Proceeds of benefit screening Plaza de La Raza’s Student Mariachi Ensemble
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.
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