Power of a story: ABQ native filmmaker returns to screen 'Singing our Way to Freedom' at NHCC

Paul Espinosa grew up in Albuquerque and was inspired by his community.

The filmmaker is bringing the award-winning documentary, “Singing Our Way to Freedom” to the National Hispanic Cultural Center at 7 p.m. Friday, April 12.

Power of a story: ABQ native filmmaker returns to screen 'Singing our Way to Freedom' at NHCC

The screening is part of the “Power of Our Stories” series which finishes its final two days at the NHCC from Friday, April 12, and Saturday, April 13.

According to the NHCC, the program features 11 films and more than 13 guest speakers/performers/filmmakers.

“Singing Our Way to Freedom” chronicles the power of music in creating a new identity and sense of belonging among young Chicana and Chicano students during the Civil Rights movement.

As a young man in the 1970s, Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez joined the picket lines in California and became César Chávez’s favorite musician.

His journey is a remarkable lens on a time when young Mexican Americans and Chicanas/os became inspired by the social and political changes taking place in the country and organized their own communities to take part in this dramatic moment of social change.

Sanchez’s student activism began at San Diego State University with the community takeover of a section of public land that became Chicano Park in San Diego, an event which he memorialized in his enduring anthem, “Chicano Park Samba.”

Later he performed “We shall overcome/No nos moveran” on Joan Baez’s first Spanish language record and eventually formed a band, Los Alacranes Mojados.

Performing compelling songs, Sanchez became a favorite at demonstrations and rallies for over 40 years, performing at schools, prisons, political events, quinceañeras and weddings.

“Racism, discrimination and intolerance are on the rise again, and our democracy’s survival is at stake” Espinosa says. “Chunky’s arc of transformation from marginalized farm kid to charismatic activist shows how you can mobilize people to change the world by developing your unique talents and sense of purpose.”

Espinosa says he worked on the film for nearly seven years.

“I knew Chunky for many years and used his music in some of my earlier films,” he says. “He was a charismatic figure on stage whose presence in a variety of social justice movements was an inspiration for many folks in the community. His story was a way of informing many younger viewers about the Chicano Civil Rights Movement.”

Espinosa says in today’s turbulent political and social landscape, young people are using their voices, making powerful and needed contributions toward peaceful social change.

He says in his songs and in his life, Sanchez offers an inspiring narrative about what’s possible – reminding viewers that the battle for freedom has to be fought anew by every generation.

“Having grown up in Albuquerque, I’m thrilled to be screening my film at the National Hispanic Cultural Center,” Espinosa says. “I hope viewers will leave with an appreciation of Chunky’s dedication to building community and the important role that music plays in social movements.”

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