The North Star Projects Latiné ShortsFest launched in 2023 during The Sol Project's SolFest! NSPLSF celebrates the work of Latiné filmmakers, producers, directors and actors working in the short film genre and other digital short works.
NSPLSF 2025
Presented by North Star Projects
Curated By Rachel Junqueira Spencer Hewitt and Adriana Gaviria
In person at Quad Cinema (34 W. 13th Street, New York, NY 10011) at 8 p.m.
The ShortsFest is a Free Event, though RSVP is required. Limited spots available.
Join us for the third NSP Latiné ShortsFest during SolFest! The evening will include 9 short films featuring Latiné filmmakers Andrea Rodriguez, Ana Luz Zambrana, Joel Perez, Laura Ornella, Mario Vega, Robert Asencio, Diana Valencia, Valeria Avina, and Yeni Alvarez.
There will be a Pre-Screening Mixer, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Quad Bar. Patrons will be invited to check in for the event at 7:30 p.m. until the film screening begins at 8 p.m. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers moderated by Adriana Gaviria, which is expected to wrap by 10:15 p.m.
Presented by North Star Projects
Curated By Rachel Junqueira Spencer Hewitt and Adriana Gaviria
In person at Quad Cinema (34 W. 13th Street, New York, NY 10011) at 8 p.m.
The ShortsFest is a Free Event, though RSVP is required. Limited spots available.
Join us for the third NSP Latiné ShortsFest during SolFest! The evening will include 9 short films featuring Latiné filmmakers Andrea Rodriguez, Ana Luz Zambrana, Joel Perez, Laura Ornella, Mario Vega, Robert Asencio, Diana Valencia, Valeria Avina, and Yeni Alvarez.
There will be a Pre-Screening Mixer, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Quad Bar. Patrons will be invited to check in for the event at 7:30 p.m. until the film screening begins at 8 p.m. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers moderated by Adriana Gaviria, which is expected to wrap by 10:15 p.m.
The short films for the NSP Latiné ShortsFest are as follows:
“Verano Amoroso” | Directed by Andrea Rodriguez | 2025 | U.S. (San Francisco)
Based on a true story, “Verano Amoroso” follows two neighbors as they find love in el barrio, La Misión. Their affection and chemistry deepen as they dance closer and closer through the vibrant summer streets. A love letter to San Francisco, Mission District and its history, the film celebrates color, culture, and community through the shared joys of music and dance. Run time: 3 minutes and 56 seconds.
“Don't Forget to Pray” | Directed by Robert Asencio | 2025 | U.S. (New Jersey)
A man sits with his thoughts. Reminiscing on unborn tokens of love. Chasing a light feverishly. Hoping its luminance heals his wounds. Run time: 16 minutes and 42 seconds.
“Morenita” | Directed and Written by Diana Valencia and Gabriela Ortega | 2025 | U.S. (Los Angeles)
A poetic exploration of womanhood, friendship and migration through the intersecting stories of two Latin American women. Run time: 9 minutes and 2 seconds.
“Parallel Park” | Directed by Mario Vega | 2025 | U.S. (San Diego)
In the midst of midterms and commuting, Cesar and Sunset have to bachata their way out of a parking ticket. Run time: 10 minutes.
“Hasta en la luz” (Even in the Light) | Directed by Valeria Avina | 2025 | U.S. (New York) / Mexico
Haunted by invisible terrors, a young Mexican child battles sleepwalking episodes and escalating trauma, forcing her fractured family to confront the darkness lurking inside their home—and themselves. Run time: 15 minutes and 33 seconds.
"The Usual" | Directed by Rachel Brewster | 2024 | U.S. (Los Angeles)
Written by Yeni Alvarez
When a solar storm interrupts Skye's daily coffee routine, hilarity and chaos ensues. Will she get her cup of joe? "The Usual" is a time travel coffee adventure and a love letter to 1980’s sci-fi TV shows. Run time: 2 minutes and 56 seconds.
“Villa Encanto” | Directed by Joel Perez | 2025 | U.S. (New York, New Jersey)
Written by Joel Perez and Sol Marina Crespo. Produced by Helena Sardinha. Executive Produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Luis Miranda and Whitney Williams.
After her mother's death, a precocious teenager is uprooted from 1960s Spanish Harlem when her musician father takes a gig at a Puerto Rican summer resort in upstate NY. Through music and community, she learns to redefine the meaning of home. Run time: 16 minutes and 28 seconds.
