Watsonville Film Festival 2015

Here are a few of the film highlights from this year's upcoming festival.

THE STORM THAT SWEPT MEXICO - Thu March 5 at Green Valley Cinema
This PBS documentary narrated by Luis Valdez about the Mexican Revolution will be screening at the Green Valley Cinemas. Event includes live music, drinks and appetizers. Director Ray Telles & local musicians who participated in film soundtrack will participate in a post-screening Q&A.

SLEEP DEALER - Fri March 6 at Mello Center
The near future: a world marked by closed borders, corporate warriors, drones and a global computer network. Living in the shadows of la frontera, three strangers risk their lives to connect, break through the barriers of technology, and unseal their fates. Sleep Dealer is a Sundance award-winning sci-fi thriller packed with stunning visuals and strong social and political themes.  Director Alex Rivera will participate in a post-screening Q&A.

DOCUMENTED - Sat March 7 at Mello Center
In 2011, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas outed himself as an undocumented immigrant in the New York Times Magazine. 'Documented' chronicles his journey to America from the Philippines as a child; his journey through America as an immigration reform activist/provocateur; and his journey inward as he re-connects with his mother, whom he hasn't seen in person in 20 years. Director Jose Antonio Vargas will participate in a post-screening Q&A. Includes UCSC & local high school art exhibit titled  "Define American", and a popup museum outside the Mello in collaboration with the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH).

EAST SIDE SUSHI - Sat March 7 at Mello Center
After working at a fruit-vending cart for years, Juana can slice and dice anything with speed and precision. Looking for a better job for her family, she lands a position at a Japanese restaurant, discovering friendship and a new world of cuisine and culture. Eventually she attempts to become a sushi chef, embarking on a journey filled with roadblocks, surprises and self-discovery. This delightful, award-winning film makes its Santa Cruz County debut at WFF. Watsonville Taiko will open the show. Director Anthony Lucero & crew will be in attendance for Q&A.

FOOD CHAINS - Sun March 8 at Mello Center
Produced by Eva Longoria & Eric Schlosser, Food Chains presents a story of hope and promise for the triumph of morality over corporate greed – to ensure a dignified life for farm workers and a more humane, transparent food chain. The documentary includes scenes from Watsonville & Salinas. We're partnering with Springfield Grange, Center for Farmworking Families and Reel Work Labor Film Festival to present this powerful film and host a post-screening conversation.