A Song for Cesar is a unique documentary about Cesar Chavez and the musicians and artists who supported the movement to improve the lives of struggling farmworkers. The documentary also explores other facets of Cesar’s life – from childhood to his final days – revelations that, until now, have not been shared on screen.
A Song for Cesar presents a previously untold story of life and legacy of Cesar Chavez and the farmworker movement. Through interviews, performances, stunning archival footage and photographs, and a rich original soundtrack, the features the musicians and artists – including Joan Baez, Maya Angelou, and Carlos Santana, among others – who dedicated their time, creativity, and even reputations to peacefully advance Cesar Chavez’s movement to gain equality and justice for America’s struggling farmworkers.
Filmmakers Abel Sanchez and Andres Alegria spent more than a decade producing the documentary which highlights the importance and effectiveness of peaceful protest to effect positive social change. The initial inspiration for the film was a song about Cesar Chavez written by Mr. Sanchez and Jorge Santana, the latter who sadly passed in 2020.
“While writing “Song for Cesar”, Jorge and I felt the inspiration of Cesar and the farmworkers enter our studio,” said Mr. Sanchez. “When we shared the song set to a short video with our friend Maya Angelou, she insisted we make a full documentary about how the farmworker movement was lifted by so many musicians and artists of the time. Of course, we could not resist Maya, and the documentary A Song for Cesar was born.”
Through a screening of the film and/or a performance by Abel Sanchez & The Song for Cesar Band, we have a promotion strategy and media package to help drive awareness of A Song for Cesar and it’s messages, and seek to integrate this messaging into your social media platforms, newsletters, blogs, and your other outreach initiatives. This will go a long way in educating a public seeking solutions to bring about equality and peace throughout our country.
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Abel Sanchez & The Song for Cesar Band (SFC)
The Song for Cesar band (SFC) is a result of a documentary film and story of Cesar Chavez and the Farmworker movement written and produced by Abel Sanchez and Andres Alegria. SFC was formed by bandleader Abel Sanchez to represent the music and soundtrack that is highlighted throughout the documentary and story of Cesar Chavez and the Farmworker movement. Bandleader Abel Sanchez describes the (SFC) band as a Latin Soul band inclusive of many genres, giving this band the flexibility to delve into the many styles enjoyed by this cast of versatile musicians and the ability to reach diversified audiences.
The birth of Song for Cesar “The Music and The Movement”, began over 15 years ago in 2006. Abel Sanchez along with Jorge Santana co-wrote “Song for Cesar” the title song of the documentary. Having been involved and connected with the UFW and Cesar Chavez family for years, Abel was asked, encouraged, and inspired to subsequently pursue making a full-length feature documentary of this legacy. He was introduced to Andres Alegria and the rest is history.
Being a longtime veteran musician and bandleader out of the San Francisco Bay Area, Abel called on many friends to join a rotating cast of musicians to be part of Song for Cesar performances, recordings, and events. Musicians from bands like Santana, Malo, El Chicano, War, Tierra, Little Joe & La Familia, Sly & the Family Stone, Abel & The Prophets, Tower of Power, Cold Blood, Azteca, and many others, joined the SFC project during its maiden voyage. Subsequently, Abel has now formed the Song for Cesar band (SFC).
SFC, as it has been coined, brings a show representing many of the artists, music, and songs, featured in the film. Various diverse styles of music that were the soundtrack of our lives dating from the 1960s on through to present days. Blues, Soul, Latin Rock, Funk, Tex Mex, and Jazz, are all represented at one point in the performances by SFC.
The SFC band ranges from an acoustic ensemble to a full out 12-piece band and revue depending on the size of event and venue.
Be ready for an evening of music that not only lifts the spirit but takes the audience through an evening of diverse genres, songs, and a memorable experience that you will be glad you joined. Abel Sanchez and the Song for Cesar Band (SFC) invite you to join them and let the Eagle Fly ! ! Si Se Puede !
