CSUMB founding faculty member stars in animated film, “Coco”
The story about a Mexican boy dreaming of being a musician sang its way to a top spot at the box office this Thanksgiving. We are talking about Pixar’s “Coco.” What you might not know is the movie’s got a local voice.
Luis Valdez is best known for helping direct the play “Zoot Suit” and the movie “La Bamba.”
And in Coco, he voices the young musician’s uncle, a small part but Valdez said the animation’s popularity in Mexico and Asian countries is a big step in acknowledging the Latino contribution in America.
The heartwarming story of a young boy, Miguel, dreaming of becoming a musician climbed its way to the audience’s hearts and a top spot at the box office.
Pixar’s Coco centers around Dia de Los Muertos or the day of the dead in Mexico.
Valdez said, “Death is universal and it’s almost an unspeakable subject for most people, but the day of the dead tradition is really in line with the recognition of your ancestors.”
Valdez, a founding faculty member at Cal State University Monterey Bay and also the voice of the young boy’s uncle. With an all Latin cast, Valdez said Pixar gets a gold star for staying true to the Mexican cultural heritage.
“Cultural fusion is what has created the American character and I think what coco proves is the Latino contribution is finally being acknowledged and embraced on one level, you know,” said Valdez.
Valdez’s theater company El Teatro Campesino in San Juan Bautista speaks to that cultural contribution. The company was born out of a protest for farm workers to unionize.
General Manager, Emily Morales said Coco is a great indication of where Hollywood is going.
Morales said, “It means there’s more opportunity and as long as it’s continued to be crafted with respect and with acknowledgement of that history and that culture then I think that’s an incredible opportunity.”
Since its debut last week, Coco already set a record in Mexico, bringing in $53.4 million in three days. Last weekend alone, it grossed $49 million in the states.
