Film director and grandson of Cesar Chavez coming to Ketchum
By Eric Valentine
In an era of smaller gatherings and virtual shows, a celebration that’s a first in the Valley is going big. On March 23, one week before Cesar Chavez Day, Ketchum will be where Eduardo Chavez—the grandson of the iconic labor rights activist—promotes his documentary “Hail Cesar.” It will also be the locale of a one-hour march to honor the contributions of Hispanics to Valley life and beyond. And, it will be where muralist John Zender Estrada will present some of his most popular artworks during a gallery walk held on the same day.
“It’s just the right time to do this,” organizer Herbert Romero said. “This is the first celebration (of its kind) that I know of. It’s history in the making.”
Romero, who is best known for organizing Hispanic Heritage Month and connecting the white and Latino members of the community, said the event is being put on by a local group—the Hispanic LatinUS Leadership Task Force. But College of Southern Idaho is also, he said, providing resources to produce and promote different elements of the day.
“With the college on board, things are really taking off,” Romero said.
Fiesta Facts
With new COVID cases still arising and COVID restrictions still in place, the event will have to be limited in some ways; specifically, mask-wearing and limits on the number of people at the gallery walk at any given time.
The gallery walk will take place at The Spot on March 23, from noon to 8 p.m. During much of that time, Estrada will be there in person to answer questions about his pieces. The California-based muralist has produced over 500 murals during his career, many of which have been seen in motion pictures and television commercials. Estrada, who attended the prestigious Otis Art Institute Los Angeles and received a Printing Certificate from UCLA, says the “Rodney King” Los Angeles riots of 1992 was his muse for seeing the need to create positive messages through street art.
Estrada, who was a longtime friend of Romero back in California, had recently befriended Chavez, too. So, when he told Romero that his young friend wanted to promote a documentary about his grandfather, Romero couldn’t have been more excited.
“We’re not just playing the film. He’ll be here in person talking about the film, too,” Romero confirmed.
The screenings and Q&A will be held at The Spot SV at 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Details like starting and end points of the march were not confirmed by press deadline Tuesday. However, Romero did confirm the march would start at 5 p.m. and end around 6 p.m.
“In between the screenings, we’ll be marching,” Romero said.
Cesar Chavez Day Celebrations
Gallery Walk—March 23, 12 to 8 p.m., 220 Lewis Street, Ketchum
Film Screening + Q&A—March 23, 3 and 6:30 p.m., 220 Lewis Street, Ketchum
Heritage March—March 23, 5 to 6 p.m., TBD
Virtual Viewing—Contact ProjectToolSuccess@yahoo.com
or call (208) 309-5902 for details and link.