‘American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez’ Documentary Gives A Chicano Icon His Due
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 03: Rojelio Avila of Long Beach tours the classic cars while waiting for the start of the "80th Anniversary of the Zoot Suit Riots Historical Cruise" on Saturday, June 3, 2023 in Boyle Heights, CA. The event celebrates Mexican American heritage and a reminder to not forget the attacks on Mexicans 80 years ago during the Zoot Suit Riots. (Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Airdate: Thursday, July 30, 2026 at 9 AM
Luis Valdez has spent his life unapologetically telling Chicano stories. Born in Delano, he found his footing in the Bay Area and went on to produce “Zoot Suit,” the first Chicano play to make it to Broadway, direct “La Bamba,” one of the most successful Latine films ever. In a new documentary, “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez,” director David Alvarado put the camera in front of Valdez to tell his story. Valdez and Alvarado join us to talk about the documentary, the importance of capturing the Chicano experience and the stories they still want to tell.
Guests:
- David Alvarado, director, “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez”
- Luis Valdez, playwright; actor; writer; director; founder and artistic director, El Teatro Campesino