46th CineFestival San Antonio: Reminder for Submissions
Texas Music Festivals are in full swing with San Antonio’s CineFestival returning July 10-13, 2025, marking its 46th year as the nation’s longest-running Latino film festival. Hosted by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, the festival continues to champion independent Chicano, Latinx, and Native American cinema, with a strong focus on Texas and San Antonio-based films. Filmmakers with projects completed after January 2024 are encouraged to submit their work.
CineFestival Director Eugenio del Bosque highlighted the festival’s legacy, stating,
“To reach this 46th year of CineFestival at this time is an important landmark for me. I look forward to continuing to work with artists, audiences, and supporters to create a space where our Latinx and Chicanx stories flourish and find ways to grow.”
As the country’s oldest Latino film festival, CineFestival provides a platform for filmmakers of all experience levels. The event showcases the Texas and San Antonio film scene while also featuring the work of national and international filmmakers. In 2025, the Mesquite Award will once again honor the best Texas-made short films.
CineFestival, of Texas Music Festivals, features a diverse lineup of screenings, Q&A sessions, panels, and networking opportunities, including masterclasses where established filmmakers share their artistic and industry insights.
The festival’s programs include:
• Texas and San Antonio showcases, featuring films connected to the region
• U.S. Latinx and international feature and short films
• Workshops and discussions, designed to support emerging filmmakers
Nearly half of the festival’s events are free, ensuring broad community access. These events include:
• Family Day, a celebration for all ages
• Youth Film Showcase, featuring work by filmmakers 18 and under
• Senior Cinema Matinee, catering to elder film lovers
• Cine en el Barrio, which brings screenings to local neighborhoods
For 2025, CineFestival has received a National Endowment for the Arts Grant for Arts Projects (GAP), helping to expand opportunities for arts education, public engagement, and cultural preservation.
Important Dates
• April 15, 2025 – Regular Deadline
• May 5, 2025 – Late Deadline
• July 10-13, 2025 – CineFestival San Antonio
Filmmakers interested in submitting their work can find details on program categories, fees, and the submission process at FilmFreeway.
With a rich history and a commitment to Latino storytelling, CineFestival remains a must-attend event for cinephiles, artists, and the community. Mark your calendars and be part of this celebration of independent cinema.
