The Inaugural Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival Debuts at AMC Orange

Image Credit: Urbanite LA

Orange, California — August 14–16, 2025 marked a milestone for global cinema as the Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival (LATIFF) made its debut at AMC Orange 30. Founded by Moe Rock, CEO of The Los Angeles Tribune, alongside Dr. Emily Letran, Co-Founder and Festival President, LATIFF set the stage for a weekend dedicated to cross-cultural storytelling and cinematic innovation.

A Gathering of Global Voices

The festival’s programming featured a diverse slate of independent films spanning over 30 countries—from socially conscious documentaries to boundary-pushing narrative pieces—uniting filmmakers and audiences under a shared celebration of global artistry.

Opening and standout titles included Our Lady at the Center and Truth in Miniature: Global Voices, each followed by thoughtful audience Q&As that elevated the viewing experience into meaningful dialogue. Critics are raving about

🎬 Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery premiered at the LA Tribune Film Festival, earning Best Actress and Best Global Voice for Trupti Bhoir for PARO.

Chair Ruhi (Rohini Hak) called it a film that "challenges silence and inspires change."

COO TRIBUNE, Pariaa Rose said, “This is how we create a beacon of hope.”

CEO Tribune and founder LATIFF Moe Rock added, “Human impact is our niche.”

Co-founder Dr. Emily LeTran concluded, “Global storytelling is a powerful force for good.” Paro is more than a film — it’s a movement 💫.

Beyond screenings, LATIFF offered a rich tapestry of experiences: live panels, networking lounges, red-carpet photo opportunities, and immersive podcast recordings that brought audiences inside the creative process.

Image Credit: Urbanite LA

Visionary Leadership and Artistic Mission

Moe Rock emphasized LATIFF’s deeper purpose: “Cinema can do more than entertain. It can be a tool for peace, for change, and for reminding us of our shared humanity.” Dr. Emily Letran added, “We are proud to be a platform where cultures converge, and leadership and service are highlighted through the lens of film.”

Behind the Scenes and Strategic Partnerships

LATIFF also announced a collaboration with Simple DCP, a leader in digital cinema solutions, helping ensure the festival’s programming could be delivered with technical excellence and global accessibility.

Real-Time Festival Experience

Attending LATIFF felt less like watching films and more like stepping into a cinematic crossroads. Fresh-faced international filmmakers mingled with seasoned industry professionals. Panels on topics such as women in film, borderless storytelling, and creative process insights felt both timely and empowering. Meanwhile, festivalgoers were swept up in global narratives that resonated long after the lights dimmed.

The venue, AMC Orange 30, provided a comfortable, high-quality setting for screenings—balancing accessibility with the cinematic immersion the filmmakers and audience deserved.

Bridging Screen and Social Strategy

The festival’s social media strategy extended its impact far beyond the theater. By inviting collaborators on Instagram, tagging panelists and influencers, and ensuring posts appeared on multiple feeds, LATIFF created an online ripple effect that paralleled the energy of the event itself.

Hashtags like #LATIFF2025, #GlobalVoicesOnScreen, #CinemaUnites, and #FilmForChange #LATIFF #ParoTheFilm #TruptiBhoir #GlobalStorytelling #HumanImpact helped reinforce the festival’s brand and amplify its mission.

In sum, while there are countless film festivals across the globe, the Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival has already distinguished itself as one you simply cannot miss. With its debut, LATIFF has not only set a new cultural standard for Orange County but is quickly positioning itself as a leader in the international film festival space, offering a platform where artistry, leadership, and global voices converge.