The Lula Lounge in Toronto was home to the inaugural Latin Forum on July 17, which saw a host of filmmakers and industry professionals discuss Latin American storytelling and career development.

The event was organized by consultancy group Listo Calisto, and includes panel discussions and roundtables on topics such as identity, coproductions and the future of Latin American filmmaking in Canada.

Producer Laura Friedmann, writer Leandro Matos and Luisa Alvarez Restrepo, manager of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging at ACTRA Toronto, helped organize the event.

Sponsors included the Canada Media Fund, Telefilm Canada, the Independent Production Fund, Warner Bros. Discovery and Maestro Dobel Tequila.

“We are incredibly happy with the success of the inaugural Latin Forum in Toronto,” said Julian Ritchie, founder of Listo Calisto and VP of development at Gambade Films, in a statement. “The Forum exceeded our expectations in terms of attendance and the quality of discussions. It showcased the power of community and the importance of creating meaningful dialogue around creativity and identity. We hope to continue to grow into a yearly event to foster new opportunities for the Latin diaspora in Canada.”

Photos by MXL Media