‘Courage and Truth’ take center stage at OLA’s 23rd Latino Film Festival
Get your popcorn ready because OLA of Eastern Long Island’s annual Latino Film Festival of the Hamptons is back next month for its 23rd year with some impressive cinematic works.
The advocacy group’s popular film festival returns just in time for National Hispanic Heritage Month, running from Thursday, Sept. 17 to Sunday, Sept. 20.
This year features the New York premiere of award-winning films from Mexico and the United States, as well as the Long Island premiere of a moving documentary about Cuban migration.
All the internationally-recognized films fall under this year’s theme of “Courage and Truth” and explore ideas of belonging, migration, memory, resilience, and the enduring power of human connection, the organization said in a news release.
Through carefully curated premieres, filmmaker conversations, and community partnerships, the multi-venue celebration of cinema invites audiences to experience compelling stories that “transcend borders while honoring the richness and diversity of the Latino diaspora.”
“These films invite us to see ourselves in one another, to recognize the dignity of every journey, and to celebrate the beauty and complexity of Latino experiences,” OLA’s executive director Minerva Perez said in a statement. “For twenty-three years, the Latino Film Festival of the Hamptons has created space for empathy, conversation, and cultural pride, and we are honored to continue that tradition with audiences across the East End.”
Ms. Perez added that the Latino Film Festival of the Hamptons happens with the support from the Hispanic Federation, Suffolk County Department of Economic Development and Planning, community partners and the event’s participating vendors.
All films are in Spanish with English subtitles, unless noted otherwise. More information and ticket prices can be found here.
Here is the festival rundown, where screenings will take place and the featured films:
Opening Night — Thursday, Sept. 17 — Southampton Playhouse, 43 Hill St. in Southampton — Opening reception is at 6:30 p.m. Screening begins at 7 p.m.
- New York premiere of Mexican film “Moscas (Flies)” by acclaimed director Fernando Eimbcke.The drama follows Olga, whose decision to rent a room unexpectedly leads to an unlikely bond with a young boy that changes both of their lives. This film won the Ecumenical Jury Prize at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival and the Berliner Morgenpost Reader Award. A conversation with co-writer Vanesa Garnica.
- Tickets are $12, runtime is 1 hour and 39 minutes. The film is recommended for ages 13 and up. Details at southamptonplayhouse.com/showtimes.
Festival Day 2 — Saturday, Sept. 19 — Sag Harbor Cinema, 90 Main Street in Sag Harbor — First screening begins at 8 p.m.
- The evening starts off with the New York premiere of “Alma truncada (Truncated Soul),” directed by Pedro Pérez Núñez. The award-winning short film explores themes of regret, memory, and redemption in the moments between life and death.
- The second film “Isla de los sueños (Island of Dreams)” will then have its Long Island debut. Director Álvaro Jiménez’s documentary examines the heartbreaking choices surrounding migration from Cuba. A live conversation with Mr. Jiménez will follow the screening.
- Tickets are $15. The short film is 13 minutes, and the second documentary is 52 minutes. Both are recommended for viewers age 13 and over. Details at sagharborcinema.org/olas-latino-film-festival-2026/.
Festival Day 3 — Sunday, Sept. 20 — North Fork Arts Center at the Sapan Greenport Theatre, 211 Front Street in Greenport. Screening begins at 2 p.m.
- The festival concludes with a family-friendly screening of “Dora y la búsqueda del sol dorado (Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado)” directed by Alberto Belli, inviting audiences of all ages on an adventure through the Amazon with Dora, Diego, and friends in search of a legendary treasure.
- Adult tickets are $10 and children are free. Runtime is 1 hour and 36 minutes.
