“I understand about friendship … but I’m being honest here. Not everyone in the world gets a shot at the ‘brass ring.’ You’re gonna have to ask yourself what’s more important, your friends … or your music.” “My family.”

La Bamba

Join The Mexican Museum to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and Latinx Icons of American History with the screening of La Bamba, the 1987 Ritchie Valens biopic at the FORT MASON FLIX pop-up movie plaza. The Ensambles Ballet Folklorico de San Francisco (Mexican dance group) performs during the screening pre-show! Stay tuned for upcoming surprises throughout the night …

About: Richard Steven Valenzuela (Lou Diamond Phillips) is a normal teenage boy who becomes a rock ‘n’ roll superstar under the stage name Ritchie Valens. He meets and falls in love with fellow high school student Donna Ludwig (Danielle von Zerneck), for whom he wrote a song that became a number two hit (“Donna”). However, Donna’s father is shown as having issues with his daughter dating a Mexican American, which causes friction between Ritchie and Donna. The movie also has several subplots, such as his relationship with his mother Connie Valenzuela (Rosana DeSoto) and half-brother Bob Morales (Esai Morales), and the jealousy Bob felt toward Ritchie because of Ritchie’s success. (IMDB.com)

Director: Luis Valdez

Year Released: 1987

Rating: PG-13

Run Time: 108 minutes

Cast: With Lou Diamond Phillips, Esai Morales, Danielle von Zerneck, Rosana DeSoto, and Elizabeth Peña

Showing: May 5, 5:30 p.m.