HITN seeks to increase representation of young Latino/a creatives by showcasing their stories in online film festival

The ¡Tú Cuentas! Cine Youth Fest (¡TÚ22! Film Festival) is now accepting submissions for its second annual festival celebrating the vision of aspiring Latino/a filmmakers.

Entries will be accepted via CineYouthFest.org through Sept. 11, 2022. The festival takes place from Oct. 9 to Oct. 16, 2022, closing Hispanic Heritage Month.

Presented by HITN-TV, the ¡TÚ22! Film Festival promotes and advocates for young, emerging Latino/a creatives in front and behind the camera.

According to research by the Latino Donor Collaborative, Latinos make up only 5.5 percent of total media representation, even though they encompass almost 20 percent of the population of the U.S.

“Latinos remain grossly underrepresented in the film community. Although Latinos buy 30 percent of all box office tickets, they hold leading roles in less than 5 percent of all films. Our goal with ¡TÚ22! Film Festival is to change that by giving young people a place to share their vision and tell their stories to a wider audience— and repeat our mantra— Representation Matters,” said Luis Alejandro Molina, ¡TÚ22! Film Festival director.

The ¡TÚ22! Film Festival submissions must feature a Latino/a in a creative lead position in front or behind the camera. Young Latinos/as are invited to submit their work to the festival. English or Spanish-language works of fiction or nonfiction are welcome. Films must be 30 minutes or less in length.

This year’s focus is “Representation.” Filmmakers are asked to submit their work under one of these four themes:

• Participate: films focusing on involvement and showcasing people who take an active role in improving the world around them.
• Prosperity: films that define success or underscore the barriers preventing it.
• Collaboration: films highlighting the power of working together, showing what can be accomplished when people unite and support one another.
• Wellness: films that explore the importance of self-care – nurturing mind, body, soul, and community to live a fulfilling life.