"WALKOUT," the true story of a series of nonviolent Chicano student walkouts at East Los Angeles high schools in 1968 debuts on HBO and HBO Latino Saturday March 18 at 8:00 p.m. EST.
The dramatic student uprising was a response to second-class education for Hispanic students and prejudiced practices such as refusal to offer them bathroom privileges during lunchtime.
"WALKOUT" is in part the story of Executive Producer Moctesuma Esparza -- who was one of the walkout leaders and was jailed for a time along with 12 others. All but forgotten until now, the walkouts are considered the first step in the urban Chicano civil rights movement of 1968, which "spawned a generation of activists" like Mr. Esparza, who has remained a force in L.A. politics to this day.
His role is played by Bodie Olmos, son of "WALKOUT" Director Edward James Olmos. Other stars are Efren Ramirez, Veronica Diaz, Tonantzin Esparza, Yancey Arias, and Laura Harring. The script is by Ernie Contreras and Arturo Sandoval.
A pre-release premier in Atlanta on March 15 will be hosted by HBO, Comcast, the Latin American Association, and the Woodruff Arts Center's Celebrate Diversity Through the Arts Initiative, with Mexican Consul General Remedios Gomez-Arnau presiding.
