When I was 21, Luis came to my university to speak about his life as an artist. I wasn’t quite prepared for my reaction. As an aspiring filmmaker and son of a Mexican immigrant, his speech gave me an unexpected jolt of curiosity and confidence. He spoke about overcoming the obstacacles of being an artist in a world that wouldn’t hear what he had
to say. In His final plea to us that day, he slammed both hands on the lectern and said the only way to begin your career as an artist is to simply,
Do it...Do the thing—Now!
When I was 21, Luis came to my university to speak about his life as an artist. I wasn’t quite prepared for my reaction. As an aspiring filmmaker and son of a Mexican immigrant, his speech gave me an unexpected jolt of curiosity and confidence. He spoke about overcoming the obstacacles of being an artist in a world that wouldn’t hear what he had to say. In His final plea to us that day, he slammed both hands on the lectern and said the only way to begin your career as an artist is to simply,
Do it...Do the thing—Now!
In hindsight, I attribute much of my early ambition to this barn-burner moment; an ambition I still carry through my career to this day.
Now, I’m a full-time filmmaker focusing on high profile documentaries about the most interesting, world-changing people.
In hindsight, I attribute much of my early ambition to this barn-burner moment; an ambition I still carry through my career to this day.
Now, I’m a full-time filmmaker focusing on high profile documentaries about the most interesting, world-changing people.
There’s no better subject for my next film than Luis Valdez, who inspired me 19 years ago. After spending time with Valdez and El Teatro Campesino community, I’ve realized that we share a common goal—build a better world through the power of human storytelling. I look forward to collaborating with them to tell this extremely timely and relevant story.
David Alvarado, Director
There’s no better subject for my next film than Luis Valdez, who inspired me 19 years ago. After spending time with Valdez and El Teatro Campesino community, I’ve realized that we share a common goal—build a better world through the power of human storytelling. I look forward to collaborating with them to tell this extremely timely and relevant story.
David Alvarado, Director
[ THE TEAM ]
[ THE TEAM ]
We are storytellers driven by a shared commitment: to tell authentic stories that matter. Our team brings together diverse expertise—from documentary film to creative direction to narrative production—united by the belief that compelling storytelling can reshape how the world understands itself.
When we came to Luis Valdez's story, we recognized something profound: here was an artist who spent five decades proving that authentic voices can move mountains.
When we came to Luis Valdez's story, we recognized something profound: here was an artist who spent five decades proving that authentic voices can move mountains.
Theater from flatbed trucks galvanized farmworkers. Broadway plays reclaimed Chicano dignity. Films reached millions. Luis didn't wait for permission—he created. We approach this documentary with that same spirit. We work with intention, craft, and deep respect for the stories we're privileged to tell, believing that by bringing Luis's legacy to new audiences, we honor the transformative power of art itself. Every frame is a collaboration rooted in purpose: to amplify a voice that changed America, and to inspire others that one person's vision—grounded in love for their people—can reshape culture.
When we came to Luis Valdez's story, we recognized something profound: here was an artist who spent five decades proving that authentic voices can move mountains.
Theater from flatbed trucks galvanized farmworkers. Broadway plays reclaimed Chicano dignity. Films reached millions. Luis didn't wait for permission—he created. We approach this documentary with that same spirit. We work with intention, craft, and deep respect for the stories we're privileged to tell, believing that by bringing Luis's legacy to new audiences, we honor the transformative power of art itself. Every frame is a collaboration rooted in purpose: to amplify a voice that changed America, and to inspire others that one person's vision—grounded in love for their people—can reshape culture.
[ TEAM ]
Director
David
Alvarado
Producer
Lauren
DeFellippo
Producer
Everett
Katigbak
Producer
Amanda
Pollak
Editor
Daniel
Chavez-Ontiveros
Co-Producer
Brenda
Avila-Hanna
Cinematographer
Zachary
Fink
Music Composer
Eduardo
Arenas
Sound Designer
Peter
Albrechtsen
Graphic & Motion Design
Faustina
[ TEAM ]
Director
David
Alvarado
Producer
Lauren
DeFellippo
Producer
Everett
Katigbak
Producer
Amanda
Pollak
Editor
Daniel
Chavez-Ontiveros
Co-Producer
Brenda
Avila-Hanna
Cinematographer
Zachary
Fink
Music Composer
Eduardo
Arenas
Sound Designer
Peter
Albrechtsen
Graphic & Motion Design
Faustina
[ TEAM ]
Director
David
Alvarado
Producer
Lauren
DeFellippo
Producer
Everett
Katigbak
Producer
Amanda
Pollak
Editor
Daniel
Chavez-Ontiveros
Co-Producer
Brenda
Avila-Hanna
Cinematographer
Zachary
Fink
Music Composer
Eduardo
Arenas
Sound Designer
Peter
Albrechtsen
Graphic & Motion Design
Faustina