The second season of the Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival (LATIFF 2026) came to a spectacular close at The Culver Theater on August 16, bringing together filmmakers, artists, industry leaders, philanthropists and storytellers from around the world.
The evening opened with a powerful and inspiring keynote address by Lisa Nichols, the renowned motivational speaker, author and transformational leader, who was featured in the acclaimed documentary The Secret and currently Pillars of Power produced by Los Angeles Tribune . Her message of resilience, purpose and the belief in the possibility of transformation set the tone for an evening celebrating courageous stories and the people who bring them to life. Lisa applauded LATIFF and its founders for their commitment to bringing courageous voices and purposeful cinema to the world stage.
Chrysalis Sweeps the Night
The night’s biggest winner was Chrysalis, which swept several of LATIFF’s major honors.
The film received Best Feature Film, with producers Tien Pham, J. Robert Schulz, Randall J. Slavin, Sir Daniel Winn and Steve Longi recognized for bringing the powerful true story to the screen.
The film’s accolades continued with Best Director — J. Robert Schulz, Best Actress — Kieu Chinh, Best Child Actor — Uy Nhan, and Best Orchestral Score for Motion Picture — Elia Cmiral.
For Sir Daniel Winn, whose life story inspired Chrysalis, the purpose of sharing his story is equally profound:
“My story was one to heal and give hope — to show that stories can move people beyond borders.”
Celebrating Films That Matter
The awards honored a remarkable spectrum of filmmaking from around the world.
Best Supporting Actor — Dr. Tim Eckstein, Never Never Again
Best Supporting Actress — Cyndi Mayo-Akeo, Kahala Sunset
Best Actor — Hans-Caspar Gattiker, Drops
Best Documentary — Mad Woman’s Game, directed by Zack Zamboni, with Bianca Mitchell-Avila and Keanu Reeves serving as Executive Producers. The film was screened at LATIFF and received the festival’s Best Documentary award.
Best True Story Documentary — Untrapped, directed by Jyoti Kapur Das and produced by Sahana Rao
Best Real Life Story Short — E-Rickshawali (2021), directed by Ruhi (Rohini) Hak and produced by Ruhi Hak & Archita Mandal
Best Short Inspirational Documentary — Step Forward in Sisterhood, produced by Dr. Shellie Hipsky, Dr. Emily Letran, Priscilla Green, Michael Graziano and Nadeem Majdalany
Most Impactful Short Documentary — Never Never Again – Peace Calling, produced by Ngo Tuan Kiet, Dr. Dennis Chu, Dr. Moe Rock, Dr. Emily Letran, Jenny Thai and Ngoc Le
Legacy Documentary Award — Pillars of Power, produced by Dr. Moe Rock, Dr. Dawna Campbell and Alisha Das
Best Cultural Documentary — Kamusta Kayo, Dr. Rizal, produced by Jason Zavaleta and Count Federico Wardal
Courage for Freedom Film Award — Book of Death, presented by the National Giuseppe Garibaldi Associationand Count Federico Wardal
Best Original Score – Documentary — Nadeem Majdalany, Step Forward in Sisterhood
Best Historical Documentary — Untold Stories of Vietnam War, produced by Nam Pham
Outstanding Achievement in Music and Visual Storytelling — Schoenfield Spirit in Wenzhou Spring
Giloh Morgan and Joshua Morgan were also honored with Contemporary Score of the Year.
A Festival Built Around Purposeful Storytelling
Screenings of Never Never Again – Peace Calling, First Look and Step Forward in Sisterhood reflected LATIFF’s continuing commitment to stories centered on peace, resilience, courage, empowerment and human dignity.
A Global Festival With a Human Heart
Co-Founders Moe Rock and Dr. Emily Letran, together with Ruhi (Rohini) Hak & Sherry Gideons, honored the award winners and expressed gratitude to the extraordinary filmmakers who submitted their work from around the globe.
Founder Moe Rock reflected on the growth of LATIFF’s second season:
“This second season, we had submissions from more countries, with people traveling and attending from every continent. It shows what happens when cinema creates a space where the world can come together.”
For Co-Founder Dr. Emily Letran, the festival carries a deeply personal meaning. A Vietnamese refugee who came to the United States with nothing, she expressed gratitude for the opportunity to give back and create a platform where artists and storytellers can be seen, heard and celebrated.
“I came here as a Vietnamese refugee with nothing, and to be able to stand here today and give back through a festival that gives a voice to filmmakers is something I am deeply grateful for. Stories give us the opportunity to understand one another, to heal, and to remember that our humanity connects us all.”
Women Leading the Conversation
The closing festivities also featured a powerful all-women panel, brilliantly moderated by Dr. Emily Letran, bringing together Jenny Thai, Dr. Dawna Campbell, Camille Robb and Dr. Shellie Hypsky.
The conversation explored women’s leadership, resilience, entrepreneurship, storytelling and the importance of creating platforms where women can support and elevate one another.
A Grand Finale — and a New Beginning
From Lisa Nichols’ powerful opening keynote to the brilliantly moderated all-women panel, from international documentaries and socially conscious films to unforgettable performances and the extraordinary sweep by Chrysalis, LATIFF 2026 closed its second season with a celebration of cinema, courage, creativity and humanity.
The evening was not simply about trophies. It was about honoring the people behind the stories — filmmakers, actors, musicians, producers and visionaries who believe that cinema can open minds, inspire hearts and bring people together.
As the final awards were presented at The Culver Theater, the message was clear:
Stories can travel farther than borders. They can heal, inspire and connect us — and when the right people come together, cinema can become a force for understanding.
As the evening came to a close, guests left with hearts full of inspiration, gratitude and excitement, already looking forward to the festival’s next chapter.
And the journey continues.
LATIFF is now open for submissions for its next season, inviting filmmakers from around the world to bring forward stories that challenge, inspire, connect and deserve to be seen.
The second season may have come to an end, but the conversation continues — one story, one filmmaker and one audience at a time.
Written by Ruhi (Rohini) Hak – Chair of Programming, Partnerships & Social Impact, LATIFF
All photos: Credit NK Photography
Be First to Comment