The Georgia Latino International Film Festival (GALIFF) is proud to announce the award-winning journalist and former CNN correspondent Nick Valencia will serve as Host of Our 14th Annual VIP Opening Night Red Carpet taking place October 2–5, 2025, at 7:00pm at the iconic Fox Theatre and venues across Metro Atlanta.

Valencia, a veteran journalist with more than two decades of boots-on-the-ground reporting, is widely respected for his groundbreaking coverage and passionate storytelling. Over his 19 years at CNN, he rose from teleprompter operator to national correspondent, covering some of the most defining moments in recent history—from the death of George Floyd and the COVID-19 pandemic to Donald Trump’s indictment and surrender in Fulton County. His reporting has earned him a National Emmy, three Peabody Awards, multiple Emmy nominations, and recognition as “TV Reporter of the Year” by the Atlanta Press Club. Most recently, in 2025, he received the Bob and Jean Graetz Media Award for civil rights and social justice journalism.

“Having Nick Valencia join us as host is an honor for the Georgia Latino International Film Festival and for our community,” said Jose Marquez, CEO of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance (GALFA). “Nick embodies the spirit of GALIFFL, authentic, fearless, and committed to amplifying Latino stories. With his voice guiding this year’s festival, our message is louder than ever: Our Voices. Our Stories. Our Time.”

Yvette Moise, President of GALFA, added: “The festival has always been about creating opportunities for our community to shine, to connect, and to be seen. Nick’s presence highlights just how powerful and vital this movement is, not only for filmmakers, but for every young person who dreams of telling their story through film.”

For Valencia, joining GALIFF is both a personal and professional milestone. “This festival is more than just cinema, it’s about empowerment, representation, and legacy,” he said. “I am grateful to stand alongside the Georgia Latino Film Alliance as we celebrate the creativity, culture, and resilience of our community. This platform is proof that Latino voices are not only present, but essential in shaping the future of film and storytelling.”

In addition to hosting, Valencia recently launched his own independent journalism venture, Nick Valencia News, dedicated to delivering unfiltered, on-the-ground reporting. Through this new media company, he continues his mission of uplifting diverse voices and telling stories that spark meaningful change.

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The four-day festival features red-carpet premieres, panel discussions, master classes, and networking opportunities for emerging and established filmmakers. As the only festival of its kind in Georgia, GALIFF continues to elevate the voices that shape the world through film. #OurVoiceOurFilmsOurTime #somosGALFA

The Georgia Latino International FIlm Festival is generously sponsored by Motion Picture Association,  Women in Film and TV Association Atlanta, SAG AFTRA Fulton County Film Commission, Dr. Mancini, Molina Law, Dekalb Film Commission, Actors Army,  Georgia Department of Economic Development, Georgia State University, Center for the Media Industries Institute (CMII) Shoot Works, Amigo Insurance, Hispanic Plug, FXCONCERT, Shadowbox Studios ATL and all the GALFA Ambassadors.

About The Georgia Latino Film Alliance and Film Festival.

The Georgia Latino Film Alliance and Film Festival the premiere film festival in the South East and only Afro Latino directed Film Festival in the country.  Georgia Latino Film Festival  celebrated in the state of Georgia, that features Latino directed, produced and acted films among other national and international entries. Through this Film festival we will showcase latino talent in Georgia and educate and empower the next generation of latino storytellers.

The mission of the Georgia Latino Film Alliance  is to build awareness of independent films and film as an art form; provide educational opportunities for students and Georgia filmmakers and create opportunities for the Georgia communities to experience high-quality Latino films.