“Born in East L.A.,” the satirical comedy written and directed by Cheech Marin, will screen this Saturday at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures.
The screening will feature a conversation with Marin, who stars in the film as Rudy Robles, a Mexican American who gets mistaken for an undocumented immigrant during a raid at a factory.
In the film, Rudy tries to make his way back across the border after he’s deported to Mexico.
The subject of the film is timely as thousands of immigrants in Los Angeles have been swept up in raids this summer. U.S. citizens have also been detained in the process. A recent Supreme Court ruling cleared the way for federal immigration agents to profile people based on their appearance as they conduct ‘roving patrols’ in L.A.
Soon after the raids began, Marin reflected on the making and significance of his film.
“What I wrote as a comedy — “Born in East L.A.” — nearly 40 years ago now feels like a documentary,” Marin wrote on Instagram.
“Back then, we used humor to spotlight the absurdities and heartbreak of immigration policy. Today, the story is even more real. It continues to affect families, friends, workers, and communities all over the country,” he wrote.
“Immigrants have always been the sabor of our nation. Their resilience, culture, and contributions help define what it means to be proudly American,” Marin continued.
The film also features comedian Paul Rodriguez, Daniel Stern, and the late Lupe Ontiveros as Rudy’s mom.
Animator Jorge R. Gutierrez, who directed “The Book of Life,” will be moderating the conversation.
How to watch:
When: The screening is at 7 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025
Where: The David Geffen Theater within the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, 6067 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
Cost: Tickets start at $5
More info: www.academymuseum.org
