By Bel Hernandez Castillo

What is a Chicano?

In his 1970 Los Angeles Times essay What Is a Chicano? And What Do Chicanos Want?, the late, award-winning journalist Rubén Salazar defined a Chicano as “a Mexican-American with a non-Anglo image of himself.”

Chicanos are boldly authentic and now raising their voice proudly, creating content that is authentically theirs. What better event to showcase their creativity than the Chicano Hollywood Film Festival. over 100 film and TV projects will be in full display at the first annual Chicano Hollywood Film Festival which takes place July 17–20, 2025, at The Union (350 Garey Ave, Pomona, CA). 

The brainchild of ex-pastor and producer Johnny Murillo, the festival, (planned before the immigration raids began) will brazenly launch in spite of the ICE raids which are targeting undocumented farm laborers across Southern California. The festival positions itself as both a cultural celebration and a platform for protest—amplifying the stories, struggles, and strength of the Chicano and Latino communities. 

Opening the film festival will be The Last Brown Beret, a gripping and timely feature directed by Del Zamora abd based on the play by writer/director Alfredo Ramos. The film revives the legacy of the Brown Berets, Civil Rights activists whose fight for justice in the 1960s echoes today’s urgent need for protection, dignity, and unity within the Chicano community amid fear of raids, riots, and mass arrests. 

“This festival isn’t just about watching films—it’s about answering the call,” said Johnny Murillo, founder of Chicano Hollywood. “The Brown Berets stood up for our people. It’s time to do the same—with cameras, stories, and truth.” 

In addition to spotlighting powerful features, the Chicano Hollywood Film Festival will showcase over 90 short films, television pilots, music videos, and digital projects from emerging Chicano/Latino filmmakers across the U.S. and Latin America. The diverse lineup highlights stories of identity, resistance, humor, and healing. 

Featured films include: 

— Ugly Little Monkey – A powerful documentary produced and co-directed  by Chicano legend Enrique Castillo (Montana in Blood in Blood Out) and David Valdez, exploring the journey of the first Youth Mariachi in the U.S. whose trauma lead to healing through the music of Mariachi.  

— Horchata With Oat Milk – A viral, culture-clash comedy directed by Christian “LV” Leyva, addressing the issue of gentrification and offering fresh laughs with a Chicano twist.  

— A Little Family Drama – A layered and emotional dramedy directed by Nadia Zoe that brings generational conflict to light.  

— Cholita Takes LA – Directed by Sylvia Ray, a bold exploration of female empowerment within Chicana culture and a Bolivian Cholita Wrestler seeking identity.  

— Lost in the Barrio – Directed by Alberto Portillo, a gritty, heartfelt story of survival and loyalty in the urban neighborhood. Starring Fabian Alamar (Flamin’ Hot).  

Festival goers can also expect live “DJ” sets, Q&A panels, networking events, and the launch of the Chicano Hollywood Academy, an initiative to train the next generation of Latino creatives in acting, directing, production, and content monetization. 

The Chicano Hollywood platform was created to elevate the  Chicano voice in every space of culture, Chicano Hollywood is a groundbreaking media and cultural movement committed to empowering Chicano and Latino content creators. Through film, education, and strategic partnerships, it seeks to amplify underrepresented voices and reimagine representation in Hollywood and beyond.

“This is the first of many,” said Festival Director, Francisco Roel. “We’re building a movement where Chicanos and Latinos own their stories, their space, and their future in entertainment.” 

Press, Tickets & Festival Schedule:
Visit www.ChicanoHollywood.com  

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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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Plaza de la Raza, a Los Angeles mainstay cultural arts center in Lincoln Heights will be the benefactor of a special community screening of the acclaimed documentary, Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story, taking place on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Plaza de la Raza’s Margot Albert Theater, located at 3540 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90031.

Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story, co-directed by David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo and executive produced by Edward James Olmos, Marcia Grand, and Justin Krienbrink, delves into the compelling saga of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, the original youth Mariachi group in the U.S. Established in 1964 by an Irish priest. This trailblazing ensemble that in spite of overcoming tremendous challenges rose to international acclaim, newfound celebrity, all shaping its members into prominent musicians and future leaders.

“I’ve done several stage productions at Plaza de La Raza, and I’m thrilled that our documentary film Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story is screening at Plaza’s Margot Albert Theater. “I’m especially pleased that the screening will benefit Plaza’s arts education programs, particularly its youth Mariachi program,” stated Enrique Castillo, Co-Director of the documentary.

Maria Jimenez-Torres, Executive Director of Plaza de la Raza, expressed the importance of the screening, stating, “This film will surely inspire, educate and uplift. We are deeply thankful to Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson and the Ugly Little Monkeys filmmakers for their support and collaboration in hosting this benefit screening. Their commitment to using music and film as a catalyst for positive change mirrors our own mission of fostering cultural enrichment and community empowerment.”

The evening will commence with a reception at 5:30 PM featuring a performance by the Plaza de la Raza Youth Mariachi Ensemble. The reception will include a delightful array of Mexican antojitos catered by El Comal Fresh & Authentic Tortilla Products. Following the reception, attendees will enjoy the film screening and have the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with co-directors David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo, as well as an original member of Los Changuitos Feos, the pioneering youth mariachi group which the documentary highlights.

For information on Sponsorships or tickets please email: info@latinheat.com

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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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