Click here to read the full article at popgoestheweek.com. . . . → Read More: Weaving The Past Featured in Pop Goes The Week]]> Brian Balthazar of Pop Goes The Week wrote a great piece on Weaving the Past and Walter reveals more about what inspired him to make it.

Click here to read the full article at popgoestheweek.com.

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Julio Martinez interviews Producer/Director/Writer Walter Dominguez and Executive Producer Shelley Morrison about their documentary film, “Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery.”

Dancer, actor, musician, journalist, critic, playwright… multi-talented and accomplished Julio Martinez is host of “Arts in . . . → Read More: Audio – KPFK interviews Walter and Shelley]]>

Downloadable Audio Interview:

Julio Martinez interviews Producer/Director/Writer Walter Dominguez and Executive Producer Shelley Morrison about their documentary film, “Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery.”

Dancer, actor, musician, journalist, critic, playwright… multi-talented and accomplished Julio Martinez is host of “Arts in Review” a weekly radio program on KPFK 90.7 FM, a public-supported radio station whose programs are accessible with internet access in real-time anywhere around the world.

Mr Martinez was the theater critic for 18 years for Daily Variety – the entertainment industry’s most important newspaper, and he has had a 25 year association with KPFK. He invited Walter and Shelley to come talk about their film after Julio saw it and was captivated by it’s rich tapestry of humanity and history.

Listen to or download the interview via this link:

kpfk_130412_140030artsinreview

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México estaba declinando bajo el opresivo peso de décadas de la dictadura de . . . → Read More: Tiempo de justicia – Práxedis Guerrero]]> Práxedis Gilberto Guerrero murió hace cien años, una mañana del 30 de diciembre de 1910. Murió como un héroe de la revolución, en un tiempo caótico en la nación de México.

México estaba declinando bajo el opresivo peso de décadas de la dictadura de Porfirio Díaz, y sus oligárquicos quien se beneficiaban inmensamente de sus políticas. El diez de noviembre de 1910 Práxedis y sus camaradas se montaron en un tren hasta el Este de Los Ángeles donde establecieron una sede para su periódico y para la organización del Partido Liberal Mejicano, el PLM, el cual estaba presidido y fundado por Ricardo Flores Magón. Práxedis era un brillante escritor, periodista, y editor, y Magón confió en Práxedis para que dirigiese las actividades del partido liberal mexicano en Estados Unidos y en México mientras que Magón estaba cumpliendo condena en la cárcel del condado de Los Ángeles. Antes de montarse en el tren de la línea Sur del Pacifico con destino a El Paso, Tejas, Práxedis repartió sus cosas personales entre sus amigos de Los Ángeles, los socialistas y periodistas Ethel y John Kenneth Turner. Allí dijo que sabia que nunca regresaría, diciendo adiós, y añadió que sus cosas deberían ser enviadas a su hermana en México. Él era guapo, educado, encantador, provenía de una familia adinerada de México, pero Práxedis había elegido estar al lado de los pobres y de los desprotegidos desde que era un niño, y con tal solo 28 años no vivió para ver su próximo cumpleaños.

En El Paso, Tejas, al otro lado del borde, el estado mexicano de Chihuahua, estaba repleto de refugiados del peligroso y caótico país de México, era un lugar clave para movimientos en contra del régimen porfirista. Los servicios secretos estadounidense y mexicanos constantemente estaban alerta para aprenderlos. Una vez en El Paso, Práxedis se comunicó con unos revolucionarios con los que ya había trabajado antes, fallaron en un intento de derrocar el régimen de Díaz en 1908. El 19 de diciembre, Práxedis lideró un batallón de veintidós hombres a través del rio Rio Grande para adentrarse en México, donde secuestraron un tren, se apropiaron de caballos, armamento y comida, consiguieron más rebeldes. El veintinueve de diciembre se confrontaron con las autoridades del pueblo de Janos, en Chihuahua. El alcalde de Janos se comprometió a entregar el pueblo, pero Práxedis descubrió que el alcalde era uno de los contactos de las tropas federales de Porfirio Díaz. Práxedis planeó un ataque sorpresa para la noche del 29 de diciembre a las diez. A la mañana siguiente, después de una intensa noche de enfrentamientos, los rebeldes ganaron control de Janos, pero más tropas federales llegaron al pueblo. Práxedis combatía desde una azotea y durante una lluvia de balas, fue disparado en un ojo, murió al instante. El ojo que derramo sangre, era el mismo que una vez había observado el sufrimiento y el dolor de la gente de México, y que visionaba un era de justicia económica y social para todos. El uno de enero de 1911, la voz que ahora estaba en silencio hacia eco en las mentes de sus compañeros supervivientes mientras que cruzaban el desierto de Chihuahua, y durante los próximos años permaneció en los corazones de las personas que habían escuchado a Práxedis hablar con convicción y sinceridad. Sus palabras perviven a través de sus poderosos escritos. En mayo de 1911 Porfirio Díaz fue forzado al exilio, ya no había vuelta atrás en una revolución que había comenzado diez años antes. Uno de cada cinco mejicanos murió por la violencia y el caos. Cientos y cientos tuvieron que marcharse del país, y mayormente se marcharon a Estados Unidos, especialmente a Los Ángeles, donde había seguridad y trabajo. Con el tiempo la paz regreso a México, y nueva clase social emergió.

