FILM NIGHT

American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez

2026 ‧ Documentary ‧ 1h 32m

Against political resistance and industry skepticism, Luis Valdez pushes Chicano storytelling from the fields to the film screen with Zoot Suit and La Bamba, crafting iconic works that challenge, celebrate, and expand America’s story.

SYNOPSIS
An auteur emerges from America’s underclass: from migrant farmworker to revolutionary artist, Luis Valdez changed American culture. In the 1960s, his El Teatro Campesino performed on flatbed trucks and helped mobilize workers to win the first farmworker union contract. His Zoot Suit was the first Chicano play on Broadway. Despite critical rejection that killed the show, he persevered, creating La Bamba—a breakout blockbuster that authentically depicted MexicanAmerican life to the world. Now in its 60th year, El Teatro continues to be a beacon for Latino/a creators. This is the story of an artist who gave voice to the overlooked and opened pathways for generations.

SHOWTIMES
Thu, Sept 3, 6:30pm - 8pm
Fri, Sept 4, 6:30pm - 8pm
Mon, Sept 28, 6:30pm - 8pm
Tue, Sept 29, 6:30pm - 8pm
Wed, Sept 30, 6:30pm - 8pm

$10

PRESENTED BY
WildFlower Playhouse