Film: La Bamba

Yale Film Archive & Beinecke Library: Viva Valdez Film Series La Bamba (Luis Valdez, 1987, DCP, 108 mins) The meteoric rise of rock-and-roll pioneer Ritchie Valens comes vividly to life in this heartfelt and haunting portrait, starring Lou Diamond Philips in his career-defining first lead role. From farmworker roots to chart-topping success, Valens navigates family expectations, young love, and sudden fame while expanding the sound of American popular music. Great supporting work from Esai Morales, Rosanna DeSoto, and Elizabeth Peña, plus a soundtrack packed with enduring hits. “This rousing foot-tapper…is the definitive Eighties music biopic” (Kevin Maher). The Viva Valdez series explores the life and work of filmmaker Luis Valdez, and is co-presented by the Yale Film Archive and the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library. Yale Film Archive screenings are always free and open to the public. See the full film schedule here.