Bel Hernandez Castillo

After five years in the making, the award-winning documentary Ugly Little Monkeys is entering its next chapter—on its own terms.

Directed by David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo, the documentary has enjoyed a successful film festival run, earning multiple honors including Best Directors and Best Documentary. Now, rather than following a traditional distribution path, the filmmakers have chosen a strategy that reflects a growing movement among independent creators: owning their distribution and maintaining direct control over their audience.

Ugly Little Monkeys, the documentary that chronicles the birth of the youth mariachi movement in the United States, begins its distribution journey today.

Maintaining control of their documentary’s distribution was important to Valdez and Castillo, so they chose OnTheHiway, a global streaming platform that allows filmmakers to manage their own releases while retaining ownership of audience data and revenue streams.

OnTheHiway does indeed provide the tools for filmmakers to control their distribution, audience data, pricing, and revenue streams –  however it does not automatically provide the audience, marketing, or discoverability that traditional distributors sometimes bring.

Unless you are a big studio film, the marketing and distribution usually falls on the filmmakers. No streaming platform, distributor, or VOD service can provide the one thing every film needs most: audience awareness. Distribution makes a film available. Marketing makes it discoverable.  

According to Jon Reiss, distribution strategist and author of Think Outside the Box Office: The Ultimate Guide to Film Distribution and Marketing for the Digital Era, “50% of your time and resources should go into connecting that film to an audience. In today’s crowded content landscape, discoverability has become one of the greatest challenges facing independent filmmakers. A film cannot succeed if audiences don’t know it exists.”

He argues that filmmakers must stop viewing distribution as a post-production task and instead build audience engagement into the filmmaking process from the beginning.

Castillo and Valdez understood early in the production process that audience-building begins long before a film reaches distribution. One of their most strategic decisions was inviting Academy Award-nominated actor, director, and producer Edward James Olmos to join the project as Executive Producer. Having worked together with Olmos on several film and television projects, Castillo knew that Olmos not only shared a passion for preserving Latino cultural heritage but also brought immediate credibility and visibility to the documentary.

Olmos’ involvement became a valuable marketing asset throughout the film’s journey. His name help attract attention to the project from its earliest stages, while his continued support has helped raise the documentary’s profile among both industry professionals and general audiences. Today, Olmos introduces the film on its streaming platform release, lending his voice and endorsement to the project. He has also participated in key screenings, including a high-profile presentation at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles, helping generate awareness and audience engagement.

For independent filmmakers, the lesson is clear: marketing is not something that begins when a film is finished. By intentionally building relationships, securing influential advocates, and creating promotional opportunities throughout production, filmmakers can lay the foundation for a successful release long before distribution begins.

Highlighting other choices that added to the storytelling of the documentary included reaching out to artists and talents who could speak to the context of the documentary or in some cases, first hand to the storyline of an Irish Catholic priest who gathers a handful of small town kids and forms the first youth mariachi group in the United States. Those interviews are some of the key elements that now serve to market the film among not just in the U.S. but worldwide.  

• Within the first five minutes of the documentary, mariachi music is established as a worldwide phenomenon through a montage of mariachi ensembles performing the classic “La Negra” in Japan, Italy, Poland, the United Kingdom, Croatia, Portugal, China, and New Zealand. Their participation later helped generate screenings of the documentary through Mexico’s Consulates in their respective countries.

• The interview with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Linda Ronstadt provides one of the documentary’s most insightful perspectives, having grown up in Tucson and knowing about the Changuitos Feos/The Ugly Little Monkeys. Ronstadt helped introduce mariachi music to mainstream American audiences through her landmark album Canciones de Mi Padre, which became one of the best-selling non-English-language albums in U.S. history.

• The interview of Grammy Award winning Ruben Fuentes, a legend in Mariachi music and musical director of the world famous Mariachi Vargas the Tecalitlán.  He also was a producer of Ronstadt ‘s Canciones de Mi Padre.  He was interviewed at his home in Mexico City before his passing.  He credited Los Changuitos Feos—The Ugly Little Monkeys—with helping popularize and elevate mariachi music throughout the United States while introducing generations of audiences to the artistry of Mariachi Vargas.

• Adding to all this, Co-director Enrique Castillo who is also an actor, narrated the documentary. Castillo’s recognizable voice and decades-long acting career, most notable as Montana in Taylor Hackford’s Blood in Blood Out, have also become valuable promotional assets, drawing audiences to screenings where he regularly participates in post-film discussions and Q&A sessions.

• A special screening in Tlalpan, Mexico, hosted by the Mexican Consulate, demonstrated the film’s international appeal. Audiences enthusiastically embraced the story of a youth organization that helped preserve and expand Mexican culture in the United States and beyond. The reception has already opened doors for additional screenings throughout Mexico.

At every the screenings what resonates with audiences is the storytelling.  Ugly Little Monkey tells the story of a group of young boys from Tucson, Arizona, some who didn’t even know Spanish or how to play an instrument, who then went on and became world class musicians and singers in spite of the obstacles.

