Austin Honors “La Bamba” Icon Lou Diamond Phillips

When movie theaters become refuges to escape the Texas heat, major box-office movies typically take center stage. But at the recent Cine Las Americas International Film Festival, culture, history and authenticity took center stage instead as the 28th annual festival helped ensure nuestras historias remained amplified.

“We all deserve to be seen, from the Latino community to the Indigenous community,” esteemed actor Lou Diamond Phillips said at the festival. Phillips’ breakthrough role came in the 1987 movie “La Bamba,” where he famously portrayed the character of rock ‘n’ roller Ritchie Valens. “We’re all under attack, and our rights and our very necessary presence need to be reinforced.”

Phillips celebrated his own official “Lou Diamond Phillips Day” in Austin following the successful screening of his latest film, “Keep Quiet,”  soon to be renamed “Gangland,” at the Austin Film Society Cinema during the festival this spring produced by Cine Las Americas. The multicultural Austin-based nonprofit brings underrepresented stories and voices to audiences and offers year-round programming.

“Young people come (to the festival) and get so inspired because they’re watching films that they may not ever see in regular theaters,” said Elizabeth Avellán, Venezuelan-born film producer and co-owner of Troublemaker Studios.

“Keep Quiet” or “Gangland” as it will be known upon release in July, directed by Vincent Grashaw, follows the story of a toughened yet experienced tribal cop Teddy Sharpe, played by Phillips, as he struggles with internal battles while protecting the rural Indigenous reservation he serves. With his by-the-book trainee, Sandra, the two cops try to take on the gang epidemic in the area and track down a fugitive who has returned to the reservation.

Avellán said she was honored to serve as the moderator for the Q&A after the film with Phillips and actor Nick Stahl, who played Officer Darius Humphrey. She said she admired and appreciated Phillips for his dedication to sharing important stories in film and giving back to the communities they represent. 

“We’re all blessed to be in this business and privileged to give back,” Avellán said. “It’s good to see him (Phillips) doing that in many different ways throughout the community.” 

In addition to the film screening and Q&A, Austin City Councilmember and Phillips fan José Velásquez shared with the audience the actor’s latest film and acting achievements. With proclamation in hand, Velásquez, along with Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, proclaimed May 16 as Lou Diamond Phillips Day.

Phillips’ film career spans four decades and includes acting, writing and directing. From “Stand and Deliver” to the Broadway stage in “The King and I” and beyond, Phillips said that the story shared in his latest film is especially vital in today’s political climate.

Although Phillips himself isn’t Indigenous, he said that as an actor, he felt like he didn’t quite fit into Hollywood’s perfect box. Throughout his career, he said he’s been given Latino, Asian, and Indigenous roles and feels honored to lift the voices of those who deserve to be heard through his work. 

With the story of Teddy Sharpe, an internal outsider who was married into the reservation, Phillips said he could relate as he feels accepted and welcomed by the communities he represents.

“I’ve been very, very proud to represent the community, but I only got a drop of Indigenous blood,” Phillips said. “So it’s very much like my own experience. I don’t fit into anybody’s box.”

When accepting the Austin honor, Phillips recognized that because of the wonderful opportunities he’s been given, he’s been able to help the next generation of creatives.

“What I’m doing and continuing to do in my career is keep the door open for people who are coming in behind me,” Phillips said. “I could not be more honored.”

IF YOU WATCH

What: “Keep Quiet” (soon to be renamed “Gangland” for its summer release) movie starring Lou Diamond Phillips

Where: Limited release in select theaters in July, alongside widespread video on demand launch also in July; Check streaming platforms like Apple TV and Fandango at Home to rent or buy