Latina Independent Film Extravaganza 2022

IMAGE Iris Alamaraz L.I.F.E. Film Festival Director and Josefina López L.I.F.E. Film Festival Founder

In 2022, the unprecedented Boyle Heights Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (BHLIFE) will re-launch with a new image, location, and name. The updated Latina Independent Film Extravaganza (LIFE) will be held on March 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2022, in the heart of Los Angeles at the first major Latino-owned studio in Hollywood, Avenida Studios. The festival was founded in 2004 by one of the most successful Latina writers of our generation, playwright/screenwriter/novelist Josefina López (Real Women Have Curves), who seeks to build a network of Latina filmmakers to highlight the growing number of Latinas working behind the camera. 

“The films of these Latina women constitute a body of work that acts as a powerful statement against the stereotypical portrayals of Latinas on screen.”

-Josefina López, Festival Founder

“LIFE is a celebration of Latinas, their voices and their visions. LIFE is a festival that features the creative work of Latina film directors from all across the country. It is primarily an event dedicated to the ongoing effort to represent the complexities of our community and the women within it.”

-Fanny Grande, Festival Producer

The festival created a space to not only focus on Latina Directors but to respect, uplift, and celebrate them. The goal of the festival has always been creating sisterhood between Latina filmmakers and building a community that is empowered and inspiring. The 2022 festival management is excited to continue the spirit of unity that has been at the center of every screening, meet up and ceremony.

Over the years several inspirational and dedicated Festival Directors have transferred their filmmaking talents into the production of this Extravaganza!  

Festival alumni have gone on to create Latina-centric festivals/screenings, collaborate with other festival-goers/alums, and use festival awards to fund the completion of projects.

Over the years many of the Festival Directors have had challenges with their own film careers causing the festival to be put on hiatus. 

Unfortunately, the reports still indicate a lack of Latina representation in Hollywood, and the need for LIFE is just as relevant now as it was in 2004. 

In 2021, several BHLIFE alumni recharged their energy and joined forces with festival founder, Josefina López. Former Festival Directors Fanny Grande and Iris Almaraz are back as Festival Producer and Festival Director, respectively. Josefina, Fanny, and Iris are all very passionate about the need for LIFE. They have watched it transform people’s careers and they know that nurturing seeds within their community ensures growth for all.

The festival will take place March 18th, 19th, and 20th, 2022, at Aveida Studios, 1908 Beverly Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90057

For more information and to submit your application