Several of the members of the group grew up to lead world class Mariachi groups of their own, one of those groups is the renown Mariachi Cobre that has been playing at Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida for over 30 years.  Several other members went on to teach Mariachi music at schools and universities.

We experience the story through the eyes of the one-time innocent kids, now grown men, who share their unforgettable journey about an Irish Catholic priest who gathers a handful of small town kids, some as young as nine years old and forms the first youth mariachi group in the United States. A priest who brought much joy and pain to their journey.  Through all the music, the magic, the pain and the triumph, it is the music that triumphs. 

More than simply documenting a musical ensemble, Ugly Little Monkeys explores how mariachi became a bridge between cultures, communities, and countries. Through performances and interviews, the film demonstrates how youth mariachi programs have flourished across the United States and beyond, inspiring young musicians while preserving an important cultural tradition.

For Valdez and Castillo, the journey of Ugly Little Monkeys is far from over. Through a combination of direct-to-consumer streaming, community screenings, and international cultural partnerships, the filmmakers are demonstrating that independent documentaries can find audiences while retaining ownership of their story.

The marketing of the film continues, even after its streaming premiere, through screenings.  One of the most significant upcoming public screenings will take place at LéaLA, the largest Spanish-language book fair and literary festival in the United States. Open to the public, this special community screening will take place on September 24 at LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in Downtown Los Angeles as part of the festival’s programming. Adding to the celebration will be a performance by the members of the current Changuitos Feos/Ugly Little Monkeys mariachi group. The group will be flown in from Tucson to perform live for attendees.  

This screening represents precisely the kind of strategic audience development that independent filmmakers increasingly rely upon—bringing the film directly to communities already invested in its subject matter. 

In many ways, the path chosen by Ugly Little Monkeys mirrors the message at the heart of the film itself: preserving cultural traditions while creating new opportunities for future generations. By embracing innovative distribution models and continuing to engage audiences in person, the filmmakers are ensuring that the legacy of the Original Changuitos Feos/Ugly Little Monkeys—and the enduring power of mariachi music—will continue to resonate for years to come.

While many filmmakers wait until a film is completed to think about distribution, Ugly Little Monkeys demonstrates the value of building audiences throughout the production process. Every interview, festival appearance, community partnership, and cultural connections became part of a long-term marketing strategy that is now helping the film reach audiences around the world.

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The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival & Awards (MAFTF) returns for its milestone fifth year with growing momentum, expanding its footprint as a vital platform for Chicano and Mexican-American storytellers.  The two day festival will take place from March 25 and 26, expanding into two locations, Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood and Milagro Cinemas located in Norwalk.

Founded with a mission to showcase, promote, and celebrate Mexican-American/Chicano filmmakers, MAFTF has steadily positioned itself as both a cultural and industry touchpoint—spotlighting voices too often underrepresented in mainstream Hollywood while championing authentic storytelling across all formats.

The festival has grown exponentially since it began in 2022. The projects were selected from over 200 submissions which included a wide variety of  film, documentary, television, and emerging vertical formats—underscoring both the demand and the creative surge within the community.

“MAFTF 2026 Theme: “Our Stories Must Be Told To Defy Adversity”, reminds us of how by telling our stories we inform, help heal and resist the forces which are hurting our community,” said Dr. Jose Luis Ruiz President & Festival Director of MAFTF.

In addition to the screenings, MAFTF features panels discussion, workshops, and Fireside Chats. 

The following panel discussion will be held on Saturday from 11:00AM – 6:00PM.

– Funding, Marketing & Distribution Panel

-The World of Vertical & How To Make Money With Them

– Casting & Production for Ultra Low Budget SAG Film

– Fireside Chat with Actor/Director & Producer Enrique Castillo

Special Honors Spotlight Industry Excellence

The culmination of the festival is the highly anticipated closing night Illustrious Awards, a recognition of the best of the festival and, this year the recognition of five individuals whose contributions—both in front of and behind the camera—exemplify the depth and range of Latino talent shaping today’s entertainment landscape.

Honorees

Veteran actor, writer, and director Enrique Castillo will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, honoring a decades-long career that spans theater, film, and television. Castillo’s performances in films such as El Norte, Nixon, My Family, and Déjà Vu among many others, have consistently brought nuance and dignity to Latino characters. He remains indelibly associated with his iconic role as Montana in Blood In Blood Out, as well as his work on the Showtime series Weeds.

Rising multi-hyphenate Annie Gonzalez will be honored with the Illustrious Award for Outstanding Achievement in Acting. A Chicana actress, singer, and producer, Gonzalez has built a dynamic career with standout roles in Gentefied, Flamin’ Hot, and her portrayal of Jenni Rivera in the biopic Jenni. Her television work—including Shameless, American Horror Story, and Vida—reflects her ongoing commitment to advancing Latinx representation on screen.

