Special Fundraising Screenings of The Documentary “Ugly Little Monkeys” to Benefit Youth Mariachi and Arts Programs

LOS ANGELES, CA - May 02, 2024 - (NOTICIAS NEWSWIRE) - As part of the roll out of the recently produced documentary, The Ugly Little Monkeys documentary, the filmmakers are making the documentary available for fundraising screenings across the country. The first of these screenings will benefit Plaza de la Raza, a cultural oasis in the heart of East Los Angeles. The special community screening of the acclaimed documentary, Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story, will take place on Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM at Plaza de la Raza’s Margot Albert Theater, located at 3540 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90031.

Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story, co-directed by David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo and executive produced by Edward James Olmos, Marsha Grand, and Justin Krienbrink, delves into the compelling saga of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson, the original youth Mariachi group in the U.S. Established in 1964 by Father Charles Rourke, this trailblazing ensemble overcame tremendous challenges and rose to international acclaim, shaping its members into prominent musicians and leaders.

The evening will commence with a reception at 5:30 PM featuring a performance by the Plaza de la Raza Youth Mariachi Ensemble. The reception will include a delightful array of Mexican antojitos catered by El Comal Fresh & Authentic Tortilla Products. Following the reception, attendees will enjoy the film screening and have the unique opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with co-directors David E. Valdez and Enrique Castillo, as well as an original member of Los Changuitos Feos, the pioneering youth mariachi group which the documentary highlights.

“I’ve done several stage productions at Plaza de La Raza, and I’m thrilled that our documentary film Ugly Little Monkeys: A True American Story is screening at Plaza’s Margot Albert Theater. I’m especially pleased that the screening will benefit Plaza’s arts education programs, particularly its youth Mariachi program,” stated Enrique Castillo, Co-Director of the documentary.

Maria Jimenez-Torres, Executive Director of Plaza de la Raza, expressed the importance of the screening, stating, “This film will surely inspire, educate and uplift. We are deeply thankful to Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson and the Ugly Little Monkeys filmmakers for their support and collaboration in hosting this benefit screening. Their commitment to using music and film as a catalyst for positive change mirrors our own mission of fostering cultural enrichment and community empowerment.”

Event details Date: Thursday, May 16, 2024 Time: 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM Location: Plaza de la Raza, 3540 N Mission Rd, Los Angeles, CA 90031 Tickets: $100 each. To purchase, please email rsvp@latinheat.com

The Hispanic Coalition of Small Business has come on board as one of the sponsors for the special screening. Sponsorships are still available. To inquire, email info@latinheat.com.

About Plaza de la Raza Plaza de la Raza Cultural Center for the Arts & Education is the only multidisciplinary community arts venue dedicated to serving the Eastside neighborhoods of Los Angeles. Founded in 1970 by prominent labor, business and civic leaders as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, it offers affordable after-school, intergenerational arts education programs to nearly 5,100 children, teens and adults each year. Its mission is to foster enrichment of all cultures bridging the geographic, social, artistic, and cultural boundaries of Los Angeles, and beyond. Throughout the year, Plaza presents more than 450+ classes (beginning to advanced) that are taught quarterly by local artists and performers in theater, dance, music, and the visual arts. In addition, the center attracts more than 25,000 visitors each year with its free cultural programs, and manages almost 300 community volunteers.

For more information about Plaza de la Raza and the event, please visit www.plazadelaraza.org or email info@plazadelaraza.org.

About Ugly Little Monkeys Production
“Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson” (The Ugly Little Monkeys of Tucson) was the name chosen for the group by an Irish priest. The members of the group and some parents objected to the racially controversial name but Father Rourke insisted the name would remain. The group eventually perfected the music, traveled and performed in many cities and venues across the country; New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Disneyland, and Universal Studios, to name a few. While the visibility and popularity of the Changos grew, Father Rourke’s immoral conduct began to surface: alcoholism, questioning of his faith, chronic absences at performances and even worse. In spite of the dark experiences the young men were forced to contend with they assumed leadership roles and persevered. Through their love for and dedication to Mariachi music Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson became world-renowned. It launched the phenomenon known as the “Youth Mariachi Movement” that has grown from the local seed of Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson and blossomed into the international sensation we are witnessing today. Los Changuitos Feos de Tucson is still performing after celebrating over fifty-five years of Mariachi music.

The Ugly Little Monkeys filmmakers are making the documentary available for fundraising screenings. If interested please reach out to Mina Briseño at: info@latinheat.com