Organizer Information
The Media Arts Center San Diego, a nonprofit powerhouse in Southern California's creative ecosystem, has championed Latinx voices through the San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) since its inception in 1994. Now in its 33rd year, the festival celebrates Latinx film, music, and art, drawing thousands annually to showcase over 100 films, panels, and performances that amplify underrepresented stories. With a mission to foster cultural dialogue, empower immigrant communities, and promote innovative storytelling, the Center operates as a vital hub for media education, production, and exhibition. Supported by grants, sponsors, and community partnerships, it bridges San Diego's Baja California region with global Latinx narratives, emphasizing inclusivity, originality, and social impact. This contest, a festival staple, underscores its role as a validated platform for visual artists, blending cultural advocacy with professional exposure in one of the U.S.'s most dynamic arts scenes.
Title & Description
San Diego Latino Film Festival 33rd Edition Poster Contest
This global call invites photographers, artists, and graphic designers to craft an iconic poster that embodies the vibrancy of Latinx cinema, culture, and community. The purpose is to create the festival's visual "face," capturing the power and importance of amplifying Latinx film, video, voices, and stories amid uncertainty and change. Designs should evoke unique, positive, non-stereotypical representations of Latinx identity—focusing on passion, family, home, memories, joy, connection, innovation, and inclusivity—while highlighting San Diego's Baja California ties, movies, art, history, and daily lives. Selected artwork will star in all promotional materials, from web banners to print postcards, fostering broad appeal for audiences and sponsors across ages and genders. This opportunity transforms personal vision into a cultural beacon, inviting creators to innovate with illustrative, colorful compositions that celebrate our people, traditions, and forward momentum.
Categories
- Graphic Design and Digital Illustration
- Photography (integrated into composite designs)
- Fine Art (paintings, illustrations emphasizing people, community, and slice-of-life scenes)
Encourages computer graphics, paintings, and multidisciplinary approaches; colorful, human-centered works preferred.
Eligibility
Open worldwide to all individuals and design firms, with no age, nationality, or experience restrictions. Ideal for emerging and established creators passionate about Latinx representation. Excludes any use of copyrighted characters, clip art, or AI-generated elements—original work only required for authenticity and ethical standards.
Program Benefits & Awards
The grand prize winner receives $1,500 cash plus unparalleled exposure as the festival's official visual identity across print, web, on-screen, and event materials, reaching thousands during the 5-day festival and beyond. Ten finalists earn an 11-ticket Film Pass to the 33rd SDLFF (valued at hundreds in access to screenings, parties, and panels) and promotional spotlight at the January 2026 Poster Announcement Party and throughout the festival. All honorees gain jury validation from artists, designers, and educators, plus networking in San Diego's Latinx arts network—boosting portfolios, resumes, and future commissions while contributing to cultural preservation.
Application Fee
$1
Application Requirements
- Original poster artwork: JPEG format, 18″ x 24″ (horizontal), 72 DPI (RGB), max 4 MB; named as "firstlastnamesdlff2026posterentry."
- Must include text: "33rd San Diego Latino Film Festival" and dates "March 18-22, 2026."
- Brief artwork description (explaining concept and inspirations).
- Artist's name, nationality, and contact info (submitted separately).
- Top 10 finalists: Provide vector files at 300 DPI (CMYK) for production.
Prohibitions: No AI, nudity, weapons, offensive/racist imagery, stereotypes (e.g., sombreros, tacos, piñatas), or country-specific icons. Emphasize originality, versatility, memorability, and broad appeal.
How to Apply?
Online Application
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 10 December 2025
- Winners Announcement: January 2026 (at Poster Announcement Party, location TBA)
- Festival Dates: March 18-22, 2026
Location
San Diego, California, United States
Additional Details
A distinguished jury of artists, graphic designers, marketing pros, and educators will select based on thematic depth, originality, impact, versatility, and non-stereotypical Latinx portrayal. By submitting, artists grant Media Arts Center San Diego a perpetual, royalty-free license to use, edit, and distribute the work (including components) for festival-related purposes, while retaining full ownership rights. No liability for submissions; organizers reserve editing rights for adaptations. This contest aligns with the festival's 32-year legacy of joyful, inclusive celebration—encouraging warm, inviting designs that honor filmmakers, actors, and communities. As of December 3, 2025, submissions are open; act swiftly to influence the 33rd edition's visual narrative.