CineFestival San Antonio Returns for 46th Edition with Powerful Premieres and Tejano Tributes

SAN ANTONIO, TX — CineFestival San Antonio, the nation’s longest-running Latino film festival, officially returns for its 46th edition, showcasing a compelling lineup of 95 films across four venues from July 9–13, 2025. Hosted by the Guadalupe Cultural Arts Center, this year’s festival opens with the emotionally gripping documentary Uvalde Mom, directed by Anayansi Prado, premiering tonight, July 9, at 7 p.m. at the Jo Long Theatre.

The film tells the courageous story of Angeli Gomez, the mother who made national headlines when she defied authorities and rushed into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde to save her two sons during a tragic mass shooting. It’s a powerful start to a weeklong celebration of Latino storytelling, community, and cultural resilience.

Tejano Music Tributes Headline Festival Finale

The festival culminates in a weekend of red-carpet premieres honoring Tejano legends, including the premiere of Selena y Los Dinos on Saturday, July 12. The tribute film celebrates the iconic Tejano band and the legacy of Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Co-directed by Isabel Castro and produced by Daniel Torres, the project brings together notable figures such as Executive Producer Suzette Quintanilla, Chris Perez, Ricky Vela, and Pete Astudillo for a special Q&A following the screening.

The red carpet opens at 5:00 p.m. at the Jo Long Theatre, followed by presentations at 6:00 p.m. and the film screening at 6:30 p.m.

On Sunday, July 13, the festival officially closes with Take it Away, a heartfelt tribute to the late Johnny Canales, a pioneering figure in Tejano music and television. Directed by Adrian Arredondo and Myrna Perez, the documentary explores Canales’ cultural impact and enduring legacy. Special guests include Canales’ widow, Nora Canales, and prominent members of the Tejano music community. The closing red carpet event will also be held at the Jo Long Theatre.

Celebrating Latino Film, San Antonio Talent, and Texas Stories

Now in its 46th year, CineFestival continues to be a vital platform for Latino voices in cinema. Highlights of the 2025 edition include:

• 95 films presented across four San Antonio venues: Jo Long Theatre, Little Carver Civic Center, Santikos Mayan Palace, and Say Sí
• 33 films by San Antonio-based artists and 38 Texas-connected productions
• 16 films competing for the prestigious Mesquite Award for Best Texas Short Film
• Featured selections include The Ladder, Spring of the Vanishing, and Mad Bills to Pay
• Community-focused programming such as Family Day, Youth Showcase, Senior Cinema, and filmmaker Q&As

Festival organizers, including Artistic Director Eugenio del Bosque and Executive Director Cristina Ballí, promise an unforgettable experience for film lovers, families, and creatives alike.

Actor and CineFestival advisor Jesse Borrego said the event “honors the stories that reflect who we are and where we’re going. It’s a celebration of culture, identity, and the power of film to move us.”

For the full schedule, tickets, and festival passes, visit guadalupeculturalarts.org/cine-festival.

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