50 Years of Chicana/o Studies

Students and professors reflect on the impact which the Department of Chicana/Chicano Studies at San Diego’s City College had on their lives. As the department celebrates its 50th anniversary, they examine how their education was part of a larger struggle of social transformation taking place inside the college and outside in their communities. Chicana/o Studies courses offered them a  way to think critically, look at  different perspectives, and question what they learned. As Professor Akers Chacon notes,  Chicana/o Studies “is more relevant than ever as long as we live in a society where systematic racism, discrimination and underdevelopment of whole communities takes place.” The film includes interviews with professors from different eras including Cruz Rangel, Justin Akers Chacón, Enrique Davalos, Gilbert Robledo, Norell Martinez, and Ternot MacRenato. Also included are interviews with students from various generations including Josephine Talamantez, Selina  Calvo, Miguel Castaneda, Joanie Lopez, Joaquin McWhinney, Rosa Olga Navarro, and Luis López Reséndiz.

Directed, Written and Produced by Paul Espinosa
Editor – Maria Zeiss
Director of Photography/Associate Producer – Larry Asakawa
A production of Espinosa Productions made possible by
support from the San Diego City College Foundation

Screenings / Awards

San Diego Premiere, San Diego City College, May 2022

Official Selection, 13th OC Film Fiesta, Santa Ana, CA

Official Selection, 30th San Diego Latino Film Festival, San Diego, CA