The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival (MAFTF)
MAFTF is more than just the premier festival representing the 40 million Americans of Mexican descent; it's a two-day celebration of our culture and artists. It's where Mexican-American and Latino film & television makers come together to interact, collaborate, network, and find like-minded partners. It's a platform where industry leaders connect with authentic storytellers.
The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival MAFTF has grown to become the premier Los Angeles Festival which represents the 40 million Americans of Mexican descent. Its focus is projects which depict the Mexican-American community, not with the usual Hollywood stereotype, but the more real-to-life depiction of a community of hardworking Americans who contribute and have contributed endlessly to this country. Astronauts, lawyers, teachers, nurses, doctors, accountants, builders, war heroes and people of every sort whose stories go untold, because a demeaning stereotypical narrative is preferred by Hollywood.
Hollywood has been notorious for erasing Mexican-Americans/Chicanx out of American life for over 100 years. Even stories where Mexican-Americans war heroes are featured e.g; “Hell To Eternity” (1960), Anglo-American actors have portrayed their bravery and never mentioned their Mexican heritage. The perception of Mexicans and Mexican-Americans in the US is distorted and the media has played a large part in this. Largely portrayed in media through degrading stereotypes such as “bandidos” “criminals”, “the help”, “lazy”, “illegal invaders”, and “uneducated”. Recently, those in political power, including the former president, have legitimized these Mexican-American stereotypes into the American consciousness, with disastrous consequences see throughout the news. No other Latino group has endured such abuse.
MISSION
The Mexican-American Film and Television Festival & Awards mission is designed to provide Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers, who represent 40 million Americans of Mexican descent, a venue to showcase, promote and celebrate their beautiful art. It is a place that gives movie goers the opportunity to view dozens of films, short films and television pilots, both in person and online, depicting their beautiful people, stories and culture the way they want to see it, away from the stereotypical Hollywood portrait. These films and television shows are made by the best U.S.-based Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers and actors, who understand our unique culture and journey in America and tell authentic stories. It is an opportunity to meet and ask questions for the filmmakers.
It is a place for the Mexican-American/Chicano filmmaking community to network, honor each other, and support and promote each other; a place for Hollywood to see our best filmmakers, as well as talented newcomers, and learn how we Mexican-Americans want our unique culture and people to be represented, as an important part of the American fabric instead of the old stereotypical images.