Also receiving recognition is Mishel Prada, receiving the Illustrious Award for Trailblazing Excellence in Acting. Prada is best known for her groundbreaking role as Emma Hernandez in Starz’s Vida, portrayed a queer/pansexual Latina character with complexity and authenticity. She has also appeared as Detective KD Silva in Peacock’s The Continental, further expanding her range across genres.

Acclaimed television director Felix Alcala will receive the Trailblazer in Directing Award. With credits including Lone Star and 9-1-1 among many, Alcalá has helmed episodes of some of television’s most prominent series, helping shape the visual and narrative language of contemporary TV.

Rounding out the honorees is respected entertainment journalist Naibe Reynoso, who will be presented with the Excellence in Journalism Award and 

A Growing Cultural Force

According to several studies, although Mexican-Americans make up more than 11% of the U.S. population, they are significantly underrepresented or completely ignored by Hollywood. The Mexican-American Film & Television Festival stands as a beacon for inclusive storytelling for these filmmakers by creating space for narratives that are culturally specific yet universally resonant.

In just five years, MAFTF has evolved from a grassroots platform recognized for its significant cultural event, championing a new generation of storytellers while honoring those who have paved the way. With record submissions and a powerful slate of honorees, this year’s festival signals not just growth—but impact.

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Five years in the making this inspiring story of cultural pride and resilience was brought to life by co-directors David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo, with renowned actor/activist and Edward James Olmos as one of the executive producer.

The evening’s star-studded guest list included Rudy Ramos (Yellowstone), Benito Martinez (With Love), Nicholas Gonzalez (La Brea), Jesse Garcia (Flamin’ Hot), Laura Patalano (This Fool), Victor Rivers (Blood In, Blood Out), writer/producer/director Rick Najera; and notable actors Alejandro Patiño (Papi Chulo), Karina Noelle Castillo (NCIS, The Good Doctor), Sol Castillo (Confessions of a Gangster), Raul Cardona (Babylon), and Kikey Castillo (Mayans MC. Multi-GRAMMY Award-Winning Mariachi Divas members Cindy Shea, Daniela Gutierrez, and Julissa Dominguez; singer-songwriter Dan Navarro (We Belong).

The night celebrated the film’s LA premiere and the impact of mariachi on Mexican-American identity, with a Q&A following the screening that deepened the audience’s appreciation for this legacy. In attendance were five original members of Los Changuitos Feos, Wilfred Arvizu, David Ruiz, Gilbert Velez, Francisco Escobar, and Cosme Barcelo, who received a standing ovation from the crowd. Their presence brought an added layer of significance, allowing attendees to connect personally with the legacy captured in the film.

With Ugly Little Monkeys, the filmmakers have succeeded in not only preserving but celebrating an essential piece of American Latino history. The documentary is an unforgettable tribute to the unifying power of music and cultural heritage, sparking pride and inspiration for generations to come.

The Ugly Little Monkeys filmmakers have also been partnering with organizations nationwide to bring this powerful documentary to communities across the country. Community groups, cultural institutions, and educational organizations interested in hosting a screening in their city are encouraged to reach out to coordinate a local event. To bring Ugly Little Monkeys to your area, please contact: info@uglylittlemonkeys.com.

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The Ugly Little Monkeys documentary recounts the story of a cultural phenomena, the first student mariachi group in the US, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson created in 1964 by an Irish Catholic priest.  It is the story of the music they played, the magic they experienced, the pain they endured and the ultimate triumph of their spirit, told in this documentary as they near the group’s 60 anniversary later this year.

The enduring legacy of Los Changuitos Feos began with a group of high school boys whose lives would change forever through the mariachi music they played and the cultural Mexican pride they felt, to become the start of the student Mariachi movement which has since spread across America.

The documentary traces the untold story of almost 60 years of a legacy that would ignite a pride wave as these young kids embraced their Mexican-American culture and learned to love Mariachi music.

Ugly Little Monkeys the documentary, co-directed by David Valdez, a native of Tucson Arizona, and actor/writer and producer Enrique Castillo. It is a heartwarming and triumphant tribute to America’s first youth mariachi group, celebrating resilience and cultural pride with masterful storytelling!

The documentary takes us on a historical journey from delving into where the idea of forming Los Changuitos Feos came from. It was the brainchild Father Charles H. Rourke, who had been an accomplished jazz pianist and had shared the stage with greats like Sarah Vaughn and Duke Ellington before becoming a priest.

As a priest of the Catholic church in the ‘60’s, Father Rourke had a passion for assisting in the positive development of at-risk youth, hosting a radio program dedicated to youth awareness.  When he was introduced to Mariachi music he fell in love with it and hit on the idea of using the form to recruit young men to start a youth Mariachi group. His charm was intoxicating and he was welcomed into the Mexican/American homes with a status reserved only for those deserving the highest reverence.

