Fernando Barreda Luna’s ‘Café Chairel’ Wins Audience Award at Hola Mexico Film Festival

Hola Mexico Film Festival wrapped its 17th edition with Café Chairel by Fernando Barreda Luna winning the Audience Award.

Set in the port city of Tampico, Mexico, Café Chairel tells the story of Alfonso and Katia, two lonely people burdened by loss, who find solace in each other’s company at a small café. While their days may seem trivial, an unspoken transformation is quietly occurring, revealing the subtle yet profound impact of shared pain and their unexpected connection.

This year’s Tomorrow’s Filmmakers Today Audience Award went to the short film Azul by Director Santos Arrué.

All award winners will receive a cash prize & a trophy.

Founded in 2008, Hola Mexico Film Festival in Los Angeles, California, highlights the best and brightest talents in Mexican filmmaking – spanning comedies, dramas, horror films, and documentaries.

The 18th Annual Hola Mexico Film Festival takes place from September 25 to October 3, 2026.