Against political resistance and industry skepticism\, Luis Valdez pushes Chicano storytelling from the fields to th e film screen with Zoot Suit and La Bamba\, crafting iconic works that cha llenge\, celebrate\, and expand America&rsquo\;s story.
\nAcclaimed playwright and director Luis Valdez recognized early on the profound impac t of seeing one&rsquo\;s own humanity reflected onstage and on screen. He used theater to ignite change while working alongside farmworkers and Cesa r Chavez\, and he made films that amplified Chicano experiences. His work expanded audiences\, bringing in people who had rarely seen their stories told before. Now\, director David Alvarado reveals the fuel behind his leg endary career.
\nAlvarado brings us close to Valdez\, charting his c areer milestones and enduring cultural influence. He employs vibrant styli stic choices\, using split screens\, remarkable archival footage rescued f rom decay\, and a pachuco narrator who tells it like it is by interjecting candid commentary throughout. Alvarado ensures Luis Valdez&rsquo\;s contr ibutions are unmistakable and that his message &mdash\; &ldquo\;America is Chicano&rdquo\; &mdash\; resonates proudly\, which feels especially vital for today.
\nFilm director David Alvarado will join on Zoom after t he film is screened to answer questions and describe working on the projec t.
\n92 minutes.
\nWinner of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival\, Festival Favorite Award. \;
\nhttps://berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet .info/event/17283922 URL;VALUE=URI:https://berkeleypubliclibrary.libnet.info/event/17283922 ATTACH:https://static.libnet.info/images/events/berkeleypubliclibrary/Scre enshot_2026-08-18_142608.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR