Catholic and Christian community share thoughts on the upcoming bio pic about iconic civil rights le

LOS ANGELES - From a young age, Cesar Chavez received inspiration from Father Donald McDonnell, who introduced him to social justice and the principles of nonviolence. Chronicling the birth of a modern American movement, the bio pic Cesar Chavez tells the story of the famed civil rights leader, labor organizer and devout Catholic torn between his duties as a husband and father and his commitment to securing a living wage for farm workers.

Passionate but soft-spoken, Cesar Chavez embraced non-violence as he battled greed and prejudice in his struggle to bring dignity to people. His endless faith and devotion to helping those less fortunate demonstrated that one person has the power to effect change.

“This fine film shows a man of deep faith who struggled against injustice using the spiritual weapons of nonviolence, prayer and fasting. May this film inspire us to continue César’s work until all our brothers and sisters are able to live with the dignity that God intends for them,” Archbishop José H. Gomez of Los Angeles said.

“I finally had the chance to watch Cesar Chavez, and it was worth the wait,” Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York said. “I’ve always considered him a prophet (of nonviolence) preaching and exemplifying the best in Catholic Social Justice and American Ciivil rights. This fine movie only confirmed that high estimate.”

Father Greg Boyle, Founder and Director of Homeboy Industries said “This magnificent film re-invigorates and inspires and will indeed galvanize a new generation to embrace ‘La Lucha’ for justice and equality. Cesar Chavez lived as though the truth were true and took seriously what Jesus, Gandhi and Martin Luther King took seriously: the way of non-violence. This film shows the way.”

Rev. Samuel Rodriguez, National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference (NHCLC) “Cesar Chavez remains true to form in presenting history as it unfolds, without depending on graphic violence, nudity and other shock gimmicks to engage the audience and keep their attention in order to tell a story. The movie is a long overdue tribute to man who was willing to be a martyr for those who could not help themselves. This film will change hearts and minds.”

Always present with Cesar Chavez was Our Lady of Guadalupe, representing faith, hope and leadership for Chavez. Cesar Chavez is a film worth watching as a family, to inspire the power of social justice through a man’s faith and belief of nonviolence.

Films such as Cesar Chavez are judged by how well they do at the box office the first weekend they are released. For this film, the first weekend is from March 28-30. It will be showing at the Starplex Cinemas Stadium 16 in Corpus Christi. Producers of Cesar Chavez said it is vital to get as many people as possible into the movie theaters that first weekend—“to make sure Cesar Chavez stays on the big screen after that weekend and expands to many more theaters throughout the country.” The film is rated PG-13 and stars Michael Pena as Cesar Chavez, America Ferrera as Helen Chavez, Rosario Dawson as Dolores Huerta

For the first time in history, moviegoers will be able to watch Cesar Chavez in Spanish, using their smartphone and headphones, thanks to the new myLINGO app. For more information about myLINGO, please visit www.myLINGO.com.

“Most importantly, if this film succeeds, then more movies like this one will also be made,” Paula Moreno with American Entertainment Marketing said.