168 film festival cast/crew
TAGLINE
“One choice. One night. A generation lost.”
Production Title: THE CHICANO STORY(working title)
Type: Independent Short Film
Genre: Urban Drama / 1990’s Period Piece
Union Status: Non-Union (SAG waiver negotiable)
Shoot Date: 1-2 Day – Sept.17-28,2025 (Central Valley, CA)
Compensation: Credit, Meals, Copy. Some paid roles available.
SYNOPSIS
Set in the early 1990’s, THE CHICANO STORY follows Ruben, a Mexican-American teenager, on his first day of school. Excited to prove himself, he gets caught between the innocence of youth and the realities of gang culture. A night of partying turns tragic when a drive-by shatters his life and family, echoing the harsh realities of an era defined by violence.
THE CHICANO STORY |  | Exe.Producer: Ganzalo Alatorre, Khetphet Phagansay Director/Writer:Gonzalo Alatorre |
CASTING (Characters)
IF POSSIBLE, PLEASE SUBMIT ACTOR'S ONLINE DEMO CLIPS ALONG WITH EACH ACTOR SUBMISSION. Details: Union and non-union welcome Modest day rate or honorarium (details provided upon selection) Meals, credit, and festival exposure included Filming in Fresno/Clovis and nearby areas.
PRINCIPAL ROLES
RUBEN (Lead, Male, 15–18, Latino)-Paid
Innocent yet impressionable. Proud of his culture and style (baggy pants, Nike Cortez). Gets caught between his mother’s care and peer pressure. Emotional range required. Willing to shave head (bald)
TONY (Supporting, Male, 15–18, Latino)-Paid
Charismatic best friend. Funny, reckless, lives for the moment. The bad influence but with a good heart.
THERESA (Supporting, Female, 30s–40s, Latina)Paid
Ruben’s mother. Religious, loving, protective, and the emotional center of the story. Mostly Spanish dialogue (must be comfortable in Spanish).
RIVAL GANG LEADER (18-25)-Paid .Tough, intimidating, represent the harshness of territorial street culture.
GANG MEMBERS (Male, 18–25, Latino/Any Ethnicity)-Credit
Tough, intimidating, represent the harshness of territorial street culture.
EXTRAS (Teens & Young Adults, 16–25, Any Ethnicity)-Credit
Party scene – dancers, smokers, drinkers, background energy.
EXTRAS -(Credit,Any Ethnicity )Family gathering-Aunties, Uncles, Cousins, Grandparents,etc
🔥 Note: Authentic 90’s look is a plus (tattoos, shaved head, baggy clothes, etc.), but not required.