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"LET THE CITY SPEAK "
Let the City Speak is a feature length documentary that weaves together over 30 years of memories, music, and activism into a portrait of QUETZAL, a Chicano rock band born in the vibrant heart of the 1990s East Los Angeles music and art scene. Directed by Emmy-winning Japanese American filmmaker Akira Boch, whose camera has followed the band for nearly three decades, Let the City Speak is a personal journey for both the director and band leaders Quetzal Flores and Martha Gonzalez.
QUETZAL’s story, like the songs they play, is deeply rooted in the philosophy of the Zapatistas, the indigenous Mayan liberation movement from the mountains of Chiapas, Mexico. Their commitment to these ideals led them away from the bright lights of the mainstream music industry after three albums, choosing instead the harder path of independence. Here, they found the space to create art that resonates with their activism, questioning the conventional ideas of success and happiness.
Through Boch’s intimate lens, the film explores their struggles and small victories, leading to their unexpected win of a GRAMMY for their album Imaginaries (2014). Even after three decades, QUETZAL’s journey, captured in both life changing events and everyday moments, remains a tender ode to the enduring power of community, music, and the Zapatista spirit that continues to guide them.
Inspiration and Vision Statement from Director AKIRA BOCH:
The initial spark for Let the City Speak wasn’t to craft a film but to simply document the essence of QUETZAL and the vibrant East Los Angeles Chicano music and art scene of the 1990s. Arriving in East LA in 1994, I was in awe of the community’s creative talent, diversity, and political fervor. Their movement felt like a hidden gem that deserved to shine.
I formed close friendships with band leaders Martha and Quetzal. As Smokin' Mirrors—a multimedia collective I co-founded with Francisco Hernandez and Joseph 'Nuke' Montalvo—we produced music videos for QUETZAL and other bands while simultaneously documenting this vibrant chapter in East LA music history. Our documentary footage spans nearly 30 years!
Let the City Speak spotlights many of the musicians, artists, and supporters who have been a part of the movement, including: Aztlan Underground, Blues Experiment, Lysa Flores, Los Lobos, Ollin, Quinto Sol, Lencho Martinez, Shin Miyata , Jose Ramirez, and many others!
The film features special performances by:
Aloe Blacc
Irene Diaz
Eddika Organista Eddule (of El Haru Kuroi)
Maya Jupiter
La Marisoul (of La Santa Cecilia)
Raul “El Bully” Pacheco (of Ozomatli)
Sandino
Taiko Project
Le Ballet Dembaya
We are in the final stages of this project, and we need your support!!
The Federal government has slashed arts funding across the country, making it extremely difficult to cover the finishing costs of this film. That is why we’re turning to our communities, fans of Quetzal, and anyone who cares about preserving the musical history of Los Angeles.
Now more than ever, we need stories by and about People of Color—especially those that highlight groundbreaking musicians and the amazing movement from which they emerged. Please join our battle in telling the truth about the deep cultural richness and relevance of Los Angeles!
Please be a part of this project by donating today!
If you want to make a tax-deductible contribution, you can donate through our fiscal sponsor HERE .
Simply go to "Apply My Donation To" and scroll down to "Quetzal Documentary"
We hope you will donate and share the link to help us finish and distribute this important project!
In Solidarity,
Akira Boch and Francisco Hernandez
Check out some of our music videos:
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