American Pachuco: THE Legend OF Luis Valdez event image
Gene Siskel Film Center, Downtown, the Loop & West Loop

American Pachuco: THE Legend OF Luis Valdez

Follow Luis Valdez from farmworker theatre to Zoot Suit and La Bamba in American Pachuco at the Gene Siskel Film Center.

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Luis Valdez’s path from farmworker theatre to Broadway and film gives American Pachuco its story. David Alvarado’s documentary connects the artist’s work with a wider account of Mexican American cultural expression. Edward James Olmos’s narration and restored archival footage bring several stages of that career together.

What to expect

Watch a digital documentary presented in English and Spanish with English subtitles. The Film Center also identifies Spanish open captions for this screening.

Good to know

  • The presentation is digital.
  • The film includes English and Spanish.
  • English subtitles are listed.
  • Spanish open captions are announced for the screening.

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Common questions

Who narrates the documentary?

Edward James Olmos.

What work does it explore?

Luis Valdez’s career, including El Teatro Campesino, Zoot Suit and La Bamba.