Director Peter Bratt and Sundance Film, 'La Mission,' Come to Campus

Photography by Dominik Huber

On April 12, 2011, the Center for Inclusion and Diversity welcomed acclaimed director Peter Bratt to campus. Students arrived early for a meet and greet in the United Front Multicultural Center and listened to Bratt describe the process of making and producing independent films. The sweat, blood and tears consists of years of fund raising all for a mere several weeks of filming. He talked about directing his first film, "Follow Me Home," and the learning curve and fast-pace independent filmmakers have to adapt to on set. In 2009 his second film, "La Mission," premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival which earned him the 2010 Estella Award, an honor given by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers.

"La Mission" is the story of a father who, despite his love, battles with anger and rage when he finds out his son is gay. The father, played by Benjamin Bratt, is machismo in every respect; a tattooed low-rider with a proud walk, fierce loyalty to his friends and neighborhood, and the idea that respect is gained through fear and violence. The film dealt with issues of sexuality, race and the cultural definitions of a man.

Over 150 students, staff, faculty and community members arrived at the SOLES Warren Auditorium to watch "La Mission," which was followed by a panel discussion. Panelists included Director Peter Bratt; Ethnic Studies Department Chair Dr. Alberto Pulido; Community Advocate and President of the Amigos Car Club Rigoberto Reyes; USD PRIDE President Joseph Rocha; and English and Ethnic Studies Professor Dr. Gail Perez. Student panelist, Joseph Rocha talked about understanding and empathizing with the main character’s son in the movie. Rocha declared that despite struggling with family disapproval, he believed in his self-worth and ability to succeed as a gay Latino man. He will be the first one in his family to receive a college degree this May.

Bratt’s award winning film, "La Mission," is a brilliantly told story of self-transformation that provides a platform for addressing the importance of affirming cultural identity, bridging communities, and transforming destructive attitudes that create violence and social injustice. Students asked questions about race, identity and acceptance in a challenging society. It was a thought-provoking night and ended with the encouragement to live an honest and courageous life that engages differences, welcomes conversations of diversity and supports the voice and visibility of all members. 

This event was sponsored by the Center for Inclusion and Diversity and co-sponsored by The United Front Multicultural Center, Ethnic Studies Department, Community Service Learning, English Department, Association of Chicana Activists, Movimiento Estudantil Chicano de Aztlan, Ethic Studies Student Organization, PRIDE, and Sherehe Hollins, Mesa College.