There were so many films to select from at this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, but I knew that the one I did not want to miss was Los Lobos: Native Sons. I was elated to see that the film was to have the first screening at the Paramount Theater on the 15th, but also additional screenings offered during the festival at the Rollins Theater and the Violet Crown Cinema.
The Sunday, March 15th screening had a Q&A introduction by Congressman Joaquin Castro. The Q&A was with Directors Doug Blush and Piero F. Giunti, and Los Lobos which was moderated by Robert Rodriguez (Director/Producer/Writer/Composer). After the very engaging and informative documentary with many excellent interviews that touched my heart and made me feel so proud of them for all their success, the audience was thrilled to hear the band take the stage for an acoustic performance, joined by Robert Rodriguez.
Los Lobos statement via press notes: “After more than 50 years together, it’s an honor to see our story told on film. We’re proud of where we came from and grateful to everyone helping share the music, the journey, and the community that made Los Lobos who we are. Los Lobos came out of the community, and our journey reflects the diversity, resilience, and creativity that define this country.”
Another statement that is a part of the press notes and I agree with is “More than a music documentary, LOS LOBOS: NATIVE SONS is a story of cultural resilience, creative independence, and artistic longevity.”
ABOUT: Tracing their rise from the streets of East Los Angeles to global acclaim, LOS LOBOS: NATIVE SONS offers unprecedented access to the band’s personal archives and an intimate portrait of the brotherhood behind one of America’s most enduring and genre-defying bands.
Featuring performances and interviews with artists and cultural icons including Linda Ronstadt, Rubén Blades, Tom Waits, Dolores Huerta, Jackson Browne, Cheech Marin, Edward James Olmos, Billy Gibbons, George Lopez, Lila Downs, Enrique Bunbury, and Café Tacuba’s Rubén Albarrán, the film celebrates Los Lobos as cultural trailblazers who helped reshape American music.
According to the Los Lobos website, “the documentary will be featured at film festivals until further notice, with plans for a full public release in the works. Check the website for details about the next screening in Washington, DC on Saturday, June 13th at Regal Gallery Place.”
Source: SXSW, Los Lobos music/film sites
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