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A film with a powerful message that resonates 38 years after the events it depicts
occurred, Walkout is the stirring true story of the Chicano students of East LA, who in 1968
staged several dramatic walkouts in their high schools to protest academic prejudice and dire
school conditions. Aided by a popular and progressive young teacher, Sal Castro, Paula
Crisostomo and a group of young Chicano activists battle parents, teachers, bureaucrats, the
police and public opinion to make their point. Along the way, the students learn profound lessons
about embracing their own identity and standing up for what they believe in. Set in 1968, a
tumultuous year that shook America to its foundation, Walkout is a vivid reminder that people can
change the world.
The producers of Walkout have a very personal reason for bringing the drama to
the screen. Edward James Olmos was born and raised in East LA, and has long been a strong
and supportive advocate for reform among the Mexican-American community. Executive
producer Moctesuma Esparza was one of the original 1968 protesters; he is portrayed in this film
by Bodie Olmos, Edward James Olmos' son. Several cast members are children of the original
protesters, including Esparza's daughter Tonantzin.
A high-profile producer, director, actor and community activist, Edward James Olmos (who directed and appears briefly in the film) has a long history of being involved in film and TV projects that tackle themes of diversity, especially in the Latino community.
The appealing young cast of Walkout is headed by Alexa Vega, who won fame
for her role in 2001's hit Spy Kids, as well as the film's two sequels. Walkout also stars Michael
Peña (Million Dollar Baby) as Sal Castro, Yancey Arias (Kingpin) as Paula's father Panfilo, and
Efren Ramirez (Napoleon Dynamite) as her friend Bobby. Marcus De Leon (The Big Squeeze), Ernie Contreras (Fairy Tale: A True Story) and Timothy J. Sexton (HBO's For Love or Country:
The Arturo Sandoval Story) wrote the script; executive producers are Moctesuma Esparza
(Selena, The Milagro Beanfield War) and Robert Katz (Gods and Generals); the producer is Lisa
Bruce.
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