La Bamba: 35mm

Name: La Bamba: 35mm
Start: 2026-05-16
End: 2026-05-16
Location: AFS Cinema THEATER #1

genres:

Arts

Biography

Drama

Born in the fields of Pacoima and raised on dreams, Ritchie Valens rises from a young Chicano farmworker to a rock 'n' roll pioneer, the first to bring a Spanish-language song to mainstream American audiences. But as his star rises, tensions with his older brother Bob intensify, and a recurring nightmare of a plane crash looms over his first national tour. Luis Valdez's love letter to Chicano resilience, culture, and the cost of the American dream. Screening in celebration of American Pachuco, our Opening Night documentary portrait of the legendary Luis Valdez.

✦ Sold out screening? A limited number of standby tickets may be available at the door on a first come, first served basis.

DIRECTOR(S)Luis Valdez

DIRECTOR(S) BIOGRAPHYLuis Valdez is one of America’s most influential playwrights and directors. In 1965, he founded El Teatro Campesino alongside Cesar Chavez and the United Farm Workers. His play Zoot Suit was the first Chicano production on Broadway and the first Chicano major feature film. He wrote and directed La Bamba, the breakout 1987 blockbuster. His many honors include the Presidential Medal of the Arts and Mexico’s prestigious Aguila Azteca Award.