Finding your people
Some thoughts on 9th annual Houston Latino Film Festival and its growing community
Over the last ten years, the Houston Latino Film Festival has become more than a chance to see amazing films from all over the world, telling stories from the Latino perspective, and all the typical marketing speak.
It’s been a personal annual reunion of sorts with friends and colleagues, but there was something different in the air this year. There was more films, more music, more art, more panels, more workshops, but it also seemed like I had the chance to really get to know more people than ever before.
Is it possible for something to get larger and smaller at the same time?
Part of my role with the festival is interviewing filmmakers and artists in attendance, and I try to do my homework and watch films and learn about filmmakers as much as possible. Having my own experiences making short films, I truly respect the craft of filmmaking and the people who put all their time and energy into their work. So when I get the chance to have these conversations and relate on such a fundamental level, it’s something I don’t take for granted.
Yet, what surprised me this year wasn’t the filmmakers but something else.
Seeing all the art on display in the Xicanidad: Past, Present, Futuro exhibit presented by The Open Door Gallery reminded me of the tangible, immediate creative spirit that, as much as I love it, you can’t quite get from film. Seeing up close the intense pride and emotion in the eyes of these artists is what it’s all about.
Look, I’m no journalist. I’m not a film or art critic, even if I sometimes play one on a podcast. I’m a fellow artist that’s fascinated with how people from all walks of life (not just Latinos) find their creative process and work through challenges. It’s one thing to enjoy the final work, but understanding the process it took to get there is just as intriguing to me. Sometimes it’s straightforward; other times it’s more complicated than you can imagine.
This year, I found new perspective while interviewing attendees throughout the five days with my homey and longtime friend Geraldo. Part of the task was to get peoples’ impressions of the event overall, but I noticed there were so many creative people in the crowd—artists, photographers, musicians, you name it—that seemed to just find out about the festival and decided to give it a shot. Turns out a lot of them weren’t just very curious filmgoers but aspiring and hungry talents in search of like minds.
Of course, it’s a film festival, so that’s not entirely unheard of. Whether they’re quietly working towards their dreams or just trying to figure out where to start, just by showing up they’ve hopefully started on a path to making things happen. That’s how it went for me nine years ago.
Experienced or not, everyone I’ve met so far seems to bring a positive, encouraging vibe and want to see others succeed. (Maybe it’s because we’re in Houston, which somehow hasn’t exactly translated all its cultural diversity into a hub of filmmaking creativity. Here, it seems, anyone’s success is everyone’s success.) I hope that never changes, and if you’re reading this, consider that when you walk in the door.
More than anything, I can’t help but feel like the festival has become more familial than familiar. Every year, it seems to get more intimate as I see the same faces return.
All the volunteers work so hard and dedicate so much of their time to make the event a success every year, and when some don’t return, others show up with new enthusiasm and purpose. Veterans or newbies, I think they all see the vision and know they’re a part of something special. Plus, at the end of the day, they’re all creatives in their own ways that remind me how energizing it is to discover a community.
I felt it as an attendee way back in 2016, and I thought I was just doe-eyed and unaware. Maybe so, but the energy and pride that everyone has for what they’re contributing has held up so far.
Rose-colored, maybe, but I wouldn’t bet against it.
In the last week, I’ve been slowly coming down from the high of five straight days of catching up with everyone, hearing about cool ideas and talking about new opportunities. There’s a lot to sort out from all that we captured and what we do with it. Next year is the tenth year, and I hope to see everyone again for the best year yet. For me, this festival has become more than a place to watch great films; it’s where I’ve found my people.