Nadie sabe con certeza si el cuerpo en el monumento a Práxedis Gilberto Guerrero en la ciudad de Chihuahua es el verdadero cuerpo de Práxedis, pero con certeza se sabe que él será recordado como uno de los héroes nacionales de México. Sin embargo cien años después de su fallecimiento, la violencia y el miedo han vuelto a México, y su apasionada llamada por un mundo socialmente y económicamente justo, sigue sin ser contestada.

Portrait of Praxedis Guerrero

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The film received tears of joy and a rousing standing ovation from the audience.  In attendance were people who worked on the film, friends of . . . → Read More: Audience Responds to Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery!]]> On March 17th we held a screening for Weaving the Past: Journey of Discovery at Raleigh Studios’ Chaplin Theater.

The film received tears of joy and a rousing standing ovation from the audience.  In attendance were people who worked on the film, friends of the project, many wonderful members of the Emilio Hernandez Family and avid film lovers who chose to spend their St. Patrick’s Day evening with us.  Thank you all for coming!

Afterwards, several audience members took the time to share their thoughts about the film. See what they had to say…

Wow!

Below are more of the many wonderful comments we received!

“Dear Walter, thanks for a great showing. It is a fantastic documentary. Congratulations!” – Albino Pineda (friend of Emilio Hernandez)

“Walter…last night was amazing. Thank you so much for allowing us into your world, past/history. I’m grateful. Have a blessed day.” – Will Gelhaar (psychologist, writer)

“What an amazing documentary Walter!!! My friend and I were taking about it – I was so taken with your beginning and the events and timing that led you to unlock your family’s past were so well portrayed that I felt like part of your journey. Well done!!!” – Linda Baker (founder of A.N.G.E.L.S. Day)

“I congratulate both of you for such a great film!!! THANK YOU, OUTSTANDING!!” – Betty Venegas Huebner

“Thank you so much for the great honor of being invited to join you on your amazing, and for me, game changing Journey of Discovery. I cannot begin to tell you how differently I came away from the movie. Not only the insight that you brought about your own longing for connection to your Tata and the eye opening journey of the Mexican people, but the way Ive been thinking about my own family since last night. I am in deep gratitude.” – Robin McDonald (actor, comedienne)

“I was deeply moved by Walter’s passionate journey to find the missing links to his past. I loved all the old photos, and the film itself was shot so well. I really liked seeing all the fact-finding locations the filmmakers visited, and I learned so much about Mexico’s history which I never knew before!” – Anne

“What a fantastic film! So moving and well-constructed. We both teared up, and among other things I’m especially impressed with the sheer amount of research that went into it. Congratulations on a wonderful evening.” – Mark Wild (professor of history, Cal State LA)

“Both Sally and I want to thank you and Shelley for a wonderful viewing evening and congratulate you on a powerfully moving film. Thank you for this inspiring tapestry woven from your grandfather’s life of love and service, from the troubling and inspiring story of social injustice and the PLM, and from your own quest for identity and meaning in history… Thanks to you and Shelley for the memories.” – Rennie B. Schoepflin (Associate Dean of College of Letters & Natural Sciences, Cal State LA)

“Outstanding job Shel and Walter. Really enjoyed the journey and the enlightening story of your family’s many fascinating twists and turns. Your story speaks to so many people and will, no doubt, inspire others to understand their histories and paths in life. Ruth and I were honored to be included.” – Trey Baskett (LAPD mounted patrol police officer)

“Dear Walter and Shelley, Thank you for inviting Mindi and me to your special event screening, and for allowing us to share not only in the journey of the project itself, but to share in a personal journey that the film depicts. We were so appreciative of being able to gain a deeper understanding of you, the process and the incredible family saga (intertwined with history) that led to the creation of Weaving the Past.“ – James Napoli & Mindi

