UPDATE: Additional SXSW Screening:

Hector Galan and some of the featured accordion players from The Big Squeeze were on hand Friday, March 20th at the Paramount Theater on South Congress, Austin, TX for a screening and performance.

The Big Squeeze had  its world premiere at the SXSW Film and Music Festival in Austin Texas on March 18, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Austin Convention Center.  Those without film badges may purchase tickets at the door. Visit the SXSW page for more details and to view a film clip.

The Big Squeeze is a joyful leap into the heart of Texas music. And where there’s music there’s usually some grilling going on. That’s why Herminio Ramirez builds a stage right in the tiny kitchen of their Houston home for his son John. From the urban barrios of Houston to the colonias along the U.S.-Mexican border, legacies fueled by the passion-stirring combination of family, friends and food, is being passed along. In The Big Squeeze, we follow 16 year old John Ramirez and other young musicians as they do battle at the statewide accordion throwdown.

The Big Squeeze is a Production of Galán Inc for Texas Folklife

Check out these film clips - more under the filmography link above.

Accordion Dreams
Chicano
Cinco De Mayo
Cottonfields And Crossroads
Forgotten Americans
I Love My Freedom, I Love My Texas
Los Mineros
New Harvest Old Shame
Songs Of The Homeland
The Color Of Your Skin
The Hunt For Pancho Villa
Vaquero
Visiones

Spanning a period of almost eighty years, this inspirational and compelling film captures the life and legacy of Patrick Flores, the first Mexican American to be appointed Bishop in the history of the Catholic Church. The film chronicles his childhood and early years as a migrant farm worker, high school drop out and cantina musician. Patrick Flores dreamed of becoming a priest, a nearly impossible goal for a Mexican American in those days in Texas. The film is a microcosm of the struggles and triumphs of Mexican Americans. The film captures Patrick’s amazing journey to the top hierarchy of the Catholic Church, becoming one of the most influential Latino leaders in the United States.

PBS Broadcasts: Summer/Fall 2008. Check local listings for future broadcasts. Coming Soon to DVD.