Walkout (USA: 2006, 110 mins.)

Reading. Writing. Revolution.

A film with a powerful message that resonates 40 years after the events it depicts occurred, Walkout is the stirring true story of the Chicano students of East LA, who in 1968 staged several dramatic walkouts in their high schools to protest academic prejudice and dire school conditions. Aided by a popular and progressive young teacher, Sal Castro, Paula Crisostomo and a group of young Chicano activists battle parents, teachers, bureaucrats, the police and public opinion to make their point. Along the way, the students learn profound lessons about embracing their own identity and standing up for what they believe in. Set in 1968, a tumultuous year that shook America to its foundation, Walkout is a vivid reminder that people can change the world.

The producers of Walkout have a very personal reason for bringing the drama to the screen. Edward James Olmos was born and raised in East LA, and has long been a strong and supportive advocate for reform among the Mexican-American community. Executive producer Moctesuma Esparza was one of the original 1968 protesters; he is portrayed in this film by Bodie Olmos, Edward James Olmos’ son. Several cast members are children of the original protesters, including Esparza’s daughter Tonantzin.

A high-profile producer, director, actor and community activist, Edward James Olmos (who directed and appears briefly in the film) has a long history of being involved in film and TV projects that tackle themes of diversity, especially in the Latino community.

The appealing young cast of Walkout is headed by Alexa Vega, who won fame for her role in 2001’s hit Spy Kids, as well as the film’s two sequels. Walkout also stars Michael Peña (Million Dollar Baby) as Sal Castro, Yancey Arias (Kingpin) as Paula’s father Panfilo, and Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite) as her friend Bobby. Marcus De Leon (The Big Squeeze), Ernie Contreras (Fairy Tale: A True Story) and Timothy J. Sexton (HBO’s For Love or Country: The Arturo Sandoval Story) wrote the script.

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Producer's Web Site: www.hbo.com/films/walkout

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