Pictured: Dolores Huerta at a 1975 press conference Photo Credit: Courtesy of Courtesy of Walter P. Reuther Library Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs Wayne State University |
Tonight on PBS’s Independent Lens Series comes the acclaimed documentary, “Dolores,” which looks at the life of activist Dolores Huerta. The film first appeared at the Sundance Film Festival. “Dolores” sheds light on an enigmatic, intensely private woman who is among the most important yet little-known workers’ rights activists in American history whose work with Ceasar Chavez led to change in the California farm industry.
The film features interviews with Gloria Steinem, Luis Valdez, Angela Davis, Huerta’s children and more.
Some of the many accomplishments of Dolores Huerta include: Organizing a national grape boycott in 1970 in a Minnesota farming community; Coining the phrase used by many key leaders today, “Si Se Puede” (‘Yes We Can’)”; Helping to write and plan legislation that focused on immigration rights, and labor justice for Latinos.
“Dolores” was written, produced and directed by Peter Bratt, produced by Brian Benson, and executive produced by Carlos Santana, Regina K. Scully, and Janet MacGillivray Wallace. Benjamin Bratt served as consulting producer. This is the second film for 5 Stick Films Inc, the Bratts’ production company with partner Alpita Patel.
Variety sat down with Santana, Benjamin Bratt, Peter Bratt and the subject of the film, Dolores Huerta herself, to talk about the importance of her work.
“Dolores” airs at 9:00 p.m. on PBS. (Check your local listings)