Program

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.

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 production 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 Mexican-American 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.

STREET SMART: Lessons from a TV Icon is a feature documentary about Sonia Manzano — known to millions as ''Maria'' from Sesame Street. The film follows Sonia’s remarkable journey, from a young girl in the South Bronx finding refuge in television, to becoming the first Latina on American TV in a regular role, through 44 years on screen on Sesame Street, and now as the creator of Alma’s Way. Featuring interviews with luminaries, original animation, and scripted scenes that blend humor and heart, this inspirational documentary invites viewers to learn once again from this beloved icon.