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Power of a story: ABQ native filmmaker returns to screen 'Singing our Way to Freedom' at NHCC
Paul Espinosa grew up in sa国际传媒官网网页入口 and was inspired by his community.
The filmmaker is bringing the award-winning documentary, 鈥淪inging Our Way to Freedom鈥� to the National Hispanic Cultural Center at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12.
Power of a story: ABQ native filmmaker returns to screen 'Singing our Way to Freedom' at NHCC
The screening is part of the 鈥淧ower of Our Stories鈥� series which finishes its final two days at the NHCC from Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13.
According to the NHCC, the program features 11 films and more than 13 guest speakers/performers/filmmakers.
鈥淪inging Our Way to Freedom鈥� chronicles the power of music in creating a new identity and sense of belonging among young Chicana and Chicano students during the Civil Rights movement.
As a young man in the 1970s, Ramon 鈥淐hunky鈥� Sanchez joined the picket lines in California and became C茅sar Ch谩vez鈥檚 favorite musician.
His journey is a remarkable lens on a time when young Mexican Americans and Chicanas/os became inspired by the social and political changes taking place in the country and organized their own communities to take part in this dramatic moment of social change.
Sanchez鈥檚 student activism began at San Diego State University with the community takeover of a section of public land that became Chicano Park in San Diego, an event which he memorialized in his enduring anthem, 鈥淐hicano Park Samba.鈥�
Later he performed 鈥淲e shall overcome/No nos moveran鈥� on Joan Baez鈥檚 first Spanish language record and eventually formed a band, Los Alacranes Mojados.
Performing compelling songs, Sanchez became a favorite at demonstrations and rallies for over 40 years, performing at schools, prisons, political events, quincea帽eras and weddings.
鈥淩acism, discrimination and intolerance are on the rise again, and our democracy鈥檚 survival is at stake鈥� Espinosa says. 鈥淐hunky鈥檚 arc of transformation from marginalized farm kid to charismatic activist shows how you can mobilize people to change the world by developing your unique talents and sense of purpose.鈥�
Espinosa says he worked on the film for nearly seven years.
鈥淚 knew Chunky for many years and used his music in some of my earlier films,鈥� he says. 鈥淗e was a charismatic figure on stage whose presence in a variety of social justice movements was an inspiration for many folks in the community. His story was a way of informing many younger viewers about the Chicano Civil Rights Movement.鈥�
Espinosa says in today鈥檚 turbulent political and social landscape, young people are using their voices, making powerful and needed contributions toward peaceful social change.
He says in his songs and in his life, Sanchez offers an inspiring narrative about what鈥檚 possible 鈥� reminding viewers that the battle for freedom has to be fought anew by every generation.
鈥淗aving grown up in sa国际传媒官网网页入口, I鈥檓 thrilled to be screening my film at the National Hispanic Cultural Center,鈥� Espinosa says. 鈥淚 hope viewers will leave with an appreciation of Chunky鈥檚 dedication to building community and the important role that music plays in social movements.鈥�
SEND ME YOUR TIPS: If you know of a movie filming in the state, or are curious about one, email film@ABQjournal.com. Follow me on Twitter @agomezART.
