As we pull into the final lap of one of the wackiest campaign seasons in the history of American democracy, Voto Latino is making one last push to get us out to the polls while gently reminding us that our growing demographic power actually lies in the voting booth. Their latest effort to get this important fact across as clearly and forcefully as possible comes in the form of a Stand and Deliver-inspired PSA that straddles the line between an audiovisual call-to-arms and an inspiring short film.
Clocking in at just over six minutes, the PSA entitled Ganas was helmed by Peruvian indie sensation Ricardo de Montreuil, who most recently directed Demián Bichir in Low Riders. But Ganas’ cinematic cred doesn’t stop there, since a whole dugout’s worth of film and television talent was brought on board to help Voto Latino make their case.
Heading up a classroom full of Latino faces is Guatemalan-American actor Tony Revolori, sporting some rugged stubble for his turn as the cynical classroom naysayer, while Tracy Perez and Ashely Campuzano of East Los High chime in with their own sarcastic asides in true high school style. In the role of the inspiring barrio teacher is actor Noel G of Fast and Furious fame, who switches up a math lesson to give his pupils a metaphorical explanation on the importance of numbers, and wholes versus fractions.
It’s nothing we haven’t heard before, but as Noel G’s math maestro explains, there’s about 50% of eligible Latino millennial voters who still haven’t gotten the message. Let’s hope this slickly directed homage can wake them up to the potential of 27 million voters to change the nation, just in time for National Voter Registration Day on September 27, 2016.
The general election takes place Tuesday, November 8. If you want to exercise your right to vote, make sure you’re ready to go on election day. In most states, you must be registered a month before, but to be certain check the deadlines here. If you’re not sure if you’re registered, find your official state voter lookup site here.