Spotlight: Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival

Celebrating and Nurturing Latinx Creatives

The Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival (PHLAFF) is dedicated to showcasing and nurturing both emerging and established Latinx creatives and filmmakers. By celebrating the richness and diversity of Latinx cultures and experiences, PHLAFF fosters cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.

Through a variety of programs—including screenings, workshops, and special events—PHLAFF engages diverse communities using the universal language of film. These initiatives create critical connections that enhance shared experiences and promote cultural appreciation on both national and international levels. ​

Under the leadership of Festival Director and Chief Curator Marángeli Mejía-Rabell, PHLAFF has become a vital platform for Latinx voices in the arts. Marángeli's commitment to centering Latinx stories and culture has been instrumental in bringing about positive change and representation within the creative community. We are excited to share more about her work in this testimonial!

Here at CultureWorks, we are proud to have worked with Marángeli Mejía-Rabell and PHLAFF since 2014.

In Their Words: A Conversation with Marángeli Mejía-Rabell

Tell us about your organization or project. What inspired you to start it, and what impact are you hoping to make?
The Philadelphia Latino Film Festival (PHLAFF) was established in 2012 as the Greater Philadelphia region’s only festival showcasing the extraordinary and innovative work of emerging and established Latine/x/o filmmakers of all kinds. Building upon our 13-year history and track record of growth and deep impact, we are proud to continue our evolution as an organization. In July 2023, PHLAFF became The Philadelphia Latino Arts & Film Festival – a year-round constellation of interrelated artistic programming and core initiatives that centers, celebrates, and supports the ongoing professional development and success of Latine/x/o filmmakers, multimedia artists, artists, creatives, cultural workers, and storytellers of every stripe.

What core values or mission drive your work? What keeps you motivated and grounded in your purpose?
Our festival has an intentional focus on community, collective impact, and long-term relationship building. With the inclusion of a broader range of artistic representation and year-round programs, PHLAFF continues its commitment to the development of our next generation of creators and acts as a hub for incubation, capacity building, and participatory practices.
We are dedicated to creating a culture of dynamic creativity and collaboration, shifting the “festival” dynamic from one of access and competition to one of inclusion, connection, and ongoing investment and development.

How has your relationship with CultureWorks supported your journey?
Being part of the CultureWorks Family has supported our journey in multiple ways. Having the administrative infrastructure operational support enables us to focus on the relational and programming aspects of our work. The staff supports us very thoughtfully and intentionally, with a level of care that makes a huge difference. The CultureWorks community brings together a phenomenal group of practitioners who enrich our practice through our exchanges and their programs.

What’s something exciting on the horizon?
#PHLAFF2025 is just around the corner! Mark your calendars: from MAY 25 THROUGH JULY 6, all of Philadelphia will once again host our ever-growing, inclusive celebration of Latinx arts, culture, and community. Like Memorial Day Weekend, PHLAFF is the unofficial start of summer—an alternative showcase for and by Philly’s flourishing Latinx community. Originally a weekend film festival, PHLAFF is now a year-round Latinx arts incubator that culminates in a six-week cycle of art exhibitions, pop-up events, music performances, and of course, films! ONE-HUNDRED EIGHTY FOUR SELECTIONS to be exact, including 26 WORLD PREMIERES and 68 DEBUT FILMS by emerging filmmakers, representing over 25 countries! As always, additional curated selections will be announced soon, along with the festival schedule.