CineFest Latino Boston: American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez
Opening night film of the 2026 CineFest Latino Boston, with director David Alvarado in-person!
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.
Please Note: There are no Coolidge member complimentary tickets or discounts for CineFest Latino Boston screenings.
