Over the past decade, the festival has blossomed into a vibrant community where filmmakers, musicians, and artists unite to uplift and empower one another. NVISION changes the narrative by shifting perceptions in Latino cinema, amplifying Latin music’s influence and empowering future creatives through education and community. A testament to the festival’s growth in 2024, over 60 percent of women-directed films were submitted.
The new chapter will explore a fresh horizon and deepen NVISION’s commitment to celebrating Latino culture. The vibrant city of Miami is recognized as a cultural epicenter with one of the most diverse Latino populations in the world, and it will provide the backdrop for the festival’s ongoing growth and evolution.
Latino filmmaker and photographer Danny Hastings founded the NVISION Latino Film and Music Festival in 2015 (previously known as the Official Latino Film Festival). The festival began in response to the underrepresentation of Latinos in Hollywood. In 2024, the festival partnered with NEON16, a cultural powerhouse across music, film, and content production, elevating Latino talent and artistry to unprecedented global recognition, led by creative entrepreneur Lex Borrero, media mogul Tommy Mottola, and Latin super producer Tainy. NEON16’s roots are deeply embedded in Miami. NVISION’s new residence feels like a homecoming, uniting shared values, vision, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting Latino voices.
“When we partnered with NEON16 last year, I was deeply impressed by their vision and commitment to our culture. But what excites me most is what lies ahead. Moving the festival to Miami isn’t just a logistical choice—it’s a cultural statement. Miami is where the pulse of Latino creativity thrives; every street corner tells a story, and the convergence of diverse Latino voices creates a symphony of innovation. It’s the perfect place for NVISION to grow, inspire, and leave a lasting legacy.” said Danny Hastings, co-founder of NVISION Latino Film and Music Festival.
“Miami has long been a cultural heartbeat for Latinos, a city where our stories are lived, created, and celebrated. This move marks a new era for the festival, allowing us to elevate Latino storytelling on an even greater scale. This festival has already transformed the industry, and in Miami, we’re taking it to new heights, creating even greater opportunities for our community to be seen, heard, and celebrated on a global scale” mentioned Lex Borrero, CEO of NEON16.
The 2025 NVISION Latino Film and Music Festival will showcase a dynamic lineup of film screenings and music performances that champion Latina and Latino talent’s rich diversity and creativity. Including these distinguished individuals reinforces NVISIONS’s mission to profoundly inspire audiences while celebrating the vibrant Latino culture through film and music by providing a platform for artists to share their stories with the world.
NVISION is coming off a landmark 2024 where the festival showcased an impressive lineup of four feature-length films, 60 short films, and nine panels representing a diverse range of countries, including the United States, Latin America, and Spain. Last year’s award winners included Ponyboi directed by Esteban Arango (Best U.S. Feature) and Boca Chica directed by Gabriella Moses (Best International Feature), each receiving a $10,000 prize, while Shut Up & Fish directed by Raul Sanchez, Pasqual Gutierrez (Best U.S. Short) and Andas Danzando por Ahí directed by Mariel Sosa (Best International Short) were awarded $5,000 each.
Submissions are now for U.S. and International Shorts in categories including Drama, Horror/Sci-Fi, Documentary, Comedy, Experimental, Animation, and Music Videos. The top awards for Best U.S. and International Features and Shorts will include a cash prize. Submissions can be made via www.nvisionfestival.com.
