Cesar’s Last Fast 2014
Distributed by Good Docs
Produced by Richard Ray Perez, Lyn Lear, Molly O'Brien, Lorena Parlee
Directed by Richard Ray Perez, Lorena Parlee
DVD, color, 100 min.
Sr. High - General Adult
Anthropology, History, Human Rights, Labor Relations, Latin America
Date Entered: 11/14/2014
Reviewed by Jacob Carter, New York State LibraryCesar’s Last Fast, is a documentary of the life, sacrifices, and legacy of activist and America farm workers organizer Cesar Chavez, who in 1988 embarked on his final act of protest, a thirty-six day “Fast for Life” hunger strike. The hunger strike was intended to bring attention to the harmful effects of pesticide exposure U.S. farm workers were being subjected to. Using Chavez’s “Fast for Life” as an anchoring point, the film interweaves testimony and footage of historic events to create a narrative of Chavez’s lifelong commitment to improving the working conditions and lives of U.S. farm workers.
Rich in audiovisual footage and interview clips, Cesar’s Last Fast is potentially useful as a classroom instructional aid as well as a secondary historical source pertaining to twentieth century social justice movements. However, the complex socioeconomic issues that created and sustained the oppressive conditions U.S. farm workers have historically been subjected to are not explored beyond brief mention. Therefore, the documentary would be most useful as a tool to augment lectures or other education media.
Cesar’s Last Fast is also potentially useful in the context of collective organizing and social activism. The inspiring story demonstrates that individuals and communities can confront social injustices and despite limited resources, beat the odds to create positive social change with creativity and perseverance. Moreover, the documentary is useful for stimulating thought and “how to” discussions of grassroots organizing.