As the David Ruiz, labeled in the documentary as the “Original Changuito Feo” because it was Ruiz Father Rourke reached out to be the first a of the members of the group, recounts in the documentary, the group had to learn to play the instruments, learn the songs in Spanish (which many did not speak), how to play the instruments in some cases, and learn about “stage presence” from Father Rourke.  The initial group consisted of 5 guitars, one vihuelas, one trumpet, one violin and one guitarrón.

Throughout the years Los Changuitos Feos achieved national recognition following performances at the inaugurations for Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford and for the play and Mayor Richard J. Daly of Chicago and recorded with Herb Albert. They performed at Universal City with the group eventually rising to international fame performing on the CBS special the Mission and the The Mariachi and represented the US in Mexico. 

Co-director and executive producer Valdez, a native of Tucson and very familiar with Los Changuitos Feos (he even tried out for the group as a young boy) was given a copy of a book, Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned written my one of the original member of Los Changuitos Feos, Wilfred Arvizu 

When Valdez approached his good friend, actor/writer Enrique Castillo about a possible movie based on the book, they decided that the voice of the original Changuitos had to be heard first and Valdez and Castillo decided to co-direct and co-produce the documentary which is inspired by Arvizu’s book. They began the research and with an outline of the script written by Castillo in 2019.   

One of the first and the most important tasks was to reach out to the original living Chanquitos.  Over 50 years had passed and they had all taken different paths since leaving the group after high school.  Two of  them went on to form their own mariachi group, Mariachi Cobre, which has been playing at Disney’s Epcot center for over 40 years.  The other members were spread out across America, went on to become a doctor, a state senator, a senior staff engineer who helped launch the Hubble, a Kempo Karate Master, a Hall of Fame recording artist, a Vietnam veteran and many other illustrious careers.

Nineteen original members from different generations of Chanquitos agreed to meet up in Tucson for a taped reunion.  It was an emotional rollercoaster for all of them, especially having to recount on camera their experiences being a Changiotos Feo, as well as participating in group interviews.

The interviews with the original Chanquitos are the heart of the documentary, supported by archival footage, news clippings, interviews with family members, and civic leaders.  Additional interviews of some of the greats in music like native Tucsonan and 11 time Grammy winner Linda Ronstadt and Ruben Fuentes, a revered classical violinist and composer known for his work with Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán his work with Linda Ronstadt‘s Canciones de mi Padre.

While the visibility and popularity of the Changuitos grew, Father Rourke’s immoral conduct began to surface: alcoholism, questioning of his faith, chronic absences at performances and even worse. In spite of the dark experiences the young men were forced to contend with they assumed leadership roles and persevered. Through their love for and dedication to Mariachi music Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson became world-renowned. 

“After having met many of the early members of Los Changuitos Feos, it’s easy to see how the group became so successful. They’re dedicated individuals who inspire with their accomplishments even after having left the group”, Castillo recalls. “It has also been a real pleasure seeing them be totally supportive of each other and watching them joyously interacting and cavorting as they did when they were young.”

Another legacy shared by the members of the Changuitos is the spread of Mariachi programs across the U.S. The spread of youth mariachi groups has grown exponentially in U.S. public schools over the past 30 years, from just a handful of programs in a few states to more than 500 today

It has been five and a half years in the making and the filmmakers of the documentary Ugly Little Monkeys has begun the journey of sharing the untold story of how a group of kids found their music and shared it with millions and continue to do so. 

The first screening was a benefit screening in the Changuitos hometown of Tucson, Arizona. The filmmakers wanted to honor the legacy of Los Changuitos Feos and all the proceeds went to support the continuation of the work of this groundbreaking group.  This past March audiences gathered at the history downtown FOX theater to fill the 1,164 seat to witness, not only a slice of Tucson history in all its splendor, but also the uncomfortable truths they never knew the young boys had to endure.  

“The five-and-a-half-year production journey has been quite long, exciting, challenging and gratifying, “ said Valdez, whose knowledge of the story started with his father Joel Valdez, who served as one time as Tucson City Manager and a board member of Los Changuitos Feos.  “I’m extremely thankful to all of the original members of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, for entrusting Enrique and I with their personal stories and giving us permission to share them on the big screen.”

The goal of the production was always to tell the untold story about a group of mostly Mexican-American youth which garnered international visibility and are a part of American history. They decided to offer fundraising screening to organizations, universities and schools that would benefit youth mariachi groups. The screening fall into the co-directors goal to bring  social accountability to the work they do through their Ugly Little Monkeys Production company. 

The documentary continues its fundraising screenings in Los Angeles on March 16, 2024 at Plaza de La Raza.  Plaza’s commitment to offering classes in music and arts programming since 1970 in East Los Angeles was the perfect choice. Proceeds for the fundraising screening will benefit Plaza’s Student Mariachi Ensemble, who will play at the reception prior to the screening. 