“Walter, Walter, Walter… You never cease to amaze me. Wow! You have left me speechless with your passionate search for your truth, your history. Your journey will inspire many of us who have lost hope … your words and vulnerability fueling the fires in our souls that have been abandoned; and long forgotten. From the heart straight to my heart… bullseye baby!… I feel privileged to have been a part of your new beginning. Love you both.” – Tania Carmenate

“Wow! I was there, on your journey. Powerful story telling… many of the images and words have stayed with me. Congratulations!” – Gloria Hillard (CCN, NPR correspondent)

“Thank you Walter. I am truly inspired by your work. Thanks for bringing us all together through this medium…. such an inspiring documentary. You have inspired us all! Love you!” – Matthew Brooks (Great grandson of Emilio Hernandez)

“Your family is lucky to have such a dedicated filmmaker document the history of their ancestors. A great film! Congratulations!” – Dane Smith (Producer at Deluxe 3D)

“Congratulations Walter and Shelley for this amazing production. You opened a new door to and for our family that will always be treasured. Love and kisses to you both.” – Laura Hernandez (Emergency Management consultant and granddaughter of Emilio Hernandez)

“What an accomplishment!!!!!!!! I am so pleased I was able to come and see what your labor of love looks and feels like! It was inspiring and such an achievement it took my breath away.” – Michelle Carmichael (Actor)

“I have been reviewing the written and spoken comments of many of the people who have viewed your documentary, “Weaving The Past: Journey of Discovery.” I can only repeat many of the descriptive appreciative remarks. I loved the subject matter, the universal appeal of tracing your roots and the professionalism of the entire project. It hit all the buttons and left me wanting more.” – Hank Alcouloumre

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“The Pyramid of Capitalist System” was a popular poster that was first printed in In 1911, to graphically illustrate the place of the worker at the bottom of a capitalist society, while supporting all levels above.

It also illustrates that the infographic is . . . → Read More: The Pyramid of Capitalist System]]>

“The Pyramid of Capitalist System” was a popular poster that was first printed in In 1911, to graphically illustrate the place of the worker at the bottom of a capitalist society, while supporting all levels above.

It also illustrates that the infographic is not such a new invention.

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Focusing on developing a workers’ culture with information and ideas conveyed through . . . → Read More: What Anarchy Was Not]]> Anarchism is not vandalism, or terrorism. It is a loose-knit worker’s movement beginning in Europe of the early-mid 19th century, and coming to the United States and Latin America in later decades.

Focusing on developing a workers’ culture with information and ideas conveyed through workers’ newspapers and leaflets, anarchists were not interested in nipping at the heels of governments, capitalists and bourgeois business interests by vandalizing their property or blowing up bridges to get attention, but in going about the long term work of empowering workers to set up an alternative relationship between their labor and the products of their labor.

The International Workers of the World movement (the IWW, or the “Wobblies”) was one such workers movement that was developed out of anarchist ideas and goals. While there were always some marginal “lose cannons” who blew things up in a misguided attempt to call attention to and gain sympathy for their cause, the major part of anarchism was educating working people as to their human and civil rights, and to non-violent organizing of workers.

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Southern California Native people suffered brutally at the hands of newcomers to the area beginning in the late 18th century with the arrival of Spanish missionaries, followed by Mexican “Californio” rancheros, followed by Americans and other European immigrants starting in the early-mid 19th . . . → Read More: The Demise of Native Californians]]>

Southern California Native people suffered brutally at the hands of newcomers to the area beginning in the late 18th century with the arrival of Spanish missionaries, followed by Mexican “Californio” rancheros, followed by Americans and other European immigrants starting in the early-mid 19th century.

Until the arrival of these immigrants to the New World, California had the greatest populations of Native peoples anywhere north of the Valley of Mexico, some estimates even as high as one million.  Native people have occupied Southern California for at least eleven thousand years!

Within a century of occupation by foreigners, the native population had been decimated to a few thousand people scattered around the region. Many had to hide their Indian identity in order to survive, or to avoid forced relocation to postage stamp-size reservations, adopting Spanish surnames or marrying and mixing in with Mexican and other ethnic families. That tribes and bands of California natives exist at all today is not just a miracle, but a testament to the resistance, tenacity and strength that resides within humans when they are constantly under the pressure of annihilation.

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Women played an extremely important part of the campesino armies of Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. “Las soldaderas” followed the ragtag troops of these generals everywhere they fought, bringing their families along and caring for their children and husband-fighters. But they also themselves . . . → Read More: Las Soldaderas]]>

Women played an extremely important part of the campesino armies of Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata. “Las soldaderas” followed the ragtag troops of these generals everywhere they fought, bringing their families along and caring for their children and husband-fighters. But they also themselves were fierce and determined fighters.

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