LGBTQ movies set to screen at this year’s New York Latino Film Festival
The New York Latino Film Festival screens dozens of features, shorts, and documentaries Sept. 15-20 at the Regal Union Square. Here is a rundown of the various queer films screening in this year’s program. The fantastic documentary “Jaripeo” (Sept. 17, 8:15 pm) immerses viewers in the hidden world of queer rancheros in Michoacán, a state in western … Read More
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The New York Latino Film Festival screens dozens of features, shorts, and documentaries Sept. 15-20 at the Regal Union Square. Here is a rundown of the various queer films screening in this year’s program.
The fantastic documentary “Jaripeo” (Sept. 17, 8:15 pm) immerses viewers in the hidden world of queer rancheros in Michoacán, a state in western Mexico. Efraín Mojica, who codirected with Rebecca Zweig, explores the expectations around masculinity and sexuality in this rodeo culture. There are discussions of the secret glances, flirting, and discrete behavior — usually after drinking — that these men engage in, but the men often fail to form lasting relationships. “Jaripeo” features interviews with a macho man, Noé, who only wants to be with other masculine men, as well as a guy who is more effeminate and feels he has the support of the community. One segment chronicles a performer who dresses as a “sexy, cheeky lady” for the rodeo. Mojica, who is not out to his family, also talks with guys about the guilt and fear he and some of his fellow rancheros have regarding being open about their sexuality and how attitudes about masculinity, especially in remote areas, are passed down through one’s parents. In between these episodes, Mojica intersperses artfully made Super-8 segments of the rodeo culture, and there are many scenes of the rodeo itself — including bull roping and riding to the dancing after the events. “Jaripeo” provides a fascinating glimpse into a little-seen subculture.
“I Am Mario” (Sept. 18, 5:15 pm) is a sensitive character study about Mario (Oustin De León, in his film debut), a trans male taxi driver in Mexico who unexpectedly becomes pregnant after a drunken night with his buddy, Joaquin (Héctor Kotsifakis). Mario is surprised by this development — and scared. Not only does his pregnancy halt his plans to have gender-affirming surgery, but it also might destroy his new relationship with Jessica (Ruth Ramos); Mario hesitates to tell her of his condition. While Mario’s sister, Socorro (Mayra Batalla), is supportive — she accompanies him to an abortion clinic — his mother, Inés (Mercedes Hernández), is troubled. Writer/director Sharon Kleinberg’s engrossing drama never exploits the situation. Instead, it shows the emotional toll Mario faces as he tries to hide the truth and live his life with dignity and respect.
The documentary “Nació Simón” (Sept. 19 at 2:15 pm) profiles Lis, a non-binary Puerto Rican mother of two, who survives adversity, most notably through the energy they feel as Simón, a drag king. Shot between 2018 and 2021 (after Hurricane Maria, and during the pandemic), Lis searches for safe spaces during lockdown when shows are banned. A scene of Lis hanging out with friends watching drag videos illustrates how important the queer community is for them. In contrast, the abuse Lis receives from their mother is painfully recounted. The performance sequences are the film’s highlights as they show Simón experiencing queer joy. “Nació Simón” is an interesting portrait of resistance.
[caption id="attachment_64938" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
The documentary “Nació Simón” runs Sept. 19 at 2:15 pm.[/caption]
“Tropical Park” (Sept. 19, 2:30 pm) is a single-take two-hander about Frank (Ariel Texidó) giving his trans sister Fanny (Lola Bosch) a driving lesson. The film, directed by Hansel Porras Garcia, is shot entirely from the car’s backseat, letting viewers eavesdrop on the siblings’ conversations (improvised by the actors) that range from light discussions about public transit, her boyfriend, and his children to more serious topics including their dying mother and transphobic father. Frank and Fanny also talk honestly with each other after he asks her to move out. (Fanny had been staying with Frank in Miami since arriving from Cuba a month ago.) “Tropical Park” lets the actors emote within the fixed frame, and the driving lessons are a metaphor for how the characters navigate life. Garcia’s talky film culminates in a touching scene that really makes the trip out and back worthwhile.
“TheyDream” (Sept. 19, 6:30 pm), by openly bisexual filmmaker William D. Caballero, is a poignant documentary made with various animation styles that are occasionally interspersed with home movie footage. Caballero builds miniature sets of his mother’s trailer home in Fayetteville, NC and uses them to animate and recount the experiences of his Puerto Rican family, including his father, who is diabetic, his late Gran’pa and Gran’ma, as well as his dog, Gustav. Caballero and his mother, Milly, find strength in each other, as they reflect on their lives, losses, and issues of mortality and art. Despite its emotional moments, “TheyDream” is often uplifting; it is especially charming when the filmmaker coaches his mother on how to record dialogue, or they recall her attending LA Pride one year. And watching them cut out rainbow wings that come to life through animation in one sequence is adorable. This is a heartfelt film about love and family.