“I feel we accomplished our goal by ultimately giving credit back to those who were truly responsible for creating the first youth mariachi in the U.S. and helping start the youth mariachi movement that we’re all witnessing today,” Valdez adds.  “I’m extremely proud of my Mexican heritage and having the freedom and opportunity to share our beautiful stories with the world.” 

Ugly Little Monkeys is executive producer by Edward James Olmos, Marcia Grand & Justin Krienbrink.

There will be a Q&A after the screening with co-directors Valdez and Castillo.  They will be joined by Wilfred Arvizu the author of Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned and a former member of Los Changuitos Feos.  

Tickets are still available.  For info email:  info@latinheat.com

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Thirty years ago, Hollywood Pictures quietly released the film Blood In Blood Out, directed by Academy Award-winning director Taylor Hackford, as an ode to the Chicano barrio in 1993. The making of this cult film, loved by fans worldwide, is the topic of a new book by the same name, Blood In Blood Out, commemorating the film’s 30th anniversary with a book launch at Cal State LA University in Los Angeles. The all-day event will culminate with a screening of the film, and Enrique Castillo’s character, Montana, often described as the conscience of the film, will live to see another day on screen.
 

 
Carlos Aguilar wrote in an LA Times article earlier this year, “Akin to ‘The Godfather’ in its scope and themes, Blood In Blood Out, which turned 30 this year, stumbled at the box office but was saved from obscurity by fervent Latino audiences, who reclaimed it as a cornerstone of their representation in cinema.”
 
In the ensuing thirty years since its release, the film has only grown in popularity, amassing millions of fans nationally and internationally. The fans, who have grown up watching it on DVD or online, and passing on the tradition to their kids, have kept the film very much alive for thirty years. Blood In Blood Out has become a cult film akin to The Rocky Horror Show in that fans memorize the words to the film and recite their favorite character’s lines.
 
“The enduring legacy of Blood In Blood Out is a tribute to everyone involved in making it happen,” said Castillo.  “I consider myself fortunate to have been a part of it.”
 
Members of the all-star cast will be in attendance to celebrate the book launch and attend the screening, which will be the first time since the film’s release it has been shown on a big screen. Over 15 original cast members, including Benjamin Bratt, Jesse Borrego, Danny Trejo, and Castillo, will be in attendance at the festivities.  Tickets for the screening sold out within 24 hours.
 
Castillo’s role in Blood In Blood Out has not only etched a permanent mark in the realm of classic L.A. cinema but also garnered him a devoted following both in the US and as far as Holland and Nigeria. His portrayal of Montana is often likened to iconic characters in cinematic history, showcasing the depths and nuances of the Chicano experience. In Vincent Canby’s review of the film in The New York Times, he exalts some of the characters in the film, particularly Castillo’s performance of Montana.
 
The release of this book will now serve as a testament to the film’s lasting legacy. The screening will serve as the film’s premiere which it never had due to Hollywood Pictures scaling back on the release in 1993 due the climate of civic unrest at the time. 
 
The limited-edition book is published by Hat & Beard Press and co-authored by Academy Award-winning director Taylor Hackford (Ray, The Devil’s Advocate), screenwriter Jimmy Santiago Baca, on-set photographer Merrick Morton, and the late Chicano artist Adan Hernandez.  It chronicles their deeply personal journey to bring Blood In Blood Out to the screen. It features a foreword by groundbreaking Chicano writer/director Luis Valdez (La Bamba, Zoot Suit) and includes insights from Hackford, Baca’s powerful new poems inspired by the film, and a wealth of behind-the-scenes content. The presence of Castillo at the event adds a layer of authenticity and connection to the film’s legacy, especially for those inspired by his portrayal of Montana.
 
This anniversary event, alongside the book release, serves not only as a celebration of a film that resonated strongly with Latino audiences but also as a homage to actors like Enrique Castillo, whose performances have left an indelible impact on viewers and the cinematic landscape. The overwhelming response to the event, with 2,000 tickets claimed within 24 hours, reflects the enduring influence of Blood In Blood Out and the actors who brought its story to life.
 

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Farmworker Justice is a nonprofit organization that seeks to empower migrant and seasonal farmworkers to improve their living and working conditions, immigration status, health, occupational safety, and access to justice. Farmworker Justice’s Los Angeles Awards provide an opportunity to bring together supporters and contributors from the business, legal, government, and nonprofit communities to report and highlight its important work. They also serve to recognize individuals, businesses and other organizations that have demonstrated leadership, commitment, dedication and sacrifice to address the ongoing plight that farmworkers face each and every day in America. For more information visit the Farmworker Justice website at www.farmworkerjustice.org and follow #FarmworkerJustice.

This year’s honorees are:

DeVon Franklin, (Flamin’ Hot) award-winning producer, New York Times bestselling author and renowned motivational speaker, recipient of the Social Justice in the Arts Award for his commitment to diversity in film, securing and producing a major motion picture with a majority of Latinos in front and behind the camera. Flamin’ Hot highlights the life of a child farmworker who made it to the upper echelons of corporate America through innovation and marketing. Actor Emilio Rivera (Mayans M.C., Flamin’ Hot) will present the award.

