By Magdy Zara
Under the theme “Art as Resistance,” the 14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival will take place, featuring film screenings, live music, after-parties, artist talks, and other events.
For 10 days, more than 50 films will be screened across more than 20 events in three different cities simultaneously.
With this year’s theme, “Art as Resistance,” the goal is to celebrate storytelling as culture, joy, and community power.
In its 14 years, this film festival has been more than just a series of screenings; it’s a cultural movement that elevates filmmakers and Latinx, Indigenous, and underrepresented voices, while creating spaces for audiences to connect, reflect, and take social action.
Some of the feature films selected for this year are:
- “Disgust: Without Permission” by Travis Gutierrez Senger
- “Freedom” by Brenda Avila-Hanna
- “Following Harry” by Susanne Rostock
- “Traces of Home” by Colette Ghunim
- “Between the Sun and the Sidewalk” by Helen De Michiel
To view the complete program and reserve your tickets, please visit 2026wff.eventive.org/Schedule
The 14th Annual Watsonville Film Festival will take place from March 12-21, 2026, in Watsonville, Santa Cruz, and Salinas, starting at 5 p.m.
28th Annual Mexican New Year Festival in San Jose
The Annual Mexican New Year (also known as Mexica New Year) is considered the oldest and largest Aztec New Year ceremony in the United States.
San José will be the location for the ceremony celebrating Yancuic Xihuitl (New Year) Ce Tochtli. Efforts have been made to ensure this is a special event for all visitors and the community at large.
“This is an important shift in the signs and the beginning of a new era, a time of unity, abundance, and creativity,” stated the event organizers.
March 12th at dawn marks the beginning of Yancuic Xihuitl (New Year) Ce Tochtli; the ceremony will take place in the beautiful Emma Prusch Park on the weekend of March 13th-15th, 2026, starting at 4:30 p.m. Admission is free.
Live Salsa with La Rampa and Borinquen Orchestras
Want to dance all night? Then get ready to enjoy the fiery live salsa rhythms of La Rampa and Borinquen Orchestras all night long.
This promises to be an unforgettable night filled with vibrant rhythms. Feel the energy of Orquesta Borinquen as salsa comes alive live. Whether you’re a salsa pro or simply love to dance, this event is the perfect way to relax and enjoy an authentic atmosphere.
Don’t miss this live salsa experience at 855 Terry A. Francois Blvd., San Francisco, next Saturday, March 14, starting at 4 p.m.
