The film tells the story of Cesar Chavez, a civil rights leader and labor organizer who fought for the rights of farm workers. As the leader of the United Farm Workers union, Chavez embraced nonviolence to battle greed and prejudice facing farm workers. Though torn between his duties as a family man and his commitment to the movement, Chavez inspired millions seeking social justice. The film shows how one man can change the world through his determination and leadership of a movement for fair treatment and dignity.

1. “Si Se Puede”
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. Directed by Diego Luna
and starring Michael Peña, Rosario Dawson, John
Malkovich, and America Ferrera, tells not just the story
of an icon in the Mexican-American community, but
provides a window into American history and a civil
rights movement that left a lasting impact on the
country.
About the film . . .

2. 1. What was the theme of the film?
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2. What was the filmmaker trying to tell us? Was he successful?
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3. What did you like best about the film? Why?
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4. Was there something you did not understand in the film?
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5, Who was your favorite character? Why?
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6. Who was your least favorite character? Why?
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7. Analyze the use of music in the film. Did it enhance the
filmmaker's story?
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8. Select an action that one of the characters performed. Why did
the character take that particular action?
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9. Did all of the events in the film ring true? Which scenes did you
find especially accurate? Which scenes did not seem to match
reality?
Viewing guide . . .
1. Departure from school.
2. We will be taking the “A” train until 42nd Street Station.
We will use EXIT “42 ST & 8th Ave SE” (middle of
station path.
3. Arrival at AMC Movie Theatre. Tickets will be
distributed at this time.
4. Bathroom use will be allowed upon request with a
partner and/or chaperone. No one is allowed to leave the
theatre premises without EXPRESS permission from
a TEACHER or CHAPERONE. Limit to TWO(2)
students at a time.
5. Lunch will follow immediately after the film ends,
McDonalds is our first option but in the event of time
delay we will then decide to allowed you to purchase
food from the concession stand.
6. There’s absolutely no USE of ELECTRONIC
DEVICES as per NYCDOE Regulations’ during an
Official School Trip. No iPODS, SMARTPHONES,
iPADS etc. If there’s an EMERGENCY You Must
notify a Teacher and/or Chaperone. I have provided
reading material for you to read during our way to
the theatre on the train ride. NO USE OF ANY
DEVICE DURING THE SHOWING OF THE FILM.
7. Viewing guide has been providing for you to focus on
specifics aspects of the film. You may take notes if you
choose, we will follow up with discussion in class.
8. You must follow up with a questionnaire on the class
WIKI-Website:
www.msminaya.wikispaces.com/7th Grade
Procedures for the day . . .