10 Halloween Experiences to Put on Your Orlando Calendar
September 21, 2026
Director Tristan Ortiz and his team | Photo by Leah Lascano, Orlando Life
FusionFest’s 9th Annual Mygration Films Competition
On the final Sunday of Orlando’s Global Peace Film Festival, a diversitastic crowd gathered for FusionFest’s 9th annual Mygration Films Showcase & Competition. Located at Afro TV Studios in the heart of I-Drive’s hustle and bustle, film lovers and cultural connoisseurs alike enjoyed 14 short documentaries spotlighting important community members that make up the rich cultural tapestry of the city of Orlando. The event is crafted around the goal of bringing together members of Orlando’s creative & multicultural community to share their unique stories of migration, identity, culture, and belonging.
In the process for this showcase, local filmmakers are paired together with community members from different cultural backgrounds and encouraged to tell their stories through a 3-5 minute documentary. These documentaries highlight the subject’s contributions and passions, as well as their connection to their culture. The films are then curated by a selected jury led by Lori Turchin, the Festival Manager for Global Peace Film Festival and Film Curator of FusionFest. The intention for this process is to foster an environment for storytelling and community engagement, showing how documentary filmmaking can bridge gaps between cultures and provide a unique snapshot into the experiences of others.
This year’s first place prize was awarded to Director Tristan Ortiz’s team for the film Roots. This short documentary tells the story of Linda Latson, a dedicated member of Orlando’s multicultural community. She honors her Malian heritage through her work with KidzCollege, a childcare center founded by Latson that focuses on providing foundational, artistic, and cultural education for black youth. Latson shared some of her favorite memories from the shoot with Orlando Life:
“My favorite part of the process was [Ortiz] gathering information, coming to my home, and getting the story together. It was actually great. I enjoyed the whole weekend, because we were able to go to the school and see the kids in real time. That process was very rewarding and humbling. I’m grateful that my story was able to get out there.”
Photo by Leah Lascano, Orlando Life
Latson sharing her story and experiences through this documentary garnered quite an outstanding response from the community. The love for Roots was strong, and it was felt throughout the theater. Upon receiving the first place award, “We are World Changers!” echoed across the audience. Tristan Ortiz, Nicholas Linadi, and Howie McCormick created quite the impact with this short film, emphasizing the importance of Latson and her valuable contributions to Orlando’s community.
In second place, co-directors David Witwer and Josh Hemingway were awarded for their short film Lek. This documentary tells the story of Lek Lagana, a dedicated member of the Thai community in Orlando, and her commitment to representing her culture through family, cuisine, dance, and community involvement. Through eye-catching cinematography by DP Austin Burke, and a fresh and bold filmmaking style, Lek’s story and the beauty of Thai culture and community in Orlando was able to shine.
Third place went to Concrete Rose, a documentary by Taylor Rahn that illustrates the story of designer & creative director, Scarlie Paul. Paul is an Orlando creative whose work is deeply inspired by her Haitian background, specifically how her passions as a fashion designer connect to the Haitian tradition of sewing that was passed down to her by her grandmother.
“One of my favorite parts about this [process] is that it’s such short notice. I met Scarlie, and then had to figure out who she is and what the strengths are of her story. It really came across through her fashion and set design. She was always in another outfit and it added a lot of value. It was really fun getting to know her, work with her, and showcase her passion.” - Director Taylor Rahn
After the screening of all 14 films, audience members filled out a ballot to vote for their favorite documentary of the night. Upon tallying the votes, Sean Conroy’s Roots Across Borders took home the Audience Choice Award for the competition. Roots Across Borders follows Yaryna Levytska, a Ukrainian-American who is dedicated to representing her Ukrainian heritage and supporting her motherland through the conflict however she can. The documentary also captures the connection she’s fostered with her daughter, raising her to proudly claim her Ukrainian heritage and understand her culture.
FusionFest’s Visual Arts Curator, Gareth Edwards, was the subject of a documentary at the showcase as well. Directed by Anide Termitus, A Perfect Union of Art details stories from Edwards’ upbringing in Antigua, to his current endeavors in Orlando that surround his passion for art. The documentary was shot in Edwards’ gallery, A Perfect Union, and features a colorful peek at the array of art he has on display.
Gareth Edwards | Photo by Leah Lascano, Orlando Life
Each filmmaker involved with this program captured intimate stories that accomplish FusionFest’s mission of exploring cultural diversity through storytelling and film. Many of the filmmakers at Mygration Films are creators that have had longtime involvement with FusionFest. Director Matt Wohl shared the love he holds for the festival as he completed his sixth film for the competition.
“It’s just such a great experience, every year is a little different. Every year, you are able to get a view into someone’s life and if you’re lucky, you can convey a little bit about who they are and how they see the world and share that.” - Director Matt Wohl
The 14 films showcased at FusionFest’s Mygration Films painted an intricate pattern of a beautiful community that is uniquely Orlando. Seeing the rich cultural backgrounds and traditions of some of Orlando’s most well-loved community members invites for a unique experience that celebrates the creativity of Orlando’s community, as well as the wonderful melting pot that makes up the 407. If you’re interested in learning more about Orlando’s multicultural community and getting involved, stay up to date with FusionFest and their upcoming events through Instagram and Facebook.
