Synopsis

Free Admission!

This screening will include a special introduction by and post-film discussion with Tomas Montoya.

The 51 minute film, El Pachuco: From Zoot Suits to Lowriders documents the organizing and opening of Royal Chicano Air Force artist José Montoya’s 1977 exhibition, “Pachuco Art: An Historical Update” as well as explores the culture of Chicanos in the 1940’s, including in Los Angeles during the Zoot Suit Riots. It features interviews with Montoya in which he describes aspects of Chicano culture, such as the zoot suit, gender roles played by men and women, the emerging image of the Pachuco as gangster, and the racism that gave rise to racial violence. It ends with a look at present Chicano culture and how Chicanas/os are working to recapture their past, which has been largely written out of history books.

This event is co-organized with Cultura Con Llantas.

Film Details

Director: Joe Camacho
Running Time: 51 minutes
Country: USA
Release Year: 1977