Hispanic Heritage Month Screening

American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez

In celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month, the Philadelphia City Institute Library and WHYY present American Masters – American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez, a portrait of the pioneering Chicano playwright and filmmaker, on Tuesday, October 13.

Produced, written and directed by David Alvarado, American Pachuco chronicles the life and legacy of Valdez, the son of migrant farmworkers who became a groundbreaking force in American theater and film. He founded El Teatro Campesino in 1965, and his landmark Zoot Suit became the first Chicano play performed on Broadway. His 1987 film La Bamba brought an authentic portrayal of Mexican American life to audiences around the world. The film explores Valdez’s remarkable career and enduring influence on generations of Latino/a artists.

Released by PBS on October 6, 2026 to public television stations nationwide, it can now be streamed on the WHYY Watch App, PBS.org and the PBS app.