The competition programme showcased trail-blazing Latin American short films, exploring the representation of individuals and different cultures, to illustrate just how the Latino Community has made an impact on global society.

Ebony is a “Blaxican” filmmaker and photographer from Central California. Her work explores cultural intersections and diaspora. This film examines her identity as a black Mexican filmmaker. Bailey’s photographs have appeared in NPR, LA Times and Remezcla. Her shorts have been screened at film festivals in the US, Mexico and Europe.

Other films which screened on the Saturday in Dulwich Park came from a host of award-winning directors from all over Latin America. We were fortunate to have the filmmakers and creatives behind many of the films screening in attendance. Bricherxs, the comedy directed by Peruvian filmmakers Vanessa Geldres & Ian Ilbert, was co-created by Peruvian actor Pepa Duarte, who also starred in it. Pepa came and shared insights into her own experience of migration, belonging, and the vulnerabilities that come from existing in another country. Multi-award-winning filmmaker, Laura Plancarte, was also in attendance and shared her thoughts on the creative process and the art of relatable story-telling.

South Social Festival Director, Paola Melli, said: “The festival was a great success, we managed to show the various Latinx cultures at their best. Whether we enticed people to dance the Jarabe Tapatío, or enthused them with a Mariachi band, it all came down to showcasing a diverse perspective. The Audience Award winner, Jamaica and Tamarindo, was one of the most representative short films we had in the competition. The film combines the need to belong with a very personal shared experience. Kudos to the audience who followed us through until the very end!”

Director of Jamaica & Tamarindo, Ebony Bailey, said: “I made this film as a way to reaffirm my own identity as a Black-Mexican-American, or as I like to say, a “Blaxican.” My mother is Mexican-American and my father is African-American. All of my life my Mexican side was negated, because of my Black features. “A Black girl cannot be Mexican,” they would tell me. These words have caused me to reflect on the role that Blackness plays in Mexican identity. I’m thrilled this film resonated with the festival audience in London, it means a lot to me as an individual and as a filmmaker – thank you!”

The festival presented a valuable opportunity for cinemagoers in London to explore the exciting world of short films on the big screen at a pop-up cinema. And for Latino filmmakers based in the UK to discuss their motivation and inspirations for making these films. Festival screenings are a vital step to continue driving change within the industry and inspire the next generation of filmmakers.

Sadly, the Sunday 25th Argentinian focus was cancelled due to unsafe weather conditions. We will be issuing vouchers to those who purchased tickets for Sunday, as we plan to host the event at a later date. We will ensure ticket holders are updated as soon as we have the dates and venues confirmed. These will be announced first on social media. We are truly sorry for any inconvenience caused.