The Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA) 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 award ceremony is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at Atlanta's Fox Theatre, as part of Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations.
Sanchez, born in Cuba and raised in Miami, served 11 years in the United States Navy before transitioning to a career in entertainment. With more than 150 film and television credits over 25 years, he is known for his breakout role in John Singleton's 2 Fast 2 Furious and recent performances in Apple TV+'s Palm Royale and Cape Fear. His filmography also includes Running Point (Netflix), Dexter: Original Sin (Showtime/Paramount+), and BMF (Starz), among others.
Beyond acting, Sanchez has expanded into writing, directing, and producing, with his upcoming romantic drama The Café exploring themes of love, timing, and regret. His work has earned critical acclaim, including an Imagen Award nomination for Best Actor for Lake Los Angeles.
Dr. Jose Marquez, CEO and Founder of GALFA, praised Sanchez for his resilience and self-determination, stating, "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, "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."
Sanchez expressed humility at the recognition, saying, "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 will mark a Quinceañera milestone with five days of screenings, panels, and cultural events. The opening gala will also commemorate 150 Years of Mexican Filmmaking and include a VIP reception honoring Sanchez's career. Sponsors and partners include the Fox Theatre, Olé Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, VensureHR, 222Creative, Women in Film and Television Atlanta (WIFTA), Georgia Films, the DeKalb Entertainment Commission, and GALFA.
The event underscores the growing influence of Latino creators in the entertainment industry, particularly in Georgia, which has become a major production hub. GALFA, an Afro-Latino curated 501(c)(3) nonprofit, aims to develop and amplify Latino culture across film, television, and digital media, providing workforce training and youth initiatives to connect independent creatives to the state's multibillion-dollar entertainment economy. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available at galiff.org.
