The Houston Latino Film Festival kicks off tonight at Midtown Arts & Theater Center Houston, celebrating its 10th anniversary with a little extra star power. Opening night features the Sundance-winning documentary “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez,” and organizers say Cheech Marin will join the audience for a post-screening Q&A.
Opening night and headliners
“American Pachuco,” which picked up the Festival Favorite and U.S. Documentary Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival, is set as the festival’s opening-night film. The festival’s events page notes that director David Alvarado will be in attendance for the screening and post-show conversation, according to MATCH.
Tickets and badges
According to the Houston Latino Film Festival, All-Access badges that cover films, panels and workshops cost $65, while students and teachers can buy discounted badges for $45. Single tickets start at $14. The ticket page also notes that badge privileges may be revoked at any time and that All-Access holders are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis for each screening.
Cheech Marin and Chicano art
As reported by Click2Houston, Marin, best known for his Cheech & Chong work and for championing Chicano art, is slated to join the opening-night screening for a Q&A. Marin’s private collection forms the foundation of The Cheech Marin Center, which opened in June 2022, according to the Riverside Art Museum. Los Angeles formally declared June 20, 2025, “Cheech Marin Day,” as reported by FOX 11.
Special screenings and venues
The festival’s throwback pick is a 45th-anniversary screening of Luis Valdez’s “Zoot Suit” at the River Oaks Theatre on March 19, with Daniel Valdez scheduled to appear for a post-screening Q&A, according to the River Oaks Theatre. For the complete lineup and showtimes, the festival directs attendees to its Eventive schedule at Eventive.
Plan your visit
MATCH’s event page includes venue, parking and box-office details for the week, and organizers urge patrons to arrive early for popular screenings. For tickets and the latest program updates, check the festival’s ticket page and MATCH’s event listing before you go.
