saturday, August 1 at 1 p.m., spotlighting the micro sitcom series produced by Procter & Gamble in collaboration with Albertsons Media Collective, Minivela, and Chicano Hollywood. The panel will include stars Momo Rodriguez and Maribel Chavez, along with Anna Saalfeld, Senior Brand Director at P&G Studios, and Manny Ruiz, CEO of Minivela and showrunner of the series.
Pure Flix Familia, a soon-to-launch Spanish-language family and faith streaming platform, has joined as the official Latino streaming service partner of the festival. Representatives will participate in a panel to discuss working with Latino creatives to develop family and faith entertainment. Other festival sponsors include Procter & Gamble, Albertsons, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, City of Pomona, CIELO International Foods, and First Entertainment Credit Union.
The festival concludes with an awards celebration recognizing filmmakers and creative achievement. Tickets are available through Eventbrite, and more information can be found at ChicanoHollywood.com. The event takes place at The Union on Garey, 350 North Garey Avenue, Pomona, CA 91767.