Teresa Romero, President of United Farm Workers (UFW), recipient of the Dolores Huerta Award for her decades-long activism, dedication and commitment to farmworker rights and living conditions.

Enrique Castillo, (Weeds, Blood In Blood Out) actor, writer, producer, activist, and former child farmworker from Calexico, is the recipient of the Farmworker Justice Award for his social justice activism, beginning with his work with El Teatro Campesino, Zoot Suit, and his play Veteranos: A Legacy of Valor about Latinos in the military, and Congressional Medal of Honor recipients who fought for America’s defense, and his activism thru film.

Shura Wallin, border activist and co-founder of humanitarian group Green Valley-Sahuarita Samaritan, recipient of the Shelley Davis Humanitarian Award, for her unparalleled dedication as a leader in the fight to secure border relief to immigrants in peril and reconnecting families of those who have perished from the harsh conditions crossing the border. Legendary singer Linda Ronstadt will present the award via video.

Farmworker Justice CEO Ron Estrada will provide keynote remarks on the state of farmworkers and proposed solutions to the numerous challenges they face as well as the work of Farmworker Justice and its allies across the nation to fulfill its mission.

“I am delighted to start my tenure at Farmworker Justice by honoring these four individuals who continue to fight for justice for America’s farmworkers,” says Ron Estrada. “Through their work, they remind us all of the important role that our trabajadores agrícolas play, picking the fruits and vegetables that American families consume every day. Farmworkers are too often invisible to the general public, yet they are the frontline heroes that feed America. This event is about farmworkers, their families, and all who have worked in the fields so the rest of us can eat.”

Iconic Hollywood actor and activist Pepe Serna (With Love, Flamin’ Hot) will deliver the keynote presentation.

This year’s Presenting Sponsor is PepsiCo.

Click to buy tickets. NOTE: Proof of COVID vaccination will be required to attend the event.

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AMPAS, with its 17 branches of on-camera and behind-the-scenes artists, is the governing body that oversees the selection of the Academy Awards.  Membership selection is based on professional qualifications by reviewed by their peer group.

Of this year’s 397 membership invites, thirty-six (36) Latinos have been invited to join the voting branches that decide who will receive the Oscar in their category.  

Enrique Castillo (Deja Vu, Blood In Blood Out) who became a member of AMPAS in 2016 knows too well what an honor it is to be asked to join AMPAS. We reached out to him for a quote.

“I congratulate this year’s Latino invitees to the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences. It’s a fitting recognition of your talent, hard work and perseverance. I look forward to joining you in being a voice and advocate for Latino artists in the entertainment industry and in the ranks of the Motion Picture Academy”.

The Short Films and Feature Animation branch had the most Latine membership invites with a total of eleven (11). They include Academy Award-winning producer Yvett Merino (Encanto, Wreck-It Ralph), Writer/Producer/Director K.D. Dávila (Please Hold, Emergency) and Effects Supervisor Erin Ramos  (Encanto, Frozen II)

Among the five actors invited are Academy Award winner Ariana DeBose, Olga Merediz  (In the Heights, Adrift), Golden Globe winner Anya Taylor-Joy  (The Northman, Last Night in Soho) and veteran actor Marco Rodriguez  (El Chicano, Unspeakable)

Here is the breakdown on the all Latine artists per AMPAS Branch by number of invitees:

SHORT FILMS & FEATURE ANIMATION: 11

Michael Arias – (Harmony, Tekkonkinkreet)

Enrico Casarosa  (Luca, La Luna)

Karla Castañeda (La Noria (The Waterwheel), Jacinta)

Hugo Covarrubias  (Bestia, The Night Upside Down)

K.D. Dávila (Please Hold, Emergency)

Joe Mateo (Blush, Big Hero 6)

Yvett Merino (Encanto, Wreck-It Ralph)

Jetzabel Moreno Hernández  (The Followers, Plums and Green Smoke)

Brian Pimental (Tarzan, A Goofy Movie)

Erin Ramos  (Encanto, Frozen II)

Leo Sanchez  (The Windshield Wiper, Over the Moon)

ACTING BRANCH: 6

Ariana DeBose (West Side Story, The Prom)

Robin de Jesús (tick, tick…BOOM!, The Boys in the Band)  

BarBara Luna  (The Concrete Jungle, Five Weeks in a Balloon)

Olga Merediz  (In the Heights, Adrift)

Marco Rodriguez  (El Chicano, Unspeakable)

Anya Taylor-Joy  (The Northman, Last Night in Soho)

DIRECTORS: 5 

Bruno Villela Barreto  (Four Days in September, The Kiss)

Mariano Barroso (Ants in the Mouth, Ecstasy)

Jeferson Rodrigues de Rezende (The Malê Revolt, Bróder!)

