The International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago (ILCC), producer of the Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF), announced today that

Missouri-based digital artist and videographer James Klein is the winner of the Festival’s annual poster competition. The ILCC received close to 500 submissions from Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Poland, Spain, Taiwan, the United States and Uruguay, among other countries. The poster will be the face of the Festival, as it will be on the cover of newsprint schedules, invitations, program books, t-shirts, the Festival’s website and more. The winner receives a $1,000 cash prize.

“We rarely receive entries inspired by such art movements as cubism. James has created a profound homage to Ibero American women filmmakers and to the kaleidoscopic nature of film itself. At the same time, it sends a strong message about the role our Festival plays in bringing daring and bold news stories and visions from the Latino diaspora to Chicago screens,” said Pepe Vargas, founder and Executive Director of the International Latino Cultural Center of Chicago.

“Growing up in Spain, I drew inspiration from iconic artists like Dalí, Miró, and Picasso who ignited the flames of creativity in me. Later travels introduced me to the works of Botero, Diego Rivera, and Frida Kahlo, helping shape my artistic journey over the past 25 years. The poster’s imagery has lingered in my mind for years, waiting for the right moment to materialize. It pays homage to the artistic trailblazers before me and acknowledges contemporary and future artists who continue to captivate us. As we celebrate artistic legacies and the Chicago Latino Film Festival’s 40th year, this poster serves as a vibrant tribute to filmmakers, their craft, and the rich Latino heritage they dedicate their art to,” said James Klein.

James Klein is a seasoned digital artist with a rich 25-year career, currently serving as a key creative force at J.Klein Creative. Having honed his artistic skills in Graphic, Video and Sound design through formal education, James studied art in Spain, immersing himself in the vibrant and diverse artistic traditions of the country. His academic pursuits continued at St. Louis University, where he further refined his understanding of the intersection between technology and artistic expression. James Klein’s professional trajectory has been marked by a commitment to pushing the boundaries of digital creativity. With a keen eye for detail and a unique artistic perspective, James continues to contribute significantly to the dynamic world of digital art and video production.

Featuring close to 100 short and feature-length films from Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Spain, Portugal, and the United States, the 40th Chicago Latino Film Festival will run from April 11th to April 22nd. Opening and Closing Nights will be held at the Davis Theatre, 4614 N. Lincoln Ave. and a special event at the Instituto Cervantes, 31 W. Ohio St., with the rest of the Festival taking place at the Landmark Century Center, 2828 N. Clark St. Program announcements will be made in late winter. In the meantime, visit latinoculturalcenter.org for more information.

The Paul M. Angell Family Foundation is a Presenting Partner of the 40th Anniversary of the Chicago Latino Film Festival.