Several independent films and documentaries debuted in New York City on July 17. Among them is the Sundance prizewinner American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez.
The documentary American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez opened at Film Forum. The Friday night screening with Luis Valdez, director David Alvarado and Lou Diamond Phillips sold out. The film won the Sundance Festival Favorite Award and Audience Award for U.S. documentary.
It profiles the Chicano activist and director of Zoot Suit and La Bamba. Narration comes from Edward James Olmos as El Pachuco. Additional appearances include Cheech Marin and Linda Ronstadt.
Producer Insignia Films plans expansion to a dozen Los Angeles theaters next week. The film is booked into September for runs in more than 20 cities.
Other releases include The Kidnapping of Arabella at IFC Center and 40 Watts From Nowhere at DCTV. A 25th anniversary re-release of My Sassy Girl also begins at Anthology Film Archives.