Simi Valley Showcase Puts Latino Stories Where They Belong: Center Stage
Sylvie Belmond 
(CLAIR | Simi Valley, CA) – Growing up in Simi Valley, the Castaneda brothers carried their mother’s stories about life in Mexico close to heart. Now based in Los Angeles, Humberto Castaneda Jr. and his brother Alex have returned to create a festival that gives the next generation the cultural presence they once looked for.
It’s what drew them back to build an event that reflects the community they care about.
This year’s Hispanic Heritage Film Showcase, held in September at the Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center, marked a meaningful step forward. Hosting the event for the second time reinforced for the brothers how important it is to fully highlight the people behind the scenes. That realization is guiding their next steps, including their hope to make the showcase a learning ground for younger creatives. They want emerging artists to understand how a festival works from the inside.
“People didn’t realize who was actually driving the work, the fundraising, the film selection, the outreach to talent,” Humberto said. “This year, we wanted our community to know us so they could support the vision we’re building.”
The program highlighted films about family, resilience and culture, including No Sabo, Navidad de Reserva, Gabriela, When Big People Lie and La Cumbia.
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, more than 35,000 Simi Valley residents identify as Hispanic or Latino. For the Castaneda brothers, that number underscores how essential it is for the community to see itself represented in local arts spaces.
One of this year’s most meaningful moments came from La Concha Mágica, created by local filmmaker María Azellea Sánchez Ordóñez, a Santa Susana High School alum and former classmate of Alex.
For the brothers, seeing María’s work play to a hometown audience felt full circle. For María, it was also a moment of reflection.
“Throughout my career one value has held true and that is community,” María said. “Seeing people come together to support each other is always grounding.”
She said the showcase reminded her of her growth as both a filmmaker and someone who tries to help others enter the industry. Being part of supportive creative networks taught her why access, mentorship and open doors matter for emerging artists.
La Concha Mágica was created during her final year at Woodbury University. María wanted to celebrate the color and whimsy of growing up in a Latino household.
“Most of the time our stories get shown as darker, dramatic novelas,” she said. “Instead of another dramatic tale, I wanted my film to honor the laughs, the fun and the playful moments our community shares.”
Her stylistic choices reflected that energy. She featured La Danza de los Viejitos (the Dance of the Old Men) and used mixed media to showcase traditions rooted in the Purépecha culture of Michoacán. Papel picado (decorative cut-paper banners used in Mexican celebrations) added a visual reminder of celebration.
“We have such a rich history,” María said. “From San Diego Comic Con’s Children’s Festival to the Simi Valley Hispanic Heritage Festival, I hope the film keeps sparking joy and inspiring people to celebrate their culture with those they love,” María said.
Her screening also brought an unexpected reunion with Alex.
“It was a lovely full circle moment with Alex,” she said. They had reconnected earlier at a Los Angeles Latino Film Institute event. “The best part was seeing the growth of the local community and how many people from Simi are chasing their dreams.”
Funding has helped the showcase expand, though most of the financial support has come from outside Simi Valley. Humberto explained that a private $5,000 donation launched the first year, and a partnership with the Cultural Arts Center Foundation opened the door to wider support, including collaborations with Toppers Pizza and Chipotle.
They also credit strong mentorship from Gina Truncale, president of the Cultural Arts Center Foundation, whose guidance has helped them grow as young organizers.
Any future changes, Humberto said, will focus on expansion: a larger venue, larger partners and the kind of atmosphere they know the showcase can reach.
Looking ahead, Humberto and Alex aim to bring the creative energy they find there back to Simi each year.
“We’re building something with passion, purpose and love, something we never had access to as kids,” Humberto said. “If people from other cities believe in our vision, we hope Simi Valley will feel the same. Give us the support and we’ll show you what we can build together.”
Their hope is simple. They want the showcase to become a cultural anchor, a place that celebrates Latino filmmakers, lifts local voices and gives young people the representation they once wished for.
Follow the showcase on Instagram at @hh.festival.
@humberttocasttaneda
@alexcasttaneda
