New York City is gearing up for Hispanic Heritage Month with a cinematic celebration that brings Latin American stories to the big screen—free of charge. The Americas Film Festival New York (TAFFNY) returns for its thirteenth edition from September 30 to October 9, offering ten days of screenings, panel discussions, and community events across the city.
This year's program, curated under the artistic direction of Diana Vargas, focuses on themes that resonate deeply with Latino audiences: migration, historical memory, and the search for identity in a globalized world. The festival opens with a documentary on Cuban jazz legend Paquito D’Rivera at the Instituto Cervantes, followed by a Q&A with the musician and director Juan Mandelbaum.
A lineup that spans the Americas
From the Andean highlands to the Caribbean, the festival's selection reflects the diversity of Latin American cinema. Bajo las Banderas, el Sol, directed by Juanjo Pereira, explores forgotten chapters of historical memory, while La Hija del Volcán by Jenifer de la Rosa delves into the aftermath of collective tragedy. Both films are part of the general agenda and will screen at various cultural venues throughout New York.
For those interested in migration and family ties, Si Vas Para Chile by Sebastian Gonzalez and Amilcar Infante examines displacement and belonging, while Hijo Mayor by Cecilia Kang looks at childhood and identity within migrant communities. Adiós, Amor by Indra Villaseñor tells a story of reinvention far from home, and Herencia de la Tierra by Ivan Acosta Rojas immerses viewers in the traditional sounds and cultural memory of the Colombian Andes.
The festival also includes a special closing screening on October 9, though details remain under wraps. Organizers promise a finale that will cement Hispanic heritage as a cornerstone of New York's cultural calendar.
All screenings are free and open to the public, though some events, like the opening night, require an invitation. For the full schedule and venue information, visit TAFFNY's official channels.
This year's festival arrives amid a broader spotlight on Latino culture in the U.S., from Google's Doodle honoring Latin music to similar film showcases in Los Angeles. For New Yorkers, TAFFNY offers a chance to see stories that often go untold in mainstream media—stories that connect us to our roots and to each other.
As Diana Vargas puts it, “Cinema is a bridge. It lets us share our experiences, our joys, and our struggles across borders.” With free access and a rich program, TAFFNY is a reminder that our heritage is not just something to celebrate—it's something to live.
