HS-09. Song for Cesar

USA, Feature Documentary, 2021, 85 min

Beware of a movement that sings. Filmmaker Luis Valdez (Zoot Suit)

Like his heroes, Ghandi and Martin Luther King, farmworker Cesar Chavez used the power of non-violent strikes, boycotts and marches to shine a national spotlight on the unfathomable living conditions of farmworkers in California—the rampant child labor, 16-hour workdays, lack of medical care, dilapidated shacks for homes and the fact that many were never paid at all. Although they often faced violent opposition and hatred, Chavez and the United Farm Workers persevered, grew into a strong political force and, with the help of Governor Jerry Brown, saw California pass the most favorable labor laws in the U.S. Chavez changed Chicano history, but it was the early, enthusiastic support of musicians and artists that helped plant the seeds of the movement nationwide. Through stunning archival soundtracks and interviews that include Carlos Santana, Joan Baez, Cheech Marin, Edward James Olmos, Dolores Huerta and Maya Angelou, this film takes us back to the beginning.

Directed by Andres Alegria, Abel Sanchez

Colorado Premiere

A Call2Action selection