"Children of 'Giant'" is a documentary film that unearths deeply wrought emotions in the small West Texas town of Marfa, before, during and after the month-long production of George Stevens' 1956 feature film, "Giant." Based on the controversial Edna Ferber novel of the same name, the film, "Giant" did not shy from strong social-issue themes experienced throughout post-WWII America. George Stevens, its producer and director, purposely gravitated to the drought-ridden community of Marfa for most all of the exterior scenes.

Children of 'Giant'

Political empowerment for Latinos in the United States has always faced adverse circumstances. From poll taxes and gerrymandering to outright intimidation, Latinos have been kept from the ballot box in both local and national elections throughout history. A Mexican-American butcher's son from San Antonio, Texas, Willie Velasquez questioned the lack of Latino representation in his city's government, propelling him into a lifelong battle to gain political equality for Latinos. Velasquez grew up to become a student activist leader of the Latino Civil Rights Movement and eventually the leader of one of the most important efforts in the history of Latino empowerment in America. He started a grassroots movement that changed the nation's political landscape and paved the way for the growing power of the Latino vote. Willie Velasquez: Your Vote is Your Voice examines the obstacles Latinos had to overcome to obtain representation, and addresses the contemporary issues facing Latinos today.