Watsonville—The Watsonville Film Festival (WFF) is reclaiming the Cinco de Mayo holiday with five days of films and festivities honoring Mexican and Chicano heritage and pride. The celebration is part of a prestigious California Humanities grant awarded to WFF to create the More than Cars: Celebrating Lowrider Culture and a series of cultural events in partnership with Pajaro Valley Arts and local car clubs.
Humanities advisor, Dr. Alberto Lopez Pulido, Chair of the University of San Diego Ethnic Studies Dept., and a renowned Lowrider author and filmmaker, will bring the iconic 38-foot mural-covered “Barrio Bus,” aka classroom on wheels, from San Diego to visit PVUSD schools. From May 1-3, students will have the opportunity to tour the Barrio Bus and engage with Professor Pulido, who is also Vice-Chair of Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center, to learn about the 8 Principles of Lowriding and the significance of 5 de Mayo.
“Since the 1940s, lowriding has been a source of pride and a symbol of Chicano ingenuity,” says Dr. Pulido, “Yet for decades, many cities passed laws banning Lowriders from gathering and cruising. They were targeted with negative stereotypes when in fact they represent a unique form of “art on wheels.” In 2024, California finally repealed the bans after a grassroots campaign organized by Lowrider clubs across the state.
On Saturday, May 4 at 6 pm, the Watsonville Film Festival will present Dr. Pulido’s award-winning documentary, EVERYTHING COMES FROM THE STREETS, about the history of Lowriding. UCSC graduate Gloria Morán will present her film, THE UNIQUE LADIES, about women Lowriders in a culture traditionally dominated by men. There will be a Q&A after the films with the directors and Dr. Pulido’s co-producers Rigoberto Reyes and Kelly Whalen at Cinelux Green Valley Cinema, 1125 S. Green Valley Rd. Starting at 9 pm, DJ XXIII will be spinning Lowrider tunes at a free after-party at Fruition Brewing, 918 E. Lake Ave in Watsonville.
On Sunday, May 5, there will be free ‘Cinco de Lowrider’ festivities at Pajaro Valley Arts, where the More Than Cars: Celebrating Lowrider Culture exhibit will be open to the public. The Watsonville Riders will host their club’s showcase and talk from 1-2 pm. There will be music, food vendors, and lots of beautiful Lowrider cars outside of the Porter Building at 280 Main Street between 11 am–4 pm.
About WFF:
The Watsonville Film Festival, now in its 12th year, provides a platform for talented Latine and Indigenous artists and filmmakers who are often overlooked by mainstream culture. The California Humanities grant has provided support for WFF to explore the creative legacy of Lowriding through films, an oral history project in collaboration with CSUMB Professor Kristen La Follette, school visits with the Barrio Bus, and the exhibit that features artwork by more than 50 local and prominent artists and five car clubs.
For more information, visit: watsonvillefilmfest.org and pvarts.org.
