ADMISSION: 
Admission is free and open to everyone. Reservations are not required. 

DESCRIPTION: 
Let the City Speak is a feature-length documentary that follows QUETZAL, a Chicano rock band that emerged from East LA's vibrant music scene in the 1990’s. Award-winning filmmaker Akira Boch has followed the band for nearly three decades, creating an intimate portrait of leaders Quetzal Flores and Martha Gonzalez.

Rooted in Zapatista philosophy—the indigenous Mayan liberation movement from Chiapas, Mexico—QUETZAL made a radical choice after three albums: they abandoned the music industry for independence, creating art aligned with their activism and challenging conventional notions of success.

Through Boch's intimate lens, the film captures their struggles, small victories, and unexpected GRAMMY win for their album Imaginaries. Let the City Speak weaves together memories, music, and activism, revealing QUETZAL's commitment to community and social justice. The film showcases the enduring power of music in community — a testament to how art and activism can intertwine, guided by the Zapatista spirit that continues to inspire their journey.

Presented by USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, Annenberg Innovation Lab, and USC Arts in Action. 

This program is open to all eligible individuals. USC Annenberg operates all of its programs and activities consistent with the University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination. Eligibility is not determined based on race, sex, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or any other prohibited factor.