ATLANTA — The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) has announced that veteran actor, writer, director, and producer Roberto Sanchez will receive the Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the 15th Annual Georgia Latino International Film Festival (#GALIFF2026). The award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, as part of the city's Hispanic Heritage Month celebration.
Sanchez, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, served 11 years in the United States Navy before transitioning to Hollywood, where he has built a career spanning more than 150 film and television credits over 25 years. His breakout role came in John Singleton's 2 Fast 2 Furious (2003), and he has since appeared in notable projects including Apple TV+'s Palm Royale, the upcoming Cape Fear, Netflix's Running Point, and Showtime/Paramount+'s Dexter: Original Sin. His film work also includes a critically acclaimed lead performance in Lake Los Angeles, which earned him an Imagen Award nomination.
Beyond acting, Sanchez has expanded into writing, directing, and producing, with his latest project, The Café, a romantic drama exploring themes of love and regret. Dr. Jose Marquez, CEO and Founder of GALFA, emphasized Sanchez's role as a trailblazer: "Roberto Sanchez embodies the undeniable power of resilience and self-determination. He didn't wait for permission to build a remarkable 25-year legacy. Today, he is leveraging his platform to dismantle systemic barriers, mentor emerging talent, and redefine how Latino stories are told and valued globally."
Yvette Moise, President & Co-Founder of GALFA, added, "Roberto represents the living heartbeat of our movement. At GALFA, our declaration is 'Our Voices. Our Stories. Our Time,' and no one commands that truth quite like Roberto. He is not merely an exceptional talent; he is an industry force actively engineering career pathways for Latino and Afro-Latino creators behind the camera."
Sanchez expressed humility at the recognition: "Longevity in Hollywood isn't an accident; it is built on discipline, quiet preparation, and creating the doors you wish were open when you started. To be recognized by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance at the historic Fox Theatre is deeply humbling. I share this honor with every storyteller working every single day to ensure our voices cannot be ignored."
The 15th annual GALIFF marks a milestone Quinceañera anniversary, featuring five days of cinema, panels, and cultural events. The opening gala will also commemorate 150 Years of Mexican Filmmaking. Sponsors include Fox Theatre, Olé Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), Georgia Films, and the DeKalb Entertainment Commission.
The recognition of Sanchez comes at a time when diversity and inclusion in Hollywood remain pressing issues. His career, built on discipline and persistence, serves as an example for aspiring filmmakers, particularly from underrepresented communities. The award not only honors his individual achievements but also underscores the importance of mentorship and creating opportunities for Latino and Afro-Latino talent in the industry.
For those interested in attending, VIP gala passes, festival screening tickets, and sponsorship packages are available at galiff.org. The festival provides a platform for Latino content creators, bridging independent artists into Georgia's entertainment economy.
