Diego Luna made his name starring in films such as Y Tu Mama Tambien and Frida, but while he still takes acting roles, in the past few years he’s spent as much time producing movies and turning his hand to directing the likes of Abel. Now he’s back behind the camera for Cesar Chavez, a biopic of the famed Latino civil rights leader, starring Michael Pena, America Ferrera, Rosario Dawson and John Malkovich.

Here’s the synopsis: ‘In Cesar Chavez, director Diego Luna presents a powerful cinematic portrait of the legendary activist. The film stars Michael Peña (End of Watch, Lionsgate’s Academy Award-winning Crash) in the title role, along with America Ferrera (Ugly Betty, End of Watch), Rosario Dawson (Sin City, Seven Pounds) and John Malkovich (In The Line of Fire, Summit Entertainment’s Red and Red 2).

‘Chronicling the birth of a modern American movement, Cesar Chavez tells the story of the famed civil rights leader and labor organizer torn between his duties as a husband and father and his commitment to securing a living wage for farm workers. Passionate but soft-spoken, Chavez embraced non-violence as he battled greed and prejudice in his struggle to bring dignity to people. Chavez inspired millions of Americans from all walks of life who never worked on a farm to fight for social justice. His triumphant journey is a remarkable testament to the power of one individual’s ability to change the world.’

It’s due out in the US in March. [Read more…]