Cortitos is a signature component of the Tú Cuentas Cine Youth Fest, designed to foster:
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Creativity
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Cultural awareness
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Media literacy
Features two hands-on educational activities that encourage students to explore:
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Identity
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History
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Personal and cultural expression
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The art of filmmaking
Participants will:
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Create a 1-minute film
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Draw inspiration and choose one of five distinguished Puerto Rican figures featured in this year’s series
Film submissions may be:
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Live-action or animated
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Humorous or serious in tone
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Any style—originality, passion, and authentic voice are what matter most
2025 Winners
Young Voices Shine in HITN’s Puerto Rican Heritage Film Contest
Alarberto Ortiz
I am in eighth grade at Esperanza Academy Middle School in Philadelphia, PA. I like baseball and playing video games. I made my film about Roberto Clemente because I really admire him as a successful baseball player. He also did a lot for the Hispanic community, something I hope I can do when I grow up. My film shows us his personal life as well as his career.
Play VideoClick to view the awarded video on 2025 Honoree Roberto Clemente!
Awildaliz Martinez Dejesus & My’Lan Baez
Hello, I am Awildaliz and I’m 14 years old. I like to write and read. My favorite colors are blue and white, and most of my items are those colors! I like film class because I feel like I could be myself.
My name is My’Lan and I’m also 14 years old. I like to try different foods and snacks. My favorite color is pink. My most favorite class is science because I like to learn about the different things around the earth.
We chose to make this film about Sonia Manzano because she still became successful even if things were hard growing up. We liked the book she made and I also like writing. The book she published was called “Becoming Maria; Love and Chaos in the South Bronx”.
Play VideoClick to view the awarded video on 2025 Honoree Sonia Manzano!
The 2025 HITN Honorees for
Puerto Rican Heritage
Roberto Clemente Walker (Posthumous recognition)
Roberto Clemente Walker, born in Carolina, Puerto Rico, rose from humble beginnings to become a Hall of Fame baseball icon and humanitarian. A Pittsburgh Pirate for 18 seasons, he earned 12 Gold Gloves, four batting titles, and the 1971 World Series MVP. Clemente died in 1972 delivering earthquake aid to Nicaragua, cementing his legacy as a champion of justice and compassion. The Roberto Clemente Award honors MLB players for exceptional community service in his name.
Sonia Manzano
Born in the South Bronx to Puerto Rican parents, became a cultural trailblazer as ‘Maria’ on Sesame Street, earning 15 Emmy Awards as a writer and two acting nominations. A Carnegie Mellon graduate, she broke barriers for Latino representation, later creating PBS Kids’ Alma’s Way. Also, an acclaimed author and theater actress, Manzano has championed education, race, and gender equity, using storytelling to guide children through complex issues and inspire future generations.
Félix V. Matos Rodríguez
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the first Puerto Rican and first person of color to serve as Chancellor of CUNY, overseeing 25 campuses and 240,000 students. A Yale and Columbia graduate, he previously led Hostos Community College and Queens College, driving record student success and national recognition. His leadership centers on equity, eliminating $100 million in student debt, expanding access for low-income and undocumented students, and championing social mobility in higher education.
Marta Moreno Vega
Born in East Harlem to Puerto Rican parents, is a pioneering advocate for Afro-Latino culture. She founded the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute and led El Museo del Barrio, expanding cultural representation and equity. Holding a doctorate from Temple University, she created initiatives like the Creative Justice Initiative and Corredor Afro, uplifting marginalized voices. Through scholarship, institution-building, and activism, she has preserved Afro-Latino heritage and empowered generations to embrace their cultural identities.
Hipólito ‘Paul’ Roldán
A MacArthur Fellow, transformed Chicago housing as founder of Hispanic Housing Development Corporation, building 4,600 affordable homes and pioneering the Pedro Albizu Campos Apartments to fight displacement. A Vietnam veteran and Bronze Star recipient, he also launched Tropic Construction and Affordable Community Energy, empowering Latino contractors and families. Roldán developed 86,000 square feet of retail space and created a scholarship fund for Latino youth, leaving an enduring legacy of equity-driven urban development.
Calendar of Important Dates
Friday, October 24, 2025:
Submissions end at 5pm ET.
Monday, November 3, 2025:
The winning film will be announced on our website, social media and shown on HITN’s cable TV station, the largest Hispanic non-profit cable station in the country.
Past participants from the following cities:
Boston, MA
Hartford, CT
Philadelphia, PA
San Juan, PR
Chicago, IL
Houston, TX
Ponce, PR
Springfield, MA
Cleveland, OH
New York, NY
San Antonio, TX
Yauco, PR
Rules & Guidelines
Please read and carefully consider the following details and guidelines for Cortitos 2025.
Upload your film no later than October 24, 2025 by 5 pm ET.
All entrants must adhere to the following guidelines:
- All films must be created specifically for Cortitos Contest 2025.
- Entry is free and is open to all middle school students in the United States and Puerto Rico.
- Each film must be no longer than 60 seconds. Opening and/or closing credits are not required, but (if added) may add up to an additional 10 seconds in total.
- Films may be in English or Spanish or have no dialogue at all. Non-English audio (and important on-screen text) must have English subtitles.
- Ensure that all content in your film (including footage, music, images, props, etc.) is your own. If you include any copyrighted or trademarked content, you must be able to provide written permission for its use. Entries containing any unauthorized content will be disqualified.
- All entries must be submitted online (including uploading the short film and at least two still images from the film and a poster image of the film) by Friday, October 24, 2025, at 5pm ET.
Meet HITN’s past honorees
2024
2023
