As any of us who are parents know, the first-born is the child we learn how to be parents. We learn of the stages that include discovery of their individuality, likes and dislikes, and their motivations. The final and all encompassing, and truly the hardest is unconditional acceptance, no matter how different they may be from us.

‘La Mission’ with the backdrop of the mission district of San Francisco, brings us into the life of Che Rivera (Benjamin Bratt). And he, like most parents, is silently and quietly dealing on the inside with issues of his own, including his past of doing time, a recovering alcoholic, and single parenthood with the responsibility of raising his teenage son Jesse (Jeremy Ray Valdez) after the death of his wife.

Che is a ‘blue-collar’ worker and a city transit bus driver. He and his childhood friends are ‘old school’ as the term goes, with all of the nuances’ that go with it from their love of the Latin culture of Mission barrio, the music of their time, and their hobby of rebuilding classic cars in the traditional ‘low-rider’ style. The strength and toughness that made him a survivor growing up, turned into respect well into adulthood. As the story unfolds, the ultimate challenge as a parent is staring Che squarely in the face, coming to terms with the fact that his son is gay.

‘La Mission’ is a powerful story on relationships and parenting, brought to the screen by Peter Bratt, the older brother of Benjamin by a year, who wrote, directed, and produced with his brother Benjamin. ‘La Mission’ is the first feature film from their production company, 5 Stick Films, with a budget of around $2,000,000. As a retired 22-year production person, with only 2 million for the budget, the texture, ambiance, and performances brought to the screen, demonstrates the creative expertise of the independent filmmaker. One noticeable aspect I found so very appealing is the scenes that revolved around Che (Benjamin Bratt), had a nostalgia feel cinematically, right down to the music of the 60’s and 70’s I grew up with, while the contemporary sequences revolving around Jesse (Jeremy Ray Valdez), had a ‘now’ edge to them, including the musical accompaniment. One could hear and feel psychologically, the blending of the two worlds as the story unfolded!

I’ve often said that the true gems of filmmaking are found in independent film. ‘La Mission’ is a gem that will be cherished for a very long time.

‘La Mission’ starring Benjamin Bratt, Jeremy Ray Valdez, Max Rosenak, Patrick Shining Elk, Big Spence, Ruben Gonzalez, Tina Huang, Melvina Jones, and Rene Quinones.

Written and directed by Peter Bratt. Global Cinema Distribution release. Rated R for language, some violence and sexual content. Runtime: 117 minutes.

My colleagues, Randy Montgomery, Joseph J. Airdo, and I, are providing extensive coverage of ‘La Mission’s’ Phoenix, AZ première’ which includes appearances and ‘Q & A’s’ with the cast and crew from the film. For ‘Your Guide to ‘La Mission’, here are links for our articles and interviews as well as where you can see ‘La Mission’ opening Friday, June 11th and the theaters to attend for the “Q & A’s” with the cast and crew from “La Mission” in Phoenix, AZ. Be sure to check back regularly for updates!

Hop in a Lowrider and Take a Cruise Through ‘La Mission’ with Benjamin Bratt

'La Mission' offers genuinely affecting glimpse into colorful culture

Bratt brothers to appear at Phoenix 'La Mission' screenings

Theatrical Releases: 'La Mission,' 'A-Team' and 'Karate Kid'

'La Mission,' 'Toy Story 3' and 'Eclipse' heat up June

To view the trailers and additional info! ~ To find a theater near you!