Reinaldo Marcus Green (King Richard, Monsters and Men)

Isabel Sandoval (Lingua Franca, Apparition)

PRODUCERS: 3

Cristina Gallego (Birds of Passage, Embrace of the Serpent)

Laetitia Gonzales  (Plot 35, Tournée)

Sara Silveira  (Good Manners, Vazante)

Marketing and Public Relations: 3

Chrissy Quesada

Jerry Rojas

Evelyn Santana

DOCUMENTARY: 2

Emílio Domingos  (Favela Is Fashion, L.A.P.A.)

Cristina Ibarra  (The Infiltrators, Las Marthas)

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Ruth Hernandez – “The United States vs. Billie Holiday,” “Brooklyn’s Finest”

Waldir Xavier – “From Afar,” “Central Station”

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Joe Ceballos  (Skyscraper, Thor: Ragnarok)

Marcos Fajardo Orellana (Thor,  Monster House)

COSTUME DESIGNERS: 1

Tatiana Hernández (The Japon, Lope)

MEMBERS AT LARGE: 1

Ilda Santiago

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It’s been 50 years in the making and Academy Award-nominated Edward James Olmos has just signed on as Executive Producer for the Ugly Little Monkeys, a documentary based on the true story of the original Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, pioneers of the youth mariachi movement in the US. The good news comes as the Seed & Spark crowdfunding campaign passes its halfway mark to reaching its fundraising goal of $50K.  ULM Productions has already raised $28K since it launched on June 21, 2021.

“I’m extremely proud to be a part of this project and helping to tell such an important story. It’s time everyone learns about the original Los Changuitos Feos and their contribution to the Mexican-American experience in this country,” said Olmos.

The Ugly Little Monkeys feature documentary tells the story of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, the first youth mariachi group in the U.S. founded in 1964 by Irish Catholic priest Father Charles Rourke. The name, Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, chosen by Father Rourke, although controversial, still remains after 50 plus years, and generations of Changuitos later, and achieved national recognition following performances at presidential inaugurations for Nixon and Ford. The group eventually rose to international fame. Despite all their success, there was a deep, dark secret that would destroy anyone. However, their faith and support for each other helped these young men overcome the pain they suffered at the hands of their spiritual and musical leader. Their will to rise above it led them to become successful men, musicians, and community leaders.

“We are thrilled to welcome Edward to the ULM Productions team,” said David Valdez, Ugly Little Monkeys Executive Producer. “He is a valuable asset to our team, assisting in tapping into all the resources available to us as independent filmmakers.”

Olmos’ career in entertainment spans over 50 years of working in the business. In that time, he created a signature style and aesthetic that he applies to every artist endeavor, often grounding his characters in reality and gravitas. His dedication to his craft has brought him attention across the industry and with audiences worldwide.

Fundraising efforts to complete production on the film are on track and continue to grow momentum as supporters look for opportunities to get involved with the project.  However, the project still needs community support to reach the finish line. While the crowdfunding campaign offers some enticing incentives for donors, there will also be some FUNdraising events both online and live, like a benefit Happy Hour that will allow fans to gather safely for a Meet & Greet with original Changuitos Feos in Tucson. A benefit concert is also in the works with producers eager to reveal details once the final talent line-up is confirmed.

The story behind the film, Ugly Little Monkeys, is five decades in the making, inspired by the book, Bless Me Father For You Have Sinned, written by original group member Wilfred Arvizu. The team behind the project, led by Valdez and Producer/Co-Director/Writer Enrique Castillo, wanted to share the Changuitos story in their documentary

All the latest information on these events and the crowdfunding campaign, and to donate visit: www.uglylittlemonkeys.com

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In the 1960s a youth mariachi group started a movement credited with taking the Mexican music genre to a new level of popularity in the United States and which can still be felt today. A crowdfunding campaign is now raising money for a documentary film about Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson and a dark secret that almost destroyed the lives of the band’s children at the hands of a Catholic priest.

Five decades in the making, Ugly Little Monkeys is based on the book Bless Me Father for You Have Sinned, written by original musical group member Wilfred Arvizu. The author self-published the book in 2014 on the group’s 50th anniversary detailing the sexual abuse that Father Charles Rourke subjected the members of the band for years before he was removed in 1969. 

Ugly Little Monkeys is executive produced by David E. Valdez (Rita of the Sky) which he also co-directs with award-winning actor Enrique Castillo (Weeds, Blood In Blood Out) who is also producing. Former-CNN journalist Thelma Don Gutiérrez is writer/producer and associate producer Tina Huerta.

Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson are considered the first youth mariachi group in the U.S. The band’s name was chosen by Father Rourke and, although controversial, remains after 50 plus years and achieved national recognition following performances at the inaugurations for Presidents Nixon and Ford. The group eventually rose to international fame. But the ugly and traumatic secret of abuse by the alcoholic priest weighed heavily on the lives of band members way into their adulthood.  Throughout the years of music, and the magic they created they were able to surpass the pain and triumph.