There are more than a half dozen shorts and one episode of a webseries playing at the New York Latino Film Festival.
In the Spectrum Shorts program (Sept. 16), “The Motive” in is writer/director Jorge Molina’s nifty little film about a flustered detective (Brandon Shypkowski) who is determined to learn what prompted a gay man (Brendan Scannell) to off his boyfriend (Collin Riley). Their conversation, which includes recounting clues from a vision board, becomes a battle of wills before a clever reveal.
Shorts Program 3: Relationship Status: It’s Complicated (Sept. 17, 9:15 pm) features a quartet of queer shorts.
“Welcome Home, Jeremy Diaz” has Landon (Joel Oramas) preparing for the opening of his Pride Center, which is being hosted by his ex, Jeremy Diaz (Alain Lapinel), who is now a celebrity. But what starts out as a friendly reunion eventually becomes an opportunity to clear the air. This bittersweet film captures the genuine emotions both men feel and their efforts to move on from their past and possibly find a way forward.
“Pangea,” shot on film and in arty black and white, has Rita (writer/director Mimi Davila) at odds with Echo (Sasha Merci). They bicker in Echo’s apartment and while out on the streets of New York, eventually finding some possible détente when Mimi works at seducing Echo. There is more going on under the surface, and “Pangea” benefits from the awkward dynamic between them.
[caption id="attachment_64939" align="aligncenter" width="700"]
Mimi Davila in "Pangea."[/caption]
“Today & Tmrw” is a tender short about two teens, Mariah (b) who dresses masc, and Kimberly (Imani Lewis), who may have real feelings for her friend one afternoon. The film’s low-key vibe pivots on the push-pull relationship between the two as when they fight about what to eat (pizza or Chinese) or Kimberly asks Mariah to do her homework. And there is certainly some tension about whether they should express their affection. This is a slight, slice-of-life short that should be developed into a feature.
“The Long Con” by writer/director Aitch Alberto (“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”) is an irresistible caper film that tracks a bride (Nava Mau) having a rendezvous with a sweaty grifter (Oliver Stark) at a seedy motel after pulling off a job. But he doesn’t entirely trust her and the manager (Marlene Forte) suspects something shady is going on. The leads are sexy and magnetic, and “The Long Con” keeps viewers guessing as things play out, which is why it is so much fun.
In the Midnight Shorts Program (Sept, 17, 10:00 pm) “Turn Away” is a taut and terrific story about Omar (Ayrton Emerson), who has awakened from a coma. His boyfriend Isaac (Cesar Coto) arrives to spring him (prematurely) from the hospital. Omar is uncertain, but Isaac has an agenda, which is revealed in a shocking moment aboard a boat. “Turn Away” may seem dubious, but it is surprisingly heartfelt.
In the Pa’lante: Stories from the Caribbean program (September 19, 2:00 pm) include “Chulo,” which has Gael (writer/director Joshua Hernández) meeting up with Mateo (Gabriel Leyva) while visiting family in Puerto Rico. As they spend blissful days together at the beach or at a waterfall and nights roaming around the city, Gael becomes concerned about the future of their relationship because he will soon have to return to New York. “Chulo” is a sweet, romantic short that nicely captures the attraction that develops — and the wistful emotions of an uncertain future.
The Futuro Web Series program (Sept. 19, 6:30 pm) includes the first episode (only) of the new Brazilian series, “Ayô,” about the title character (Lucas Oranmian), a Black gay actor who struggles to get work and to find love. (His boyfriend, Manu (Caio Blat) does not want to be seen with him in public, a red flag.) How Ayô finds his self-worth is at the heart of this engaging series that hopefully will be available to stream soon.
For tickets and more information, visit https://nylatinofilmfestival.com/2026/
“The New York Latino Film Festival” | September 15-20 | the Regal Union Square Cinema
The documentary “Nació Simón” runs Sept. 19 at 2:15 pm.[/caption]
“Tropical Park” (Sept. 19, 2:30 pm) is a single-take two-hander about Frank (Ariel Texidó) giving his trans sister Fanny (Lola Bosch) a driving lesson. The film, directed by Hansel Porras Garcia, is shot entirely from the car’s backseat, letting viewers eavesdrop on the siblings’ conversations (improvised by the actors) that range from light discussions about public transit, her boyfriend, and his children to more serious topics including their dying mother and transphobic father. Frank and Fanny also talk honestly with each other after he asks her to move out. (Fanny had been staying with Frank in Miami since arriving from Cuba a month ago.) “Tropical Park” lets the actors emote within the fixed frame, and the driving lessons are a metaphor for how the characters navigate life. Garcia’s talky film culminates in a touching scene that really makes the trip out and back worthwhile.
