‘Nervios,’ Frank Roméu’s tale about a Cuban immigrant navigating American citizenship, is in the Tampa Bay Latin International Film Festival lineup. Credit: Production still

Folks from every corner of Latin America have diverse opinions and perspectives, and the filmmakers and creatives behind 2023’s Tampa Bay Latin Film Festival share theirs on the big screen—Creative Pinellas’ big screen that is. The event happening this weekend features an opening ceremony with live music and snacks, two blocks of film-watching plus an intermission and short discussion between them.

Although all screenings at this year’s Tampa Bay Latin Film Festival are free, it’s recommended to RSVP via Eventbrite.com.
Showcased works include the comedic short “Fairy Rice Mother” from Puerto Rican director Joelle Velez, Franco Vidal’s salsa-centric “Hot Latin Nights” and “Nervios,” Frank Roméu’s tale about a Cuban immigrant navigating American citizenship.

“By exploring Latin America’s emerging and established talent in film through documentaries or short Latin American films to the Tampa Bay community, this festival will hopefully further a dialogue that will create greater understanding and empathy for others, while growing the network of advocates for a thriving community,” TBLFF organizers write.

There’s no cover for the Tampa Bay Latin Film Festival happening Saturday, Sept. 16 inside The Auditorium at Creative Pinellas in Largo.