The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) has announced the 15th Annual Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF), set to take place from September 30 through October 4, 2026, at Atlanta's historic Fox Theatre. This milestone year, dubbed the festival's quinceañera, will feature Mexico as the Country of Honor, bringing a spotlight to one of the world's most influential cinematic traditions.
For fifteen years, GALIFF has grown from a bold vision into one of the Southeast's premier Latino film festivals, championing independent filmmakers and amplifying underrepresented voices. The festival has become a launching pad for emerging artists, a gathering place for industry leaders, and a cultural home for communities whose stories deserve the biggest screen. This year's celebration is not just an anniversary; it is a tribute to everyone who has contributed to the festival's mission.
"This Quinceañera is more than an anniversary, it's a celebration of every filmmaker, volunteer, sponsor, and audience member who believed in our mission," said Yvette Moise, Co-Founder and President of GALFA/GALIFF. "Honoring Mexico during this milestone year is especially meaningful because its cinematic legacy has inspired generations of storytellers around the world. As we celebrate fifteen incredible years, we're also looking ahead to an even bigger future for Latino cinema in Georgia and beyond."
The festival is also entering a new digital era with the launch of a completely redesigned galiff.org, creating a year-round destination for filmmakers, students, industry professionals, and film lovers. The new platform will allow visitors to attend events, discover festival news, purchase passes, submit films, register to volunteer, explore educational programming, and connect with career opportunities, ensuring engagement continues long after the closing credits roll on GALIFF 2026.
"This isn't just our celebration, it's Atlanta's Hispanic Heritage celebration," said Dr. Jose Marquez, Founder and CEO of GALFA/GALIFF. "Whether you're premiering your first film, attending your first screening, volunteering behind the scenes, or helping us grow as a sponsor, you are part of this story. Our Quinceañera is about honoring where we've been while opening the doors to the next generation of filmmakers."
The 2026 festival would not be possible without the support of its sponsors and community partners, including The Fox Theatre, Ole Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, WIFTA, Georgia Films, Dekalb Entertainment Commission, and the Georgia Latino Film Alliance. Their commitment has helped GALIFF elevate diverse voices and create opportunities for emerging filmmakers, building a vibrant cultural celebration that continues to grow year after year.
With Mexico as the Country of Honor, audiences can expect award-winning films, visionary filmmakers, special guests, authentic cuisine, and cultural programming celebrating Mexican cinema's artistry and global influence. The festival promises five unforgettable days of cinema, conversation, and culture, bringing together audiences from every background to experience the power of storytelling without borders. Festival passes, tickets, sponsorship opportunities, volunteer registration, and film submissions are available at galiff.org.
