Bakersfield to host fundraising
screening of new Cesar Chavez film
“Cesar Chavez: An American Hero” debuts March 28 in theaters nationwide
WHAT: The United Farm Workers (UFW) and the UFW Foundation will host a special red carpet event fundraiser as part of the national release of “Cesar Chavez: An American Hero” in Bakersfield, California. The special screening is one of several events planned in some major California cities, New York City and in Washington, D.C. during the movie’s opening weekend.
WHO: UPDATED: Special guests include, UFW President Arturo S. Rodriguez; UFW National Vice President and UFW Foundation Executive Director Diana Tellefson Torres; Mexican Regional Singer Remmy Valenzuela. Cesar Chavez movie cast members: Rosario Dawson, who plays Dolores Huerta; Jacob Vargas, who plays Richard Chavez, Cesar’s brother; and Jack Holmes, who plays Bobby Kennedy.
WHEN: Saturday, March 29, 2014
Fundraising VIP Red Carpet Cocktail Reception: 4 p.m. – 6:15 p.m. Movie Screening: 7 p.m.
Panel Discussion: following the conclusion of the movie.
WHERE: Fundraising VIP Red Carpet Cocktail Reception: Bakersfield Marriott at the Convention Center, 801 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93301. Movie Screening: Maya Cinemas Bakersfield, 1000 California Ave., Bakersfield, CA 93304.
Event sponsors include, Southwest Airlines (Presenting Sponsor) and Wells Fargo (Chavez Legacy Sponsor).
NOTE: Due to space constraints, we are only issuing press credentials to media that met RSVP deadline.
BACKGROUND: The movie, which opens nationwide in 100 cities on the weekend of March 28, depicts the life and struggles of Cesar Chavez, the legendary founder of the United Farm Workers of America, as he led thousands of farm workers in nonviolent protests, marches, strikes and unprecedented boycotts worldwide. More than four years in the making, director Diego Luna presents a powerful cinematic portrait of the legendary activist. Starring Michael Peña (“End of Watch”, “Crash”) in the leading role, along with America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”, “End of Watch”), Rosario Dawson (“Sin City”, “Seven Pounds”) and John Malkovich (“In the Line of Fire”, “Red” and “Red 2”). This is the first major motion picture about an icon for Latinos in the United States. Yet, by genuinely portraying Cesar Chavez as a hero for all Americans, the movie also tells a story about our country that every American should see.
Money raised at these special red carpet events will help to support both the UFW and the UFW Foundation. The UFW today continues to help farm workers organize and negotiate new contracts that dramatically change their lives while continuing to ensure their legal protection of the most basic worker rights. The UFW Foundation is a 501(c)3 founded on the values and principles of Cesar Chavez. It works to serve farm workers and other low-income Latino immigrants living in underserved communities.
At least fourteen Cesar Chavez film screenings, which will include more than 1,000 farm workers, will be held this week. On opening weekend, fundraising events will be held in Sacramento, San Diego, Bakersfield, Fresno, Salinas, Oxnard, West Los Angeles, New York City, and Washington D.C. The UFW has partnered with FWD.us, a tech industry immigration reform advocacy group co-founded by Facebook’s Mark Zuckerberg, to host screenings in San Francisco, Chicago, Austin and Miami. UFW President Arturo S. Rodriguez will be a speaker at the San Francisco event.
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