By Larry Arreguin | LPL News Wire | February 19, 2026
EAST LANSING, MI (2-19-26)— The energy inside the Multicultural Center set the tone for what organizers called more than a film festival — it is a cultural movement.
The MSU Latinx Film Festival, the largest Latinx film festival in Michigan, officially opened with a reception that welcomed students, faculty, filmmakers and community members into a weekend dedicated to storytelling, representation and dialogue.
La Prensa Latina (LPL) News Wire was present for the opening reception, where organizers outlined the vision behind the four-day celebration and encouraged attendees to fully participate in the remaining programming Friday through Sunday.
The evening blended cinema and culture seamlessly. Dynamic live music by Runas del Sur energized the crowd, creating an atmosphere that celebrated Latin American musical traditions. Two short films followed, offering intimate and thought-provoking narratives that sparked conversation among attendees.
The reception concluded with a vibrant performance by the Greater Lansing Area Ballet Folklórico, whose colorful attire and traditional choreography brought folklórico heritage to life through movement and rhythm.
Speakers emphasized that the festival is designed to amplify Latinx voices — voices that are often underrepresented in mainstream cinema. Audience members were reminded that an asterisk (*) in the schedule denotes filmmaker(s) in attendance, giving attendees a unique opportunity to engage directly with creators during Q&A sessions.
With screenings, panels and conversations taking place across campus and in the Lansing community, organizers encouraged everyone to return throughout the weekend to experience the full scope of the festival.For more information, visit msulatinxfilmfestival.com.
MSU LatinX Film Festival Schedule
Asterisk * denotes Filmmaker(s) in Attendance
For full details and updates: msulatinxfilmfestival.com
- FRIDAY | FEBRUARY 20
- 1:00 PM — Vieques: A Living Archive *
- 4:00 PM — Call Me Waya *
- 6:00 PM — Rito de Paso *
- 7:30 PM — LxFF 2024 Kick-Off! + Shorts Program 2 *
- 9:30 PM — Salsa Verde!
- SATURDAY | FEBRUARY 21
- 12:00 PM — The Kitchen
- 4:30 PM — Boca Chica *
- 7:30 PM — La Singla
- 9:30 PM — Hot Sun Duo Concert
- SUNDAY | FEBRUARY 22
- 1:00 PM — We Shall Not Be Moved
- 3:30 PM — The Blue Trail
- 6:00 PM — Zafari *
- 8:00 PM — Closing Reception *
EAST LANSING, MI (2-19-26) — Attendees gather during the opening reception of the MSU Latinx Film Festival, launching a weekend of film, culture and conversation at Michigan State University.
EAST LANSING, MI (2-19-26) — Attendees gather during the opening reception of the MSU Latinx Film Festival, launching a weekend of film, culture and conversation at Michigan State University.
EAST LANSING, MI (2-19-26) — Attendees gather during the opening reception of the MSU Latinx Film Festival, launching a weekend of film, culture and conversation at Michigan State University.
EAST LANSING, MI (2-19-26) — Attendees gather during the opening reception of the MSU Latinx Film Festival, launching a weekend of film, culture and conversation at Michigan State University.
EAST LANSING, MI (2-19-26) — Attendees gather during the opening reception of the MSU Latinx Film Festival, launching a weekend of film, culture and conversation at Michigan State University.
EAST LANSING, MI (2-19-26) — Attendees gather during the opening reception of the MSU Latinx Film Festival, launching a weekend of film, culture and conversation at Michigan State University.
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