“Diane De Niro” | Directed and Written by Laura Ornella | 2025 | U.S. (New York)
After failing to be seen for a big toe audition, all hope is lost for Diane until inspiration strikes and she opts to change her last name to a famous celebrity's. As opportunities roll in, Diane struggles to keep her charade alive, amidst her roommate's rise to stardom. Run time: 15 minutes and 42 seconds.
“A West Side Story Story” | Directed by Aditya Joshi | 2024 | U.S. (New York)
Written by Ana Luz Zambrana & Aditya Joshi. Produced by Ana Luz Zambrana, Aditya Joshi, Cemi Guzmán, and Adrian Alea. Executive Produced by Luis Guzmán. Starring Ana Luz Zambrana.
In the moments before opening, a Puerto Rican theatre director struggles to hold together her "culturally authentic" version of West Side Story. Run time: 12 minutes and 26 seconds.
“Verano Amoroso” | Directed by Andrea Rodriguez | 2025 | U.S. (San Francisco)
Based on a true story, “Verano Amoroso” follows two neighbors as they find love in el barrio, La Misión. Their affection and chemistry deepen as they dance closer and closer through the vibrant summer streets. A love letter to San Francisco, Mission District and its history, the film celebrates color, culture, and community through the shared joys of music and dance. Run time: 3 minutes and 56 seconds.
“Don't Forget to Pray” | Directed by Robert Asencio | 2025 | U.S. (New Jersey)
A man sits with his thoughts. Reminiscing on unborn tokens of love. Chasing a light feverishly. Hoping its luminance heals his wounds. Run time: 16 minutes and 42 seconds.
“Morenita” | Directed and Written by Diana Valencia and Gabriela Ortega | 2025 | U.S. (Los Angeles)
A poetic exploration of womanhood, friendship and migration through the intersecting stories of two Latin American women. Run time: 9 minutes and 2 seconds.
“Parallel Park” | Directed by Mario Vega | 2025 | U.S. (San Diego)
In the midst of midterms and commuting, Cesar and Sunset have to bachata their way out of a parking ticket. Run time: 10 minutes.
“Hasta en la luz” (Even in the Light) | Directed by Valeria Avina | 2025 | U.S. (New York) / Mexico
Haunted by invisible terrors, a young Mexican child battles sleepwalking episodes and escalating trauma, forcing her fractured family to confront the darkness lurking inside their home—and themselves. Run time: 15 minutes and 33 seconds.
"The Usual" | Directed by Rachel Brewster | 2024 | U.S. (Los Angeles)
Written by Yeni Alvarez
When a solar storm interrupts Skye's daily coffee routine, hilarity and chaos ensues. Will she get her cup of joe? "The Usual" is a time travel coffee adventure and a love letter to 1980’s sci-fi TV shows. Run time: 2 minutes and 56 seconds.
“Villa Encanto” | Directed by Joel Perez | 2025 | U.S. (New York, New Jersey)
Written by Joel Perez and Sol Marina Crespo. Produced by Helena Sardinha. Executive Produced by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Luis Miranda and Whitney Williams.
After her mother's death, a precocious teenager is uprooted from 1960s Spanish Harlem when her musician father takes a gig at a Puerto Rican summer resort in upstate NY. Through music and community, she learns to redefine the meaning of home. Run time: 16 minutes and 28 seconds.
“Diane De Niro” | Directed and Written by Laura Ornella | 2025 | U.S. (New York)
After failing to be seen for a big toe audition, all hope is lost for Diane until inspiration strikes and she opts to change her last name to a famous celebrity's. As opportunities roll in, Diane struggles to keep her charade alive, amidst her roommate's rise to stardom. Run time: 15 minutes and 42 seconds.
“A West Side Story Story” | Directed by Aditya Joshi | 2024 | U.S. (New York)
Written by Ana Luz Zambrana & Aditya Joshi. Produced by Ana Luz Zambrana, Aditya Joshi, Cemi Guzmán, and Adrian Alea. Executive Produced by Luis Guzmán. Starring Ana Luz Zambrana.
In the moments before opening, a Puerto Rican theatre director struggles to hold together her "culturally authentic" version of West Side Story. Run time: 12 minutes and 26 seconds.