By More than 200 students and community members filled University Theatre Monday night for premiere the of the hour-long documentary that tells the story of pioneering journalist Ruben Salazar and his mysterious death on Aug. 29, 1970.
The documentary “Ruben Salazar: Man in the Middle,” directed by Philip Rodriguez, was premiered at Cal State Long Beach to celebrate the 45th anniversary of its ethnic studies programs.
Salazar, a young Mexican American, defied common stereotypes and misconceptions of Mexican Americans in the ‘60s and became a successful journalist for the Los Angeles Times. The film shows how Salazar became a voice for the Chicano movement and inspired action in the hearts of Mexican Americans in Los Angeles.
Salazar was killed by law enforcement during the National Chicano Moratorium Movement march protesting the Vietnam War in East Los Angeles. The film also showed varying views on whether Salazar was sought out and killed intentionally or if he was merely a victim of a poorly aimed tear gas projectile.
Despite the uncertainty, Salazar’s work in the newsroom and events surrounding his death made him a martyr in the Mexican-American community.
Phil Montez, a former friend of Salazar’s also attended the premiere along with Rodriguez. Montez taught one of the first Mexican American studies classes at CSULB in spring of 1969 and became emotional when answering questions during the Q-and-A session after the film.
“My feeling ‘till this day is that it was a total cover up,” Montez said when asked his opinion on the death of Salazar.
Rodriguez said he produced the film to give “Americans an imagination of the inspiring man that Salazar was.”
“I want only to provide facts, not mythology,” Rodriguez said.
Many in attendance, such as Terri Teramura, whose brother was killed by Downey police officers in 2011, had questions and comments.
Teramura, said discrimation and racial profiling still continues today and that films like “Man in the Middle” are “essential to spreading the message of equality.”
Sophomore film major Corinne Smith said she admired the crowd’s passion and strong message of the film.
“[It was] incredibly inspirational to watch such an insightful film on a subject that is still very taboo in Southern California,” she said.
Attendees were also shown a trailer for the upcoming film “Cesar Chavez,” starring Michael Peña, which will be released on March 28.
“Ruben Salazar: Man in the Middle” will premier nationwide on April 29 at 9 p.m. on PBS.
