Netflix-Backed LFI Inclusion Fellowship Names Ten Filmmakers

The Latino Film Institute has named ten emerging directors to its seventh annual LFI Inclusion Fellowship, with each filmmaker receiving a $50,000 production grant backed by Netflix to make a live-action narrative short. The completed films will screen at the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival.

The program combines money with access. Fellows work in a studio-style environment, receive mentorship, and take part in industry engagement opportunities across the production landscape. They will also join LALIFF Connect: Market & Creative Forum, the festival's professional development and networking section, where the cohort can meet professionals in production, distribution, acquisitions and representation.

"Netflix's continued commitment to the LFI Inclusion Fellowship makes a real difference for filmmakers with bold, original stories to tell," said Diana Cadavid, director of industry programs at the Latino Film Institute. "This year's cohort spans horror, coming-of-age, comedy, romance, sci-fi and drama and every project stands out for its visual ambition and conceptual strength. Through mentorship, resources and direct industry access, we're supporting the selected filmmakers to bring their visions to the screen and opening doors for the advancement of their careers."

Who are the 2027 fellows?

The ten filmmakers and their projects are:

• Adalberto Agulo — "Saboteur"
• Alexander Ibarra — "Mariposa Muere"
• Berman Fenelus — "The Last Hive"
• Camila de Ilhéus — "d'Aparecida"
• Crystal Ferreiro — "PUMPED!"
• Jasmin Prophete — "Zonbi"
• Kevin Rios — "Hurricane Mima"
• María Sofía Hernández — "El Turno (Carpool)"
• Mariales Diaz — "Tío dice que te suelte en banda (Don't Hold Me Close)"
• Miguel Ortiz — "Brother Bushi"

The slate covers horror, coming-of-age, comedy, romance, science fiction and drama. Cadavid credited each project with distinct visual ambition and conceptual strength.

What does the fellowship change for these directors?

The record suggests a concrete launchpad. Since the fellowship formed, it has launched 55 alumni whose films have premiered at major festivals and secured distribution. For a cohort working in genres from zombie horror to carpool drama, the grant removes the financing barrier, while LALIFF Connect places their finished work in front of buyers, programmers and representatives.

The films' first public destination is the Los Angeles Latino International Film Festival. How many of this cohort follow the 55 alumni before them into major festival premieres and distribution deals will be the measure of the program's seventh year.