Laredo Residents Invited to Share Stories Through Peli Pachanga Film Festival

The Laredo Film Society is calling for community-made films to celebrate the city's 271st birthday.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An impressionistic, out-of-focus photograph featuring blurred silhouettes of people gathered together, warm hues of sunset lighting, and the faint outlines of local buildings, conceptually representing the community spirit and personal narratives celebrated at the Peli Pachanga film festival in Laredo, Texas.The Laredo Film Society's annual Peli Pachanga event invites residents to share their unique perspectives and memories of the city through community-driven filmmaking.Laredo Today

The Laredo Film Society is inviting residents to submit short films for its annual Peli Pachanga event, which will be part of Laredo's 271st Birthday Celebration. The festival is accepting submissions across three categories: 'Why You Love Laredo,' 'Grand Memories of Laredo,' and 'Documentary or Narrative Short.' The deadline for entries is May 10, and the festival will take place on May 16.

Why it matters

Peli Pachanga provides a platform for local filmmakers, both amateur and professional, to share their perspectives and experiences of living in Laredo. By highlighting community-made films, the festival aims to foster a sense of civic pride and celebrate the city's rich history and culture during its birthday festivities.

The details

The Laredo Film Society is accepting submissions in three categories for Peli Pachanga: 'Why You Love Laredo' (30 seconds to 5 minutes), 'Grand Memories of Laredo' (30 seconds to 5 minutes), and 'Documentary or Narrative Short' (10 minutes or less, filmed within the city). Filmmakers can submit their entries by emailing them to hello@laredofilm.org before the May 10 deadline.

  • The submission deadline for Peli Pachanga is May 10, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.
  • The Peli Pachanga film festival will take place on May 16, 2026 as part of Laredo's 271st Birthday Celebration.

The players

Laredo Film Society

A nonprofit film hub in Laredo, Texas that is organizing the Peli Pachanga film festival.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“These can be as simple or as creative as you'd like. We'll screen as many as we can during Webb County Heritage Foundation's Laredo's Birthday Celebration.”

— Laredo Film Society

The takeaway

Peli Pachanga provides an opportunity for Laredo residents to showcase their love for their city and share their personal memories through filmmaking. The festival's inclusive approach, accepting submissions from both novice and professional filmmakers, reflects the Laredo Film Society's commitment to amplifying diverse local voices and perspectives.