Born in 1927, Cesar Chavez was a well-known union organizer and foundational member of the United Farm Workers. Using ‘Behind the Music’ stylings, A Song for Cesar interviews many musicians, artists, writers, union activists, and the family of Cesar Chavez. Some big names are given airtime such as Carlos Santana, Maya Angelou, Barack Obama, and Cheech and Chong.
While these big names may be a draw to some, they provide less interesting interviews or speeches than those who were close to Cesar during his early organizing days. His wife, siblings, and granddaughter are all interviewed and provide an interesting look into an influential man’s early and home life. Cesar’s personal love for art, music, and dance is showcased through the actions and organizations he helped to create and those who were inspired by his words and actions.
Much like Cesar in his own life, this documentary focuses its time and energy on discussing the rights and struggles of farmworkers more than it does examining its titular subject. In a way this is both a weakness and a strength: while the celebrity interviews may draw in some viewers and help show the sheer scope of Chavez’s cultural impact, they take up much more space and time than those who were actually close to the man. Often, these interviews launch us forward or backward in time with little or no warning, context, or real added value. Additions of politicians waxing positively about Cesar often steer the film away from its stated goals, values, and vision.
It’s very nice that Santana took some time out of his day to say some nice things about Cesar Chavez, but he doesn’t give us insight into the workings of Chavez’s personal life or beliefs in the same way his mother, granddaughter, and others do. Despite these failings in organization and structure and a lack of introspection, A Song for Cesar is very good and highly recommended.
What kind of film collection would this film be suitable for?
A Song for Cesar would be at home on a number of library shelves, including Biography, Labor, Music, and 60s/70s culture.