Sundance Film: “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” (2026)

American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez 2026 | 92min

Presented by El Comité de Longmont, the Latino Chamber of Commerce of Boulder County, the Longmont Museum, Su Teatro, and the Sundance Film Festival. Hosted by Erik Mason, Director of the Longmont Museum; Marta Loachamin, Boulder County Commissioner; and Eugene Hernandez, Sundance Film Festival Director and Head of Public Programming and featuring a meet-and-greet with Luis Valdez, director David Alvarado, and Sundance Film Festival Team.

Against political resistance and industry skepticism, Luis Valdez pushes Chicano storytelling from the fields to the film screen with Zoot Suit and La Bamba, crafting iconic works that challenge, celebrate, and expand America’s story. “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez” is an official selection of the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Film courtesy of Insignia Films and American Masters Pictures. This film will be a special presentation of American Masters and VOCES on PBS.

Event Details
The film will be presented in the original English language version with Spanish subtitles. Interpretation will be provided for introductions and Q&As.
7 p.m.: Meet and greet with the artists and Sundance Film Festival staff. Drinks and light snacks available.
8 p.m.: Screening followed by a Q&A with Luis Valdez and director David Alvarado, moderated by Tony Garcia, Su Teatro Executive Artistic Director

Sundance Film Festival to donate its proceeds to El Comité de Longmont. If the ticket cost is a barrier, please reach out to us at boulder@sundance.org.

More About “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez”
Acclaimed playwright and director Luis Valdez recognized early on the profound impact of seeing one’s own humanity reflected onstage and on screen. He used theater to ignite change while working alongside farmworkers and Cesar Chavez, and he made films that amplified Chicano experiences. His work expanded audiences, bringing in people who had rarely seen their stories told before. Now, director David Alvarado reveals the fuel behind his legendary career.

Alvarado brings us close to Valdez, charting his career milestones and enduring cultural influence. He employs vibrant stylistic choices, using split screens, remarkable archival footage rescued from decay, and a pachuco narrator who tells it like it is by interjecting candid commentary throughout. Alvarado ensures Luis Valdez’s contributions are unmistakable and that his message — “America is Chicano” — resonates proudly, which feels especially vital for today.

Sundance Institute Community Agreement
We thank you for doing your part in creating an inclusive environment that is welcoming to all by committing to being intentional with your words by abstaining from hate speech or actions of any kind and being respectful of moderators, artists, and other attendees by refraining from sustained disruption of events. For more information on our Community Agreement and how to report violations, visit us at sundance.org/community-agreementOpens in a new tab.