A Celebration of Story That Shapes America.
This year, we’re spotlighting two LPM supported films that began their journeys with award-winning premieres at Sundance. American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez earned both the U.S. Documentary Audience Award and the Festival Favorite Award, while TheyDream received the NEXT Special Jury Award for Creative Expression.
Through stories of cultural legacy and family memory, these films bring distinctive Latino perspectives to the screen. Explore the stories, meet the filmmakers, and discover what makes each film stand out.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez
A celebration of Luis Valdez, whose influential work in theater and film reflects the struggles and triumphs of the Mexican American community. From migrant farmworker to revolutionary artist, Valdez transformed American culture through El Teatro Campesino, Zoot Suit, and La Bamba, opening pathways for generations of Latino creators.
TheyDream
After 20 years of chronicling his Puerto Rican family, a director and his mother face devastating losses. Through tears and laughter, they craft animations that bring their loved ones back to life, discovering that every act of creation is also an act of letting go.