10-07-2025
What to know about San Antonio's Latino film festival
CineFestival, billed as the nation's original and longest-running Latino film festival, runs through Sunday in San Antonio.
Why it matters: The festival spotlights the city's Latino heritage and culture for an international audience.
This year, it takes place as San Antonio seeks to grow its reputation as a film destination with expanded state incentives.
How it works: The festival features screenings at the Carver Community Cultural Center on the East Side, Santikos Mayan Palace on the South Side, and SAY Sí on the West Side. It's presented by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center.
Zoom in: Major highlights this year include showings of:
" Selena y Los Dinos," a documentary featuring never-before-seen footage from the Quintanilla family archives, which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival this year. Screenings are at 5pm Saturday and 12:30pm Sunday at the Jo Long Theatre.
" Take it Away," which traces the rise of Tejano and regional Mexican music to Johnny Canales, who was known for jumpstarting the careers of Tejano musicians like Selena through his variety-style TV show. Canales died last year. Showing at 5pm Sunday at the Jo Long Theatre.
What they're saying:"The two great documentaries about Tejano music set the tone to a program that proudly represents the diverse tapestry that American culture and society are fortunate to be," CineFestival director Eugenio del Bosque said in a statement.
"Family, immigration, citizenship and civil rights are also strongly represented in the program."
