The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) has announced that veteran actor, writer, director, and producer Roberto Sanchez will receive the Excellence in Filmmaking Award at the 15th Annual Georgia Latino International Film Festival (#GALIFF2026). The ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, as part of the city’s Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
Sanchez, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, served 11 years in the U.S. Navy before redefining his career in Hollywood. With over 150 film and television credits spanning 25 years, his breakout role in John Singleton’s 2 Fast 2 Furious led to performances in Apple TV+’s Palm Royale, Cape Fear, and numerous other projects. His work also includes roles in Dexter: Original Sin, Running Point, BMF, Queen of the South, and The Resident. As a filmmaker, Sanchez writes, directs, and produces character-driven stories, including his upcoming romantic drama The Café.
Dr. Jose Marquez, CEO and Founder of GALFA, praised Sanchez’s resilience: “Roberto Sanchez embodies the undeniable power of resilience and self-determination. He didn’t wait for permission to build a remarkable 25-year legacy. Today, he is leveraging his platform to dismantle systemic barriers, mentor emerging talent, and redefine how Latino stories are told and valued globally.”
Yvette Moise, President & Co-Founder of GALFA, added, “Roberto represents the living heartbeat of our movement. At GALFA, our declaration is ‘Our Voices. Our Stories. Our Time,’ and no one commands that truth quite like Roberto. He is not merely an exceptional talent; he is an industry force actively engineering career pathways for Latino and Afro-Latino creators behind the camera.”
In response, Sanchez expressed humility: “Longevity in Hollywood isn’t an accident; it is built on discipline, quiet preparation, and creating the doors you wish were open when you started. To be recognized by the Georgia Latino Film Alliance at the historic Fox Theatre is deeply humbling. I share this honor with every storyteller working every single day to ensure our voices cannot be ignored.”
The 15th annual GALIFF marks a Quinceañera milestone, with five days of cinema and panels. The opening gala will also commemorate 150 Years of Mexican Filmmaking. Sponsors include The Fox Theatre, Olé Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), Georgia Films, and the DeKalb Entertainment Commission.
Tickets and media accreditation are available at galiff.org. The Georgia Latino Film Alliance is an Afro-Latino curated nonprofit dedicated to amplifying Latino culture in film and media, bridging creators into Georgia’s entertainment economy.