However, according to the doc’s filmmakers, the mariachi members’ faith and faith in each other helped the young men overcome the pain they suffered at the hands of their spiritual and musical leader. Some rose above it all and became successful men, musicians, and community leaders. Three of the “Changos”, Randy & Steve Carillo, and Mac Ruiz went on to found Mariachi Cobre which has played for over 37 years at Epcot Center in Disneyworld in Orlando. Jerry Gay grew went on to become an engineer working at Lockheed Martin who gave him the opportunity to help design, build, and launch the NASA Hubble Space Telescope. Gilbert Velez, among other things, became the highest-ranking 9^th degree Black Belt in the world under the IKKA Organization and also became a world-class martial artist.

Making the documentary is personal for Valdez. “We just knew we had to tell this story the only way we knew how,” he says. His father, Joel Valdez was one of the founding Los Changuitos Feos board members. “What started off as a biopic concept turned into a documentary after interviewing several original members of the group as part of our initial research for the film.” The group earned international acclaim, according to Valdez, its success sets off the world-renowned Mariachi Youth Movement that still thrives today.

Castillo says he understands how the youth mariachi became a trailblazer. “After having met many of the early members of Los Changuitos Feos, it’s easy to see how the group became so successful,” he recalls. “They’re dedicated individuals who inspire with their accomplishments even after having left the group. It has also been a real pleasure seeing them be totally supportive of each other and watching them joyously interacting and cavorting as they did when they were young.”

The filmmakers aim at raising the final monies for the project which is already 50 percent complete and features interviews with legendary singer Linda Ronstadt, a Tucson native. The goal is to raise $50,000 via the crowdfunding platform Seed & Spark. “We have some great incentives for our supporters who donate at least $25 or more,” says Huerta, the co-writer who also serves as associate producer. “We need support so that we may continue to tell these stories that educate, inspire and share our beautiful culture and musical legacy.”

For Don Gutierrez, the mariachi’s story is close to her heart. “This project is very important to me, especially because I was born and raised in Tucson, where Los Changuitos were our hometown heroes,” she says. “It’s time their story was told.”

Those interested in donating can visit: www.seedandspark.com/fund/ugly-little-monkeys-los-changuitos-feos-de-tucson.

Featured Photo: ‘Ugly Little Monkeys’ filmmaker David E. Valdez (Credit: Courtesy)

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El Norte, the epic, a widely acclaimed masterpiece about the dreams of immigrants and the promise of America, will return to movie theaters in select markets this September in a special one-day-only 35th-anniversary presentation from Fathom Events and Lionsgate.

Directed by Gregory Nava from a screenplay co-written by Anna Thomas, El Norte will play on Sunday, September 15, in more than 200 movie theaters nationwide. This special one-day-only presentation will include an exclusive introduction by Nava, whose films include the beloved hit, Selena. The Fathom Events presentation will also include a brand-new featurette that explores the making of the film and features the film’s stars, Zaide Silvia Gutiérrez, and David Villalpando.

Tickets for “El Norte 35^th Anniversary” are available at www.FathomEvents.com and at participating movie theater box offices. All event attendees will also receive a free, two-week trial offer to Pantaya, where they can find the best movies and TV series in Spanish, all in one place.

The Fathom Events presentation of El Norte is the film’s first theatrical release since it debuted in U.S. theaters in early 1984, and will be shown in a newly restored version of the film that Nava produced with the help of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences. Following this special event, Lionsgate will release El Norte on digital formats on September 17.

“Nava’s groundbreaking and the achingly humanistic narrative is the quintessential film about immigration,” noted film critic Claudia Puig (USA Today/NPR) wrote. “Today, 35 years after its debut, El Norte is the film of our time.”

Nominated for an Oscar® for its emotional and compassionate screenplay, written by Nava and Anna Thomas, El Norte was named to the U.S. National Film Registry in 1995. The film follows the struggle of two siblings, Rosa (Gutierréz) and Enrique (Villalpando) as they flee military violence and terror in their small rural home in Guatemala. They have heard stories of the promise of el Norte, or “the North,” and when their home is massacred by the military, they decide to make the dangerous trek through Mexico and into the United States. Once there, Rosa and Enrique discover that their arduous journey is far from over and that the dangers they face as immigrants are different, but no less life-threatening, than the dangers they thought they left behind.

El Norte features a cast filled with noted Latino performers, led by Gutiérrez and Villalpando and also including Lupe Ontiveros, Ernesto Gómez Cruz, Enrique Castillo, and Tony Plana. 

“El Norte is a special, magical film, a cinematic epic we are proud to showcase, particularly as issues of immigrants and their hopes and dreams fill the headlines,” said Tom Lucas, Fathom Events Vice President of Studio Relations. “Gregory Nava has created a modern American epic, one that resonates as strongly today as it did 35 years ago.”

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