28th Annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF)

Roll out the red carpet for the 28th Annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF), lighting up Austin from May 13-17! This vibrant five-day extravaganza spotlights underrepresented voices from Latinx, Indigenous, Latin American, and Texas indie creators through killer films, panels, workshops, and epic parties.

• Opening Night Kickoff (May 13): Red carpet glamour leads into the Austin premiere of American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, Sundance Audience Award winner. Catch director David Alvarado and Daniel 'Danny' Valdez for a Q&A, then mingle at the lobby reception!
• Thursday Highlight (May 14): Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon with Q&A featuring Sesame Street's own Sonia Manzano as Maria—childhood nostalgia meets wisdom!
• Friday Groove (May 15): Music Video Showcase and Party curated by Gina Chavez at Lustre Pearl East—dance to fresh beats and vibes.
• Saturday Power Day (May 16): CLAIFF Conference at Holiday Inn Austin Midtown with panels, workshops, and a keynote by Marta Mendez Cross. Nightcap: Keep Quiet Q&A with director Vincent Grashaw, star Lou Diamond Phillips, and producer Elizabeth Avellan, plus a 35mm screening of La Bamba honoring Luis Valdez.
• Closing Glory (May 17): Hecho en Tejas showcase of Texas talent, awards ceremony, and afterparty at Lima Criolla Peruvian Restaurant—fiesta finale!

Score all-access badges, individual tickets ($13-15), premiere events ($25), or hit the free public screenings. Late-night flicks at Violet Crown, student discounts, and wheelchair-accessible venues make it easy for everyone to join the cinema celebration. Grab tickets now and dive into stories that amplify the Americas!