Cine Las Americas has announced the return of its 28th annual Cine Las Americas International Film Festival (CLAIFF28), taking place May 13–17, 2026 at Austin Film Society Cinema. The Austin-based nonprofit will follow with the second annual Emergente Youth International Film Festival on May 23, 2026.
Each year, the festival spotlights Latine/x, Indigenous, Latin American, and Texas-based filmmakers, with a program that includes screenings, red carpet events, panels, and workshops. A special conference for badge holders will be held May 16. Organizers confirmed that more than $8,000 in cash prizes will be awarded during the main festival, with additional jury and audience awards presented during the youth showcase.
Ahead of the May events, Cine Las Americas will host a SXSW Latine/x Voices in Film Meet-up on March 17, 2026 at the Omni Austin Hotel Downtown, bringing together filmmakers and creatives connected to the local and international Latine/x film community.
The organization also continues its youth outreach efforts through El Club de Clout, a short-form filmmaking workshop for middle school students under the Emergente Youth Film Project. The program focuses on storytelling skills and creative development, with sessions currently held at the Best Buy Teen Center at the North Austin YMCA.
CLAIFF28 runs May 13–17, 2026 at Austin Film Society Cinema, followed by the Emergente Youth International Film Festival on May 23, 2026 in Austin.
