The 16th annual Hola Mexico Film Festival announced this year’s award winners, with Rodrigo Alvarez Flores’ ‘Soy Lo Que Nunca Fui’ (Broken Borders) taking home the Audience Award and Ryan Lopez’s short, ‘Onnamusha’ taking home the Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today Audience Award.

Directed by Rodrigo Alvarez Flores, Broken Borders (Soy Lo Que Nunca Fui) is a drama telling the story of a family divided by emotional borders. The film stars Ángeles Cruz, Andrés Delgado, Hector Guerrero, Sara Juárez, César Kancino, Ari Lopez, Rubén Pablos, Giancarlo Ruiz, and Gerry Tonella.

‘Onnamusha’ from director Ryan Lopez is a short animation action film about a young warrior seeking revenge for her brother.

Both films have achieved the top position by garnering the maximum points in the audience award vote, confirming their popularity and appreciation among the viewers.

The festival featured 20 films and 17 short films from its filmmaker-focused program Tomorrows Filmmakers Today.  Held in Los Angeles, the annual HMFF has become a staple in the City of Angels, claiming the title of the largest Mexican cinema festival organized outside of Mexico

“Through our work with the Hola Mexico Film Festival, we continue raising awareness of the myriad important contributions made by Mexican filmmakers. This event provides an avenue for specifically highlighting and recognizing the Mexican cinematic tradition while offering increased exposure to up-and-coming talent and the next wave of influential work,” said Samuel Douek, Director of Hola Mexico Film Festival. “I am thrilled to offer the festival experience to our fans and followers. Thanks to all who joined us, and congratulations to this year’s winners; and of course, a huge thank you to Toyota for supporting our efforts!”