The largest Mexican film festival outside of Mexico, Hola México Film Festival presented by Toyota, returns for its 17th edition from September 12–20, 2025, during Hispanic Heritage Month.
Opening night will feature a special screening of Autos, Mota y Rocanrol, taking place at The Montalbán Theater in Hollywood on September 12. The film revisits the legendary Avándaro festival of 1971—often referred to as “Mexico’s Woodstock”—blending humor and historical insight in a satirical mockumentary. Directed by José Manuel Cravioto and starring Emiliano Zurita, Alejandro Speitzer, and Juan Pablo de Santiago, the film explores themes of freedom, rebellion, and generational ideals through the lens of a pivotal cultural moment.
Autos, Mota y Rocanrol
1h 35min | Comedy, Mockumentary, History, Musical | 2025 | Mexico
Director: José Manuel Cravioto
Writers: Christian Cueva, Ricardo Farias, J.M. Cravioto
Cast: Alejandro Speitzer, Emiliano Zurita, Juan Pablo de Santiago, Enrique Arrizo
Language: Spanish with English subtitles
Held annually in Los Angeles, the Hola México Film Festival attracts over 10,000 filmgoers and screens more than 20 films, many of which make their U.S. or West Coast premieres. The festival features red carpet galas, filmmaker Q&As, and showcases 20 short films from its Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today program, designed to support emerging talent in the Latino filmmaking community.
Screenings will be held at Regal Cinemas LA LIVE, which has recently undergone upgrades including luxury recliners and additional amenities to enhance the viewer experience. The festival closes with a screening and concert event at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in downtown Los Angeles.
Festival founder and director Samuel Douek emphasized the cultural importance of the event, noting its commitment to elevating Mexican and Latino voices, particularly in today’s social and political climate. Douek, who holds degrees in marketing and event management from institutions in Mexico City and Sydney, founded the festival in 2008. Since then, Hola México Film Festival has become a key cultural event in Los Angeles, celebrating the diversity and creativity of Mexican cinema.
The 2025 festival lineup is divided into four main sections:
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México Ahora: Contemporary Mexican films spanning all genres
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Documental: Documentary films from Mexican filmmakers
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El Otro México: Stories spotlighting underrepresented communities and voices
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Nocturno: Genre films, including horror and thrillers
Ticket Information
Early bird tickets are available until August 15, 2025. Tickets can be purchased at:
https://www.holamexicoff.com/autosmotayrocanrol/
Festival Venues
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Opening Night: The Montalbán Theater, 1615 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028
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Main Screenings: Regal Cinemas LA LIVE, 1000 W Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015
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Closing Night & Concert: LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, 501 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Parking
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The Montalbán: Public parking available at 1627 Vine St, Hollywood, CA 90028
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LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes: www.lapca.org/la-plaza-parking/