The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF), presented by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA), has announced its 2026 honorees as it prepares to celebrate its 15th anniversary with a special event at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 6 p.m. The honorees include Academy Award nominee Yalitza Aparicio, who will receive the Pepe Serna GALFA Icon Award; actor, filmmaker, and producer Roberto Sanchez, who will receive the Pepe Serna Excellence in Filmmaking Award; Leonard Najar, who will receive the Revelation of the Year Award; and Sandy Hernandez, who will receive the Rising Star Award. The festival will also recognize actor, artist, mentor, and humanitarian Pepe Serna, whose career and commitment to supporting Latino artists inspired the awards that bear his name.
“Pepe Serna represents the kind of excellence we want these awards to stand for,” said Dr. José Márquez, CEO and founder of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance and Georgia Latino International Film Festival. “He was a trailblazer when there was barely a road to follow. But his legacy is about more than an extraordinary career. It is about using success to create opportunity for others.” Márquez added, “That is what we want every recipient of a Pepe Serna Award to understand. Excellence comes with purpose and with a responsibility to leave the door wider open for the generation that follows.”
Yalitza Aparicio gained international recognition for her debut performance as Cleo in Alfonso Cuarón’s Roma, which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. Her recognition at GALIFF carries additional significance as Mexico serves as the festival’s 2026 Guest Country of Honor, connecting the festival’s anniversary celebration in Atlanta with Mexican cinema and storytelling. Roberto Sanchez, who works both in front of and behind the camera, has developed a multifaceted career spanning acting, filmmaking, and production. His award reflects GALIFF’s commitment to honoring Latino artists who have built lasting careers while contributing to the continued growth of Latino representation in the entertainment industry. Leonard Najar’s Revelation of the Year Award recognizes an emerging talent and new voice, highlighting GALIFF’s focus on discovering emerging Latino talent alongside established artists. Sandy Hernandez’s Rising Star Award underscores the festival’s principle of creating greater visibility and opportunities for Latino creatives, representing the continuum between generations that helped expand representation and those building upon that work today.
The 15th anniversary celebration marks a significant milestone for GALIFF, which provides a platform for Latino filmmakers and storytellers to showcase their work, connect with audiences, and develop relationships within the entertainment industry. Through its annual festival and year-round programming, GALFA works to expand professional and creative opportunities for Latino artists while strengthening their participation in Georgia’s film and entertainment community. The 2026 honorees represent different stages of that journey: established artists whose careers helped expand representation, working filmmakers continuing that progress, and emerging voices preparing to shape what comes next. For more information about the Georgia Latino Film Alliance, visit https://www.galaff.org.
The recognition of these artists comes at a time when Latino representation in film and entertainment remains a critical issue. By honoring both established figures like Aparicio and Sanchez and emerging talents like Najar and Hernandez, GALIFF underscores the importance of nurturing a pipeline of Latino talent. The festival’s 15-year history demonstrates a sustained commitment to amplifying Latino voices and stories, which is essential for fostering a more inclusive industry. As Mexico is honored as the 2026 Guest Country, the event also highlights the cross-border cultural exchange that enriches American cinema. The Pepe Serna Awards, named after a trailblazing actor, serve as a reminder that legacy is not only about personal achievement but also about creating opportunities for future generations. This announcement signals that GALIFF continues to be a vital platform for celebrating and advancing Latino contributions to the film industry.
