The Power of Local Cinema!

Local filmmakers and hundreds of their friends, family, loved ones, fans, plus cast and crew members, filled the Plaza Theatre for the Local Flavor Showcase on July 26.

Of the 60 entries, a panel of judges chose eight films for the screening event, and of those 8, four were awarded.

First-place winner, director Brandon Herrera (Se lo Merecía) and Audience Favorite winner Ulises Córdova (Tito Ritmo) join Lisa Elliott and Stephanie Valle to talk about the inspiration behind their films. Also, hear what's on the horizon for these emerging filmmakers.

The Plaza Classic Podcast is a production of the El Paso Community Foundation and is recorded on the El Paso Community College campus.

Check out this week's show notes here.

Take a look back at the film festival's offerings and get updates for the 2027 festival here.