“TheyDream” (Sept. 19, 6:30 pm), by openly bisexual filmmaker William D. Caballero, is a poignant documentary made with various animation styles that are occasionally interspersed with home movie footage. Caballero builds miniature sets of his mother’s trailer home in Fayetteville, NC and uses them to animate and recount the experiences of his Puerto Rican family, including his father, who is diabetic, his late Gran’pa and Gran’ma, as well as his dog, Gustav. Caballero and his mother, Milly, find strength in each other, as they reflect on their lives, losses, and issues of mortality and art. Despite its emotional moments, “TheyDream” is often uplifting; it is especially charming when the filmmaker coaches his mother on how to record dialogue, or they recall her attending LA Pride one year. And watching them cut out rainbow wings that come to life through animation in one sequence is adorable. This is a heartfelt film about love and family.
There are more than a half dozen shorts and one episode of a webseries playing at the New York Latino Film Festival.
In the Spectrum Shorts program (Sept. 16), “The Motive” in is writer/director Jorge Molina’s nifty little film about a flustered detective (Brandon Shypkowski) who is determined to learn what prompted a gay man (Brendan Scannell) to off his boyfriend (Collin Riley). Their conversation, which includes recounting clues from a vision board, becomes a battle of wills before a clever reveal.
Shorts Program 3: Relationship Status: It’s Complicated (Sept. 17, 9:15 pm) features a quartet of queer shorts.
“Welcome Home, Jeremy Diaz” has Landon (Joel Oramas) preparing for the opening of his Pride Center, which is being hosted by his ex, Jeremy Diaz (Alain Lapinel), who is now a celebrity. But what starts out as a friendly reunion eventually becomes an opportunity to clear the air. This bittersweet film captures the genuine emotions both men feel and their efforts to move on from their past and possibly find a way forward.
“Pangea,” shot on film and in arty black and white, has Rita (writer/director Mimi Davila) at odds with Echo (Sasha Merci). They bicker in Echo’s apartment and while out on the streets of New York, eventually finding some possible détente when Mimi works at seducing Echo. There is more going on under the surface, and “Pangea” benefits from the awkward dynamic between them.
[caption id="attachment_64939" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Mimi Davila in "Pangea."[/caption]
“Today & Tmrw” is a tender short about two teens, Mariah (b) who dresses masc, and Kimberly (Imani Lewis), who may have real feelings for her friend one afternoon. The film’s low-key vibe pivots on the push-pull relationship between the two as when they fight about what to eat (pizza or Chinese) or Kimberly asks Mariah to do her homework. And there is certainly some tension about whether they should express their affection. This is a slight, slice-of-life short that should be developed into a feature.
“The Long Con” by writer/director Aitch Alberto (“Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe”) is an irresistible caper film that tracks a bride (Nava Mau) having a rendezvous with a sweaty grifter (Oliver Stark) at a seedy motel after pulling off a job. But he doesn’t entirely trust her and the manager (Marlene Forte) suspects something shady is going on. The leads are sexy and magnetic, and “The Long Con” keeps viewers guessing as things play out, which is why it is so much fun.
In the Midnight Shorts Program (Sept, 17, 10:00 pm) “Turn Away” is a taut and terrific story about Omar (Ayrton Emerson), who has awakened from a coma. His boyfriend Isaac (Cesar Coto) arrives to spring him (prematurely) from the hospital. Omar is uncertain, but Isaac has an agenda, which is revealed in a shocking moment aboard a boat. “Turn Away” may seem dubious, but it is surprisingly heartfelt.
In the Pa’lante: Stories from the Caribbean program (September 19, 2:00 pm) include “Chulo,” which has Gael (writer/director Joshua Hernández) meeting up with Mateo (Gabriel Leyva) while visiting family in Puerto Rico. As they spend blissful days together at the beach or at a waterfall and nights roaming around the city, Gael becomes concerned about the future of their relationship because he will soon have to return to New York. “Chulo” is a sweet, romantic short that nicely captures the attraction that develops — and the wistful emotions of an uncertain future.
The Futuro Web Series program (Sept. 19, 6:30 pm) includes the first episode (only) of the new Brazilian series, “Ayô,” about the title character (Lucas Oranmian), a Black gay actor who struggles to get work and to find love. (His boyfriend, Manu (Caio Blat) does not want to be seen with him in public, a red flag.) How Ayô finds his self-worth is at the heart of this engaging series that hopefully will be available to stream soon.
For tickets and more information, visit https://nylatinofilmfestival.com/2026/
“The New York Latino Film Festival” | September 15-20 | the Regal Union Square Cinema 
