Cesar Chavez
Cesar Chavez is an upcoming film directed by Diego Luna about the life of American labor leader César Chávez, who cofounded the United Farm Workers. The film stars Michael Peña as Chávez. John Malkovich co-stars as the owner of a large industrial grape farm who leads the opposition to Chávez's organizing efforts. It premiered in the Berlinale Special Galas section of the 64th Berlin International Film Festival.
Director: Diego Luna
Writers: Keir Pearson (screenplay), Timothy J. Sexton
Stars: Rosario Dawson, Gabriel Mann, John Malkovich
The film follows Chávez's efforts to organize 50,000 farm workers in California, many of whom were braceros—temporary workers from Mexico permitted to live and work in the United States in agriculture, and required to return to Mexico if they stopped working. Working conditions are very poor for the braceros, who also suffer from racism and brutality at the hands of the employers and local Californians.