Ready to kickstart this year’s San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF), the Quad Alehouse in downtown San Diego hosted a Media Kick­-Off Party on Feb. 25 to allow filmmakers, guests, press, donors and sponsors to gather around and share the excitement involved in every aspect that went into producing the film festival.

With the event expecting to attract more than 20,000 guests and screen more than 160 films, the festival aims to not only celebrate film, but Latino culture.

SDLFF founder and Executive Director Ethan Van Thillo has a passion for showcasing the work of talented filmmakers, which drives his excitement every year.

“As someone who has been involved with this for a long time, every year I still get excited to see new and returning filmmakers’ works,” explained Thillo. “They’re inspiring and should be seen on the big screen like they’re meant to be seen.”

When asked what featured film stands out to him, Thillo said, “I’m definitely looking forward to a documentary called “Baja Taste” by Roberto Najera, which is about the amazing food and restaurants coming out of Baja California, the Guadalupe Valley, the wonderful vineyards, and so it’s neat that number one, we’re supporting the local filmmaker from Baja California and number two, it’s a topic that’s really important to the locals living there.” Also on hand for the event was actor Dominic Flores, who stars in the 2015 film, “Our Brand is Crisis,” alongside Sandra Bullock and Billy Bob Thorton.

Talking about his experience as an actor, Flores said, “Being a serious actor is tough. For my role, I had to gain more than 20 pounds to even be considered.”

Further detailing his dedication to his role in the film, Flores said, “I’ve been working as an actor for a while now, but this was definitely a challenge to fit the role. I’ve never put so much stress on my body. I feel, though, that I am official now when it comes to the actors’ world.”

While many people enjoy watching films, Flores made it clear that a lot goes into making the film what it is.

“You have to sacrifice something, usually time and commitment, to make it work, even though you may or may not get the part,” said Flores, “That’s kind of what these filmmakers are doing with their films. They’re risking it all, showing everything that they got to put out there.”

Apart from celebrating film, the festival plays an important role in providing support and highlighting the lack of diversity in mainstream media. The essence of the festival represents the diverse Latino culture that is blending and embedding itself within San Diego and surrounding areas.

The 2016 SDLFF will take place from March 10 to March 20 at the AMC Fashion Valley 18 Theatre and the Digital Gym Cinema located in North Park.

Tickets can be purchased at www.sdlatinofilm.com, where you can also sign up to volunteer at the 2017 festival, along with the chance to submit a film for review by a professional panel.