Spring Break
Cool Beans shows free flick
Brandon Kilgore & Charise Magill
Daily Reporters
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Denton got a taste of Hispanic cinema Thursday.
A free screening of Luis Valdez's "Zoot Suit" was shown from 8 to 10 p.m. on the rooftop of Cool Beans, 1210 W. Hickory Street.
Valdez, a playwright, director and chairman of El Teatro Campesino in California, did not attend the screening. He is known for "Zoot Suit" and "La Bamba," another film.
"La Bamba" is his most commercially–successful film to date is. It was nominated for the Best Picture award at the 1987 Golden Globe Awards.
The exhibition is part of the NT Division of Equity and Diversity's "Power of Diversity" program, which recognizes the achievements of Hispanics.
The Division of Equilty and Diversity is hosting the Latinos in the 21st Century Conference today. The conference inspired the free screening of Valdez's works.
"We wanted to involve NT students in this project, so we chose Texas Filmmakers to facilitate the screening," said Dan Emenheiser, director of diversity education.
Joshua Butler, president of Texas Filmmakers, said the group strives to deliver independent cinema as well as cinema with cultural significance to the Denton community.
"We are a public charity whose mission is to provide production resources to the local film community and at the same time provide exhibition and educational opportunities to local independent and emerging filmmakers," Butler said.
The movie was shown to a full house, with more than 60 in attendance.
Some students who came to view the film know Valdez primarily as a playwright and activist who used theater to further the Chicano cause during the Caesar Chavez-led movement of the 1960s.
Ron Morton, Orlando, Fla., senior, said he respects Valdez for the way he uses his craft.
"It's something commendable to use your gift in an almost selfless way," Morton said.
Lindsay Eblen, Denton senior, agreed.
"To stand up and do something and do it well is a heroic thing," she said.
