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 awards ceremony is set for 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 U.S. Navy before forging a Hollywood career that spans over 150 film and television credits. His breakout role came in John Singleton's 2 Fast 2 Furious, and he has since appeared in acclaimed projects such as Apple TV+'s Palm Royale and Cape Fear. His recent television work includes roles in Running Point (Netflix), Dexter: Original Sin (Showtime/Paramount+), and BMF (Starz).
Beyond acting, Sanchez has expanded into filmmaking, writing, directing, and producing character-driven stories, including the upcoming romantic drama The Café. Dr. Jose Marquez, CEO and Founder of GALFA, praised Sanchez for embodying resilience and self-determination, noting that he is leveraging his platform to dismantle systemic barriers and mentor emerging talent. Yvette Moise, President & Co-Founder of GALFA, emphasized that Sanchez is an industry force actively engineering career pathways for Latino and Afro-Latino creators behind the camera.
Sanchez expressed humility at the recognition, stating, "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." He dedicated the honor to storytellers working daily to ensure their voices are heard.
The 15th annual GALIFF marks a milestone Quinceañera anniversary, with five days of cinema, panels, and cultural events. The opening gala will also commemorate 150 Years of Mexican Filmmaking, followed by a VIP reception and retrospective honoring Sanchez's career. Sponsors include the Fox Theatre, Olé Mexican Foods, Fulton Films, and others. For more information and tickets, visit galiff.org.
