For more than a quarter century, the Chicago Latino Film Festival has showcased the breadth of cinema from Latin America, the United States and Spain. It’s the oldest and largest festival of its kind in the U.S.

As Latin American cinema has grown, so has the roster of films. This year’s lineup boasts the festival’s first Panamanian entry. It also features several films from the United States. The 26th annual Chicago Latino Film Festival kicks off tomorrow with a tribute to Mexican film.

Worldview contributor Milos Stehlik talks with festival director and founder Pepe Vargas, as well as Ilene Goldman, an independent scholar of Latin American cinema.