Opening this weekend is director Diego Luna’s Cesar Chavez.  Starring Michael Peña in the title role, Cesar Chavez takes a look at the man’s life from laborer to leader, and the non-violent demonstrations he championed.  Just in case anyone really hasn’t heard of Chavez, he dedicated his life to improving the working conditions of California farm workers, eventually co-founding the National Farm Workers Association, which would later become the United Farm Workers.  The film also stars Rosario Dawson as Dolores Huerta, Chavez’s partner in activism and co-founder of what eventually became the UFW, America Ferrera as Chavez’s wife Helen, and John Malkovich as a farm owner.

At the recent press day, I landed an exclusive video interview with Diego Luna.  He talked about how the Latino community isn't properly represented in cinema, the challenge of making Cesar Chavez, how the film has a beautiful message, and more.  Hit the jump to watch.

Diego Luna:

  • Was it tough to get the financing to make the film?
  • Talks about how the Latino community isn't properly represented in cinema.
  • How the project focuses on one important time in his life and doesn't try to tell his whole story.
  • How the film and his story has a beautiful message.

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