Carlos Santana’s “Dolores” (Huerta) Opens Women+Film Festival In Denver

Dolores Huerta, American Labor Leader will be the keynote speaker at this year's event. Plhoto by Latin Life Denver Media

Article & Photos by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media

Despite a blustery spring snow storm a sold out audience came out for the opening night of the Women+Film Festival at Sie FilmCenter in Denver to attend the screening of “Dolores” as well as to meet the civil rights icon in person. The film, Directed by Peter Bratt and produced by Carlos Santana, tells how Huerta fought tirelessly alongside Cesar Chavez for racial and labor justice and became one of the most defiant feminists of the twentieth century. Huerta, co-founder of the United Farmworkers Association, and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient, met with attendees before and after the screening and was more than gracious with everyone.

The only two women inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame. Linda Alvardo, Alvardo Construction/Colorado Rockies and Delores Huerta were selected on the basis of the changes they created that affect the social, economic amd cultural aspects of society

The only two women inducted into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. Linda Alvardo, Alvardo Construction/Colorado Rockies and Dolores Huerta were selected on the basis of the changes they created that affect the social, economic and cultural aspects of society

Latin leadership pioneers Polly Baca, Delores Huerta and Juana Bordas.

Latin leadership pioneers Polly Baca, Dolores Huerta and Juana Bordas

Latin Life Denver was not able to view the film as I was told by a festival organizer for the event that the studio is not allowing any print reviews to run for the film at this time, so no members of the press were allowed in to view the film. Not sure what was up with that. Why bother to invite us? A review of the film’s debut at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival is available at: http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/dolores-review-969573.

Ruth Sanchez, who saw the Denver screening said,  “It was a “long” overdue film, depicting a true civil rights leader! The film touched on the awareness of sacrifice that one woman would endure for the oppressed farm workers & their families.  Such a courageous woman who would work alongside men, both on the Board & in the fields!  A male dominant world, who later would gently tip their hats and applaud her for the unselfish and driven ways to make their lives better. Bravo to the Director & Producers! Bravo, Dolores!”

Women+Film is a year-round program of the Denver Film Society that not only celebrates the art and achievements of female filmmakers around the world, but also brings together an array of scholars, civil- and human-rights advocates, community leaders and concerned members of the public to shine the spotlight on social issues through cinema and the dialogue it stimulates.

 

Photos by Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media