Join us in creating a film to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Chicxs Rockerxs (CRSELA)!
CRSELA is a non-profit organization that organizes a free punk rock music camp
for trans, gender-expansive youth, girls, and artists of color in Southeast Los Angeles.
Our film seeks to document and share the transformative power of music, mentorship, and
social justice, while highlighting the importance of community-based safe spaces.
Be in the Film
Share your CRSELA Story
Watch our proof of concept short film.
Shot and edited by Jen Martín.
Chicxs Rockerxs SELA is turning 10 this year! And we're documenting this unique community and space.
We're looking for folks who want to share photos & videos, participate and/ or
be interviewed.
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Campers (former and aspiring)
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Volunteers/staff
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Supporters
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Members of the SELA community
We want to hear from you!
About the Film
Logline
The documentary follows the journey of four young campers as they embark on a punk rock adventure of self-expression and social justice. It highlights the importance of safe spaces led by artists of color committed to empowering the next generation. The film showcases the DIY (do-it-yourself) spirit of CRSELA and how grassroots organizers help amplify the voices of trans, gender-expansive youth and girls in the neighborhoods where they were raised.
*The "-x" ending in "Chicxs Rockerxs" is inclusive of non-binary genders in mixed-gender groups, as seen in terms like "Latinx" and "Chicanx."
Story
Chicxs Rockerxs the Documentary is a beautiful blend of archival footage, vérité filmmaking, interviews, and vibrant visuals that captures the "rock camp magic" of CRSELA. What makes this documentary even more special is that it sheds light on the Latinx community in SELA, where 81% of the population identifies as such, and 71% speak primarily Spanish at home. This area lacks youth programs, and CRSELA provides a revolutionary and autonomous space for young people to find their voice and be themselves.
Through the stories of campers and staff, the documentary shares how CRSELA has enriched the lives of everyone involved. The stakes go beyond individual growth, reaching into societal transformation and dismantling biases and norms that constrain historically marginalized communities.
During the week-long camp, campers will learn an instrument, join a band, collaborate on an original song and perform on the main stage at the big showcase, TacoXCore Fest!
They will also take part in various activities, such as making new friends, learning punk rock dance moves in the “friendship pit,” and participating in workshops on self-defense and creative self-expression. The documentary aims to beautifully capture the energy and spirit of this amazing camp, leaving an indelible mark of love, community, and empowerment for everyone in its orbit.
Citation:
Southeast Los Angeles Demographics
Crew
PRODUCER
Lili has volunteered for nine years at CRSELA and is currently working as an Executive Producer at COLOR Creative. She has also been involved in impactful work with Disney's "Use Your Voice" campaigns and MTV Tres' "Empuje" series, embodying her commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices.
PRODUCER
Jen is a Community and Labor Organizer who volunteers at CRSELA. She is the Founder of the IATSE Latinx Caucus and is a Social Impact Ambassador for PBS SoCal. This project represents an expansion of her creative practice by bridging her roles as a filmmaker and community organizer.
LILI MONTERO
JEN MARTÍN
"Our commitment to CRSELA is rooted in our firm belief in the transformative power of the camp and its vision to build a future of empowered youth. Success of the film, for us, cannot be measured by conventional metrics alone; it lies in the ability to express ourselves personally and share the stories of our communities." - Lili and Jen
A note from the Directors:
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