Homeboys

A vintage documentary about Chicano gang life circa 1978, back when your hood was your whole world. Homeboys was filmed in collaboration with members of the Cuatro Flats gang, named for their housing project in East Los Angeles. Its firsthand account of the systemic barriers to success for these barrio youth remains as relevant now as ever. Homeboys was made by Bill Yahraus with Focal Point Films collective partners Christine Burrill and David Davis. Music Composed, Orchestrated and Conducted by Mayuto Quotes from Filmex festival reviews, 1978: “A vivid description of unconquered spirit.” —Linda Gross, Los Angeles Times “Through the eyes of vatos…the film explores the forces which shape their lives: police harassment, the school system, low-level economic chances, and their search for identity…The gang element is shown as a necessity for their socialization. The tension between life responsibilities (jobs and marriage) and the brotherhood of “homeboys” gives the film its dramatic unity. The beautiful color enhances the splendid murals painted…by Willie Herron and Manuel Cruz.” —Gene Vier, Valley News Recent quotes: “Wow, this is history right here…” —Kaleve Pilikaki “The way people would dress and their style was just beautiful and amazing back then.” —Osvaldo Rolon “Dope rare footage.” —gc105468