The London Latino Film Festival will open at the Barbican on October 2 and run until October 6. It marks the capital's first Latin American film festival, led by Cuban actress Ketty Rodriguez.
Screenings and star guests
Alongside film screenings, the programme includes question-and-answer sessions with Cuban ballet dancer Carlos Acosta, Argentine actor Óscar Martínez and Cuban actor Jorge Perugorría. Acosta, a former Royal Ballet principal, will appear with a screening of Yuli: The Carlos Acosta Story, the 2018 film about his childhood in Havana.
Cultural programme
The festival also features a rare exhibition of hand-printed Cuban film posters, created in Havana by Cuba's national film institute despite regular power cuts. The posters will be on display at the Eclectic Gallery in Fitzrovia from September 28 for three weeks.
Three masterclasses will be held at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, and screenings range from family cinema to independent films by emerging filmmakers.
Founders' vision
Rodriguez, who moved to London in May 2025, said the festival was "born from a desire to showcase the richness, diversity, and passion of Latin American voices on screen right here in the heart of London." She added: "The festival is a space for filmmakers, audiences, and communities to come together - to share stories that move us, challenge us, and remind us of how deeply connected we are through art and experience."
Co-founder Javier Torres said the festival "was created to be a celebration and gathering point for the Latino community in London."
Support and community
An estimated 157,800 Latin Americans live in London, according to the 2021 census by King's College London. The festival is supported by the British Film Institute through National Lottery funding and by the City of London, alongside several Latin American embassies.
